A National Voice

The Refuse Collection

The Refuse Collection is a fashion show with a difference. The outfits are made with bin bags! This theme was chosen by young people from Care because of what is known as 'being binbagged'.
The practice of moving placements with personal stuff in bin bags is a very common source of offence and complaint amongst young people from Care. Often young people move around the care system several times a year and providing a suitcase would be much more appropriate.

This fashion show is part of our national Foster Care Campaign which was devised by young people who have experience of the care system.
The day was a great success! Over 150 came to watch the show and support A National Voice. Representatives from Manchester City Council Social Services and Events and Marketing attended. Award winning poet, Care Leaver and subject of BBC's Rough Diamonds programme came from London to inspire us with his poetry. Many young people from across the country came to watch. One young person said "it was a fantastic event and we should keep doing it every year until the practice of 'binbagging' is stamped out"

ANV Co-ordinator and Care Leaver Maxine Wrigley said "It was a really great event and lets hope it raises awareness about the issues facing the 60,000 children and young people from Care. It was planned to take place to coincide with the current BBC's Taking Care season but we need to keep up the momentum and really make positive changes to the Care System in England. Events like The Refuse Collection promote what we do at ANV and lets hope it marks a new and exciting relationship between the world of Fashion and that of Care."
The show was featured two days later on BBC North West News as well as in The Big Issue and Community Care Magazine within a week. The 5 minute DVD was premiered at a celebration event held in Westminster. So many people made this event possible, over 50 people gave their time for free...many many thanks from ANV.

THE REFUSE COLLECTION ONE CENTRAL STREET m2 5wr SAT 21ST FEB 5-7PM

The Models: Alex - Amy - Carmel - Leon - Lilly - Max - Reema - Rosetta - Sharon Holly@Nemesis - Sinead@Nemesis

Choreographer: Billy Smart playwright and ex-professional model, who spent many years in Care.

Hair: Dax Hallas Hairdressing 07813597348 - Amy Shaw, Gemma Spindler & Carly Savery from City College

Make up: Regina & Rebecca @ funk! Makeup www.funkmakeup.com

Designers & stylists:

• Elvis Jesus & Co. Couture International award winning designer, winner of Manchesters Best Independent Designer Awards 2003.
• Bonnie and Clyde www.bonnieandclyde.biz
• Gordon and Paula @ Prudence Wildeblood Liverpool 0151 264 0070
• Elvis @ afrosaxon Afflecks Palace.
• Vicky Martin @ btclick.com (stocked at Selfridges and Kendals) 0161 796 7788
• Angie Kirk 07867862913
• Zoe Thompson 07904396364
• Afsheen Tariq afsheen_tar1q@hotmail.com
• Julia Davenport
• Venus @ Afflecks Palace
• jf.davenport@ntlworld.com
• Jackie Haynes @ House of Haynes www.houseofhaynes.co.uk
• Carmel Dempsey, Aisha Ventura & Ruth Chappell @ Huddersfield Technical College 07946641203
• Helen Callender
• Leon Cavendish
• Alex Sykes
• Alison Bailey Smith

Special thanks

• Ringspun
• David Barnes - Chef
• J.W. Lees & Co - Drink Sponsors
• Christian Hardy - Photography
• Chiz
• Karren Jupp
• Eleanor Duckworth
• Katie Mountain @ Roadhouse Manchester
• MC Tunes
• Ross & Leroy @ One Central Street - www.onecentralstreet.co.uk
• Nemesis Models - www.nemesisagency.co.uk
• nikki@nikkirowntree.com
• Michael Gross
• John/Steve/Racheal @ Ear To The Ground
• Zoe @ ultraviolet PR & events
• Lynwood CRU
• Lisa Harding CIDS
• Manchester Fashion Network Members
• Social Care Institute of Excellence
• Prince's Trust
• Barnardos
• The Fostering Network
• Manchester City Council