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Reloved Boutique and Next partner to support Barnsley families and charities
Posted: 26/06/2025
Barnsley College’s Reloved Boutique has formed an exciting partnership with high street retailer Next - a collaboration that’s redefining sustainable retail while making a real difference in the community.
Since opening its doors in November 2024, Reloved Boutique has raised over £3,000 for Barnsley Hospice and Barnsley Mencap, combining fashion, inclusion, and social impact. A key driver behind this success is the boutique’s innovative link with Next, which sees students visiting the Next staff shop with a set budget to carefully select stylish, high-quality items for resale in the boutique. This not only ensures a fresh and desirable stock range for customers, but also means Next are directly contributing to local charitable efforts through retail.
Reloved Boutique is a standout initiative run by Barnsley College’s Learning for Living and Work department. Operating as a not-for-profit, immersive classroom, it offers students with additional needs invaluable hands-on experience in a real retail environment. From mastering customer service and social media to learning about sustainability and circular economy practices, students gain vital employability skills while actively making a difference.
The partnership with Next is set to grow even further this summer with the launch of a Back to School initiative. The campaign will offer school uniform essentials at a fraction of high street prices, supporting local families while continuing to generate funds for important causes.
In less than a year, the boutique has already diverted over 1,000 items from landfill, proving that sustainability education is most effective when students can see the real-world impact of their work. The project is not just a shop, it’s a powerful vehicle for social change, showing how inclusive, purpose-led education can thrive in the heart of the community.
Nicola Thomson-Dewey, head of Learning for Living and Work at Barnsley College, said: “Reloved Boutique has been nothing short of life-changing for our students, empowering them with real-world skills, confidence, and purpose. To see their efforts not only transform their own lives but also support Barnsley families and charities has been truly incredible. This project is community, inclusion, and education at its very best.”
Jason White, Corporate Social Responsibility Advisor at Next, added: “We are incredibly proud of the partnership between Reloved Boutique and Next. This collaboration is a great example of how we can combine fashion and sustainability to make a big impact.
“Reloved Boutique isn't just a shop, it's a super cool classroom where Learning for Living and Work Students get hands-on experience in retail, learning everything from talking to customers to sourcing stock and merchandising. It really shows how education with a purpose can thrive in our community.
“We're particularly excited about the upcoming Back to School initiative this summer, which will offer essential school uniform items at affordable prices. This will further support local families while continuing to generate funds for important causes.
“This partnership truly brings out the best in our community, showcasing what happens when business and education come together.”
Visit Reloved Boutique at the foot of Barnsley College’s Old Mill Lane campus, S70 2AX, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays 9.30am - 3.30pm and Fridays 9.30am - 1.00pm during termtime. The shop occasionally opens during school holidays, please check for updates on social media.
To learn more or find opening times, visit: Reloved Boutique | Barnsley College
