Stitching Communities Together.
An interdisciplinary space for artists and designers. From screen printing to skills training, we build connections through making.
A Hub for Creativity & Connection
We are a non-profit dedicated to weaving a stronger fabric for our community through art, design, and education.
Art & Heritage
From Kantha quilting to "Memories of My Mother", we preserve history through art.
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Skills & Training
A skills centre for people of all ages. Therapeutic workshops for mental health and skills.
View Workshops →
Community & Studios
Open plan studio spaces for rent and engagement programmes for all.
See Spaces →Milestones & Recognition
MBE Awarded
Founder Taslima Ahmad recognized for services to disadvantaged people and minority ethnic communities.
NHS Support
Produced and delivered over 100 bags of scrubs and masks to local hospitals during the COVID-19 crisis.
500+ Trained
Empowering individuals with professional sewing, pattern cutting, and machinery skills.
Business Support
Supported the growth of 10 local textile businesses and transitioned 15 youths into careers.
Upcoming Events
Join us at our next workshop or exhibition.
Victoria Baths Exhibition
A major exhibition of our large textile collection at Manchester's historic water palace.
View DetailsManchester Museum
"Africa Day" doll-making workshop featuring creations made from recycled fabrics.
View DetailsFactory International
Installation art piece featuring dolls flying around the world, showcased at Manchester's newest arts venue.
View DetailsCome Say Hello
Whether you want to join a workshop, donate fabric, or just learn more about what we do, our doors are open.
Address
Rear of 1st Floor, 10-20 Grosvenor Street,
Manchester, M1 7JJ
info@creativedesignmanufacture.com
About Us
Revitalizing the "Made in Manchester" ethos through social innovation.
Who We Are
CDM UK (Creative Design & Manufacture UK Limited) is a non-profit interdisciplinary space operating as a Private Company Limited by Guarantee. Situated in the heart of Ardwick, we leverage Manchester's historic identity as "Cottonopolis" to address modern social challenges.
Founded by Taslima Parveen Ahmad (MBE), our organization is constitutionally bound to reinvest surpluses into our social mission. We combine high-fashion textile production with a therapeutic model ("social prescribing") to support individuals dealing with isolation, depression, and economic deprivation.
Our Leadership
- Taslima Parveen Ahmad (MBE): Founder & Creative Director
- Abdullahhil Numan Azmi: Director
- Ruby Mahmood Bukhari: Director
Memories of My Mother
Our flagship heritage project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, preserves the "Intangible Cultural Heritage" of the South Asian diaspora.
We collect oral histories and teach the upcycling of traditional Saris, fostering intergenerational dialogue and preserving the emotional connection to our ancestors.
Our Impact
Measuring the change we stitch into our community.
The Therapeutic Textile Model
Our core output is not just cloth, but well-being. We utilize the infrastructure of a textile mill to deliver what is essentially a public health intervention. Known as "social prescribing," our model recognizes that health is determined by social connection and creative expression.
The repetitive motion of hand-sewing or knitting has been clinically shown to lower cortisol levels. For trauma survivors, the act of "mending" fabric becomes a powerful metaphor for rebuilding one's life.
Mental Health
Reducing isolation & depression
Social Cohesion
Bridging diverse communities
Employability
Vocational skills training
Sustainability
Green living & recycling
Key Achievements
People Trained
Individuals provided with technical skills in sewing and machinery.
NHS Bags Delivered
Rapid PPE response during the pandemic for local hospitals.
Youth Careers
Young people transitioned directly into textile careers or education.
Transparency & Reports
Access our annual impact reports and financial summaries to see how we operate as a Private Company Limited by Guarantee.
What We Do
Social manufacturing, heritage preservation, and therapeutic design.
Our Core Activities
Memories of My Mother
A project preserving the Sari as an archive of memory. We teach upcycling techniques to maintain the emotional connection to ancestors.
Therapeutic Workshops
Targeted interventions for isolation and depression. The rhythmic nature of our textile work induces a "flow state" for mental wellbeing.
The Stitch Festival
Our annual celebration of textile arts and culture, bringing together diverse communities through the "Manchester Knitters' Association".
Services & Facilities
Professional Tailoring
We offer bespoke tailoring services for local residents, including alterations and custom garment creation. Proceeds support our training programs.
Youth Engagement
Partnering with schools to transition young people into textile careers, addressing the industry's skills gap and aging workforce.
Screen Printing Service
Small-batch screen printing for local clubs, charities, and small businesses looking for branded merchandise using our large format beds.
Studio Rental
Affordable open plan studio spaces available for rent. Ideal for makers from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines.
Media Library
Visual stories from our workshops and events.
Photo Gallery
Video Highlights
Stitch Festival Highlights 2023
A recap of our biggest event of the year, featuring stalls, food, and music.
Workshop Stories: Meet Sarah
An inspiring interview with one of our long-term trainees.
Community & Partners
We don't work alone. See who helps us make it happen.
Our Trusted Partners & Funders
National Lottery Heritage Fund
Supporting "Memories of My Mother" and preserving the legacy of "Cottonopolis".
Power to Change
Providing vital support for community businesses and crisis resilience.
Manchester City Council
Strategic commissioning partner for mental health and social cohesion initiatives.
Factory International
Showcasing our textile installations to a global audience.
Victoria Baths
Historic venue partner for our major textile collection exhibitions.
Community Voices
"The workshops at CDM UK gave me the confidence to start my own small tailoring business. It's more than just sewing; it's a family."
"A wonderful place that keeps the history of Manchester alive. The Kantha quilt project was a beautiful experience."
"CDM UK has created a safe, welcoming space for everyone in Ardwick. The impact they have on mental health is incredible."
Get Involved
We are always looking for volunteers, donors, and new participants.
Contact Information
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Visit Us CDM UK, Rear of 1st Floor,
10-20 Grosvenor Street,
Manchester, M1 7JJ -
Email Us info@creativedesignmanufacture.com
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Online www.creativedesignmanufacture.com