Adaptive Apparel

13/05/2025

Still buzzing from yesterday!

I had the absolute privilege of attending The Lilac Review UK final report launch at the the House of Lords thanks to the brilliant team at Small Business Britain 👏🏻

The report shines a light on the barriers disabled entrepreneurs face, and more importantly, it calls for bold action to break those barriers down. It was incredibly powerful to be in a room filled with people who are passionate about inclusion, equity and making real change.

A special thank you to Victoria Jenkins, founder of Unhidden and co-chair of the review, for the warm welcome and photo! ️🩷 Her leadership in adaptive fashion and disability inclusion continues to raise the bar for us all 🙌

Also a special shout-out to Trend Tonic Studio for the beautiful earrings that really did spark joy on the day! ✨️

So proud to support this movement and stand alongside so many inspiring founders, changemakers and allies.

If you're curious, you can read the full report via the link in the comments 🔗

14/04/2025

🎶 My Happy Vibes Playlist 🎶🤗✨️

Sometimes, a great playlist is all we need to brighten our day and recharge our energy. Whether I'm stitching away, working on new ideas for Adaptive Apparel, packing t-shirts, or simply taking a moment for myself, music has a way of lifting me up.

So, I've created a Happy Vibes Playlist, which I'm happy to share with you all! It has songs that instantly lift my mood from artists old and new. Whether you're recovering from an injury, surgery, or just need a pick-me-up, I hope these songs bring a bit of joy into your day.

You can listen to the playlist here:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3yCUtHiCaCgzeeGR1VwicQ

What’s your go-to song for a boost of happiness? I’d love to hear what tunes inspire you 🎧 I might even add it to the playlist!

07/03/2025

London bound! 🚆 Off to the House of Lords to celebrate International Women's Day with F:Entrepreneur and my fellow entrepreneurs. Feeling grateful for this opportunity to champion women in business and connect with so many inspiring people. Let’s do this! 💪✨

11/02/2025

So yesterday I had the privilege to chat with the lovely Helen Jones at BBC Radio Merseyside about how this little adaptive clothing business started and the importance of dignity and independence when you're at your most vulnerable.

To listen again, click the link below - we start at 1hr 37mins ✨️

10/02/2025

✨️ Customer Review ✨️

I love hearing how Adaptive Apparel is helping people feel comfortable and confident through their recovery 🩷

"Absolutely fantastic... had shoulder surgery 3 weeks ago, and being able to wear a "normal" top is fantastic, rather than the fashion equivalent of a sack. Debs is clearly exceptionally passionate about her business and extremely professional. Thank you!"

Thank you for sharing your experience with me - it's means so much 😊

03/02/2025

💚 This Friday, we’re walking to support our amazing friends & raise funds for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity! Their strength has inspired us to step up and join them in their walk to make a difference.

Every donation, big or small, makes a real difference. If you can, please consider supporting this amazing cause. Let’s stand together for those fighting cancer 🙌✨

🔗 Click here to donate:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/the-monks-family

Thank you so much for your support, it truly means the world!

28/01/2025

We've made the local news! 🤩 La Vida Liverpool

A mother-of-two from Wirral has turned a moment of family care into a global success story, earning recognition as one of the UK’s top 100 female entrepreneurs by Small Business Britain’s ‘f:Entrepreneur’ campaign. Deborah Monks, founder of Adaptive Apparel, has created a specialist clothing...

18/01/2025

It’s always a little surreal to think of something made in my small studio here in the UK heading all the way to the USA! These four t-shirts are off to Florida to help a little one during their recovery. 🌈✈️

Every order, no matter how big or small, means the world to me. I put my heart into making sure these t-shirts are as practical and comfortable as possible, and knowing they’ll hopefully make someone’s day a bit easier is why I do what I do.

Sending these with a whole lot of love 💛

18/01/2025

Sometimes, it’s the simplest things that make the biggest difference 💙

Linda recently shared her experience after breaking her collarbone and several ribs. Living on her own, she found that even getting dressed had become an incredibly painful challenge. Hearing how one of our adaptive t-shirts has made her life a little easier is exactly why I started this little business.

She said: "What a life saver. I have broken my collarbone and several ribs, and to get a top on and off is incredibly painful. I'm widowed, so I have to manage alone. This item has made life so much less painful. I'm so pleased I will be ordering another. I do feel that Fracture Clinics and X-Ray Departments should be aware of your items as they are invaluable. Thank you so much."

It’s not just about selling a product, it’s about helping people like Linda regain a bit of independence and dignity when life gets difficult.

If you think someone you know might find adaptive clothing helpful, or if you're in the medical profession and want to chat about how these items can make a difference, do let me know, I’d love to hear from you.

15/01/2025

Spotted this little piece of wisdom while I was out today at Rockpoint Records whilst meeting with the talented Justin from La Vida Liverpool. I think the universe is trying to tell me something... ✨️👀

The grafitti on the table says "Do something today (one thing) to make you happier tomorrow", which lines up perfectly with my diary, which says "Make today count"! 📝

Sometimes it's the small signs that keep you moving in the right direction ✨️ What's one thing you can do today to make tomorrow a little brighter? 🌟

14/01/2025

This morning, I received the loveliest surprise – a handmade card from the children’s ward at Arrowe Park Hospital. It was a thank you for the adaptive t-shirts we recently donated, and it's completely made my day! 🥰

Knowing the t-shirts will help children recovering from surgery means so much to me. The care and thoughtfulness from the hospital staff truly shines through, and it’s a reminder of the incredible work they do every day for families in our community.

This little card is a treasure – and it’s really their kindness that deserves the spotlight. A big thank you to everyone at Arrowe Park for everything they do! ✨️

The card says “Dear Deborah, thank you so much for your kind donation of Adaptive t-shirts, these will be brilliant for those patients who have had surgery. Love all on the children’s ward.”

09/01/2025

Last weekend, I dropped off a selection of t-shirts at the children’s ward at Arrowe Park Hospital in different colours and sizes. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for ages, and Arrowe Park felt like the perfect place – it’s a hospital that’s been there for my family for as long as I can remember.

For anyone who doesn’t know, my business creates clothing designed to help people with mobility challenges, including children recovering from injury or surgery. These t-shirts have Velcro fastenings and clever openings at the side, shoulder, and front, so they’re much easier to put on and take off without causing any extra discomfort. Hopefully, they’ll make things a bit simpler and more comfortable for the little ones who need them.

It was such a privilege to visit the ward and meet some of the amazing staff who work so hard to support local families. Doing something like this reminds me why I started the business in the first place – to make a difference, however small.

A big thank you to Arrowe Park for welcoming me, and here’s hoping the t-shirts bring a bit of extra comfort to some very brave kids!

Debs x

Wirral NHS Hospitals - Arrowe Park & Clatterbridge Patient Wuth