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Are You a Disabled Sewist? The BBC’s Great British Sewing Bee Wants YOU!
Dis-labled: Disabled Voices, Real Stories
In today’s episode, we’re delighted to welcome Alexia Barrett from The BBC’s The Great British Sewing Bee. We’ll be talking about inclusivity, life behind the scenes of the show, and why she is encouraging more diverse casting.
00:00:00 - Start
00:01:11 - Intro
00:02:35 - We Meet Alexia Barrett from The Great British Sewing Bee
00:06:17 - Alexia's message for disabled sewists
00:07:43 - Why is the BBC interested in inclusion now?
00:08:47 - Support for contestants
00:13:47 - How do people apply for The Great British Sewing Bee?
00:18:18 - One thing all applicants should know before applying
00:25:18 - What is the prize?
00:27:55 - Final Thoughts
The Great British Sewing Bee is currently looking for the UK’s best amateur sewers for Series 13 - and they are especially encouraging applications from disabled people and those with long-term health conditions who have a passion for sewing and creating their own clothes. The aim is to make the process as inclusive and accessible as possible, so a wide range of voices and experiences are represented in the sewing room.
If you, or someone you know, would like to apply, you can do so at www.applyforsewingbee.co.uk, email , or call 0117 450 8530 to request an application form.
The deadline for applications is Wednesday 13th May 2026 at 8pm.
Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell.
Editor: Phil Powell
Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk
All enquiries: podcast@communityfocus.co.uk
Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/
Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community Focus
Other Music: Jazzy Frenchy by Benjamin Tissot
