At Socktopus, we believe socks can do more than keep your toes warm. Sometimes, they can help start conversations that really matter.
We recently sat down with Susie McDonald, CEO of Tender, to talk about the charity’s work, why it’s so needed right now, and what makes this partnership such a natural fit.
It’s about prevention
When asked to describe Tender, Susie didn’t hesitate.
“Tender is an arts charity and we are focused on preventing domestic abuse and sexual violence,” she explained. “And because we’re preventing it, that means that most of the people that we work with are children and young people, because we’re equipping them with the skills to have happy, kind, healthy relationships.”
That word preventing is key.
Rather than responding after harm has already happened, Tender works early. Starting in primary schools, the focus expands as young people grow into adolescence and adulthood.
“When we work in primary schools, we’re talking about friendships,” Susie said. “And as children grow into adolescents and become young adults, then we’re looking at intimate relationships as well. And everything we do is through drama, theatre and the arts.”
Drama and creativity aren’t just delivery methods. They’re safe, engaging ways to explore sensitive topics. They allow young people to step into scenarios, ask questions and build confidence in how they relate to others.
“Tender has never been more needed”
When we asked why this work is still so necessary in 2026, Susie was clear.
“In a way, Tender has never been more needed,” she said. “We know that the main age that’s likely to experience domestic and sexual violence in their lives are 16 to 24 year olds.”
That’s a time of huge change. Young people are going to college, university, starting work, becoming more independent. Often, they’re moving away from familiar support networks.
“So what we want to do,” Susie continued, “is pre-empt that really exciting time by equipping children and young people with the skills to navigate those interactions really safely and really kindly and happily.”
There’s that optimism again. Tender’s work isn’t rooted in fear. It’s rooted in preparation, positivity and the belief that healthy relationships can be learned and nurtured.
Why Socktopus?
When the conversation turned to our partnership, Susie smiled.
“All you have to do is look at the socks,” she said. “There’s optimism there, isn’t there? You look at these socks, especially the soles, and you just immediately think about optimism. The bright colours and the positivity, and they make you smile.”
For Tender, that positivity matters.
“Everything is about being optimistic,” she explained. “And we really want to welcome everybody into conversations about relationships.”
Because relationships aren’t just romantic.
“Everybody will have some form of relationship,” Susie said. “Whether it’s a friendship, somebody in their peer group, family members, people in the workplace. Everybody has interactions and relationships with other people. So everybody is very welcome to be involved in positive conversations.”
That’s exactly the kind of inclusive energy we love at Socktopus.
How You Can Support Tender
Like many charities, Tender relies on funding to continue its work in schools across the country.
“We’re always looking for donations,” Susie said. “We really need as much financial support as we can get.”
Buying a pair of Tender collaboration socks is one way to do that.
“If people buy these socks from Socktopus, a donation will come to Tender,” she explained, “and that means that we can run more of our healthy relationship projects in schools across the country.”
More workshops. More conversations. More young people equipped with the skills to build healthy, respectful relationships.
At Socktopus, we believe in bright colours, warm feet and doing a bit of good along the way.