The women we support are at high risk of economic hardship, often struggling with confidence and self-belief in the face of repeated rejection and real barriers to employment.
A large proportion of the women who come to us have applied for over 50 jobs with no success. Over half of our clients are from ethnic minorities and around 30% are lone mothers. By delivering our service at our 12 centres across the UK, we have been able to support over 37,000 women into employment over the past decade.
40,000
women supported into secure employment over the past 10 years
63%
got the job within a month of their first appointment at Smart Works
94%
felt more confident about their livelihood and career
12
centres across the UK to serve local communities
Asha
“I had to leave my last job because of the impact it was having on my mental health. I was really struggling – suffering from anxiety and depression. I was having a very hard time.
My appointment was fantastic…Now I see myself and what I've done as being valuable. I know skills that I have are going to help me in the future. I'm in a really good place."
Katie
"I’d been in the same job for 14 years when I decided to make a change. I needed to earn money quickly, I had a mortgage to pay and children to feed.
When it came to looking for a new job, I was in a bad place mentally. I felt ashamed. I didn't know what I was going to do.. It was the Smart Works team that showed me what I could do. I’m in a great place now and that is totally down to Smart Works. I'm just so grateful for the experience that I've been given."
Stephanie
"After college, I worked in a nail salon for a while. The people were lovely there and they wanted me to stay on, but because of personal reasons, I had to leave. That led me to have a long gap in my employment. I was helping my mum care for my dad, and it was quite a difficult time for me.
The clothes and the coaching helped me change my mind set to be more positive. From before I walked into Smart Works, to when I came out, I was like a different person.”
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Transform a woman's life
Join our mission to support unemployed women across the UK who need help getting into work. Every donation helps us to deliver our service to be able to provide free high-quality interview-appropriate clothing and interview coaching to women who need it the most.
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Donate your pre-loved work-appropriate clothing to support our clients in feeling and looking confident at their job interview.
We are proud to have established partnerships with brands across the fashion and beauty industry as well as corporations and professional services firms.
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