Back to work help is a smart move...
ACHARITY that helps get women back into work by making sure they look the part is holding a fundraising ball.
Smart Works Manchester, which is based in Stockport and supports women from all over the area, offers women from deprived or difficult backgrounds everything they need to look and feel confident during a job interview.
The volunteers see 40 to 50 women every month, and 69 per cent of those who have accessed the service have been successful in getting a job.
Smart Works’ clients are referred by other organisations, such as job centres, homeless shelters and charities, once they have an interview for a paid position lined up.
They are given a twohour consultation, one hour of which is spent making sure they have an outfit they feel comfortable and professional in – which they also get to keep – and other hour is spent on interview coaching to give them the best possible chance of landing a job.
All of the coaching is carried out by volunteers, who range from PR professionals and managers to women who own their own business and retirees who want to give something back.
Laura Dalby, head of regional development at Smart Works, said: “It’s all about them and we aim to make it a really uplifting experience. We want them to feel special.”
All the clothes are donated to the charity, some by individuals and others by the charity’s retail partners such as Hobbs and Next.
“Some of our clients will have been unemployed and out of the job market for a long time, for a range of different reasons, and they are often quite shy and nervous when they arrive, so it is great to see them leave with their heads held high and feeling confident,” Laura added.
“They have to really believe in themselves.”
If clients get a job, within six months they can return to Smart Works for a ‘second dressing’, where they get another outfit and advice on how to dress for the position they have secured.
The 1920s-themed fundraising ball, which has been given the name ‘Smart Night Out’, is due to take place tomorrow (Thursday, May 25) at the Macdonald Hotel in the centre of Manchester.
Tickets are available at £45 per person, and can also be booked in groups of 10. The price includes a three course meal, welcome drink and night of dancing.
To book visit eventbrite.co.uk/e/smartnight-out-tickets -31840666290. ●●ZAHRA’S STORY:
Zahra was 19 and two months into a physiotherapy degree when her mum passed away unexpectedly, and she dropped out of university to become legal guardian to her two brothers, aged 16 and 17, so they would not have to go into care.
Needing to work to support her family, Zahra secured an interview with a high street sports retailer and was referred to Smart Works by her coach at the Job Centre.
She received a full outfit and one-to-one interview training, and when she attended the interview was offered the job on the spot.
Zahra said: “I was grieving mum’s loss and feeling the pressure of providing for my family. I had very low self confidence and felt like a failure.
“The interview coaching changed my whole perspective on things. When I walked out of the Smart Works building I felt like a different person – it helped me feel like me again and not that lost person – it brought me back.
“Smart Works taught me that I am not a failure and to believe in myself.” ●●PAULINE’S STORY:
Pauline was in a abusive relationship with a controlling and violent man, and one day things got so bad she walked out with just her mobile phone and the clothes on her back.
She went to stay with her daughter while she tried to get back on her feet, and after landing an interview with a health and beauty store she was referred to Smart Works by her adviser at Stockport Without Abuse.
She said: “I felt like a parasite living off my daughter and my self esteem was on the floor after everything that had happened.
“I wanted to work. I did not want to rely on my family or claim benefits – I wanted my own money.
“Before I went to Smart Works I honestly did not know what to expect, but I was totally blown away.
“The thing I most enjoyed about Smart Works was the lovely warm welcome I received from the ladies, they listened to me and made me feel valued – I feel if it was not for Smart Works I would not have a job today.”