After a clothing drive in the London office, collecting professional women's clothes to be donated to the charity, FRA colleagues spent a morning with the Smart Works team at their Islington headquarters to learn how company clothing drives play an important part in the support service that Smart Works provides to women.
During the visit, we were able to drop off our donations, tour the centre, and learn more about the incredible impact that Smart Works has on the women it serves. During the tour, we learned that the women who visit Smart Works for support are referred to from a variety of organizations, including Job Centres, mental health charities, women's refuges, homeless shelters, the prison service, care services, and youth organizations. Each client receives a personalized dressing consultation with two trained volunteers to select a high-quality interview outfit aimed at helping support them to get back into professional work. This service is provided free of charge, and the clothes are hers to keep. After the consultation, each client receives one-to-one coaching from an expert interview coach, providing valuable interview preparation aimed at helping them unlock their potential for success.
"When I put the clothes on in the morning and look in the mirror, I hear the dressers telling me to be kinder to myself and to stand proud," – Lorraine, Smart Works Client.
Please take a moment to browse through a selection of photographs from the visit.
