Louisa has been working with the Smart Works Reading since 2018 providing them with silk and georgette scarves to help building these women’s interview wardrobe, hoping it will give them a feeling of confidence, make them look fabulous and succeed at their job interviews. Dresses have been given to help raise money at events to support the running of Smart Works Reading, a charity of which the Duchess of Sussex is National Royal Patron.
“This was incredible, everyone was so positive and really uplifting. I haven't felt this pretty and confident ever in my life. This has been great, I am really thankful.” – A Smart Works Client
Alongside providing high quality interview clothes Smart Works also offers interview training, support and the opportunity for unemployed women in need to have their makeup done. It's important for these woman to walk out of Smart Works with an uplifted outlook and confidence of their future, which for many will begin with securing a job, equipping them with the basics they need to get a foot back on the employment ladder.
Most of the women are referred to the charity from job centres, work programmes, prisons, care homes, homeless shelters and mental health charities, with over half having previously been unsuccessful in over 20 job applications, a third have been turned down from over 50 jobs and all are suffering from a lack of confidence in their own abilities. It’s a huge hurdle to overcome.
Smart Works tackles that hurdle head on, with high quality interview clothes and interview training provided by a passionate army of brand partners and volunteers, to help women referred to them by job centres, work programmes, prisons, care homes, homeless shelters and mental health charities.
Over 60% of clients who have visited Smart Works Reading go on to get the job!
Smart Works Reading is doing an incredible job for women and has already supported over 1,200 helping them to feel confident, look gorgeous, succeed at their job interview and move on with their life.
How great does their wonderful client Cigdem look in her new outfit? Stunning, confident and all ready to shine at her interview. Scarf donated by Louisa Parris
Having won the Charity of the Year Award in 2018 and seeing first hand how Smart Works Reading has helped over 60% of the women they work with secure new careers, Louisa is hugely excited to be involved and will continue to donate scarves each season as the company grows.
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