Working Wonders

When Caroline visited Smart Works she had been unemployed for over five years after being a full-time carer for her son, who has autism. As a single mum, she was keen to get back into the workplace to support her family. But she suffered from depression, anxiety and a lack of confidence. 

Smart Works gifted Caroline a high-quality interview outfit, styled for her and hers to keep, and one-on-one interview coaching.

“The interview techniques I received were great. I hadn’t had an interview for so long, I didn’t know what I was supposed to say.” 

Caroline got the job. She was then welcomed back to Smart Works to receive five additional pieces of clothing, so she could start her new role with a capsule wardrobe that would see her through to her first pay cheque.

Offering a volunteer-run service that uses donations of quality clothing, this UK charity receives referrals from job centres, work programmes, prisons, care homes, homeless shelters and mental health charities. In the last year, 43% of their clients have been unemployed for over a year, 25% have been rejected from over 50 jobs and 14% have been rejected from over 100 jobs.

By harnessing the power of clothes and confidence to transform lives, Smart Works has a demonstrable impact: over 20,000 women have benefitted from the service across the UK so far, with 69% of clients gaining employment within one month of their appointment.

With plans to open new centres across South London and Glasgow and the launch of its virtual service, Smart Works aims to introduce more than 10,000 women annually to the service.

@smartworkscharity

Bicester Village is partnered with Smart Works as part of The Bicester Collection’s DO GOOD network of charitable organisations, all of which work to empower women and children. Read more here*

Take the Time to Smile… and DO GOOD

This summer, DO GOOD by The Bicester Collection and The Smiley Company are embarking on a shared mission to spread a message of positivity, revealing smiles and unlocking futures for women and children wherever they’re born. The Villages will come alive with smile-inducing installations and pop-ups of exclusive product – with 100% of proceeds donated to our 10 DO GOOD charity partners.

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