On Thursday, 14 businesses based across Yorkshire attended the launch of the Smart Works Leeds Collective, making a commitment to uplift jobseekers through supporting the charity with vital funds.
The Smart Works Leeds Collective is a network of forward-thinking, dynamic Yorkshire individuals and businesses who have pledged to help the charity support unemployed women across the county into work. Collective members stand for equality and inclusivity. They believe that employment is key to transforming women’s lives, that of their families, and their communities.
Members of The Collective donate either £150pcm or £1500pa, vital contributions needed to run the service. In 2022, Smart Works Leeds helped 630 women find work. This year, the charity are ambitiously aiming to support 1,000 women.
Kate Murphy, Centre Manager at Smart Works Leeds, said: “We were delighted to see so many existing, as well as new supporters at the event on Thursday. At Smart Works we help women with a carefully designed coaching and clothing service, which allows many clients to secure employment and succeed at work. We have a brilliant track record with 69% of Smart Works’ clients securing a job within a month of their appointment.
“The audience who attended our launch event were introduced to the service we offer unemployed women in Yorkshire and heard about how, with their support it will enable us to reach more women and help them gain not only financial stability, but the sense of purpose and identity that securing employment means.
“By joining The Collective, a business, or an individual demonstrates that they share in our mission to help women realise their potential and empower them in their professional pursuits.”
Smart Works Leeds Client Champion Fran spoke at the event about the impact Smart Works has had on her life. Fran is a 43-year-old single parent from Leeds, with a passion for supporting others.
She had been out of work for quite some time when she was introduced to Smart Works by Women’s Health Matters, a local women’s organisation where she completed a course focussed on freedom after domestic violence. Fran left everything when she fled an abusive relationship and has done tremendous work to change her life since.
Smart Works Leeds helped Fran pick a beautiful outfit ready for her interview with a local addiction charity as well as a dedicated coaching session tailored to the role. Following her successful interview, Fran was welcomed back for a Second Dressing where she picked out a capsule wardrobe to support her through her first weeks at work. She is now working with a local addiction charity, an organisation whose services she had previously accessed.
Fran said: “I didn’t know what to expect, but it was just brilliant. Smart Works really helped me. Coming out of a domestic violent relationship, I didn’t have many choices and I had a low opinion of myself.
“Hearing that I looked good, and getting input from my dressers made me feel so much better. I was able to present myself in a professional manner at the interview which helped me secure the role. My dresser just got me! It completely changed my perception of myself.
“My coach was so knowledgeable. She put questions to me that I was actually asked in the interview. I got loads of tips and invaluable advice. I was able to talk about my fears and this resolved a lot of my anxiety.
“Smart Works is empowering, lifechanging and a huge confidence builder. It’s an amazing, amazing service.”
