A Birmingham charity that has helped more than 280 women get back into work is celebrating its first anniversary.

Recently named Social Action Charity of the Year 2017, Smart Works helps unemployed women get work ready, by providing them with smart clothing, interview coaching sessions and confidence workshops.

Since opening in the city last August, Smart Works’ support has helped more than 60 per cent of its clients go on to succeed in securing jobs.

To celebrate its achievements, the charity partnered with MediaCom Birmingham to host an event, in a bid to recruit more volunteers and trustees to help support their work.

The event saw women from across the region come together to drive more support for the charity.

Smart Works is a UK charity that is led by Lady Juliet Hughes-Hallett, and leading fashion designer and patron, Betty Jackson.

Betty Jackson said:

“First impressions are everything. We help women transform their looks and you see them blossom in front of you. But it’s not just their clothes that changes.

When you make a woman look great and feel great, their confidence rockets.

It’s this confidence that goes on to help them secure that job. It has a ripple effect on their lives and their families lives.”

Pardeep Heer, Associate Director at MediaCom Birmingham, said:

“The impact that Smart Works has made in its first year has been incredible, and it’s an honour for us to support such a great charity.

We’ve been working with Smart Works for a while now, taking part in fundraising activities, hosting events and putting them in touch with some of our contacts, so it’s great to see our partnership with them develop.”

The charity also has offices in London, Reading, Edinburgh and Manchester.

Lady Juliet Hughes-Hallet said:

“For Smart Works to work, you need the women and you need the jobs. Birmingham has both. It’s a vibrant city that keeps growing, and is in the centre of everything.

But you also need the support from businesses and corporations.

MediaCom has been a great supporter for us.

They’ve hosted this event for us, and they also hosted a similar event in their Manchester office last year. It’s a really valued partnership.”

www.smartworks.org.uk