Smart Works Birmingham chair Alison Armstrong and centre manager Ann Powell were joined by High Sheriff of the County of West Midlands Douglas Wright MBE DL and Deputy Lieutenant Colonel Dr Heidi Doughty OBE TD DL, along with Smart Works trustees and volunteers, for a special launch event this week.
The new space will become the hub of the charity’s work in helping women back into employment, through the provision of free work outfits, styling sessions and professional interview and career coaching. The new enlarged space will help the charity meet its target to support 1200 women every year across the region.
Ann Powell comments: “For many women, getting a job is a lifeline, helping restore confidence, provide financial security and give them a sense of purpose and identity. The new centre will help us better manage clothing donations, offer a custom-designed space for our styling sessions and provide secure, comfortable and confidential rooms for coaching. It will provide an incredible boost for our team and our volunteers and enable us to help even more women across the West Midlands.”
High Sheriff Douglas Wright added: “The service that Smart Works provides is life-changing for thousands of women and their families across the West Midlands. I have seen, first hand, its positive impact, with 15 colleagues in my own businesses having gained employment following support from Smart Works.
“I am delighted to have officially opened the impressive new centre which will provide women with the essential tools and support they need to secure a job whilst recognising and addressing some of the emotional challenges that can impact unemployed women in interview situations.”
Smart Works Birmingham has helped over 4,000 women since it was established, but its crucial work can only continue through fundraising and donations. In March, the charity is launching a new fundraising initiative, Step Up for Smart Works, challenging people to walk 10,000 steps every day of the month whilst raising vital funds to help more women into work. Find out more at www.fundraiseforsmartworks.org.uk/event/step-up-for-smart-works
For more information on Smart Works Birmingham visit birmingham.smartworks.org.uk/