In 2024 many people are still struggling to get their first job or their next one after a period of unemployment. This can be even more of a challenge for women, particularly those who have devoted their time to raising a family, but there are many reasons why finding a job or career can be hard to do.

Smart Works is a UK charity that exists to help any unemployed women, to give them the confidence they need to reach their full potential, secure employment and change the trajectory of their lives. The women who come to Smart Works are referred from Job Centres, mental health charities, women’s refuges, homeless shelters, the prison service, care service and youth organisations.

The charity's purpose is achieved through a dressing and coaching service to help women be the best version of themselves at a crucial point in their lives.

• They offer Career Coaching, which helps unemployed women secure a job interview.

• They provide a dressing consultation to find the perfect interview outfit that will build confidence.

• And a one-to-one coaching session with an expert interview coach, where each client receives valuable interview preparation, unlocking her potential and enabling her to succeed at interview.

63% of clients secure a job in a month. Once a woman gets the job, she is welcomed back for a Second Dressing and receives a capsule working wardrobe to last until her first pay cheque. One successful example is helping a woman who was made redundant when she was 8 months pregnant to secure a new role after her baby was born.

The charity has several patrons such as the Duchess of Sussex and actress and comedian Jennifer Saunders; as well as ambassadors like designer Lulu Guinness and singer Alexandra Burke. They have supported 35,000 women in the last 10 years, but this service relies on financial donations, clothing donations and volunteers. Please help this fantastic charity with your donations.