Partner Spotlight: Smart Works Newcastle

Smart Works Newcastle helps some of the most vulnerable women from across the region regain their self-belief to succeed at job interview and move on with their lives.

They help at a critical point in their lives, when they have a job interview, often after a long period of unemployment, when confidence and morale are very low.

The volunteer run service is available to any woman with a confirmed job interview to help them make that step change back into employment through coaching, clothing, and confidence. Women are referred by job centres, mental health charities, women’s refuges, homeless shelters and employability schemes in the North East who have little or no confidence.

Our volunteer team provides a 2-hour appointment, which can be delivered in person, or virtually:

• a personalised styling session and a complete outfit of clothes and accessories for their specific job interview, which they keep
• 1:1 interview preparation and coaching, tailored to the client, with an experienced HR professional or senior manager
• a second dressing appointment for a capsule wardrobe to start their new job

Since they opened in 2018, Smart Works have helped over 500 women, with over one in two being successful at interview!

The feedback from the women who have used the service is amazing

“An excellent service with great volunteers. They have masses of knowledge and it’s the best service I have ever accessed for support with employment. Quick, professional, and brilliant! I am soooo much more confident now in applying for jobs.”

“The appointment made me feel stronger, more positive, and excited. I was treated with the utmost respect and consideration and made to feel relaxed and happy.” 

“My experience today was very positive. I am more confident now and ready for my interview. The QA session in my coaching was great and brought out my personal best. Smart Works are doing an amazing job for women.”

Find out more about Smart Works

To find our more about Smart Works, please visit their website at smartworks.org.uk.