Smart Works North East

Who We Help, Why We Help & the Difference It Makes

What We Do

At the heart of Smart Works sits an Interview Dressing and Preparation service designed to help our clients feel and look their best in their job interview.

The two-hour Interview Preparation begins with an Interview Dressing session. Each client receives a bespoke, hour-long dressing consultation with two trained volunteers, to find a high-quality interview outfit that will fill her with confidence. This is free of charge and the clothes are hers to keep.

This is followed by a one-to-one 60-minute coaching session with an expert interview coach, where each client receives valuable interview preparation, unlocking her potential and enabling her to succeed at her interview. Each client also receives a free interview guide to take home where they can find additional advice on how to succeed.

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.

For clients who haven’t secured an interview yet, we offer a Career Coaching service to assist them with their CV, cover letters and skills development.

Smart Works operates on a referral basis. Our clients are referred to us from Job Centres, mental health charities, women’s refuges, homeless shelters, the prison service, care service and youth organisations. We deliver appointments in-person at our Newcastle centre, or we can offer virtual appointments. 

Volunteer

All of our dressing and coaching is delivered by a trained team of empathetic, talented volunteers. We offer volunteering roles across five key Smart Works departments: wardrobe, dressing, coaching, administration and outreach. All four departments are essential for us to deliver our vital service to unemployed women.  We welcome volunteer applications from all backgrounds where you feel your skills and personality align with the Smart Works mission and values. To explore volunteering opportunities, head to Careers at Smart Works North East.

Another way in which people can help us is by donating clothes. We rely on high-quality donations to fill our wardrobe and stock our sales which help raise vital funds. Whether it’s donating a pre-loved suit to our wardrobes or your favourite party dress to be sold at a sale, every piece will help play a part in another woman’s success story. To find out more about the items we accept and where your nearest donation is head to Donate Clothes to Smart Works North East.

Setting yourself a sponsored challenge, either individually or with a team, is the perfect way to fundraise for Smart Works North East. We have had supporters run the Great North Run for us and get involved in our Step Up for Smart Works campaign. You could also arrange a team day out to one of our renowned Fashion Sales- 100% of proceeds come to Smart Works so this is guilt-free shopping at its best! If you would like to chat about hosting an event, taking on a challenge to raise money or partnering with Smart Works North East contact our Fundraising Events Lead [email protected].

Community Trail