Bags of confidence campaign
“Thank you so much for supporting Smart Works Greater Manchester through the donation drive at the Inspiring Women Awards. This event will provide a fantastic opportunity for us to receive much needed donations, whilst also raising awareness of our work across the city region.”
And here is the reason why we are asking guests to donate bags this year at the Inspiring Women Awards lunch.
Smart Works Greater Manchester Charity has supported over 6,000 unemployed women, many from communities experiencing high levels of deprivation and facing the strain of long‑term job searching. Smart Works Greater Manchester provides women with the practical tools and confidence they need to succeed at a pivotal moment in their lives. This includes one‑to‑one interview coaching and a personalised interview outfit (free and hers to keep), helping women feel prepared, empowered, and ready to take their next step into work.
On average, our clients submit 43 job applications and spend around 24 hours a week applying for roles before coming to us, which can be incredibly demoralising and emotionally draining. With our support, women leave feeling confident and empowered, and an impressive 64% go on to secure employment.
We would be delighted for you to be part of another woman’s success story by taking part in our Bags of Confidence campaign, at the Inspiring Women Awards.
A handbag truly completes a client’s interview outfit, helping her feel confident, capable, and comfortable in a professional environment. If you have a handbag you would like to pass on, please bring it along to the event, where the Smart Works Greater Manchester team will collect it.
Ideally, we ask for brand new items, or if preloved, they should be in excellent condition with no visible wear or tear. Everything we provide is chosen to help the women we support feel as confident and worthy as possible. We would be incredibly grateful for anything you are able to give.
Amanda – Smart Works GM Client (54, from Trafford), shared this reflection that captures the difference the Smart Works Greater Manchester service makes:
“Smart Works Greater Manchester has been fantastic for helping to build my confidence back up. It’s been a hard slog looking for work. I’ve realised I’m not defined by my job, but I really dislike not having one. Looking for work is mentally challenging, Smart Works has been an amazing support, with amazing people too.”
For further information: https://greatermanchester.smartworks.org.uk/