Smart move as Stockport MP visits Smart Works

Stockport MP Ann Coffey put her best foot forward when she visited the team at Smart Works Greater Manchester offices.  

This was Stockport MP Ann’s first visit to the charity’s Stockport offices where ladies who want to return to work are prepared for interview and dressed for success.

Smart Works, originally set up in London, opened its doors to the ladies of Greater Manchester in June 2015. Since then they have welcomed over 400 women and helped them to get back into the workplace.

Led by UK Head of Licensees Laura Dalby, Smart Works Greater Manchester’s success is driven by the skills of their volunteers and the quality and range of the clothing in their dressing room.

Stockport MP Ann Coffey, who has been in post since 1992 and was re-elected as Labour MP for Stockport in May 2015, is a passionate supporter of charities and local community initiatives and was delighted to see first-hand the team at work.

Ann said: “Many of the fears that women are faced with when applying for a job can be overcome with the help of Smart Works.

I met with one of their clients and saw for myself how they grow in confidence after being helped with interview techniques and dressed in a fabulous new outfit.

“Smart Works is having a positive impact on so many lives.”

Ann Coffey tweeted about her visit to Smart Works

Louise Parrott-Bates, CEO of Pure Innovations and chair of the Trustees, was pleased to welcome Ann to Smart Works which is located opposite St Peter’s Square in Stockport: “Over the past 18 months we have seen how our ladies have really benefitted from the service Smart Works provide. Not only do we help them into a job, which is a financial bonus, but we can see how a helping hand and a new outfit can give them confidence and make them feel valued.

“Having Ann to visit was a real boost to us all and helps us to spread the word.”

Smart Works is a charity reliant upon grant-funding and funds raised by their partners. Many of the outfits given to the ladies are brand new and donated by designer labels and High Street retailers.

Clothing drives, coffee mornings and sponsored events are just some of the fund raising events that have enabled Smart Works to have a positive impact on the lives of many women – find out more at Smart Works GM.

Louise added: “We are lucky to have an experienced board of Trustees and a pool of great volunteers but we are always looking for more. We are holding a Trustees event on 18th January and anyone interested in finding out more can email me.

“We are incredibly proud that after visiting Smart Works Greater Manchester, 70% of those clients we were able to contact went on to get the job.”