Lord-Lieutenant of the County of Tyne and Wear shows support for North East Charity

Over 100 of the North East’s movers and shakers came out in force to learn about the work of Smart Works Newcastle on the evening of Wednesday 12^th October.

The event took place in the Great Hall at Northumbria University, and over drinks and canapes, guests were told about the origins and impact of the women’s employment charity and were treated to the world premiere of the charity’s impact film.

The evening was hosted by Ward Hadaway, and Lucy Winskell OBE DL, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of the County of Tyne and Wear.

Soon to be celebrating their fifth birthday, the charity offers free interview clothing and support to anyone who identifies as female, is unemployed and is based in the North East. In the last four and a half years, the service has dressed and coached over 1180 women for interview and job success, with 72% going on to get the job.

Smart Works Newcastle believe in using fashion as a force for good. They know that when a woman looks and feels great about who she is, she can change her life. Last month, Smart Works Newcastle had their highest month for numbers and as a result gave out 400 items of clothing to clients. At the event, guests were invited to bring along clothing donations for the service, and so many were brought that the donation point was overflowing with coats, bags, dresses and more.

Chair of Smart Works Newcastle, Sophie Milliken was equally delighted at the success of the evening stating “We’re so grateful to Ward Hadaway and to Lucy Winskell OBE DL, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of the County of Tyne and Wear, for hosting this event on our behalf, enabling us to raise our profile and highlight the work we do. We’ve just had a record-breaking month and are on course for another, so the clothing donations from this evening, and the corporate support that will follow, will enable us to support more unemployed women across the northeast.”

Lesley Fairclough, Partner at Ward Hadaway added “The work that Smart Works Newcastle do is nothing short of phenomenal and the more events like this can shine a light on the organisation the better. We look forward to seeing the North East business community supporting this amazing charity in future.”

Lucy Winskell OBE DL, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of the County of Tyne and Wear commented “I am delighted to have had the opportunity to learn more about, and to help shine yet more light on the great work undertaken by Smart Works Newcastle, and  to lend support to  help women into employment. My thanks to them and to Ward Hadaway for their generous support.

www.newcastle.smartworks.org.uk

Photo credit: Sue Todd