Confidence, clothing and coaching – how this charity is changing lives in Greater Manchester

An inspiring charity is changing the lives of unemployed women, helping them find both jobs and the confidence to succeed.

Smart Works Greater Manchester has a unique mission: to provide women with tailored professional attire, interview coaching, and support so they can approach the job market with renewed self-belief and dignity.

Through a holistic approach that combines personal styling with practical interview skills, Smart Works helps women step confidently toward employment and financial independence.

Founded in 2013, Smart Works operates 11 centres across the UK, assisting over 40,000 women to date. Their services have been transformative for women facing unemployment across Greater Manchester.

Last year alone, Smart Works Greater Manchester helped more than 833 women, two-thirds of whom secured employment within just one month of their appointments.

These women, many of whom had been out of work for extended periods or faced significant barriers to employment, found renewed purpose through Smart Works’ unique blend of styling and coaching.

Smart Works’

The heart of Smart Works’ services lies in providing every woman with not only a professional outfit but also a confidence-boosting experience. Each client receives an individual styling session, where volunteers select an outfit tailored to the client’s needs and professional aspirations.

Alongside this, clients benefit from a one-on-one coaching session, offering them personalised advice to navigate job interviews successfully.

These services make a remarkable difference. After visiting Smart Works, 95% of women report feeling more confident, and 91% gain greater clarity about their skills and experiences.

For women who have often faced rejection or long stretches of unemployment, this renewed sense of confidence can be life-changing. In Greater Manchester, 99% of clients reported that their Smart Works appointment improved their chances of securing a job, while 63% found work within a month.

Meeting rising demand amid new challenges

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact communities, more women are seeking work to provide stability for themselves and their families. Smart Works Greater Manchester, which relies on donations and grants, is working harder than ever to meet growing demand.

Earlier this year, the charity expanded its reach with a second centre in Manchester’s city centre, doubling its capacity to serve women across the ten boroughs of Greater Manchester. This new location allows Smart Works to support even more women who are struggling to re-enter the workforce amid a competitive job market.

In many cases, these women are not only seeking jobs but also regaining a sense of purpose and identity.

Jan Iceton, Chair of Smart Works Greater Manchester, highlights the charity’s commitment to creating a lasting impact: “Our clients are motivated to gain financial security and contribute to their families’ well-being.

“We take pride in helping them rebuild their confidence and skillset to succeed in job interviews. As we approach our tenth anniversary, we’re determined to raise greater awareness of our services and the transformative impact they have on the women we support.”

Gemma Sheppard Joins as New Ambassador

To help elevate the charity’s profile and increase its impact, Smart Works Greater Manchester has appointed award-winning stylist and fashion consultant Gemma Sheppard as its new Ambassador.

Sheppard, known for her work on shows like 10 Years Younger in 10 Days, is passionate about empowering others through style and self-expression—values that align perfectly with Smart Works’ mission. Sheppard will make her debut as Ambassador at Smart Works’ annual Fashion & Fizz event on November 14th at Mottram Hall, where she will join current Ambassador Michelle Ackerley in raising awareness and support for the charity’s vital work.

Reflecting on her new role, Sheppard shared, “I am incredibly honoured to become an ambassador for Smart Works Greater Manchester, a charity that truly embodies the spirit of empowering women. Smart Works is the ultimate in lifting women up, providing kindness, guidance, and unwavering support at every step as they embark on their journey back to work.”

Building Confidence, Inspiring Change

As Smart Works Greater Manchester continues to grow, the charity remains focused on providing a space where women feel valued, supported, and ready to take on new challenges. With support from advocates like Sheppard and the generous contributions from the community, Smart Works is transforming not only the lives of women across Greater Manchester but also the lives of their families.

Tickets for the Fashion & Fizz event on November 14th, where Sheppard will share insights from her career, are available on Smart Works Greater Manchester’s website, with all proceeds going directly to support the charity’s mission.

How to support Smart Works

For more information on how you can support Smart Works and make a difference in the lives of women seeking employment, visit their website or follow Smart Works Greater Manchester on Instagram @smartworksgm.

You can find out more about Smart Works by clicking here