Meet Our Charity Member: Smart Works – Be Part of Her Future

Over the last year, Smart Works Leeds has supported 1,000 women across the whole of Yorkshire, helping them rebuild confidence, secure employment, and begin to transform their lives, and that of their families and communities.

“Smart Works has enabled us to dream about our future. It is a liberating safe haven… Go there, and you can dream about the future again.” (Smart Works Client)

What Does Smart Works Leeds Do?

Smart Works Leeds delivers a unique service, combining interview coaching with personal styling, all free of charge to local unemployed women. Women are referred to Smart Works at different stages of their job search journey. First, they may access a career coaching appointment, aimed to boost confidence and agree next steps on a client’s job search. When a job interview is secured, clients are invited to a 2-hour coaching and dressing session, providing a totally free and bespoke dressing appointment to find the high-quality clothing they need to feel amazing, and a one-to-one coaching appointment to prepare them for the interview.

And the support doesn’t stop there. Once a client secures a role, she returns to Smart Works to receive a capsule wardrobe for work, so she can begin her employment with the confidence and tools she needs.

While part of the Smart Works Charity network, the Leeds centre is independently run with its own governance and fundraising. This allows the team to respond directly to the needs of women in Yorkshire.

Impact at a Glance (April 2024 – March 2025)

1,087 coaching and dressing appointments delivered

96% of clients reported a growth in confidence

84% of clients got a job within a month

58% of clients were from ethnic minority backgrounds

25% were lone parents

47% had been unemployed for over a year

Since opening in November 2019, the centre has supported over 3,000 women.

Stories That Inspire: Rebecca’s Journey

Rebecca*, a recent client, came to Smart Works Leeds with her teenage daughter after surviving years in an abusive relationship. Unsure of where to turn or what to wear for an upcoming job interview, she met Fran, Smart Works Leeds' Outreach Assistant and a former client herself.

“From the moment we walked through the door, we were treated with such care and kindness… I’d spent so long wearing black, and Smart Works helped me find colour again.”

Today, both Rebecca and her daughter are employed. Rebecca is now volunteering in her community, supporting other women through a peer group she started herself.

The Need Is Growing – And So Is the Vision

Smart Works Leeds is based in Harehills, where 47% of women are economically inactive and 46% of children live in poverty. The current centre is running at capacity, with limited space for appointments, volunteers, or group support. A move is essential.

The vision? A bright, welcoming new centre at Mabgate Mills (LS9) that will allow the team to:

· Support up to 100 women a week with 4 dressing and coaching spaces.

· Improve accessibility with lift access and a quiet space.

· Host more volunteers, interns and students to support the service and gain vital experience. 

· Host group workshops to create a safe and supportive space for all women.

· Launch a virtual dressing studio, improving Yorkshire-wide access. 

· Revolutionise the wardrobe holding more stock in 2 areas, and presenting it

perfectly

Grow the team, making it possible to resource the service as it grows

This new space will mean no woman is turned away when she’s ready to change her life.

Smart, Kind, and Forward-Thinking

Smart Works Leeds is led by an all-women board, and during the pandemic, they quickly pivoted to deliver their service virtually. That agility uncovered a vital new approach—online support that remains essential for rural clients, women with caring responsibilities, or those living with anxiety or trauma.

The team is currently expanding into Bradford, broadening their reach across Yorkshire with a hybrid model that ensures no one is left behind.

How You Can Help

Smart Works Leeds is currently raising £250,000 to create this new home; a safe, empowering space for thousands more women.

“You’re not just helping women get dressed,” says Rebecca. “You’re helping them find their strength, confidence and colour again—and that is life-changing.”

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To donate or get involved, visit Smart Works Leeds and help make this new beginning possible.

You can also follow along on social media (smartworksleeds) or contact Amy and Hannah in the Partnerships team (amy.harrison@smartworks.org.uk/hannah.boyle@smartworks.org.uk)

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