When Asha first heard about Smart Works, she was feeling lost. Having left her previous job due to mental health challenges, she was ready to return to work but unsure how to take the next step.

“I was having a really hard time with anxiety and depression,” she says. “Eventually, I reached a point where money was tight, and I knew I needed to get back into work – I just didn’t feel very confident about how to do that.”

Although Asha had been getting interviews, nothing was landing. Her applications were getting noticed, but something wasn’t quite clicking when it came to the final hurdle - interviews. She met a Smart Works representative at a local jobs fair and decided to give it a try.

“From the moment I walked in to the Smart Works centre, it felt different,” she recalls. “Everyone was smiling. I'd kept to myself a lot while I was off work, so just being in a warm, welcoming space made a huge difference. I felt seen.”

Asha’s appointment started with a styling session to find the right outfit for an upcoming in-person interview – her first since leaving her last role.

“I ended up choosing something really bold – bright red trousers, a navy blazer, and a white shirt. Not what I’d usually go for, but I felt incredible.”

That was followed by one-to-one interview coaching. For Asha, it was a turning point.

“I’d been trying to tell myself I was good enough, but it was hard to believe it. Speaking to someone who saw my strengths and helped me prepare – it was eye-opening. Suddenly, it felt possible.”

She left her appointment with a new outfit, renewed confidence, and a plan. Just having one less thing to worry about – what to wear – made a big difference on the day of her interview. Soon after, Asha got the job.

Her experience is part of a much bigger story. Last year, Smart Works supported 10,682 women across the UK, delivering 7,083 interview appointments and 4,063 coaching sessions – a 30% and 47% increase from the previous year. An incredible 67% of clients secured a job within a month of their visit –a powerful testament to the impact of our model.

Asha says she didn’t expect the impact to be so huge. “It’s about so much more than clothes. I walked out of there feeling ready – like I had a chance.”

Now settled in her new role, Asha continues to grow in confidence. “I know the skills I have are valuable and are going to help me in the future. I’m in a really good place.”

Click here to read more in our latest Impact Report.

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