There are some great organisations out there, doing amazing work, but until you visit them and see it in person, you don’t truly appreciate the difference they are making and the impact it has on those who benefit from the service.

This is how I felt, the first time I went to visit SmartWorks Greater Manchester’s – Manchester city hub, and got to see the journey their clients would go on first hand. From the warm welcome as they enter, the feeling of safety and being valued, to the stylist experience, so much more than an outfit for interview, through to coaching, unlocking confidence, clarity and a vision of what’s possible.

With a challenging job market, and many gender initiatives targeted at women who are already in the workplace, the team at Male Allies UK decided to support Smart Works GM as our partner for the year, as we felt the work they do is highly impactful and makes such a difference in these uncertain times. We are passionate about creating opportunities for women who are often forgotten, their talent, skills and potential not getting to where they should, which means we all lose out.

It's not easy to put into words the change and transformation that every member of the team makes, but every time I’ve been lucky enough to make one of their events, you can see, from trustees down to volunteers, there’s compassion, spirit and an energy that being part of worthy cause gives you. It’s the same feeling that I have with my team and board at Male Allies UK, and that alignment in itself is another reason we are getting behind Smart Works Greater Manchester and will continue to do so for years to come.

We were delighted to be able to donate £2106 pounds, kindly matched to the amount by The Big Give, to support the ongoing impact of Smart Works Greater Manchester's service. It was a pleasure to share a few words at this year's International Day of the Girl event, hosted by Eversheds Sutherland.

Smart Works Greater Manchester is so much more than clothes. Come and see for yourself.

Lee Chambers, CEO of MaleAllies UK

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