Since moving to virtual service six weeks ago because of the coronavirus pandemic, Smart Works has delivered 200 hours of support to their clients. The Duchess of Sussex, who is patron, shared a message of support for the charity’s efforts and even stepped in to help volunteer virtually.
Smart Works is a charity based in the UK that works to provide high quality interview clothes and interview training to unemployed women in need.
Wednesday, the charity released a video of the Duchess speaking on her time working with the charity during the pandemic.
“It’s a pleasure to support them, you see how great they do and how many people they help and that’s what it’s all about. I’ve been really proud to be able to be their patron, but it’s an easy yes when you have such incredible women helping you,” Meghan said.
The Duchess even had a chance to host a session with one of the woman the charity supports. The client said of her time with the Duchess:
“I just wanted to say a big ‘thank you’ to you, the Duchess and the whole team at Smart Works for making this possible for women all around the UK, because to see such work is truly inspiring and uplifting. And thank you for the super helpful interview tips – I will be using them for years to come!”
The Duchess also took the time to speak on Smart Works efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s been such an honour to meet and learn from so many talented women in the Smart Works network over the years, and recently to see the amazing work they’re doing to adapt their programs to the reality of this pandemic.
“Their ability to continue to empower women and help them harness the confidence they need to succeed during this time is inspiring.”
The Smart Works service is available for any woman who is unemployed and has a confirmed upcoming job interview. Referrals for the charity are made by Smart Works’ employee support partners which include women’s charities and Job Centre Plus.
The Chief Executive Officer of the charity, Kate Stephens, issued a statement on how much the Duchess’s work means to the charity.
“Smart Works has always been about building a community of empowered women and at times like this community has never been more important. Thanks to the help of everyone involved in Smart Works, including the Duchess, we have been able to rise to the challenge and continue to find new ways to deliver our service, enabling women to feel confident and transform their lives.”
The Duchess became patron of the charity in January of 2019. The decision to work with the Smart Works incorporates her desire to support women, and to helping those in need across the UK. Before and after taking on her patron role, the Duchess has made several private visits to Smart Works centres to work with clients.