A CHARITY offering suits and support for people struggling to find work has launched its services in Trafford.

The scheme, Trafford Working Wardrobe, provides unemployed residents with free outfits for interviews, interview support and job advice.

The charity behind the scheme, Groundworks Greater Manchester, is appealing to residents to donate work clothes they no longer need to those struggling to afford outfits for interviews.

The scheme was launched on Friday, September 10, at Trafford Town Hall by representatives from Groundworks Greater Manchester, Trafford Council and Trafford Housing Trust, who provided the charity with a grant of £85,000.

The service will be operating from various locations across Trafford and the main goal is to give individuals the confidence to get the job that they deserve.

Donations of high-quality, work-appropriate clothes for men and women, in a range of sizes are being welcomed.

They include:

  • business suits and ties;
  • shirts, tops and blouses;
  • skirts and dresses;
  • trousers;
  • shoes;
  • jackets and coats;
  • new bras and new tights;
  • accessories including belts, handbags and jewellery;
  • new, unopened cosmetics and make-up, skincare, body and hair products, men’s shaving products.

Groundworks project lead, Natasha Bernard, said: “The project has always been so close to my heart and to set this up from scratch has been amazing. I feel it’s so important to have services like Working Wardrobe. It is meaningful, tailored support to those who need it most and I am extremely proud of what we have achieved so far. Please support us with your donated clothes.”

Natasha and her team have so far collected more than £20,000 worth of quality clothing to donate to people ahead of their interviews.

Aileen Edmunds, head of social impact at Trafford Housing Trust, said: “It is a real privilege to be able to fund this fantastic project, and meet the passionate and dedicated team at Working Wardrobe.

“At Trafford Housing Trust we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a better life and seek to fund organisations like Working Wardrobe that make a real difference. If you are doing impactful work please visit our website as we could fund your project too.”

Cllr Mike Freeman, Trafford Council’s executive member for Covid recovery and reform, said: “I am extremely impressed by the whole concept of Working Wardrobe. This is a dedicated, hard-working group of people who are only interested in helping others.

“Thank you so much for all your hard work in setting this up. Your efforts have been amazing and what you have done will help countless people overcome barriers to employment. Well done to everyone involved in this fantastic scheme.”