How You Can Support Women Back into Work This International Women’s Day – Donate Your Pre-loved Work Wear

This International Women’s Day, Christopher Place is proud to support Smart Works through a dedicated clothes drop designed to empower women at a pivotal moment in their lives.

Founded in 2013, Smart Works helps unemployed women return to work with confidence. Through interview coaching, CV support and professional styling, the charity supports women as they prepare for interviews, ensuring they feel capable, confident and ready to succeed.

How the Clothes Drop Works

As part of our International Women’s Day activity, Christopher Place will be hosting a one day clothes drop, collecting shoes, handbags and stylish workwear only. These items will be donated directly to the Smart Works London showroom, where women attend one to one appointments ahead of job interviews.

Each woman receives practical coaching alongside personal styling and, importantly, free choice to select pieces that reflect who they are. It is not about dressing to fit in, but about dressing with confidence.

A Real Story of Impact

One of the women supported by Smart Works, Alba, shared her experience of returning to work after a period of uncertainty.

“It was very confusing because of my title, and because of COVID 19, I got very scared and didn’t want to leave my cleaning job. But I knew if I stayed, I would never have career growth.”

Like many women, financial pressure added to the stress. Universal Credit covered only basic housing costs, leaving Alba relying on savings to manage bills and essentials. The job market felt unforgiving and impersonal, with automated systems and little human connection.

Alba was referred to Smart Works through Universal Credit. On arrival, she did not know what to expect, but the experience quickly changed how she saw herself.

“Smart Works made me feel really welcome. They taught me how to tailor my CV, write proper cover letters and gave me tips for personal statements. They made me feel capable again.”

Alongside coaching, Smart Works provided interview clothing. What might seem like a small gesture had a profound impact.

“They gave me clothes that made me feel confident and got me out of my comfort zone. They really helped me get that little bit out of my outer shell.”

With renewed confidence and clarity, Alba moved from sending applications blindly to attending targeted interviews. She secured a role in charity administration, a sector she had long admired and one that aligned with her values.

“To have a job means having independence, the ability to pay your bills, and sometimes even treat yourself. It gives peace of mind.”

Her story reflects wider challenges facing women today, from automated recruitment processes to unequal access to opportunity. Smart Works helps bridge that gap by ensuring capable women are seen, heard and supported.

What We’re Looking For

This clothes drop is not a general clear out. We are kindly asking for fashion forward, professional pieces that genuinely support women entering the workplace.

We are accepting:

• Shoes

• Handbags

• Stylish workwear

We are unable to accept summer clothing, menswear, or worn or damaged items. The focus is on quality pieces that help women feel polished, confident and prepared.

Drop Off Details

Christopher Place
Unit 4, opposite Hobbs
Wednesday 4 March
11am to 4pm

Every item donated helps support women like Alba as they take an important step forward. This International Women’s Day, we invite our community to come together and be part of something meaningful.

With care, intention and generosity, we can help empower women to step into their next chapter with confidence.

With love,
Christopher Place St Albans

Explore Smart Works and the vital work they do to empower women into employment.