Sheffield charity overwhelmed by smart clothes donations to help young job-hunters

Nacro Education Sheffield asked for donations of smart clothing to its Work Ready Clothing Bank, helping learners to get ready for work.

At the start of this year, Nacro centre manager Ruth Puckett put out a plea on Facebook for help. Ruth works with some of the most disadvantaged young people in Sheffield, helping them to get their qualifications and the skills needed to enter employment.

However, they often don’t have suitable clothing to wear to interviews or on work placements.

So, Ruth posted to the local community Facebook page, asking if any friends or locals had spare workwear sitting in their wardrobes that they were happy to donate.

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The post took off and within a few weeks rails and rails of clothing had been donated to the centre for learners to wear and borrow.

The clothing donated to the Work Ready Clothing Bank is in all colours and sizes, meaning that any student in need can get help.

Ruth said that after working so hard to prepare for work and education, not having the right clothing can be a major hurdle for students. The donations will help boost the students’ confidence and send them off to placements and interviews,feeling and looking the part.

Ruth added: “I’ve been absolutely blown away by the generosity of people; we’ve had so many items of clothing donated including really beautiful Phase Eight and Karen Millen dresses and Ted Baker suits.

“These clothes will make all the difference to our learners.

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“Not having the right clothing to wear to a job interview, or to a work placement, can really knock their confidence, to them it’s just another thing that visibly marks them as different, but now it’s not something they need to worry about.

“I just wanted to do something to try and help our learners out, we can prepare them educationally, but sometimes everybody needs the little confidence boost that comes from feeling like you look the part.

“I’m so thankful to everyone that has donated, every item will help someone we work with prepare for work.”

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