Meet the charity that’s helping women in Birmingham get employed, through the power of clothing and confidence.

Smart Works Birmingham, a small, passionate team based in the heart of Birmingham, empower women across the Midlands to make sure they have the clothes, coaching and confidence to find work.

Based in Digbeth, the charity was awarded £20,000 in funding from the Severn Trent Community Fund, so it’s transformative work supporting women can continue at a time where many charities are having to close due to lack of vital funding.

The funding means Smart Works Birmingham can keep their centre open, where last year they supported 692 women, with 72% of the women they see getting a job within one month. This year they are aiming to empower and help even more women which is needed now more than ever.

“We are so grateful for the funding we received from Severn Trent Community Fund. Our centre is our hub; it’s our home and we simply couldn’t deliver our service without it. This funding has meant that we can concentrate on reaching the women who need us and focus on delivering the high standard of support that is a priority for Smart Works Birmingham. We want to help 920 women this year, an ambitious target but we know there is a need.” Lilly Clements, Fundraising & Partnerships Manager.

The charity doesn’t receive any government funding and relies on fundraising to stay afloat, if you or your organisation would like to get involved and help this amazing charity there are many ways that you can.

You can donate money, time or even clothes.

Both Severn Trent, and Smart Works have strong links to the city in its commitment in helping people into work and boosting employment.

Severn Trent launched it’s programme to help 100,000 people into work by tackling the root causes of poverty in the city – which includes running jobs fairs, and free employability training in communities.

Natalie Cunningham, Severn Trent Community Fund Officer said: “Smart Works are a small, but mighty team who’s support for women feeling empowered and confident with finding work perfectly aligns with our own commitment to those living in Birmingham.

“Our core funding is there to support charities that serve as lifelines to the community, so they can continue to provide the incredible service. We’re incredibly proud that our funding has meant that Smart Works can continue giving the support needed, and reach more women to help and change their life.”

From the 3^rd – 10^th December any donation to Smart Works Birmingham via the Big Give Christmas Challenge campaign will be doubled Transforming the lives of unemployed women. Please contact lilly.clements@smartworks.org.uk

Severn Trent’s Community Fund has been awarding funding to cover core costs for charity groups in its region, and since 2020 has supported almost 500 community groups with this vital funding.

With grants of £5,000 to £20,000 the core funding supports the wider Community Fund, where between 2020 and 2025 the company will have awarded £10m to community projects and causes.

Across Birmingham and the Black Country alone, the company has awarded over £354,000 in core funding and £1.57m for new projects through the Severn Trent Community Fund.

To find out more and how to apply, visit stwater.co.uk/communityfund.