Looking back on twelve months of backing a charity that’s now reaching further than ever.
“Smart Works gave me back my confidence that has been lost for too long. Everyone here is amazing and so kind. Thank you for everything.” — Shannon, Smart Works client
A year ago, Sentio became a partner of Smart Works Leeds, contributing funding to help the charity move into a bigger, better centre. One built to support more women, more often. Twelve months on, that partnership has grown alongside them, and it feels like exactly the right moment to look back on what it’s meant, as the charity marks its next chapter with a new name: Smart Works Yorkshire.
A partnership that showed up all year
Our support started with the move itself, funding that went directly toward fitting out the new centre, the practical groundwork that meant more space for the mock interviews, styling sessions and coaching that make up Smart Works’ day-to-day.
But we didn’t want funding to be the whole story. Around International Women’s Day, a group from our team took on a sponsored abseil, raising money for Smart Works Yorkshire while (nervously) stepping off the edge for a good cause. We ran a clothing drive across our office building, collecting work and interview-appropriate clothing from colleagues to help stock the wardrobe clients choose from. Our team also spent a day at the new centre itself, unpacking boxes and setting up the waiting area ready for clients. Plus once it was up and running, we kept that same waiting room stocked with biscuits.
Partners in the outcomes
That’s the context behind stories like Shannon’s. Referred to Smart Works after losing her job through circumstances entirely out of her control, she was prepared for interview through a bespoke mock session and styled head to toe — coat, bag and accessories included. She walked in feeling, in her own words, “professional and confident.” She got the job, and four months on she’s thriving. She’s even stayed on with Smart Works, now contributing to their client media team and helping the next woman through the door see what’s possible.
Stories like Shannon’s are exactly why the timing of this rebrand feels significant. A bigger centre and a regional name mean Smart Works Yorkshire can now reach women anywhere across the region who need that same support and we’re proud that our partnership played a part in getting them there.
If you’d like to find out more about Smart Works Yorkshire, or how you could support them, visit yorkshire.smartworks
