Dragons’ Den star and Strictly Come Dancing alumna Sara Davies MBE is lending her continued support to a special charity fashion event in Sunderland designed to help unemployed women in the North East return to work. Davies, a long-time ambassador for Smart Works, has even contributed items from her own wardrobe for the upcoming fashion sale, reinforcing her personal commitment to the cause.
Set to take place on Thursday, June 26 at Sunderland City Hall, the Smart Works summer fashion sale will feature a carefully curated collection of pre-loved, vintage, high-street, and designer women’s clothing. With all items priced between £5 and £30, the event aims to attract bargain hunters while raising crucial funds for the charity’s work across the region.
Smart Works provides free interview clothing and one-on-one coaching to unemployed women to help them succeed in job interviews. The service, which has already made a meaningful impact in areas like Sunderland, continues to expand its reach and influence. Davies expressed her pride in being part of the initiative, noting that the organization has grown significantly and continues to empower more women each year. She emphasized how the charity boosts confidence through both coaching and styling, helping many make the leap back into employment.
The upcoming event reflects Smart Works’ dedication to extending its services into more communities throughout the North East. A spokesperson for the charity highlighted that all money raised from the fashion sale will go directly towards supporting local women in their journey to employment. The event is pitched not only to fashion enthusiasts but also to those passionate about sustainable shopping and women’s empowerment.
Smart Works is currently in the final year of a three-year plan that aims to double the number of women it assists annually, from 5,000 to 10,000. With its main base in Newcastle, the charity has plans to expand into cities identified as having high levels of need, such as Liverpool, Sheffield, and Bristol. In 2024, the charity reported that 68% of the women who used its services secured employment within a month, moving quickly from unemployment to financial independence and a more secure future.
This week, Sara Davies will also serve as the keynote speaker at the Fire Station in Sunderland during the UK Start-up & Scale-up Week festival. Her presence is expected to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs across the region, further cementing her role as a leading figure in both business and community advocacy.
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