Emprise Services plc, a support services company, has donated a number of its security suits to help vulnerable, unemployed and low-income men find employment.
The company had a number of spare unused jackets and trousers in stock and decided to donate them to Suited & Booted, a London-based charity, which provides the men with interview clothing and advice. Some 56 Panama jackets and 138 pairs of Conran trousers, in a variety of sizes, have already been shipped from Emprise’s suit supplier.
Dr Maria Lenn, founder of Suited & Booted, said: “The uniforms are perfect, just what we need. We are all absolutely delighted and the donation will help our vulnerable clients look the part for their job interviews, and feel confident and supported. We recognise the importance of wearing a suit or smart clothing and how empowering this can be, particularly in an interview situation. We very much appreciate Emprise’s support, it means a lot to us and for our wonderful clients too.”
Mark Beadle, Emprise’s chief executive, said: “When I heard Maria being interviewed on Jeremy Vine’s radio programme I was both so impressed and determined for us to find a way to help. Suited & Booted really do make a difference to people’s lives. Wearing a suit can change the way you feel about yourself and improve self esteem, so it made perfect sense to us to donate the clothing so other people could benefit. When you feel confident this is reflected in how you promote yourself to others and how they perceive you.”
Public agencies refer vulnerable, unemployed and low-income men to Suited & Booted, which then helps them into employment by providing suitable interview clothing donated by companies and professionals. It also offers interview advice and mentoring.
In its first year, it helped around 800 men – providing them with a suit, shirt, tie and accessories for their job interviews. It expects this number to grow to around 1000 each year.
Visit www.emprise.co.uk.
