Donated suits support charity’s employability programme

FareShare Midlands’ SkillsShare employability programmes have received a valuable donation of professional workwear from Suited for Success, a Birmingham-based charity that closed its doors at the end of 2024.

The donation will help programme participants access free interview clothing to boost their confidence and job prospects.

Since its creation, Suited for Success supported over 7,000 people across the West Midlands, offering interview coaching, employment preparation, and professional attire for jobseekers.

Recognising a shared mission, the charity’s founder and former chief executive, Patricia White, reached out to FareShare Midlands to donate a range of high-quality workwear for job seekers in need.

FareShare Midlands is the region’s largest food redistribution charity, feeding over 60,000 people weekly through a membership of 650 charities and community organisations.

It also empowers individuals through training, work experience and its SkillsShare personal development programmes, giving people the skills and confidence to build a more secure future.

To date, FareShare Midlands has supported over 700 individuals on their journey to employment.

Nieke, an employability coach at FareShare Midlands, saw an opportunity to collaborate with Suited for Success.

She said: “When I joined FareShare, I reached out to Patricia, and we arranged for the employability team to meet with her. I was eager to create a partnership so that SkillsShare participants could benefit from free interview clothing and coaching.”

Patricia added: “I thought the clothing could be used to support unemployed individuals with a free interview outfit or workwear for their new job.

“I'm really pleased the donations from Suited for Success are continuing to make a difference in helping people into employment."