MHA’s first Working Wardrobe hub has been officially opened by Senedd Member Natasha Asghar.

Despite living in one of the most affluent areas in the UK, considerable financial inequality exists within Monmouthshire, with many people experiencing poverty and financial hardship, often leading to them struggling to fund suitable interview attire.

Working Wardrobe donates interview clothing to people living in Monmouthshire who have a confirmed interview. Helping give people the confidence and self-belief to create the right first impression and take the first step towards attaining their dream job.

Working Wardrobe was developed by the socially-minded recruitment agency Moxie People under their charitable foundation, Moxie Foundation / Working Wardrobe. The Abergavenny hub is one of several to be successfully opened in South Wales and is in partnership with MHA and its community partner Cwtch Angels.

MHA and Working Wardrobe have plans to launch a further two hubs in Caldicot and Wyesham later in the year.

Nadine Fletcher, MHA’s Inclusion Manager and project lead said:

“We are thrilled to open the doors to our first hub, which promises to be a very busy, community facility, perfectly located next to the Cwtch Angels Community fridge.

 

MHA’s Financial Wellbeing team provided employment support to 150 tenants last year, so we know being able to dress to impress, is equally as important as securing that interview.

 

A huge thank you to our community partner Cwtch Angels, a passionate group of empathetic ladies, working together for the benefit of their local community, and to the very supportive Natasha Asghar SM for launching the hub and kindly donating a selection of her late father and former Senedd Member Mohammad Asghar’s beautiful suits”.

Rachel Rodrigues of Working Wardrobe said:

“Having previously worked within the county for 18 years, I fully understand the challenges faced by the residents of Monmouthshire. Working Wardrobe is a charity that recognises that a suit for an interview is sometimes a cost that cannot be justified. And feeling good about how you look really does make a difference to your motivation and well-being. Working Wardrobe wants to help those with a confirmed interview/volunteering opportunity or training placement be their best selves!

 

Working Wardrobe relies on donations of quality business wear, including shoes and accessories. In the run up to the launch, MHA staff generously donated excellent condition clothing in a variety of styles and sizes ranging from smart two-piece suits, funky waistcoats and casual shirts to blazers and belted shirt dresses enabling people to showcase their individuality, perfect for all ages, styles and roles.”

Natasha Asghar, Member of the Welsh Parliament for South East Wales, said:

“Having to fork out for an interview outfit isn’t always feasible and that barrier shouldn’t stop people with aspirations and skills getting their dream job – and that’s why this community initiative is so fantastic.

 

Throughout my recent visit, you could really feel the community spirit and see that everybody involved just wants to do the best they can to support those in need.

 

I know my late father would be delighted to know that some of his suits have been donated to Working Wardrobe as he was a firm believer in dressing to impress.

 

I am looking forward to teaming up with Working Wardrobe and all those other stakeholders as plans to expand further across the county progress.”

 

The hub will operate on a referral basis to ensure each individual gets the time and care needed to pick out the right clothes for their employment opportunity. There are several ways to make a referral, you can visit or contact the hub, or ask your work coach to make a referral on your behalf. Please note that confirmation of an interview / volunteering / training placement will be required. For those in work, the details of your company will be verified via the Introduction Form which can only be completed at Working Wardrobe hubs.

You will find the hub located at 2 Hatherleigh Place, Union Road West, Abergavenny, NP7 7RL.

Opening hours are 11-2pm Mon, Wed, Thurs.
Contact Annie Hartwright 07983 425560 /cwtchangelscic@gmail.com