MHA are delighted to officially become part of the Working Wardrobe project rapidly expanding across South Wales; providing preloved clothing for people looking for work.
Working Wardrobe Monmouthshire was launched at our head office in Mamhilad, Pontypool on 3rd March and attended by partners and supporters including Monmouthshire County Council and Cwtch Angels community group.
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, casual shirts to blazers and belted shirt dresses enabling people to showcase their individuality, perfect for all ages, tastes and roles.
Nadine Fletcher, MHA Inclusion Manager and Project Co-ordinator said
“We are super excited to be joining the Working Wardrobe family, helping give job seekers in Monmouthshire the opportunity to look and feel the part on their big day.
MHA’s work and skills team already provide employability support and training to tenants looking to start their career. We are now able to go one step further, literally providing all round employment support.
Being dressed for success can make the difference between having the confidence and self-belief to apply for that dream job and flourishing in their chosen career”.
MHA aims to open three hubs in the next couple of months across Monmouthshire, together with community partners; Cwtch Angels, Caldicot Town Team and the Wyesham Warrens.
All of the hubs 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 your local participating hub or ask your work coach to make a referral on your behalf.
Working Wardrobe was developed by housing recruitment agency Moxie People and to date has been successfully rolled out in Cardiff, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent.
Rachel Rodrigues, Moxie People, Project Manager – Working Wardrobe said
“Monmouthshire has historically been viewed as an affluent County but having worked in the County for nearly 20 years, I know that the cost of living crisis has only highlighted the crucial work that MHA, their counterparts and the Local Authority have been working with for a long time”.
“Bringing Working Wardrobe to Monmouthshire means that we can look at the bigger picture. Transport links in parts of Monmouthshire are limited and having to pay for essential bills in this time of rising prices all contribute to ‘clothing poverty’.
“Working Wardrobe works with people who have a confirmed interview / volunteering / training role lined up to access suitable clothing, free of charge. We also work with people who are struggling to maintain their current employment by providing clothing suitable for their need. Working Wardrobe has access to high quality clothing and has a vast warehouse of items which have been donated by the public and by High Street retailers”.
Working Wardrobe is also open to the wider Monmouthshire Community. Alternatively, if you would like to support the project by organising a clothes drive, please contact Nadine Fletcher on nadine.fletcher@monmouthshirehousing.co.uk for more information and support.
