Helping mums back to work at Suited for Success
On Thursday 14th June Suited for Success hosted it's first 'Back to Work Mums Day' supporting ladies in Ladywood, Birmingham aspiring to go back to work after having children. The ladies were from a variety of backgrounds and a number of years unemployed now eager to find employment.
Professional support
The day included a group workshop session with careers coach Clara Wilcox from Balance Collective exploring topics including overcoming self-limiting beliefs, understanding work and family balance, identifying transferable skills and job hunting confidently.
A team of professional recruitment consultants from Oakleaf partnerships also joined us for the day giving a group session on interview tips then worked one-to-one with each lady updating CVs, job search, applying for jobs and interview tips. The women were then dressed and styled by the Suited for Success volunteer team and provided with a FREE job interview outfit.
Aspiring to go back to work
The ladies who attended the day talked openly about the challenges they faced going back to work after having children including having the relevant qualifications, skills and experience also finding affordable childcare. One parent shared: "if I found a job I would have to put my two boys into an after school club but that would cost me £60 a week"
Other challenges included language barriers and almost everyone in the group felt they lacked confidence and belief in themselves because of being being out of work for a long period of time.
More than just a suit
Suited for Success is developing a strand of work to support unemployed women in Ladywood, Birmingham and surrounding local area who are wanting to find jobs or go back into employment after having children. As part of our work, the Back to Work Mums workshop days will partner with local Job Centres, local schools, children centres, community projects and professional business to support women with children in the local area giving them the practical tools, resources and confidence to find sustainable employment.
A fantastic day!
Patricia White, Suited for Success Managing Director: "We had such a fantastic day with the ladies and it was great to have Clara Wilcox (Balance Collective) and the fantastic HR recruitment team from Oakleaf Partnerships with us for the day too. Their professional expert advise was invaluable for the ladies.
"Ladywood is one of the top areas in the UK with the highest unemployment with many families in the area with either one or no working adults in the household. The changes in the benefits system women are also required to look for work once children reach school age. Suited for Success is creating a platform to help bridge the gaps and work in partnership with others to prepare mums Ladywood for the place of work.
"All the ladies thoroughly enjoyed the day. We will continue to support the ladies who attended the day through our partnership working in the Ladywood area. We're also looking forward to run future days"
(See more pictures from the day below)
