BUPA initiatives

Working wardrobe

Are you planning on spring cleaning your wardrobe this year? If so, you could help us to help low-income men and women get back into the workplace, by donating some of your unwanted office attire.

BUPA Community Connections has launched a successful Working wardrobes scheme and will be setting up collection points for both men and women's clothing throughout many of BUPA's business sites.

The items that we will be collecting are:

• suits
• shirts
• separates
• new or lightly used shoes
• accessories (brief cases, purses, belts, jewellery)
• hosiery
• unused makeup

Community Connections will be recycling the clothing through various national not-for-profit organisations and government agencies, such as homeless and domestic violence shelters, immigration services and job training programmes, all of which help men and women prepare themselves for joining the workforce.

The 'catch 22' Without a job many unemployed men and women can't afford a suit. But without a suit, how do they get a job?

Many of these clients will have the skills and the experience to re-enter the world of work, but without the appropriate attire it is much more difficult to obtain an interview. Similarly, a working outfit can make all the difference to the way someone feels about him or herself, giving them the confidence they need to succeed.

Look out for the Working Wardrobe posters to find out when the campaign is coming your way. To find out more about Working Wardrobe, please click here to contact the Community Connections team.