Styling at EX FORCES DAY Support of Suited for Success, 19 February 2019 Clements and Church are thrilled to be working with Birmingham based charity Suited for Success, recycling and repurposing our tailoring and accessories to help men to dress for forthcoming interviews, and on the path to employment. On Tuesday 19th February we took part in a volunteering day at the charity, with Clements and Church Tailors assisting and advising a group of unemployed ex-military clients on how to wear our suits, as well as teach-ins on ties and accessories. The day also included grooming sessions and one to one interview coaching and employment advise from volunteers at The National Grid. Patricia from the charity said: "Our clients and ex-military charity partners attending the day were absolutely bowled over by the generosity and kind volunteering support from both Clements and Church and Benjamin Ryan Hair. It was such a treat for our ex-military clients to be dressed and styled by the teams alongside the interview coaching sessions and employment advice with National Grid staff volunteers and business professionals on the day helping to prepare them to make that crucial first impression count in their next job interview. "Our mission at Suited for Success is to create a platform that brings the business and charity sectors to work together and impact unemployment. The day really was our mission in action. It was also such a pleasure and an honour to support and serve those that have served our country. An incredible day!!!" On the day tailors Aaron Foster and Michael Harris dressed 8 veterans in interview appropriate wear, styling classic charcoal or navy suits with white, blue and pink shirts, brogues or oxford shoes and coordinating ties and socks to finish the looks. James, who was injured in his 12 years of service; said: ?I have always wanted the opportunity to have someone choose the right clothes for me.? Matt, who was in in the army for 26 years- loved his new look ? we dressed him in an elegant French navy single-breasted suit with white shirt and a silk purple and blue spot tie. He said; ?it makes me feel amazing, the fabric and the colour is perfect.? Benjamin Ryan hair set up a mini salon at the charity and were busy all morning trimming beards and cutting hair; for Tom, who was previously in the air force, it was one of the first proper haircuts he had experienced, saying ?I have spent most of my years with a buzzcut.? By the end of the day there was a great sense of achievement in the room. You could visibly see the increased confidence on the men?s faces as they saw themselves in the mirror. Jane Russell from The Poppy Factory said: ?It is wonderful to have the opportunity to bring wounded, injured and sick veterans The Poppy Factory are supporting back into employment here to receive bespoke styling that can make an impression at interview. The time and attention afforded has made a huge difference to confidence levels and adds further to the support provided by Patricia and her team at Suited for Success. Thank you very much for giving our veterans such a wonderful and uplifting experience on their journey back into employment?.
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