1st Impressions met with 10 young women, Year 2 and Final Year students, to help them choose a wardrobe of outfits ready for networking events and job interviews.
The charity - co-run by staff in the School of Management and volunteers from Bath - helps women to create confident first impressions at interview and when they start work.
Clothes are donated to the charity by women who want to pass on pre-loved clothes and confidence to empower other women to reach their goals.
Ri Vass, a final year mathematical sciences student and Gold Scholar, said: “I wasn’t sure if I’d find anything that suited my style but there was a great selection of clothes and I went home with several outfits that I’m very happy with, that make me feel confident and professional.
"I’d definitely encourage other students to go and see 1st Impressions if they have the chance - it was a fun experience to try on lots different clothes in a really supportive and friendly setting. I feel much more prepared for the formal occasions that will be happening this year.”
Liz Simmons, Scholarship & Bursary Enrichment Manager, added: “It’s fantastic for our Scholars to have this opportunity. Many of our sessions in the Gold Scholarship Programme aim to build Scholars’ confidence, cultural competence and professionalism – to ensure that they can access the placements and graduate jobs that they aspire to. Having the right outfit – in which they can feel authentic, yet professional, is really important!”
The charity has a boutique at Fairfield House in Bath open for appointments with volunteer stylists, and it holds pop-ups in the region. It has helped 150 women in the past year, including Ukranian refugees, people attending local job centres, and women at HMP Eastwood Park.
“We had a really fun session with the Gold Scholars, and they all went away with some fabulous interview outfits,” said co-founder Dr Jane Ellis-Brush. “We are all about sharing clothes and confidence, to help women to succeed at interview. We have a Gold Scholar volunteering with us at the moment, and we are very proud to support these talented young women.”
The charity is keen to hear from women who are interested in volunteering - please visit their website to find out more about the charity, and contact Jane to discuss how you could help at Jane@1stimpressions.org.uk
If you have smart, good quality clothes in sizes 16 or over, or flat shoes in size 7 or above, that you would like to donate please do get in touch with the charity.