Member News
Gateshead-based office technology company, SOS Group, is continuing to support men seeking employment by entering into a new partnership with community interest company, Society Matters.
Society Matters has now taken over the reins of Suitablity, which for seven years has been providing help for men who find the cost of interview attire a barrier to employment opportunities.
Suitability removes that barrier by using donated suitable clothing to provide the necessary outfit at no cost and SOS Group is providing a new donation station at its Team Valley headquarters to help Society Matters continue the greatly-valued service.
Provision of the donation station is an extension of the long-term support SOS Group has previously given to Suitability and the copy, print, scan specialists have also commissioned a mobile donation station, which they will use to encourage wider business community support at relevant events.
Andrew Skelton, a Director at SOS Group, says: “We’ve been very proud to support the work of Suitablity for many years and we know the positive difference it makes the lives of men seeking employment.
“Finding a job is obviously important from a financial point of view but it also makes an enormous difference to mental health and family relationships, and Suitability’s service directly addresses a barrier some men face before they even reach the interview stage.
“Looking good is part of feeling confident and presenting the best possible ‘face’ to a potential employer. We’re happy to help and very pleased the project is continuing through Society Matters.”
Phillip Capewell, Director of Partnerships at Society Matters, says: “We’re very grateful to SOS Group, who are providing us with our first clothing donation station in Gateshead and also supporting our work with much-needed warehouse space.
“Local men requiring assistance are referred to us for potential support and demand for our help is huge. Meeting that demand is a challenge and we’re currently seeking sponsorship, volunteers and additional support from the North East business community.
“That support can be as simple as rifling through wardrobes to donate clothes that are no longer worn and we’re not only looking for suits and ties.
“Men seeking employment within manufacturing or technical roles often require more casual, but still interview appropriate, clothing like jeans, chinos, polo shirts and smart jumpers.
“Giving any of these items of clothing a second life could make an enormous difference for the long-term future for men currently seeking employment in our region.”
SOS Group also supports the work of Smart Works Newcastle, an employment charity helping local women who need assistance getting into work. The charity provides high-quality interview clothing and one-to-one interview coaching.
Established in 2002, SOS Group facilitates all business and event requirements, including communications and IT, and specialises in providing copy, print, scan solutions for clients from local start-ups to multi nationals.
Awarded both ISO 9001 and ISO 27001, it has a centralised office on the Team Valley and six regional hubs in London, Scotland, the North West, Midlands, South Yorkshire, South West and North East.
