Donate a Suit - the original concept!

AN initiative to provide suits to jobhunters, who may not be able to afford their own outfits, is gathering momentum after a Thrive forum.

Graham Nicoll, an associate director at Barclays Wealth, was one of many ideas suggested during the session.

He is now coordinating the idea with corporate fundraiser Fidelis Hynam to see what might be possible.

Graham explained that the suit amnesty idea came to him when he realised many business people have suits they rarely wear hanging in their wardrobes that would be appreciated by others looking to get into work.

“The idea was borne out of a thought that those in the fortunate position of working in business could actually make a difference to people who were looking for jobs by donating their suits,” said Graham, who is on the committee of Coventry & Warwickshire Prince’s Trust.

“Very often there are people with less privileged backgrounds who don’t have access to funds and are trying to get a job but want and need some help to get on the ladder.”

A group of people have already met since the forum to discuss the best way forward for the amnesty, which is likely to take place in the autumn.

Fidelis said it was important that the idea is kept simple and straight forward.
“The suit amnesty is just one part of the jigsaw. There is always a lot more people can do but we want to show how a simple idea can work in practice,” she said.

“We are hoping people will see the value in donating a suit that is still presentable and would make the right impression at an interview.”

Talks are underway with other professionals who will need to lend their support to make the idea happen. These include the services of professional dry cleaners and a courier service that might be required once the suits have been dropped off at a central point in Birmingham.

Discussions are under way with charities and organisations that might be able to distribute the suits to individuals.

People prepared to ‘champion’ the idea in their own firms are coming forward and the hope is that others will get in touch to lend their support.

Graham said: “In the coming weeks we will be finalising details but we are delighted that an idea like a simple suit amnesty can capture the imagination of different people and we can come together to make it work.”