Suited & Booted in Camden
The Pitch
Problem statement
Many homeless and vulnerable men desperately want to get employment but are severely disadvantaged in the interview process for three main reasons: (i) they have no suitable clothes to wear for their interview and no money to buy any, (ii) they have little or no experience of job interviews, and (iii) they usually lack self-esteem and confidence in themselves. We want to remove those impediments so they have the best possible chance of success at interview. As we emerge from the pandemic, we are seeing a sharp increase in demand for our service. From past experience, we expect that a number of the clients we see will live in Camden or be referred by charities or agencies in Camden.
Solution
Our volunteer stylists include a BAFTA nominee, a former Savile Row tailor and other highly qualified professionals. They spend about 1 hour with each client personally fitting them with a suit, shirt, tie & accessories. We don’t just give our clients clothes; we want them to feel special and leave us full of confidence for their job interview. We also have volunteer professionals who help our clients with interview training. Many of our clothes are donated and we don't have any paid staff, but our rent and expenses like buying in shoes and clothes in especially large sizes mean that on average each client costs us £60. A grant of £1,500 would pay for 25 clients from the Camden area.
Why are we best placed to deliver?
Suited & Booted was founded in 2012 by Dr Maria Lenn, who is still our Chief Executive. She was recently awarded an MBE for her amazing work. We are the only charity in London dedicated to offering this service to men. Before the Covid pandemic, we were seeing over 1,500 clients p.a., and even in the year to 31 May 2021 we managed to help over 850. Being based in the City of London, we are very accessible for clients from Camden.
Focus Areas
Delivery plan
Budget breakdown
| 25 clients @ £60 each | £1,500 |
Beneficiaries
25 people
Expected impact
Over half the homeless and vulnerable men we see are successful in getting a job. We try to ensure that every client leaves us not just looking smart, but also with their confidence boosted, feeling good about themselves, ready to give their best at interview and to face other challenges in their life. If they get a job, there will be also be financial benefits for society and their family. And some clients will be a good role model in the community they come from.
Track record
Now in its tenth year, Suited & Booted has helped over 10,000 vulnerable men.