AS part of an initiative to bring the global brand “Dress for Success” to Kerry, Manor West Shopping Centre and Retail Park will act as a drop off point for the international movement.

Dress For Success supports and promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women, by providing professional attire as well as coaching and career advice to help women thrive in work and life.

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Dress for Success has been a phenomenal success already in Munster and Carmel O’Keeffe, founder of ‘Dress For Success – Cork’ is looking to extend the services of the initiative to Limerick and Kerry.

In Cork in the past three years, over 600 women have been supported by the initiative with over 60% of these women successfully returning to the workforce.

She hopes that the clothing drive will create awareness of the great work the ‘Dress for Success’ initiative does and will demonstrate to the women of Kerry that there is support for them to make the steps towards a better future.

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Speaking on the clothing drive, Carmel said; “We already have a number of Kerry clients who travel to Cork to avail of our services, which are completely free of charge. I hope that this initiative will pave the way for Dress For Success to be established in Kerry. The aim is to help those looking to take the next steps in going back to work and to show that there are support networks available to women who may need some help and encouragement, returning to work.”

The ‘Dress For Success’ drop off point will be located in Manor West Shopping Centre at the Customer Service Desk. The initiative is asking the public to donate new or nearly-new suits and other business-appropriate apparel as well as shoes, accessories such as handbags or jewellery and unused cosmetics.

Manor West Shopping Centre Manager, Derek Rusk spoke of the centre’s support for the initiative; “Manor West is delighted to be part of the Dress For Success movement. We hope that the clothing drive will connect the women of Kerry and help in the plans to set up Dress For Success Kerry”.

Already Kerry businesses have come on board to show their support for the initiative, including Sam McCauley who will provide Cosmetic Makeovers for any of the Kerry clients who are preparing for interviews through the Dress For Success programme.

One of the first business people to show her support is Caroline McEnery founder of HR Suite, the Tralee based business which provides HR Services to businesses throughout Ireland.

Caroline stated; “Dress for Success provides such a fantastic resource for women returning to work and I hope other Kerry businesses will join in and show their support, which will be a fantastic way to get more women back into the workforce in Kerry.”

For more information on on Dress For Success, please visit www.cork.dressforsuccess.org