How Moxie People Are Changing The World

WORKING WARDROBE: Giving South Wales the Chance to Make a Difference.

‘Working Wardrobe', the project developed by co-founders of ‘Moxie People’, Rich Thomas and Sam Cooper- Woolley took the South Wales region by storm this year with the help of Moxie People’s social housing and charitable sector friends and allies.

I had the pleasure of discussing this amazing project with Rich, thoroughly.

Already running charity initiatives to support the social housing and third sector, Moxie people run employment webinars for students, helping them to transition from student life to employment. From hosting employment sessions with social housing tenants to offering basic CV and interview guidance to people in need. They’re also continuing with their ever-popular ‘Winter Warmers’ project this year that’s designed to provide warm clothing like coats, hats, gloves to people sleeping rough in the Cardiff area! What Moxie People really kicked off this year was their Working Wardrobe programme.

Working Wardrobe was born in July 2020 and was something that both Rich and Sam had uncertainty about. Rich said both men felt the need, as recruiters to play their part in some way to help support challenges the South Wales community were facing. They thought broader into what they could do that wasn’t just supporting individuals in the housing sector. Rich went on: “I’m one of those people where if I feel like I look good, then I feel good so it’s a huge confidence and a self-belief thing. It’s going into a situation and feeling like if I look the part then I feel I can be the part and that was where Working Wardrobe had stemmed from.” This desire to help allowed the co-founders to make good use of the resources out there, to utilise the opportunity of remote working and put it to good use. Rich also mentioned how they wanted their project to revolve around co-production, bringing in different services and partners who are all fighting for the same thing- helping people to reach their full potential. Due to their large network, the Moxie People developers brought in housing associations like Cardiff Community Housing Association, United Welsh, and Working Families to allow coverage in ‘different pockets’ across the South Wales region. The mental health charity ‘Platform’ really helped bring Working Wardrobe to life too.

Rich confirmed that the long-term vision for the team is to open projects and hubs, (like the one already set up
in Caerphilly); in Cardiff, Blaenau Gwent, and Rhonda Cynon Taff, giving volunteers and donators access to four different hub locations. Rich’splan is “to become very much self-sustainable and work towards a circular economy which is the premise of utilising local volunteers and community groups to
help run these projects. Job seekers can access this for clothing and go into local businesses to highlight the impact that Working Wardrobe has had on the community and reinvest in the project, creating a safer economy.”

To answer my question about what his favourite part of this cause was, Rich shared a fond memory of Working Wardrobe’s launch event in Caerphilly. He mentioned how blown away he was by the support of over ten different businesses, the presence of the local mayor and the local community coming to get involved. “There’s always the element of imposter syndrome where you think “is this the right thing?” but it made it all completely worthwhile. The biggest thing for me is what this can become and that we’ve taken our first step in a very long journey. There’s a lot to come from this project if we get the right support around us and can keep the momentum going. “

Rich also shared the difficulty Working Wardrobe has had, due to the current pandemic. “What we’ve found is, initially organisations were unsure about sharing office spaces because there’s so much speculation with how they want to work now- remotely or in the office. As well as having to create protocols and restrictions for people who want to access our open hubs.” He also expressed how aware he is that this may, unfortunately, continue to create possible setbacks for the projects. “We just have to ‘roll with the punches’ and make sure that everyone is safe and protected.”

When asked to give an example of a time when Working Wardrobe really helped someone, Rich mentioned a home-less ‘chap’ who was referred to their Caerphilly project- through Platform- looking for a suit for an upcoming job in car sales. After receiving the help and resources he needed, the man secured the £30,000 job and returned to not only thank the volunteers for their help but to access the project for three more suits for the first few weeks of his job, ensuring he had a comfortable new start. “It makes all the effort that goes in behind the scenes and the countless conversations all worthwhile. Even if we could just help just one person, it’s all worth It.”

The items Working Wardrobe are currently interested in receiving from donators are workwear or interview attire. An admirable mention is that the project takes pride in being as inclusive as possible, reaching different cultures and people who work in very different demographics. The founders want everyone to access the service and have a boost of confidence. Suits, shirts, blouses, dresses, head scarfs are super valuable for this cause and shoes are always in extremely high demand. Notably mentioning the need to reduce landfill impact, Rich ensured that all volunteers thoroughly check all clothes donated, steam clean all suitable work attire and make sure that any clothes not beneficial to this project, will be passed on to other beneficial charities and churches. The clothes are always redistributed respectfully. The team are taking collections in ‘Tramshed Tech’, in Cardiff currently. There is also an impressive Caerphilly hub open and always available for donators and people looking for help.” Rich continuously pointed out that there are “loads of clothes to distribute” which outlined, even further, Moxie People’s desire to support the South Wales community. More information on donating or volunteering can be found on www.moxiepeople.com, where a Working Wardrobe link is attached. The organisation is also present on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook where the reader can type in ‘Working Wardrobe’ and get involved!