Bus operator aids road to employment

National Express West Midlands is helping people get on the road to employment thanks to a new charity partnership with Suited for Success.

The bus company is donating a retired bus which will be converted into a touring facility - providing interview support for local unemployed people across Birmingham.

Suited for Success supports those who are long-term unemployed, return-to-work mums, ex-armed forces, and others from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The charity provides suitable interview attire and one-to-one mentoring, giving the dose of confidence needed to succeed in a potentially life-changing job interview.

The National Express West Midlands bus was officially handed over to Suited for Success at the charity 's headquarters.

It will serve as a clothing boutique and mentoring space, with plans to tour areas of the city with high levels of unemployment.

National Express has also supported Suited for Success ' Suit Drive initiative by encouraging its head office workforce to donate unwanted office wear for the charity 's clothing boutique.

Patricia White, chief executive of Suited for Success, said: “At Suited for Success our mission is to level the playing field for unemployed people to realise their potential and regain employment. ”

“In our area of work, we often hear the term 'hard to reach communities '. Our bus will take Suited for Success on the road to reach and support more unemployed people living in communities across Birmingham and the West Midlands with some of the highest levels of unemployment in the country, helping people to access our charity 's support to gain employment. ”

“We are so incredibly grateful to National Express West Midlands for believing in our vision and donating us a bus to help carry out our mission. ”

Rachel James, UK HR director at National Express, said: ”National Express are passionate about the communities we serve and are proud to support Suited for Success.

“The initiative supports people that need a helping hand to get back into employment, and get their lives back on track.

“We are so pleased to donate a bus to Suited to succeed, to enable the scheme to be driven into the heart of communities and help to give people that much needed chance to gain meaningful employment. ”

Suited for Success has also launched a fundraising campaign called High-Five. Text HIGHFIVE to 70450 to donate £5 or visit the Suited for Success website.

Pictured: Rachel James and Patricia White