Gifted Women supports women in Plymouth and the surrounding areas to move towards, and into employment. We work with women who are rebuilding their lives after facing homelessness, problematic substance use, or the justice system – experiences often shaped by trauma, domestic abuse, exploitation, and poverty.
Women we exist for are not defined by their past; they are ready to move forward. But too often, stigma and systemic barriers hold them back. We’re here to change that. By bridging the gap to employment, we help women turn resilience into opportunity, creating a future built on independence and dignity.
At Gifted Women, we understand that trauma can shape a person’s journey – but it doesn’t have to define their future. That’s why we take a different approach.
We work with women as they rebuild their lives, moving at a pace that feels right for them. Change isn’t always linear, and setbacks are part of the process – but there is no judgement here, only support.
Every step forward, big or small, is worth celebrating. And when challenges arise, we don’t give up – we help women navigate through them, together.
Success isn’t one-size-fits-all. At Gifted Women, it’s found in every bold step forward – whether it’s rebuilding confidence after homelessness, completing a skills course, or securing a work placement that brings stability and independence.
Every milestone, no matter how small, is a foundation for lasting change. Many of the women we support go on to uplift others, proving that lived experience is not a barrier – it’s a source of strength.
When one woman rises, she brings others with her.
We work alongside women for up to 18 months, providing tailored support to help them build confidence, develop skills, and step into employment. Our services include:
could provide transport vouchers, helping women attend our course, workshops, drop-in groups or job interviews, – removing a common barrier to employment.
could fund employability support for a woman, providing her with access to one-on-one mentoring, job application guidance, and interview preparation.
could cover the cost of providing essential work attire for a woman, ensuring she is properly equipped for job interviews or a new job.
could fund a full-day employment readiness workshop for a group of women, providing them with in-depth coaching, practical tools, and the opportunity to practice skills for entering or re-entering the workforce.
At Gifted Women, we partner with employers who believe in the power of potential and creating inclusive opportunities. By offering skills sessions, work experience placements, training, and jobs, they create supportive environments where women can grow, contribute, and rebuild their lives with confidence.
Block Design has empowered women by offering work experience placements, supporting employability sessions, and contributing a percentage of sales to Gifted Women. They also serve on our regular Employer’s Panel.
Ian Williams supports women by hosting mock interviews, running workshops, and raising over £2000 for Gifted Women through charity football matches and events, contributing to career success.
Total Energy Solutions empowers women through fundraising, including a £5500 marathon donation, and supports skills sessions and training to equip women with essential career tools for success.
“Before Gifted Women, I was stuck in a dark place, too scared to leave the house after years in prison. I was isolated, without family or friends, and felt that returning to prison might be better than facing life on the outside. But from the moment I joined Gifted Women, I was met with kindness and respect, and I began building confidence. I started sharing my story and using it to help others. Through their support, I’ve found a new sense of purpose, gained the courage to dream big, and am now planning a programme to raise awareness on issues like knife crime. Gifted Women has helped me reclaim my life, giving me a sense of belonging, safety, and hope for the future.”
“Before joining Gifted Women, I felt lost, with low self-worth and haunted by years of abusive relationships, substance use, and multiple prison sentences. I had almost given up hope, but through the support of the Gifted Women team, I’ve been able to rebuild my confidence and find my pupose. The 12-week employability group was a turning point for me – it gave me the tools to start thinking about work again at my own pace, and now we are working on a placement to help me transition into employment. I never thought I could return to the workforce, but Gifted Women has shown me that I have value. With their support, I’ve found strength, built friendships, and gained the confidence to pursue my future in a way that feels right for me.”
