Paula came to GRoW in September 2020 after hearing about our Programme through her child’s school. Paula has a child with autism and was finding the challenge of working very difficult due to his additional needs. She had been out of work for six years and was really keen to get a job.
On joining the GRoW Programme Paula was put in touch with Liz who helped her all the way. Paula said “I was finding it hard being at home and really wanted to work but it is challenging when you have a child with a disability. Finding the right childminder who understands his needs is so important. Liz was very helpful and introduced me to many opportunities through GRoW to help build up my skills and get ready for work.
I attended the GRoW Coffee mornings where I gained knowledge about new courses I could do to improve my learning and to boost my CV. I did a Principles of Administration and Business Course, a Health and Safety Course and I also did a course on Autism. At the Coffee mornings I could meet and speak with other people who understood my situation and I was encouraged and supported to apply for jobs which was great experience for me.
The new skills and knowledge I had picked up through the online courses gave me more confidence and I kept busy looking for suitable jobs, going on websites and seeing if there were vacancies. I found a job as an Administrator at a polish company which, as I am polish, was of interest to me. I applied and got the job! The job is full time but I don’t start until 10.00am which means I can still take my child to school and I have found a Childminder who I am confident will be able to support my child when I am at work.
My new job will involve Receptionist and Administration work which I am really happy with. My previous job was in Customer Services and I am really excited to be doing something different and learning new things every day.
I am so happy to be out working again after such a long break and am feeling really positive about the future.”