Sarabjeet joined the Grow programme after facing difficult family circumstances that left her feeling low and unsure how to move forward. Through Grow she received guidance and practical support, rebuilt her confidence, completed courses including Preparing to Work in Schools, and is now being supported through Grow’s Job Brokerage programme as she works towards finding employment. Recently, Sarabjeet was invited to meet Nick Riddle for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), where she shared her experience of the difference Grow has made to her journey.
Sarabjeet said:
“After some family issues, I was feeling very low. My confidence had gone and I didn’t know where to start. I wasn’t working and I just wanted to get my life back on track.
My daughter’s teacher told me about Grow because she knew I wanted to build my confidence again and start working. I was also going to the Jobcentre for Universal Credit and they referred me too. Joining Grow has made a huge difference to me.”
Before coming to Grow, Sarabjeet had worked in retail, residential care and school catering. Although she had lots of experience, she struggled to secure interviews and didn’t understand why.
“I had the same CV that I showed at the Jobcentre but when I joined Grow, Sheeja sat down with me and showed me step by step how to improve it. She explained transferable skills and how to tailor my CV for different jobs. Before that I had applied for hundreds of jobs without even being shortlisted.”
Over the past year Sarabjeet has attended workshops, seminars, completed training and gained work experience through the SWEET programme.
“The workshops taught me so much. I learned about rights to work, employment, schools and lots of different careers. I completed more education and I feel like a completely different person now.
Grow isn’t just about courses. They really get to know you. They understand what you need and support you as a person.”
Sarabjeet is now working with the Grow Job Brokerage team, where she receives one-to-one support with applications and interview preparation.
“Laura, Saeema and Khatera have helped me prepare for interviews and showed me things I had never thought about before, like eye contact, how to answer questions and how to complete application forms properly. One evening an application was about to close and Khatera stayed online helping me complete it. They always make time for you.”
Although her long-term ambition is to work for the NHS, Sarabjeet is applying for every suitable opportunity to gain employment and continue building her career.
“My dream job is to work for the NHS one day, but right now I’m applying for all kinds of jobs because I want to get back into work. I know I’m ready now. I have the confidence, the knowledge and the support around me. I’m just waiting for the right opportunity.”
Earlier this week Sarabjeet was invited to meet Nick Riddle from the Department for Work and Pensions, who visited Grow to hear directly from women about their experiences of employment support.
“Nick wanted to know what the difference was between the Jobcentre and Grow. I told him the Jobcentre helped me with Universal Credit, but Grow gave me personalised support. They listened to me, understood what I needed and helped me every step of the way.
People come through the door carrying so much that you can’t always see. Grow understands that. They encourage you, they build you up and they never make you feel like you’re on your own.”
Looking back on her journey, Sarabjeet says the biggest change has been in herself.
“Before Grow I cried all the time and didn’t believe in myself. Now I feel confident. I know what I want to do and I know I have people around me who believe in me.
*I honestly feel Grow has changed my life. The team are amazing. They are always there when you need them. I really hope more women hear about Grow because it can make such a difference. It certainly did for me.”