Jarena Gets Back in to Work After Redundancy

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When Jarena was made redundant in July, after many years of working, she knew she wanted to get back into work. She had plenty of experience in accounts and accounts payable and knew that was the area she wanted to stay in, but it had been more than six years since she had updated her CV.

A friend told her about Grow and, towards the end of July, she came along and met Grow Coach Sheeja in Hillingdon.

Jarena and Sheeja spent several hours going through her CV together, looking at her experience and making some changes to how it was presented.

“It was very useful. She did tweak a few little bits which I didn’t even think about to do myself.”

There was some practical help too. Sheeja showed Jarena how to save her CV to a USB stick and how to access and send it from her phone, as well as helping her update her profile on CV-Library.

Jarena also joined a couple of Grow’s online sessions with Mercedes. One was about knowing your strengths, which helped her think about how she could talk about her experience and strengths if she was asked about them at interview.

“I found them very helpful and useful actually.”

It wasn’t long before Jarena started getting interviews. The first couple didn’t lead to a job, but she kept going. Then another interview came along.

“It was a conversation more than a formal interview and I felt prepared and confident. A couple of days later I was offered the job.”

Jarena is now back working in accounts for a pharmacy business. The role is part-time and only around a 20-minute drive from home, which is exactly what she was looking for.

Having worked for more than 40 years, Jarena had decided that this time she wanted to take a bit of a step back and work fewer hours. She’s enjoying being able to finish earlier and have the rest of the afternoon to herself.

When we caught up with her, she had only been in the job for a week, but things were already going well. The colleague training her had been telling her (and other people) how quickly she was picking everything up.

Jarena feels the support she received with her CV played a part in helping her get there.

“Because I had help with the CV, I think that probably did help me get noticed.”

“I found Grow very helpful and useful, I think it’s a great thing for women to be able to get this kind of support.”

Jarena is enjoying being back doing the kind of work she knows and with hours that work better for her now. Congratulations on the new job, Jarena and we hope it continues to go really well!

 

Rehana Builds Independence and Confidence Through Personalised Support from Grow

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Rehana was referred to Grow by her DWP Work Coach, she was looking for more than just help finding a job. She wanted to build her confidence, become more independent and improve her communication skills so that she could feel more comfortable navigating everyday life and be able to communicate openly with others.

Rehana, who is in her 50s, had never worked in the UK and had spent many years as a housewife. With limited work experience and difficulties with English, reading, writing and digital skills, finding suitable employment felt like a significant challenge. She often needed someone to accompany her when going to unfamiliar places because she lacked the confidence to go alone. She also has some minor health issues, meaning that any future employment would need to be carefully matched to her needs and the right working environment.

One of Rehana’s biggest barriers has been communicating confidently in English. She explained that she feels much more comfortable speaking Punjabi, particularly when she needs to explain something, ask for help or understand important information. At times, this has made it difficult for her to express herself freely and has affected her confidence when meeting new people or exploring opportunities.

She attended a Grow wellbeing session led by Grow Coach, Saeema. It was her first in-person session with Grow, and understandably, she was unsure about what to expect. Initially, she worried that her communication difficulties might prevent her from taking part in the same way as other participants. However, the experience turned out to be a very positive one.

Rehana shared:

“This was my first time attending a Grow session in person, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was told that I didn’t need to speak or take part if I didn’t feel comfortable. I could just sit, listen and watch what was happening. This made me feel much more relaxed because I didn’t have to worry about speaking English or feeling embarrassed if I didn’t understand something.

Saeema was very supportive throughout the session. She kept checking that I was okay and explained things to me in Punjabi so that I could understand what was happening. She took the time to sit with me and explain why Grow runs these sessions and how they can help women like me. She explained everything slowly and clearly and made sure I understood. Even though I was mainly listening and watching, I really enjoyed the session. I felt comfortable, welcomed and like I belonged. Having Saeema there to explain things to me in Punjabi made a big difference. I felt understood and supported, and it gave me the confidence to want to come back and attend more in-person sessions.”

Recognising that improving her English would be an important step, Grow has also referred Rehana to in-person, pre-entry ESOL classes in Hayes run by WEA. This has been an important milestone for her. For someone who has faced difficulties with communication for many years, attending classes and working on her English is helping her take steps towards feeling more confident in everyday situations.

For Rehana, this is not simply about learning English. It is about being able to speak to people more confidently, understand information for herself, express what she needs and gradually become less reliant on others.

The support she has received from Grow has helped create a safe and welcoming environment where she feels comfortable talking about her challenges, asking for help and sharing her aspirations. Having staff who understand her language and culture has helped her feel listened to and valued.

There are still barriers for Rehana to overcome, but she is making progress at her own pace. Her next goal is to continue developing her English, while also improving her reading and writing skills. As her confidence grows, she hopes to become more independent and explore employment opportunities that are suitable.

Rehana’s journey is a reminder that progress  starts with simply feeling welcomed, understood and supported enough to take the next step. Through personalised support, Grow is helping Rehana build her confidence, develop new skills and move towards greater independence. Her journey is still ongoing, but every step she takes is bringing her closer to the future she wants for herself.

Sangeeta Rebuilds Her Confidence and Skills for a Return to Work

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After a ten-year career break to raise her family, Sangeeta is preparing to return to employment with renewed confidence thanks to the support of Grow.

Originally from India, Sangeeta relocated to the UK after getting married. Although she had previously worked as a Technical Associate, she had been out of the workplace for a decade while raising her children. Wanting to rebuild her confidence, update her skills and prepare for work in the UK, she discovered Grow through the Hillingdon Council website while completing a digital skills course with Learn Hillingdon.

Sangeeta said:

“I found out about Grow in September 2025 while I was doing a digital skills course with Learn Hillingdon. I was also looking for job opportunities and came across the Grow programme on the Hillingdon Council website. I discovered that Grow could help me improve my skills and my confidence, so I joined.”

Looking back, Sangeeta says a lack of confidence and being away from work for so long were her biggest barriers.

“I was not having much confidence and I also wanted to improve my skills because it had been a long time since I was working. I had no work experience here after relocating to the UK, so I thought it was a good idea to join Grow. It has really helped me.”

Although her background is in accounts and technical work, Sangeeta decided to focus her job search on administrative roles as she felt they would provide a good route back into employment.

Through Grow, Adviser Sheeja recommended several learning opportunities to help Sangeeta build new skills and strengthen her CV.

“Sheeja recommended several courses that aligned with my career goals. One of them was a Canva course, which was really helpful. It developed my practical skills in creating professional designs, presentations and digital content.”

She also completed a Social Media course through Capital City College, helping her develop practical digital communication and marketing skills.

“The course gave me practical experience in digital communication, content creation and online marketing. I also use these skills for my artwork, which I do as a hobby. It isn’t my full-time business, but it has helped me promote my work while I’m looking for employment.”

Alongside learning new skills, Sangeeta has become an active member of the Grow community, attending Coffee Mornings, using the Grow App and working one-to-one with her Grow Adviser, Iryna.

“I join the Coffee Mornings and I use the Grow App regularly. I find job opportunities there and apply for them. My mentor, Iryna, has encouraged me throughout my journey. She has supported me with job applications, improving my CV and strengthening my interview skills.”

The one-to-one interview preparation has made a real difference.

“It was really helpful. It improved my communication and my confidence.”

As well as applying for jobs, Grow has also helped Sangeeta take another important step towards employment by supporting her application for an NHS volunteering opportunity through Imperial Health Charity.

“Grow’s adviser Khatera also supported me in applying for an NHS volunteering opportunity with Imperial Health Charity. I’m attending the selection day next week and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Now that her children are older, Sangeeta feels ready to return to work and is excited about the future.

“My children are grown up now, so I have time to come back to work. I haven’t worked since moving to the UK, so now I’m looking for a full-time job. Grow has helped me understand my transferable skills, build my confidence and improve my digital skills. I feel much more prepared for the next step.

Beyond employment support, Grow has also encouraged my personal development. Liz has been very supportive of my interest in art and gave me the opportunity to showcase my artwork. Being able to present my artwork with the Deputy Mayor of London was a proud moment that boosted my confidence and reminded me of the importance of nurturing my creativity alongside my career goals.”

 

Vishnupriya Finds a Route Back into Finance Through Volunteering

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When Vishnupriya moved to the UK from India with her husband and two sons, she was eager to rebuild her career. With an MBA in Finance and a 13-year career break, she knew returning to work would not be easy. Thanks to support from Grow Adviser Iryna and an opportunity she discovered at the Kingston Volunteer Fair, Vishnupriya is now volunteering in a finance role that is helping her rebuild her confidence, improve her English and gain valuable UK experience.

“I met Iryna at a jobs fair in Kingston, where she told me all about Grow. I was interested because I wanted to improve my English, meet new people and build my confidence. When I joined Grow, I found out about the coffee mornings, workshops and the Grow community. It made me feel that there were opportunities for me and that I could start building my network.”

During one conversation, Vishnupriya explained to Iryna that although she had an MBA in Finance, she had been away from her career for 13 years while raising her family. Iryna encouraged her to consider volunteering as a way of gaining UK experience.

“In my country, volunteering isn’t something we really do, so I wasn’t aware of it before. Iryna explained how valuable it could be and encouraged me to look for opportunities.”

After hearing about the Kingston Volunteer Fair through Grow, Vishnupriya decided to attend. That decision proved to be a turning point.

“I had already applied for volunteering opportunities but hadn’t received any replies. At the Volunteer Fair I spoke to the charity directly and explained that I had applied twice without hearing back. They asked me to come in the very next day.

“I originally applied for a fundraising role, but when they saw my qualifications, they offered me a finance volunteering position instead.”

Vishnupriya is now volunteering twice a week with the Save the World Club charity in Kingston, where she is carrying out financial reconciliations and checking accounts.

My role is to reconcile the accounts, compare the sales records with the finance system and identify any discrepancies. Recently I spotted two missing transactions that hadn’t been recorded correctly. I reported the missing transactions to my manager, and the charity was able to recover the missing money. Everyone appreciated that I had spotted the issue, and it gave me so much confidence.”

Alongside gaining valuable finance experience, the volunteering role is also helping Vishnupriya improve her spoken English.

“The people I work with are very kind. They know I’m still improving my English, so they explain everything slowly until I understand. It’s helping me build my confidence every time I go.”

Although Vishnupriya hopes to return to paid employment in the future, she knows there are still steps to take first.

“I want to improve my English and continue building my skills. This is a new country for me, so I want to learn as much as I can before I move into work. Volunteering is giving me experience, confidence and helping me prepare for that next step.”

Vishnupriya continues to attend Grow workshops, coffee mornings and uses the Grow App to keep up to date with new opportunities.

“I use the Grow App every week. I check for the coffee mornings, workshops, new courses and job opportunities. I also enjoy reading about other women’s experiences because I’m learning from them too.”

With Grow’s support, Vishnupriya has already taken an important step back towards the career she loves. Through volunteering, she is gaining UK experience, developing her confidence and preparing herself for future employment in finance.

Harpreet Builds New Skills and New Hope Through Grow

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Harpreet, who lives in Hillingdon, joined the Grow programme after moving to the UK from India. With support from Grow, she has completed courses including Canva and Project Management, 30 hours NHS volunteering at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, and is now applying for NHS positions while continuing to receive tailored support through Grow.

Harpreet said:

“I first heard about Grow at a jobs fair at Uxbridge College in January. I had gone there because the Jobcentre suggested I attend, as I was looking for work. When I spoke to the Grow team, they explained that they support women with education, training and employment, and I knew it was exactly the kind of help I needed.

I had qualifications from India, including a degree in Software Engineering and an MBA in IT, but I didn’t have any UK work experience. I wanted someone to help me understand what I needed to do to build my confidence and find work here.”

After discussing her goals with her Grow Adviser, Khatera, Harpreet was referred onto a range of learning opportunities that matched her ambitions.

“The first course I completed was the Canva course through Capital City College. I had never used Canva before, but I really enjoyed it. It opened my eyes to how useful it is for social media, creating designs and presentations, and it’s another skill I can now add to my CV.

After that I told Khatera that I wanted to study Project Management as well, and I have now completed that too. More recently Grow have enrolled me onto a Civil Service course to help me find opportunities in the Civil Service field. Grow understand what I’m trying to achieve, and they help me choose the right courses for my goals.”

Harpreet’s ambition has always been to work for the NHS. With Grow’s support, she completed 30 hours volunteering at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington through Grow partners, Imperial Health Charity which gave her valuable UK experience while continuing her job search.

“One of the biggest things Grow helped me with was getting into NHS volunteering. I started volunteering at St Mary’s Hospital on 1 April, and it has given me the experience and confidence I needed. I’m now applying for NHS administration jobs every day.

I completed my 30 hours of volunteering in just six weeks and was even presented with a Kind Person Award after a patient recognised my communication skills and kindness. That meant so much to me.”

Alongside training, Harpreet says the personalised support she received from the Grow team made all the difference.

“Laura helped me rewrite my CV, prepare my personal statements and practise interview questions. Even now, if I’m applying for an NHS job, I send her my application and she gives me advice. When I get an interview, she helps me prepare with mock interviews.

Because I’m new to this country, I didn’t know how to enrol on courses or what employers were looking for. Grow guided me through everything and even provided references when I needed them. Nobody had ever explained things to me like that before.”

Having experienced some difficult personal circumstances, Harpreet says Grow has supported her emotionally as well as professionally.

“Living on your own in a new country can be very difficult. There were times when I felt lonely and overwhelmed. The Grow team listened to me, encouraged me and treated me like family. They gave me emotional support as well as practical help, and that made a huge difference.”

Looking ahead, Harpreet remains focused on building a long-term career in the NHS while also exploring opportunities within the Civil Service.

“Every day I apply for NHS jobs and Civil Service roles. I’m hopeful because I now have volunteering experience, new qualifications, a much stronger CV and people who continue to support me.

*Grow has helped me so much. They didn’t just help me find courses, they believed in me, guided me and gave me the confidence to keep moving forward. I feel much more positive about my future now.”

Sarabjeet Finds Confidence and Hope for the Future with Grow

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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.”

Kelly Finds a New Direction in Healthcare Through Volunteering

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After a difficult year that included homelessness, temporary accommodation and a serious accident, Kelly is now taking positive steps towards a career in healthcare after completing 30 hours of volunteering with Imperial Health Charity at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington.

Kelly first came across Grow through a conversation at a local food bank, where one of the volunteers suggested she speak to Grow’s Iryna about the support available.

“One of the ladies that runs the food bank thought Grow might be something I would be interested in. Then Iryna invited me to a meeting in Kingston where Grow is based.

I went along to the meeting and they were talking about what Grow is about, what they do and the different courses you can go on to get trained up to get into work. I was really interested in the healthcare course and getting into work in healthcare.”

At the time, Kelly was trying to rebuild her life after a particularly challenging period.

“I’ve had the year from hell. My son and I were made homeless. I had an accident and ended up in hospital. We’ve had about five different temporary accommodations in the past year and just getting moved about so much. My mum also died three months ago, which was another traumatic event I was going through. I’m just desperate to get into work now and I’m really passionate about getting a job.”

Although Kelly had spent much of her career working in hospitality, she had always been interested in healthcare but never thought it was a realistic option.

“I’ve always been interested in it, but because I haven’t been to uni or done anything at college to do with healthcare, I didn’t think it was possible. I didn’t really know about it until I got in touch with Grow.”

Through Grow, Kelly was introduced to Imperial Health Charity’s volunteering programme and successfully secured a placement at St Mary’s Hospital. During her placement she has been shadowing healthcare assistants, learning about different roles and gaining valuable experience in a healthcare environment.

To secure her volunteering placement, Kelly attended a group interview organised by Imperial Health Charity. Participants were given scenarios to discuss and work through together. Kelly believes her response helped her stand out and led to her being selected for the placement.

Throughout her placement, Kelly received support from her Work Coach, Maryam, at Imperial Health Charity, who helped her recognise the skills and experience she already had and how they could transfer into a healthcare role.

“Maryam’s taught me that everything that I’ve done in my life is a transferable skill for the healthcare position.

I’ve got my hospitality experience, which is a transferable skill. I’ve also done four years in beauty therapy college studying anatomy, physiology and health and safety.

I’m a very empathetic person. I love helping people and it’s just something that I really want to do.”

Alongside her volunteering placement, Kelly continues to receive support from both her Work Coach at Imperial Health Charity and the Grow team.

Having spent many years in employment without needing to search and apply for jobs online, Kelly says that digital skills remain one of her biggest challenges.

“I haven’t had to look for a job for 30 years. I’ve always just walked into work and I really need help doing stuff online.”

Grow is continuing to support Kelly with her confidence, job search and digital skills so that she can take the next step towards employment.

Now that she has completed her volunteering hours, Kelly plans to continue volunteering while she applies for healthcare roles.

“I’ve spoken to my Work Coach at Imperial Health Charity and told them I’m going to carry on volunteering until I get a job because I don’t want to distance myself from the environment.”

Volunteering has provided much more than work experience for Kelly. It has helped her discover a new career direction, recognise the value of her existing skills and build confidence about what comes next.

With support from Grow and Imperial Health Charity, she is now looking forward to turning that experience into employment.

More Than 270 Women Build Confidence, Skills and New Opportunities Through Grow Digital

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More than 270 women across Leicester have developed new digital skills, explored Artificial Intelligence (AI) and gained confidence in using technology through the Grow Digital AI for Women programme, delivered by Grow and funded through AKG UK’s Community Investment Fund.

Working alongside trusted community organisations including Shama Women’s Centre, Peepul Centre, APANPAN CIC, Wesley Hall Community Centre and others, the programme was designed to make AI accessible, practical and relevant to everyday life.

For many participants, this wasn’t just about learning a new technology. It was about building confidence, discovering new opportunities and developing skills that can support work, learning and family life.

The achievements of participants were recently celebrated at the Grow Digital Celebration Event in Leicester, where women, community partners and supporters came together to recognise the impact the programme has made.

From Uncertainty to Confidence

Many women joined the programme feeling unsure about AI and whether it was something they could use.

Fathima, who attended Grow Digital workshops hosted at Shama Women’s Centre, admitted she was initially sceptical.

“I was someone who was quite reluctant to use it. I used to think people are becoming lazy.”

After attending the sessions, her view changed completely.

“When I went, I realised it’s not someone who’s lazy who uses it, it’s someone who’s smart. If you take advantage of it, it can work to your advantage. It can actually help in your personal as well as your professional development.”

She described the programme as:

“Really like an eye-opener.”

For many participants, AI went from being something unfamiliar and intimidating to a practical tool they could use every day.

Practical Skills for Everyday Life

One of the strengths of the programme was its focus on real-life applications.

Participants learned how AI could support job searching, CV writing, communication, planning, language learning, online safety and even helping children with their homework.

Fathima particularly valued how practical the sessions were.

“I really enjoyed how the Kaneez made it practical to every person’s need. For someone who’s looking for a job, someone who wants to cook, someone who wants to learn a language, or someone who doesn’t speak much English.”

As a mother of two young children, she was surprised by how AI could support learning at home.

“She showed us how AI can help teach Year 1 and Year 2 children about addition like a teacher.”

Participants also learned how to use AI safely and effectively, understanding both its benefits and limitations.

“Use it to your advantage but don’t let it use you.”

That message became one of the key themes of the programme.

Supporting Women Into Work

The programme also helped women strengthen their employability skills and digital confidence.

Shital, who joined a Grow Digital workshop through the Peepul Centre, had previously completed a degree in Computer Engineering in India but wanted to understand how new technologies were being used in the UK.

She said:

“Nowadays in everything, you need AI.”

The workshops helped participants understand how AI could support job applications, improve writing skills and build confidence using digital tools.

Fathima, who was made redundant earlier this year, found the sessions particularly useful while updating her CV and searching for work.

“I liked how I could use my transferable skills as a mum, take the knowledge and expertise from other fields and apply it to the job that I’m applying for.”

For many women, the programme provided an opportunity to develop skills that are becoming increasingly important in today’s workplace.

The Power of Community Partnerships

A key factor in the success of Grow Digital was the collaboration between Grow and trusted community organisations across Leicester. By working with organisations that already had strong relationships within their communities, the programme was able to reach women who may not otherwise have engaged with digital skills training.

Reflecting on the partnership, Aura Chacón, Active Women Coordinator, said:

“Through the collaboration with Grow Get Ready for Work we were able to upskill participants who took part in the AI Workshop. We place high value in partnership working, bringing resources and expertise to the Active Women project from organisations such as yours, which plays a crucial part in our commitment to sustainability and community development.”

She added:

“Kaneez was able to engage genuinely with the women and made a long-lasting impression for them to continue their personal development and make the most of the AI technology available to them.”

Kaneez Fatima MIEP, who delivered the programme on behalf of Grow, said:

“This achievement would not have been possible without the support, trust and collaboration of our community partners.”

“The Grow project delivered by Belina Grow CIC and funded by AKG UK has truly made a positive difference in many lives.”

The impact of the programme was celebrated at the Grow Digital Celebration Event in Leicester, where participants, partners and supporters came together to recognise the achievements of more than 270 women who took part.

Speaking after the event, Joanne Van AIEP, Social Impact Manager at AKG UK, said:

“It was a wonderful event, a real celebration. Thank you for the amazing work you have done on this project.”

Partners consistently highlighted the enthusiasm of participants and the supportive learning environment created through the programme. One community partner described seeing women move:

“From hesitation around technology to confidence and practical use of AI in their everyday work.”

Another reflected:

“The energy in the room, the conversations and the willingness to learn was amazing.”

As one partner summed up following an AI workshop:

“We gathered to connect, share and grow, enjoying useful AI sessions, meaningful conversations and so much love in the room. It was a space to uplift one another, learn together and simply be present.”

Celebrating Success

The Grow Digital Celebration Event brought together participants, community leaders, partners and supporters to recognise the achievements of women who completed the programme.

Hosted by Shama Women’s Centre, the event celebrated not only the women who had gained new digital skills, but also the partnerships that helped make the project possible.

Attendees included representatives from AKG UK, community organisations, local leaders and programme supporters who came together to celebrate the impact Grow Digital has made across Leicester.

Looking Ahead

As technology continues to evolve, digital confidence is becoming increasingly important in everyday life and work.

The Grow Digital AI for Women programme has shown that with the right support, women from all backgrounds can build confidence, learn new skills and embrace technology in ways that work for them.

For more than 270 women, the programme was about much more than AI. It was about confidence and opportunity and ensuring that women have the skills, knowledge and support they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

 

How Grow Digital Changed Fathima’s View of AI

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When Fathima joined the Grow Digital AI workshops in Leicester, she wasn’t sure what to expect.

Delivered by Grow and funded through AKG UK’s Community Investment Fund, the programme was designed to help women build confidence in using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and understand how digital tools can support everyday life, learning and employment. The workshops were hosted at Shama Women’s Centre and brought together women from across the local community to explore AI in a practical and accessible way.

Like many people, Fathima had heard a lot about AI but wasn’t convinced it was something she needed.

“I was someone who was quite reluctant to use it. I used to think people are becoming lazy. They don’t want to put in the hard work. They’re trying to have a shortcut doing CVs or personal statements.”

After receiving information about the workshops through Shama Women’s Centre, Fathima decided to give it a try.

“I thought, OK, I haven’t looked into it, I haven’t used it, so I’ll go and see what it’s all about.”

What she discovered completely changed her perspective.

“When I went, I realised it’s not someone who’s lazy who uses it, it’s someone who’s smart. If you take advantage of it, it can work to your advantage. It can actually help in your personal as well as your professional development.”

Fathima particularly appreciated the practical approach taken during the sessions.

“I liked when Kaneez said, ‘Use it to your advantage but don’t let it use you.'”

She explained that the workshops helped her understand both the benefits and limitations of AI.

“It only does what you instruct. It’s as clever as what you ask.”

As someone currently looking for work after being made redundant in January, Fathima found the sessions especially useful when updating her CV and applying for jobs.

“I haven’t had to use a CV for some time. Now when I had to update it, I liked how I could use my transferable skills as a mum, take the knowledge and expertise from other fields and apply it to the job that I’m applying for.”

The workshops also introduced her to practical tools she can use every day.

“She makes it very simple. Don’t overcomplicate it. Just give a key instruction about what you want.”

One example that particularly stood out was using AI to help plan meals.

“If you’re lost with ideas about what to do, just tell it what you’ve got in the fridge and ask AI to suggest a menu for the day.”

For Fathima, one of the biggest surprises was discovering just how many different ways AI can be used.

“I really enjoyed how Grow’s Kaneez made it practical to every person’s need. For someone who’s looking for a job, someone who wants to cook, someone who wants to learn a language, or someone who doesn’t speak much English.”

As a mother of two young children, she can also see how AI could help support learning at home.

“I’ve got young kids. My youngest is six and I have a nine-year-old. Kaneez showed us how AI can help teach Year 1 and Year 2 children about addition like a teacher.”

Looking back on the experience, Fathima describes the workshops as an eye-opener.

“I was so wrong. I think it’s a smart way to do things, but we should always make sure that we are in control and that we use it wisely.”

She added:

“I found it really like an eye-opener.”

Earlier this week, Fathima attended the Grow Digital Celebration Event in Leicester, where participants came together to celebrate their achievements and receive certificates recognising their learning.

Fathima was one of more than 270 women who took part in the Grow Digital AI for Women programme. Through Grow’s partnership with community organisations across Leicester and Leicestershire, the programme has helped women build digital confidence, develop new skills and explore practical ways of using AI in everyday life, learning and work.

 

Building Stronger Communities Through Innovation, Inclusion and Empowerment

Posted on by heathercette

Across Leicester and Leicestershire, community organisations are operating under increasing pressure. Demand for services continues to rise, social need is becoming more complex, and funding remains stretched. At the same time, rapid advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) are reshaping how organisations work, presenting both opportunity and risk—particularly for the grassroots organisations that sit closest to communities. Womentum CIC, a survivor-led organisation working across domestic abuse prevention, women’s empowerment and community education, is seeing these changes first-hand.  Alongside growing demand for frontline support, we are also identifying a widening digital divide.

The digital divide in the voluntary sector

While larger organisations are beginning to integrate AI into operations, many smaller charities and community groups lack the capacity, confidence, and resources to do the same. Yet these organisations are often delivering essential, trust-based support to some of the most vulnerable people in society. Without access to digital tools and training, there is a risk that inequality is further embedded—this time in how organisations themselves operate.

AI as a practical tool, not a distant concept

Through recent AI training workshops delivered in partnership with Belina Grove, we have seen how accessible digital education can make an immediate difference. Participants who initially felt unsure about technology have gone on to use AI tools for everyday tasks such as communication, planning, content creation, administration, and problem-solving. The outcome has been increased confidence, improved efficiency, and a stronger sense of adaptability in a rapidly changing digital environment.

We are also seeing growing interest from grassroots organisations who want to apply AI practically—reducing administrative pressure, strengthening funding applications, improving communications, and making better use of limited resources. For many, AI is no longer optional; it is becoming a core tool for sustainability.

Strengthening communities through balanced development

Alongside digital inclusion, our community work continues to highlight another critical area: the importance of positive male engagement. Creating safer, healthier communities cannot be achieved by focusing on one group alone. Many men and boys want to contribute positively to their families, workplaces and communities, but lack structured support, role models, and safe spaces to develop these skills.

This insight is shaping Womentum CIC’s emerging House of Respect and Male Allyship work, which focuses on healthy relationships, responsibility, respect, and positive leadership. In a time where young people are heavily influenced by social media and conflicting narratives, strong community-based guidance is increasingly important.

A joined-up approach for the future

The future of community development lies in integration—not isolation. Empowering women, engaging men positively, strengthening grassroots organisations, and building digital capability must all sit alongside each other. Technology alone will not solve social challenges. However, when combined with education, empathy, leadership and lived experience, it becomes a powerful enabler of change.

A call for collaborative investment

As AI continues to reshape society, it is essential that the voluntary and community sector is not left behind. Investment in accessible digital skills, leadership development and prevention-focused community programmes is an investment in stronger organisations and more resilient communities.

Womentum CIC welcomes collaboration with businesses, funders, local authorities and community partners who share a commitment to inclusive innovation and long-term social impact. Together, there is an opportunity not only to respond to change—but to lead it.

Speaking of the partnership Mumtaz said: “Today, I want to say thank you to the Belina Grow team for their support in delivering our AI training workshops. This wasn’t just a partnership, it was a real shift. Together, we’ve helped people move from hesitation around technology to confidence and practical use of AI in their everyday work. The impact is clear—better communication, stronger planning, simpler ways of working, and real digital inclusion at grassroots level. Most importantly, it’s another step towards closing the digital divide through access, opportunity, and belief.”

Mumtaz, Womentum CIC