Regina Completes Helping Children with Maths Course

Posted on by heathercette

We recently made available to our GRoW community the ‘Helping Children with Maths’ course held by Capital City College and one of our grow members was pleased to take part in and complete. Regina has been part of GRoW for some time, joining various workshops to build her confidence and skills — including CV writing and interview preparation. Regina joined the maths course to support both her own development and goals to become a teaching assistant and also for her children’s learning.

Regina said “I first joined GRoW a while ago, before the lockdown, but I’ve had to come and go because of my health and travelling. Now I’m back and still looking for work — I’m really hoping to find something that works for me and my children, maybe between 8 and 4 during the day.

I’ve done a Level 2 Teaching Assistant course and Level 2 Childcare already. What I want now is to do my Level 3 Teaching Assistant course so I can take that next step and hopefully get a job in a school.

I’ve been coming to a lot of GRoW sessions — how to write a CV, cover letters, things like that. They’ve all been helpful. Most recently, I joined the How to Help Your Children with Maths course with Capital Training. Even though I already had my Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths, it’s been a few years and I felt like I had lost a bit of confidence. I wanted to refresh my knowledge before starting any new work or training — and also to help my children better with their homework.

The course was really good. The tutor was very calm and patient, and explained everything clearly. If you didn’t understand something, he would break it down and go over it again. That helped me a lot — I’m dyslexic, so I need to go over things more than once to really get it. He also gave us handouts and recommended the website mathsgenie.co.uk, which I’ve been using at home to practise. It’s great.

The course reminded me how useful Times Tables are — I’ve started using them more and testing myself like I’m back at school! I’ve also been practising things like simplifying and ordering fractions, metric conversions, and checking my mental maths. It’s been really useful.

What I liked most is that it made me feel confident again. Maths can be scary, especially when you haven’t used it in a while, but the way the course was taught made it feel manageable. I’d recommend it to any parent who feels like they’ve lost confidence in maths — give it a try, it really helps.

The course also gave me more motivation to continue learning. Since I want to work with children, knowing how to explain maths in simple ways is going to be a big help. I’m grateful to GRoW for letting me know about the course and always being there to support me.

Asfia Progresses from Learning to Employment

Posted on by heathercette

Asfia first came to the GRoW Programme in October 2024, when she was looking for opportunities to develop new skills and find a job that suited her family’s needs. As a mother to teenage twins and a younger child, she wanted a career that allowed her to balance work and home life. Through GRoW, she discovered courses that would enable her to progress towards her goal of working with children and social care, and she quickly got involved in learning.

Asfia said “I first heard about GRoW in October 2024. At that time, I was looking for ways to build my skills and find a job that would work around my children. I have always been interested in working with children and possibly becoming a social worker in the future, so I wanted to start with some courses to set me on the right path.

Through GRoW, I completed two courses: Level 1 Preparing to Work in Schools and Level 2 Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health. These courses were so helpful in giving me the knowledge and confidence to take my first steps. Before this, I had not done any studying in 20 years though I had spent many years at home managing my family and running a restaurant business with my husband.

I found out about GRoW through a leaflet in the local library that explained the courses available. When I called to find out more, I spoke to Kaneez, who was really supportive and guided me through the process of getting started. I had never studied anything like this before, but I found the courses to be very engaging. The trainers were fantastic—Natasha and Liz made sure we understood everything clearly, and they explained things in a simple way that made it easy to follow.

After completing the courses, I started looking for job opportunities, and I was so happy to be offered a role in an After School Club. It started with just a few hours a week, but now they are offering me more hours because they are happy with my work. This has given me such a boost in confidence—I feel like I am finally doing something for myself while still being there for my children.

Looking ahead, I plan to continue my learning to help me progress further in a career in either social work or education. I am planning to take a Level 3 course in Children and Young People’s Mental Health to deepen my knowledge and open up more opportunities for the future. GRoW has made such a difference in my life. The team has been so supportive, and I feel like I am part of a community that wants to see me succeed.
I would recommend GRoW to anyone who is looking for support in getting back into work or learning new skills. It has given me the confidence I needed. After not doing any studies in 20 years it was so easy to step back into it again with the support of my course tutors which is something I really didn’t expect at all.

GRoW at the Jobs Fairs – Connecting with Opportunities

Posted on by heathercette

The recent Jobs Fairs in Uxbridge and Kingston were a fantastic opportunity for job seekers to meet employers, make new connections, and explore job options. GRow’s Liz and Iryna attended the Kingston Jobs Fair and Sheeja attended the Uxbridge College Jobs Fair at Hayes Campus alongside members of the GRoW community, who were there to connect with potential employers and find out what opportunities there are in the local and national jobs market.

Job fairs provide an excellent platform for networking, learning about different industries, and discovering job openings that may not be widely advertised. For many job seekers, the chance to speak directly with recruiters and hiring managers helps to break down barriers to employment and gives them a clearer understanding of what employers are looking for.

Sheeja shared her thoughts on the experience, highlighting the positive impact of attending in person. “It’s a great place to be, you can meet so many employers all at once and learn about support organisations, volunteering opportunities, and other roles that might not be immediately obvious.”

She also emphasised the variety of opportunities available. “Even if you see a construction company hiring, they may also have admin jobs. So it’s always good to talk to people and see if they have any other opportunities.”

For members of the GRoW community, events like this can boost confidence and motivation. Many participants are returning to work after a break or looking to change careers, and speaking with employers in a supportive environment can make a big difference. Sheeja said “We met some women who hadn’t been to a jobs fair before, and they found it really useful. They were handing over their CVs, filling in forms, and getting immediate feedback, which was really valuable.”

This year’s fair at Uxbridge College – Hayes Campus, saw a significant number of attendees, with more mothers in attendance compared to previous years. “Compared to last time, I think we had more people coming in, and we saw more mothers looking for work, which was great. There were police, the Navy, and colleges there too, so it wasn’t just local employers, but a mix of different organisations.”

Beyond the job opportunities, the fair also provided information on training programmes, career support services, and apprenticeships, providing a better understanding of the next steps people can take in their journey to employment.

If you hear about a job fair in your local area, we highly recommend attending. Sheeja said “If you hear about a job fair in your local area, you really should go because they are a great opportunity to network, connect with new people, and explore different career options.”

Kaliki GRoWs her confidence and motivation while gaining new skills and experience

Posted on by heathercette

Kaliki moved to the UK from India two years ago and settled in Hounslow with her family. She had never worked before, but is determined to find a way to build her skills and experience and find a job. When she heard about the GRoW Programme at a local job fair, she decided to join, and it has been a very positive experience. Through GRoW, Kaliki has received support in preparing for work, building confidence, and developing the skills she needs to thrive in the UK job market.

Kaliki said “When I first came to the UK, I had no work experience. I was a housewife and mother and didn’t know how to even start looking for a job. I heard about GRoW at a jobs fair, and it sounded like something I needed. When I joined, the team helped me learn so much—how to write a CV, how to prepare for interviews, and how to find job opportunities. They gave me motivation and guidance, which I really needed.

I’m very happy to be a GRoW App ambassador. It’s helped me learn new things. I post on the app at least twice a week, sharing motivation or important updates for people in my area. It feels good to help others while I’m learning too.

I am currently doing an ESOL course to improve my English and I’m also doing AAT Level 1 for accounting. It’s a bit hard to manage studying and being a mum, but I feel proud. My exams are coming up in January, and I’m excited to see how I do.

I also attended GRoW Bootcamps—one in person and one online. These were so useful because they helped me focus on what I want and how to plan for it. Before, I didn’t know how to organise myself, but now I feel more confident.

I’m looking for a job, and I’m open to either part-time or full-time work. I’d love to work in customer service or accounting. GRoW has shown me that I can achieve these goals. I even hope that one day I might work for GRoW—not just as a volunteer but as an employee.

GRoW has given me clarity and motivation. I now feel ready to take on challenges and build a future for myself and my family. I’m very thankful for all the support and opportunities I’ve had.”

 

Mukta’s Journey to Confidence and a Career in Childcare with GRoW

Posted on by heathercette

Mukta moved to the UK from Bangladesh nearly eight years ago. She had some work experience working in retail for a year but has focused mainly on raising her children. Lacking in confidence Mukta came to the GRoW Programme in Newham looking for support to get a job. Now, she’s volunteering, completing childcare qualifications, and working towards her dream of becoming a childminder.

Mukta said “When I joined the GRoW Programme last year, I felt very unsure about myself. I didn’t know how to find a job or what to do. I had worked in a shop for one year, but then I stopped because I needed to look after my children. I didn’t have much confidence, and I felt shy talking to people. GRoW helped me to change that.

At first, I wanted help to find paid work. I didn’t feel confident, but GRoW supported me. I joined their Bootcamp, which was very helpful. It taught me things I didn’t know and made me feel better about myself. I also did the “Preparing to Work in Schools” course, which gave me new ideas about work. It made me think about doing more and gave me hope.

One of the best things I did was start volunteering. Now, I volunteer at a library in Redbridge every Tuesday. At first, I was nervous, but now I really enjoy it. It gives me experience, and I feel more confident talking to people. This is very important for me because before, I was too shy to talk to anyone.

GRoW also helped me find a childcare course. I completed my Level 1 qualification with Get Set UK, and I really enjoyed it. I love working with children, and my dream is to become a childminder. I’m planning to do my Level 2 childcare course next so I can take the next step. I want to help families and children and do a job I enjoy.

GRoW has helped me so much. They made me believe in myself. Before, I was very shy and didn’t think I could do anything. Now, I feel confident and ready to take on new challenges. I even went to a job fair recently and spoke to people about my goals. This was something I could never do before.

I’m very happy that I joined GRoW. They have given me the support I needed to move forward. I feel like I’m on the right path now. My dream is to become a childminder, and I know I can do it. If anyone is thinking about joining GRoW, I would say, go for it. They can really help you, just like they helped me.

 

Amna Builds Confidence and Skills Through the GRoW Programme

Posted on by heathercette

Amna joined the GRoW Programme looking for ways to rebuild her confidence and gain new skills. She hadn’t worked formally before in the UK but had worked as a volunteer before COVID. Amn’s journey with GRoW has been transformative and now she is volunteering as both a Parent Champion and working with HomeStart Hillingdon, and has just completed her Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification with Get Set UK, as part of the GRoW Programme. Now Amna is looking to undertake a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification and is now working towards a career in this field.

Amna said; “When I first joined GRoW, I was feeling very unsure. I hadn’t worked before, only volunteered in schools a long time ago. After COVID, I lost my confidence and my communication skills. I felt nervous even to talk to new people. But through GRoW’s coffee mornings and meeting others like me, I started to feel encouraged. The GRoW team really supported me, especially Michelle and Sheeja, and it made me feel like I was not alone.

Now, I am volunteering as a Parent Champion and with HomeStart Hillingdon. For HomeStart, I’m attending training every Wednesday for nine sessions. After that, they will match me with a family, and I will visit them to provide support, listen to their problems, and let them know they’re not alone. I’m there to help, but if they need advice, I speak with the coordinator. It feels good to know that I am making a difference and helping people.

With the Parent Champions, I attend sessions and help as a translator for Urdu if anyone needs it. It’s a great way for me to give back to the community and use my language skills to help others.

Through GRoW, I also found out about the Teaching Assistant course. I completed my Level 2 certificate, and now I’m preparing my CV with Sheeja’s help. I never thought I would want to work as a Teaching Assistant, but GRoW has changed my mindset. I’m even planning to take Level 3 later this year! Now, I feel ready to apply to schools and see where this path can take me.

Joining GRoW was one of the best decisions I made. It gave me confidence, skills, and a support network. I now feel ready to balance volunteering and work, and I am excited for the future. I know that, with GRoW by my side, I can achieve my goals.”

Sunita Builds Skills and Confidence for a Future in Education

Posted on by heathercette

Sunita is a mother to a child with Downs Syndrome, who first learned about the GRoW Programme a year before signing up. At that time, she wasn’t quite ready to take the next step, but she held onto the information, knowing that GRoW might be the support she’d need when the timing was right for both her and her child. Now with her son settled in secondary school, Sunita felt ready to start her journey back into work. GRoW provided her with the encouragement and resources to take that first step, helping her pursue a career that fits her family’s needs.

Sunita said “I recently completed the Children and Young People’s Mental Health course through GRoW which has been such an inspiring and informative experience for me. So much so that I’m now planning to take a Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification. GRoW has been so supportive in helping me on my journey and I now feel I am on a path to the future.

I first heard about GRoW back in the summer of 2023 at a community event at the Civic Centre in Hillingdon. A member of the GRoW team was there, sharing information about the support they offer. I kept the leaflet, knowing that one day, I might be ready to take that next step. Finally, in September of this year, I reached out and began my journey with GRoW.

I’m a mother, and my son has Downs Syndrome, so finding work that fits around his needs has always been a priority. GRoW really understood this, and they recommended I start with the Children and Young People’s Mental Health course. It was perfect for me as I want to work part-time in a school, where my son’s school hours align with work hours.

The course was incredibly informative. It gave me a deeper understanding of mental health, especially how important early intervention can be for children. Coming from a different cultural background, mental health wasn’t something we discussed openly, so this course opened my eyes to the importance of recognising and supporting children’s mental health. Learning about the stigma surrounding mental health was a revelation, and I felt empowered to help create a supportive environment for children.
GRoW made the enrolment process so simple; I didn’t have to wait long, and the GRoW Advisers, Saeema and Sheeja, were there to support me every step of the way. The course itself was delivered online over three weeks, with a tutor guiding us through each session. I felt like I was part of a community, learning alongside others who shared similar goals.

Now, I’m looking forward to the next step: enrolling in the Level 2 Teaching Assistant course. I recently completed an English assessment, and I’m hopeful I’ll pass. I’ve gained so much confidence through GRoW’s support, and I feel like I’m on the right path. GRoW also sends regular updates and motivational messages, which keep me inspired and remind me that I’m not alone on this journey.
I feel so much more confident since joining GRoW I’m excited now to see where this journey leads me.

Vikoriia’s Seeks a Construction Apprenticeship

Posted on by heathercette

Vikoriia is an experienced construction professional from Ukraine, now living in the UK and seeking an apprenticeship in the construction industry. Having worked as a foreman for five years, she’s eager to get back into the field in roles such as estimator, site manager, or assistant site manager. Vikoriia joined the Kingston GRoW Program who are providing a variety of support to help her on her journey.

However, with the UK’s different systems and processes, she feels that starting with an apprenticeship will help her adapt and grow in her new environment. Here, Vikoriia shares her story, her challenges, and her hopes for the future.

Vikoriia said “I’m currently on a journey to find an apprenticeship on a construction site here in the UK. I’d like a job such as an estimator, site manager, or assistant site manager—positions I’ve held before in my previous career in Ukraine. I’m eager to get back into the field, but with the UK’s different system, I believe an apprenticeship is the best starting point for me.

Before moving to the UK, I worked for five years as a foreman in Ukraine, where I was responsible for finishing work such as laying floors, painting walls, and completing ceilings. It was a job I loved, and I took great pride in the work I delivered.

Since arriving in the UK two and a half years ago, after the invasion of Ukraine, I’ve found work in different sectors and currently work as a chef in a restaurant.

I’ve been working hard to prepare for a career shift back into construction. I recently completed a series of courses, including CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme), Triple STS (Site Supervision Safety Training), and First Aid. With all the necessary certificates in hand, I’m now ready to start working on a construction site. Yet, as much as I’m ready, I know I still need to adapt to the UK’s way of doing things, which is why I feel an apprenticeship is the right next step.

I’ve also been improving my English. When I first arrived here, I only had basic English skills from school, but I’ve been studying hard, currently attending classes at Kingston College. My English has come a long way, but there’s always room for improvement, which is another reason why starting with an apprenticeship feels like the right move.

I first came into contact with GRoW recently, through Iryna who specialises in supporting Ukrainian women like me. I’m excited to see how they can support me further. I’m interested in courses they can provide me that will help me on my journey. I also hope to get some interview practice to help me prepare for when I’m ready to step into the job market. GRoW has already been very supportive, and I look forward to what’s next.”

Introducing Karen Louth, Our New Employability Lead at Belina GRoW!

Posted on by heathercette

We are thrilled to welcome Karen Louth to the Belina GRoW team as our new Employability Lead! Karen brings over 20 years of recruitment experience and 8 years of employability experience with organisations including DWP, Ingeus, PeoplePlus and TNG where she successfully supported people into work. Her wealth of knowledge of the recruitment industry and passion for helping others find meaningful employment make her a fantastic addition to the team.

Karen will be running Training Zoom sessions and one-on-one coaching to support GRoW participants on your journey to training and employment. She’ll be offering expert advice on CV preparation, interview techniques, and job searching, ensuring you feel job-ready and confident.

Join Karen for her first session this Friday at our coffee morning, where she will be sharing valuable tips and insights. It’s the perfect chance to meet her and find out how you can benefit from her extensive experience in recruitment.

Karen said:

“My passion is helping people on their journey to securing a new role. I will be there to support you every step of the way in navigating your way through the recruitment processes. I’ve been a recruiter for over 20 years and sifted through thousands of CVs – I know what a good CV looks like and if an applicant should be shortlisted for an interview! Over 8 years, I have successfully supported many women to return to work. I look forward to helping you to become job-ready and successfully secure your next role.”

With her extensive background in recruitment and employability, Karen has a track record of helping people achieve their career goals. She’s eager to apply her skills and insights to support our community of women at GRoW as this is a particular passion of hers as she acknowledges many women can be left behind in employment due to every day challenges such as parenting and childcare.

Karen will be kicking off her workshops soon, with CV sessions every Tuesday and interview technique workshops on Thursdays. Whether you need help creating, developing or polishing your CV or preparing for a big interview, Karen is here to guide you.

We’re excited for the impact Karen will make at Belina GRoW and can’t wait for you to meet her! Be sure to join the coffee morning this Friday to say hello and gain some fantastic career advice.

Nawal Gets Support to Get Ready for Work

Posted on by heathercette

Nawal heard about GRoW through a friend who was receiving support from the programme. With no prior work experience she was initially anxious and unsure about how to get a job and the steps she needed to take to get ready. The GRoW programme provided a structured and supportive environment that helped her gain the confidence she needed to take the first steps.

Nawal said “Joining the GRoW Bootcamp was a turning point for me. It was a great programme that helped to equip everyone with the skills and knowledge we needed. I took part in various different sessions and I felt my confidence grow.

After I completed the Bootcamp I took the next step by enrolling in PET Xi courses. I completed a customer service skills course and a team leading course, both of which made me feel I was getting prepared for work. I felt supported by GRoW throughout as the team gave me lots of encouragement and guidance, especially Zoiya who was so helpful. I had a few challenges and uncertainties along the way, in fact a year ago before I came to GRoW I would never have considered doing courses or actively seeking work. The transformation in my outlook and confidence is amazing.

I have taken part in an interview with Monarch Education and now registered and was accepted so September, I will be on their work list, starting with the new academic year. I would really like to be a Teaching Assistant eventually but am looking at other schools jobs such as Exam Invigilator positions. I am really optimistic about the future and feel I am on the way to achieving my goals. Monarch Education have said they will provide me with training and I’m planning to continue with more courses through PET Xi, including a teaching assistant course. I feel really confident now and happy I took the important step of joining GRoW when I did.”