Kaneez Fatima MIEP Wins Quality Professional Awards 2024 Rising Star Category

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Belina GRoW are proud to announce that Kaneez Fatima MIEP has won the Quality Professional Awards 2024 in the Rising Star category. Kaneez’s journey with GRoW has been extraordinary. From joining our GRoW Programme as a participant in 2020 after a decade as a stay at home mum, Kaneez has risen to the position of Head of Compliance at Belina and we are delighted that her dedication, hard work and commitment to excellence has now been recognised on a national level.

“Winning the award was a huge honour,” Kaneez said. “It made me feel proud and showed that my hard work and dedication are appreciated. My efforts have always been recognised by my organization and team, but to see them acknowledged across the entire UK sector was a moment of immense pride.”

Kaneez’s work within the GRoW Programme showcases her skills and determination. She has ensured compliance across complex projects and has implemented efficient systems that help meet and exceed project targets.

“I liked how the awards brought everyone together and recognised our efforts,” Kaneez continued. “The event itself was also a great opportunity to connect with colleagues and celebrate our collective achievements.”

A key aspect of Kaneez’s approach is the ‘right first time’ principle and she stresses the importance of efficiency and accuracy in delivering quality services. “Yes, the ‘right first time’ approach is something I strive for consistently,” she said. “It’s important to ensure efficiency and accuracy in our work. In addition to ‘right first time,’ the other important words are ‘honesty’ and ‘caring.’ By maintaining high standards and genuinely understanding the needs of the people we support, we can provide more effective assistance.”

Her work significantly impacts participants, ensuring they receive accurate information and timely support. “My approach helps participants by ensuring they receive accurate information and support on time, which is necessary for securing jobs and achieving their career goals,” she added.

Colleagues have long recognised Kaneez’s contributions. One colleague noted, “Kaneez is exceptional at setting up systems and fixing problems. She’s reliable and gets things done on time, even when it’s tough. When faced with problems, she’s great at finding solutions and isn’t afraid to try new things.”

Reflecting on her journey, Kaneez remains humble and grateful for the support she has received. “Success is not just about individual achievements; it’s about the collective efforts of a team working towards a common goal. I am proud to be part of such an amazing team, and this award is a testament to our shared commitment to excellence.”

Kaneez’s award is a well-deserved recognition of her hard work, dedication, and innovative approach to quality and compliance. Congratulations, Kaneez, on this outstanding achievement!

 

Nandhini Continues to Build Confidence and Upskill through GRoW

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In March, we introduced Nandhini, who moved to the UK from India in March 2023. Nandhini has been on a journey of self-improvement and skill acquisition, aiming to re-establish her career and find a job that fits around her family. Nandhini has made significant strides, continuing to build her confidence and enhance her skills through various courses and training opportunities.

Nandhini recently embarked on a Basic Maths and Budgeting (Multiply) course, kindly set up by Hillingdon Adult Learn specifically for GRoW participants. The five-week course, held every Thursday at the Hillingdon Women’s Centre, focuses on essential maths skills and practical budgeting techniques.

Nandhini said “I have attended three classes so far, where we covered topics such as multiplication, division, decimals, fractions, percentages, and practical applications like calculating household bills.

This course has been incredibly beneficial, helping me refresh my maths skills and providing practical knowledge for managing household expenses. Even though I learned maths in India what has been interesting about this course is the different ways of teaching. I’ve learned new methods that I can use to teach my kids, and the supportive environment has really boosted my confidence. The instructors are kind and attentive, ensuring that all learners are supported and friends, co-learners, and GRoW members on the course are also very helpful when we encounter problems. They assist us in finding solutions. I’m thoroughly enjoying the course and feel more confident in my maths abilities.”

Nandhini is taking full advantage of the opportunities GRoW have offered. She has actively participated in the Preparing to Work in Schools Workshop and other relevant training sessions. Her goal is to secure a job in a school that accommodates her family’s needs. English, being her second language, posed a challenge, but with the support of her adviser, Saeema, Nandhini enrolled in the Daily Steps ESOL course to improve her proficiency. She also completed courses in Early Years Teaching and Childcare and participated in Audrey Bodman’s Interview Skills course. She is now looking ahead to add new skills and qualifications, all aimed at enhancing her employability.

“I have now enrolled in a Functional Skills course with Runway Training” said Nandhini. “This course will further enhance my skills and boost my CV. The confidence I’ve gained from the Basic Maths course has prepared me to tackle this new challenge and I believe these skills will be instrumental in enhancing my employability and helping me achieve my career goals.”

 

Michelle Grenada-Bryan MIEP – Transforming Lives through Specialist Coaching

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Michelle Grenada-Bryan is an Employment Coach at Belina GRoW and is making a significant difference in the lives of people with neurodivergent conditions through her work on the Neurodiverse Strategy Programme with 3SC. With a focus on empowering her clients to overcome workplace challenges, Michelle’s efforts are tailored to meet the unique needs of neurodivergent people, providing them with the tools and support necessary to thrive in their professional environments.

Michelle explains “Neurodivergent people, including those with autism, dyslexia, ADHD, and other conditions, often face unique challenges in the workplace. These challenges can range from difficulties with communication and social interactions to issues with organisation and time management. Sometimes they need a bit more support to help them overcome these challenges and my role as an employment coach plays a crucial role in helping them navigate their work environments, develop effective strategies, and enhance their overall job performance and personal and professional wellbeing.”

Michelle’s work involves personalised coaching sessions where she helps clients set and achieve specific workplace goals. Each client is assessed based on their individual needs, and coaching plans are created to address their unique challenges. Michelle’s coaching is not about providing direct advice but creating a reflective space for clients to explore their thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours, ultimately leading to self-generated solutions or the ‘Aha’ moment as Michelle describes it.

Michelle’s clients come to her through referrals from 3SC, often funded by the government’s Access to Work scheme. The number of sessions varies depending on the client’s needs, with some requiring as few as four sessions and others needing up to ten.

Michelle brings a wealth of experience and specialised skills to her role. She has a background in coaching from her previous role as a civil servant and has undergone extensive training in coaching techniques. Additionally, her roles as a Learning Support Assistant and School Meals Supervisor at a school where she works with neurodivergent children has provided her with valuable insights into engaging and supporting individuals with diverse needs.

Her ability to build rapport quickly is a testament to her experience and genuine interest in her clients’ well-being. This connection is vital in helping clients feel understood and supported, enabling them to open up about their challenges and work towards effective solutions.

Talking about the positive impact Michelle’s coaching has had on her clients Michelle explains “I’ve had great feedback from clients who report significant improvements in their ability to manage workplace challenges and sustain these improvements over time. The success stories are documented through self-evaluation forms and case studies and provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the coaching programme. Clients complete a self evaluation at the beginning and then at either 3 weeks or 6 weeks after and again at the end of the programme, to review how far people have progressed and what has been achieved.

“Being a coach is different from being a therapist and there is a fine balance to be made in terms of the support we as coaches offer when supporting clients. Coaches are there to look to the future and discuss what you can do to improve a situation whereas therapists often look back to see what could have been done better or differently. As a coach, I’m there to help people move forward and achieve their goals. It’s about engaging with people and building trust and a rapport.

“Working on this programme is extremely rewarding and I’m grateful to have this opportunity to support neurodivergent people and help them to overcome challenges to achieve their full potential in the workplace.”

From Ukraine to Kingston – Valeriia Works with GRoW to Empower Women into Employment

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Belina GRoW are delighted to announce that Valeriia Fedoronchuk has joined the team as an Employment Adviser to support women on our new South London Partnership Project funded by Mayor of London. Valeriia will be working with women in Kingston, Croydon, Merton, Sutton and Richmond to help provide employability advice, guidance and tailored support to help more women into work. Originally from Ukraine, Valeriia resettled in London after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. With two years in the UK, and a background as a Teacher in Ukraine, she brings a wealth of lived experience to provide invaluable advice and guidance to women navigating the job market.

Valeriia hit the ground running with our ‘Successful Summer’ project launch on Monday, marking her first official day with Belina GRoW. The event was a success, attracting 11 women eager to start their journey towards employment. Valeriia was particularly inspired by the enthusiasm and determination of the attendees, which included not only Ukrainian women but also women from other backgrounds.

Valeriia carried out a range of outreach and community engagement activities to ensure we were able to promote our event to women in the local areas who needed the most support, “I contacted people through my local Whatsapp and Telegram groups, I connected with the Resettlement Officer in Kingson and distributed leaflets and was delighted to see people there from all different areas who can benefit from the support we can offer through this project,” Valeriia said.

The project, funded by the Mayor of London, aims to support women in securing employment and offers comprehensive assistance, including CV preparation, mock interviews, job identification, and practical help such as start-of-work bonuses and references from Belina GRoW. The program also focuses on boosting confidence and motivation, essential for women re-entering the workforce.

Valeriia highlighted the common barriers faced by Ukrainian women as primarily language skills. She said “While many of the women we are supporting on the programme have a good command of English, others need to improve their proficiency to help them in their journey to work. Additionally, many women lack local work experience and struggle with the recognition of their qualifications. The project addresses these issues by guiding participants towards relevant training courses and providing crucial information on how to navigate the UK job market.

Valeriia’s own journey to employment in the UK was challenging. A mother to two boys and a primary school teacher with over 11 years of experience in Ukraine, she faced obstacles such as the need for local references and the recognition of her qualifications when she began looking for work 3 months after arriving. She also experienced challenges finding a school placement for her older son. Valeriia found support through the GRoW programme; “Sheeja worked with me to produce a really wonderful professional CV and really helped guide on the job application process.”

Now working part-time with Belina GRoW, Valeriia enjoys her role and is rethinking her career path. Her lived experience and understanding of the challenges faced by other women make her an invaluable asset to the team. Speaking of the GRoW Programme Valeriia said “I feel really passionate about providing the support I once needed to help other women overcome barriers and find rewarding work that is meaningful to them. I am really looking forward to working with the participants on our new programme and encourage more women in these South London Boroughs who want to get back to work to come and join us. Though places are limited we still have room for more and we want to do all we can to make a significant difference in the lives of women to empower them to achieve their career goals.

Humaira’s Journey From the GRoW Programme to Employment

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Humaira came to the UK in September 2023. Having never worked here before and lacking any formal work experience or certifications, she felt apprehensive about her prospects. With the support of GRoW she has now started a part-time job as a Lunch Cover at a Nursery.

Humaira said “I moved to the UK from the United Arab Emirates where my husband had a job. Unfortunately due to regulations there I was not able to work but I did have experience as a Primary School Teacher back in my home country of Pakistan.  When I came here my first focus was to settle my children into school but I had a desire to contribute to my new community and wanted to take the first steps towards employment.

I turned to the Hillingdon Women Centre, where I was introduced to the GRoW Programme and met Sheeja. Sheeja really helped me by providing lots of practical advice on how to job search and also helped me with my CV. She also instilled in me a sense of hope and determination as she understood the challenges I was facing in a new country and encouraged me to explore various avenues for employment.

Despite some uncertainty at first I applied to nurseries and libraries in my local area. It was a phone call to a nearby nursery that changed everything. Although the position hadn’t been advertised online, I took the initiative to inquire about potential vacancies, and I was so happy when they welcomed me on board as a lunchtime supervisor.

I started the job recently and it is really good. I’m working with preschool children, ranging from three months to four years old. My past experience as a primary teacher in Pakistan has given me a foundation to build upon and the nursery staff are providing me with training and support too so I am feeling really confident.

Being part of GRoW has been a great experience, they’ve given me lots of practical support, such as CV guidance and interview preparation and more importantly they’ve given me the encouragement to believe in myself.

Not having any work experience in this country was a barrier for me but having the courage to call on local nurseries and libraries to enquire if they had any vacancies is something that really paid off and I’m really happy to be starting this new chapter in my life.”

Bangladeshi GP Nur Gets Ready to Work

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Nur moved to the UK in 2022 from Bangladesh, where she was a dedicated and experienced General Practitioner (GP).  Nur is now looking for job opportunities in the healthcare sector to gain work experience before undertaking her license to practice in the UK.  Nur has been supported by GRoW through our GRoW Bootcamp and with our partners at Shama Women’s Centre to get ready for work.

Nur said “I have a seven year old daughter and so I am available to work during the day while she is at school or in the evenings. I am aiming to take my licence to practice in the UK but first I need to improve my English language skills and have enrolled with Leicester College for ESOL training. Despite my qualifications in my home country, my fluency in English needs improving to meet the professional standards in the UK. The course is set to begin in September and I’m looking forward to starting this as it will be a significant step forward in my journey back to work.

GRoW has given me lots of support through their GRoW Bootcamp where I received help to tailor my CV and advice to help present my qualifications and experience effectively to potential employers. I’ve also been connected with training specialists like Pet-Xi who provide adult education and they are running an event with Shama Women’s Centre to support all the GRoW Leicester graduates who need further support.

I’m also attending Shama Women’s Job Club, which meets every Tuesday. This club is a great opportunity to share job leads, and find out about the job market which will help me gain more advice about job searching in the UK.

While I work towards obtaining my licence to practice as a GP in the UK, I am actively seeking employment in the healthcare sector. There are financial demands involved in taking the licence exams and so taking on roles such as care work is something I am really keen to do at the moment, especially part-time positions that fit around my daughter’s school hours. I am also willing to work full-time during evenings too.

I have found a supportive network in GRoW and their partners at Business2Business and Shama Women’s Centre and feel ready to find a job in the healthcare sector that will move me closer to my goal of resuming my professional career.”

Congratulations to Kaneez Fatima MIEP – Our Rising Star

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The Belina GRoW Team are delighted to congratulate our colleague, Kaneez Fatima, on being a finalist at the upcoming Quality Professional Awards. Kaneez has been nominated in the category of Rising Star of the Year in recognition of her commitment to her role as Belina’s Compliance Officer and her ‘getting it right first-time’ approach.  Liz Sewell FIEP, Belina GRoW Founder & Director said “Kaneez’s combination of passion, ingenuity and skills has transformed our project, allowing us to deliver better services, report accurately and provide data to make things better.

We have been able to exceed targets on our last four programmes because she has helped us upgrade our approach in real time. Kaneez took a dynamic and engaging programme and gave it the edge of auditable excellence”.

Kaneez came through the GRoW Programme as a participant, as a mum to three children, with English as a second language and 10 years out of the labour market. She went from part-time Engagement Worker to a full-time Head of Compliance in three years. Due to her lived experience, she understands and is passionate about, the needs of our candidates and comes up with innovative solutions that solve problems. She has used her degree in Computer Science to make IT work for us, ensuring compliance across various projects like the Mayor of London’s Parental Employment program and the Leicester Community Investment Fund project. Kaneez’s knack for problem-solving and attention to detail ensured that every compliance requirement was met efficiently.

Her background in Computer Science has proved invaluable in navigating different and sometimes complex IT systems, working collaboratively with funders, fellow team members and participants to ensure all relevant information is collected and is compliant. Colleague Khatera sums up how Kaneez collaborates with the team: “She is exceptional at setting up systems and fixing problems, always making sure our work is top-notch. She’s reliable and gets things done on time, even when it’s tough. When faced with problems, she’s great at finding solutions and isn’t afraid to try new things. Plus, she’s a team player, always working with others to make things better.”

IEP Fellow Kathryn Jellings sums up her impact: “It has been my great delight to work with Kaneez. She particularly stands out for me due to her unerring commitment, positive approach and can-do attitude. She approaches every task, no matter how difficult, with a cheerful disposition and projects confidence in her ability to solve the problem. As a supply chain partner, this has enabled us to work together very effectively and solve any challenge.”

Reflecting on her nomination, Kaneez said, “I am delighted to be nominated for the Rising Star Award. Since joining Belina GRoW I am constantly learning, which is something that is so important to me. Success is not just about individual achievements; it’s about the collective efforts of a team working towards a common goal. I am proud to be part of such an amazing team who are so supportive and dedicated, and this nomination is a testament to our shared commitment to quality and excellence.”

We are so proud of you on your nomination! Your journey serves as an inspiration of the importance of perseverance, resilience, and dedication and we applaud you on your nomination. Good luck!!

Drita’s Job Success with GRoW

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Drita was referred to GRoW from her Job Centre in Uxbridge in December 2023 and has been actively engaged with the support GRoW has to offer. A regular attendee at our virtual Coffee Mornings as well as a regular visitor at GRoW’s HQ at The Winning Box in Hayes, Drita has engaged with Daily Steps ESOL training and has now found a job as a School Kitchen Catering Assistant.

Drita said “I moved to the UK from Albania and am a single parent to two boys. I worked part-time in a school nursery but my contract period ended in September and I have been out of work since then. The job centre referred me to GRoW and Sheeja worked with me as my Adviser. She helped give me so much support with things like my Universal Credit application and she also helped me with my housing issues too. The English language is a bit of a barrier for me but Sheeja enrolled me on an ESOL course with Daily Steps which I have completed online and it has been so helpful for me.

As a single parent it is important for me to find work that fits in with my children, so that I can take them to school and pick them up. Searching for jobs has not been easy but Sheeja helped me with that and she worked with me to write a really good CV that I could send to potential employers.

Having the support of GRoW has been so good for me. Taking part in Daily Steps to improve my English skills has been so important. I have applied for many jobs since stopping work last Summer and its been quite demotivating as I’ve felt I’ve not been progressing. Trying to find the right kind of work that I can fit in around my children has meant that there are less opportunities but I am so pleased now to have found this job as a School Catering Assistant. I found the job through an agency and its only a 30 minute travel for me by train which fits in really well with my circumstances.

I am really excited to be starting my new job in June and I am so thankful to GRoW for everything they’ve done to help me get back to work.

Rhiya Gets Support Through GRoW Community Partnerships

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Rhiya was introduced to the GRoW Programme through her Housing Association, Belgrave. As a single parent to a child now in full-time school Rhiya was seeking support and guidance to get into work, with a particular interest in admin or working in schools. Through the partnership networks fostered through GRoW’s work in the community, Rhiya is now looking forward to starting a Level 3 childcare course with the aim of receiving the necessary skills, knowledge and qualifications to secure work as a teaching assistant.

Rhiya said “I had previously completed a Prince’s Trust Qualification, ‘Getting into Admin’, and was keen to find part-time work either in this field or working in a school as the hours would suit my family needs better. I had some volunteering experience working in a nursery and school but had not done paid work before. When Belgrave introduced me to GRoW I didn’t know what to expect at first, but I was pleasantly surprised by the warmth and encouragement I received from the staff. They listened to my goals and aspirations and guided me towards the opportunities that best suited my interests and circumstances.

My journey with GRoW began with a series of sessions in March and they have encouraged me to enrol on a safeguarding course that will help me with my plans for working in a school. One of the most valuable aspects of my experience with GRoW was the opportunity to attend their graduation ceremony. It was a chance to celebrate not only my achievements but also to network with other women in similar situations. I even had the opportunity to connect with other community groups and potential employers, which gave me hope for the future. I was introduced to the Shama Women’s Centre who GRoW partner with and it was great to be put in touch with them as they have offered to help support me with my job search. They invited me to their Job Club today which I visited and after learning about my goals they put my name forward for a Childcare Course which starts at Level 1 and then progresses through Level 3 to Level 3 if I wish to do it. The course sounds great as it also offers Work Experience.

GRoW’s support, both in person and through the GRoW app has been invaluable as I’ve been able to explore various job opportunities and gain insights into the job market.

It’s been a great experience and I’m very grateful for all the support they’ve given me and for also connecting me with their partners. I’m really looking forward to starting the new courses and pursuing my dreams.

 

Eghosa’s Journey From Confusion to Clarity Through Leicester GRoW Programme

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Eghosa joined the Leicester GRoW Programme in late 2023 to seek guidance on getting back to work. With a variety of skills and qualifications, she was unsure where to start and needed some help and direction. With GRoW’s support, she is now on her way to a career in the healthcare sector.

Eghosa said, “I first learned about GRoW at the Shama Women’s Centre’s Jobs Fair at the Highfield Centre in Leicester. After discussing my skills and qualifications with the team, they encouraged me to enrol in the GRoW Programme, and I’m so glad I did. I learned many things, such as setting up my own business and how to improve my CV. It was very educational, and I found what I was looking for: real direction and clarity on what steps I needed to take.

I’m what you might call a multi-tasker and have previously pursued various avenues, from baking to dressmaking, and even hairdressing but I couldn’t decide which I wanted to do most. I had completed my Level 2 in Childcare and was considering going down that path. I had also completed my Level 3 Access to Nursing but was confused about what to do next. Essentially I had kept myself busy with different activities, hoping to find something that would resonate with me.

Unsure of where to focus my efforts and with my 50th birthday coming up this year, I didn’t want to waste my time by taking the wrong path. However, being on the GRoW Programme was enlightening, as the team helped me think straight and realise that with my Level 3 Access to Nursing, I had an excellent opportunity to advance my career in the healthcare sector. I felt much happier, having a strong sense of direction and an action plan to move forward and progress. GRoW helped me see what I needed to do to get where I wanted to be and gave me the motivation to go for it.

I was so pleased to celebrate my graduation at the Leicester GRoW Graduation Ceremony and collect my certificate alongside my fellow GRoW community members. Now that I know which direction I want to go, I am taking the steps toward achieving my career aspirations. I have revamped my CV and am actively applying for positions in the healthcare sector. I know my opportunity will come, and I’m feeling positive about my future. I’m grateful for the support and direction that GRoW has provided me.”