Grow Digital – AI for Women Empowering Women in Leicester to Thrive in a Digital World

The world is changing fast and Grow is making sure no one gets left behind. Our new Grow Digital – AI for Women workshops, funded by AKG’s Community Investment Fund, are helping women in Leicester gain the digital confidence they need to thrive in everyday life and at work.

The first in-person session, led by Liz Sewell FIEP, took place this week at Shama Women’s Centre and brought together local women keen to understand how technology can support them, from using QR codes to exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can make life easier.

Building confidence through hands-on learning

Many of the women who attended were taking their first steps into the digital world. During the session, Kaneez guided participants through simple, practical activities such as scanning QR codes and completing digital forms, essential skills for everything from day to day activities to applying for jobs.

Once the basics were covered, the group explored how AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini can support them in everyday life. The women learned how to stay safe online, how to use effective prompts, and how AI can help with writing CVs, personal statements, and interview preparation. Importantly, the session also covered how to ensure that AI-generated information makes sense and remains authentic.

A starting point to continued learning

The 90-minute session marks the starting point for women who will go on to join Grow’s online learning community, where they can continue to develop their digital and employability skills at their own pace with guidance and support from the Grow team.

Outstanding feedback

Feedback from the session was overwhelmingly positive:

  • 100% of participants said they would recommend the session to others.
  • 100% reported that they found the session useful and had learned something new.
  • 75% said they now understand how AI can be used in daily life.
  • 25% said they had gained new insight into career opportunities in AI.

Comments highlighted that participants felt more confident and motivated after taking part.

Helping women understand how AI can support them

The Grow Digital AI for Women initiative is all about helping women understand how technology can support them, whether in their personal lives, as parents, or in their journey to employment. As Kaneez explained, “Many women told us they’d never scanned a QR code or filled in an online form before. Once they realised how easy it could be, their confidence grew. These are small steps, but they open up big opportunities.”

The sessions in Leicester are delivered in partnership with local community organisations including Shama Women’s Centre, People Centre, and Womentum at the Bangladeshi Youth and Cultural Society.

Supporting women to use AI safely and effectively

AI is changing our world, and at Grow we want to make sure the women we support to get ready for work can take advantage of its possibilities, while understanding how to use it safely. This project is a perfect example of community outreach at its best, empowering women to build digital confidence, explore new opportunities, and shape their futures.

Thanks to the AKG UK Community Investment Fund for recognising how important this work is and helping make it possible.

The Grow Digital Workshop takes place in Leicester for our Leicester participants but Grow also hold an AI Workshop online every Tuesday presented by Grow’s Liz Sewell FIEP for participants across our London programmes. Register on the Grow App.

 

Interview with Sheeja Sethumhadhavan – Supporting Women to Explore a Career as a Teaching Assistant

In partnership with Learn Hillingdon, Belina Grow recently delivered a two-week “Becoming a Teaching Assistant” taster course designed to help women explore a career in education. With 20 women taking part and an impressive 87.5% average attendance, the course offered hands-on insight into the Teaching Assistant role while building confidence and practical skills. We caught up with Sheeja, who led the sessions, to hear more about what made this course special, the progress she’s seen in participants, and why these kinds of opportunities are so vital for women looking to start or restart their careers in the UK

What is the name of your session or sessions?
The session is called ‘Becoming a Teaching Assistant’. It’s a two-week taster course we run in partnership with Learn Hillingdon.

What is your session about?
It’s an introductory course designed for women who are interested in pursuing a career as a Teaching Assistant. The aim is to give participants a clear understanding of the role, responsibilities, and the skills and knowledge needed, while building their confidence to take the next step, whether that’s enrolling in a formal qualification or improving their English and Maths.

Can you describe what happens during a typical session?
Each session is interactive and practical. We explore what it means to be a Teaching Assistant, the kinds of tasks they do, and the behaviours and qualities that are important when working with children. One of the standout activities is a blindfolded task, it’s simple but powerful, helping participants see how perception and communication really matter when supporting learning. The sessions also offer space for discussion, group activities, and peer learning.

Who is the session for?
The session is especially for women who are thinking about starting a new career, many of whom are new to the UK job market or returning to work after a break. Most of our learners have previous education or work experience from other countries and are now looking for a way to begin or restart their careers here in the UK.

What kind of participants usually attend? What needs or barriers are they facing?
We often support women who are lacking in confidence, unsure about how to navigate the UK education system, or who have been out of the workplace for some time, often due to caring responsibilities. Some face language barriers, others are just unsure how to take the first step. This course gives them that opportunity in a safe, supportive space.

What makes this session helpful or different from other support available?
It’s the combination of practical insight and emotional encouragement. We don’t just tell them what the job involves, we show them, we discuss it together, and we connect it to their real-life experiences. And because we offer it in partnership with Learn Hillingdon, there’s a seamless path to continue learning. Many go on to take the full Teaching Assistant qualification or refresh their Maths and English through our Functional Skills courses.

What kind of feedback have you had from participants?
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive! Participants love how clear and easy-to-follow the sessions are, and they really appreciate the friendly, welcoming environment. A lot of women tell us the interactive activities helped them understand the role better and gave them the confidence to pursue it.

Could you share any quotes or stories from women who found the session(s) useful?
Absolutely! Here are just two of the comments we received:

“I liked that the session gave a clear idea of what it’s like to be a TA. It was easy to follow and helped me understand the main responsibilities. I also enjoyed the interactive parts and hearing from others. It made me feel more confident about taking the full course.”

“I really enjoyed the course because I met new people, and the teacher was excellent at explaining everything clearly. She helped us understand how to become a Teaching Assistant and what skills are needed for the role. The classes were fun, engaging, and easy to follow.”

Do women attend the session more than once? If so, why do you think women come back or recommend it to others?
Yes, we often see women return, either to attend other sessions we run or to support others by sharing their own journey. I think they come back because it’s a confidence-boosting space. Many tell us they recommend it to friends or family members because it helped them feel seen, heard, and motivated.

It helps them feel more capable and optimistic and they make new connections with other women who are in similar situations. They also leave with a clearer path forward, whether that’s starting a qualification, improving their English, or looking for work in a school.

What changes or progress have you seen in participants over time?
Some women have gone on to enrol in full Teaching Assistant qualifications. Others have joined Functional Skills classes to strengthen their English and Maths. I’ve seen so many small but powerful changes, more eye contact, more participation in group discussions, and most importantly, a belief that they can do it.

Any examples of confidence building, engagement, or moving towards training/work?
Yes, we’ve already had several women from this most recent course book their assessments for the next stage in September. One woman told us she’d always wanted to work in a school but never believed she could. After just two weeks with us, she’s planning her learning and career steps.

Why should someone join this session if they’re unsure or nervous?
Because it’s designed for people just like them. There’s no pressure and no judgement, just encouragement and guidance. We take it step by step, and everything is explained clearly. It’s a safe place to explore your options.

What would you say to encourage a new participant to try it?
I’d say: You don’t have to have all the answers or feel confident right now. Just come along and see what it’s like. You’ll learn, you’ll laugh, and you’ll meet others who understand what you’re going through. And by the end of it, you’ll feel more ready than you think.

Kayleigh Completes Childcare Course

Kayleigh, a mum from Kingston, recently completed a Level 2 childcare course with support from Grow. After having her baby, she wanted to do something that would prepare her for the future and now she’s looking forward to continuing her learning and working towards a job that fits around her family life.

Kayleigh said: “I came across Grow when I went to my local Jobcentre. I’d just had my baby girl and getting back to work wasn’t on my mind at all. But when I saw the Grow leaflet, something about it really stood out. I decided to get in touch and signed up for a childcare course which is something I wouldn’t have even thought about doing otherwise.”

Kayleigh had previously worked in retail and volunteered at her children’s school. She had been about to start an apprenticeship before becoming pregnant and is now keen to find a job working in a school or with children. Her aim is to build a future career that fits around her children’s needs. Kayleigh has four older children who are at school, and she’s planning to return to work when her youngest starts nursery.

“I went for a coffee meeting with Iryna from Grow and straight away she helped me find a course that worked. I signed up to a Level 2 Caring for Children course through East London College. It was all online and I could do it at home, which made it possible with a new baby.”

Kayleigh hadn’t done any formal learning in years, but found the course structure manageable and useful.
“It was broken into four parts and I had a few weeks to complete each one. I worked on it for about an hour every other day when I could. I learnt a lot, especially things I didn’t get to learn while I was volunteering. Things like different types of play and how to understand dietary needs.”

Doing the course gave Kayleigh more than just knowledge, it gave her confidence.
“It helped keep my brain going and it felt really good to be doing something for me. I feel proud of myself. I’m not ready to go back to work just yet, but I want to build up a portfolio so when I am ready, I’m not starting from scratch.”

Since completing her childcare course, Kayleigh has signed up to further courses through Grow, including Children’s Mental Health and Understanding Autism, and hopes to go on to a Level 3 in the future.

“None of this would have happened if I hadn’t seen that leaflet. I wouldn’t have known where to start. Grow gave me the support to think about the future, even when I was still adjusting to life with a new baby.”

Sravani Builds Confidence and Finds First Job in the UK

Sravani joined the Grow Programme in late 2023 looking to build her confidence and eventually return to the IT sector, where has previous work experience in India. With support from Grow she has started a new job working part-time in retail, her first job since moving to the UK.

Sravani said:
“I started working at Superdrug at the end of June. It’s a local job and I do around 12 to 15 hours a week, which fits well around my family life. I had applied for a few jobs before and been to interviews, and each one helped me improve. I learned what kind of questions would come up and how to answer more confidently. By the time I interviewed with Superdrug, I was prepared.”

As a parent with school-aged children, Sravani wanted to find a role she could do alongside her caring responsibilities. She had previously worked in IT in India and hopes to return to that field in the future, but recognised that getting experience and understanding the UK job market was a key first step.

“Grow helped me understand how to build connections, how to communicate and how to adapt to a new workplace culture. The workshops, especially the ones on CVs and interview preparation, gave me more confidence. I didn’t always know what I could say or how to talk about myself in a positive way. Grow helped bring that out of me.”

Sravani explained that being part of the Grow community helped her build a network and understand how to approach opportunities in a new country. “We should never lose hope. I knew I had experience, but I needed help to show that. The support from Grow helped me believe in myself again.”

Oksana Builds a New Future with Grow

After months of building her confidence, learning new skills, and tailoring her applications with support from Grow, Oksana has started a new role as a Lunchtime Supervisor at a primary school in Hillingdon.

Since moving to the UK from Ukraine nearly three years ago, Oksana has worked hard to improve her English and adapt her skills to the job market. She has been supported by Grow to help build her confidence, with job searching, CV support and interview practice and she has attended our AI sessions to help her utilise ChatGPT to tailor her applications.

Oksana sees her new job as a Lunchtime Supervisor as a crucial first step toward her longer-term goal of becoming a Teaching Assistant.

Oksana said “Back in Ukraine I was a German lecturer at university but I had to be honest with myself. I didn’t know the rules here, I didn’t know the curriculum well, and I couldn’t just start where I was before. I needed to start small, take a tiny step, and grow from there.

With two young children and no extended family nearby to help, Oksana looked for work that would fit around her family life. A Lunchtime Supervisor role was the perfect solution:

“It’s not about the money, it’s about going outside, not staying home all day, making friends, being busy, and being professionally useful again. I like making a difference in children’s lives. It fits my circumstances perfectly, I can drop my children off at school, work for two hours, and still have time to pick them up after school.”

Oksana’s journey to this point took time and persistence. She applied for jobs over a period of six to seven months, had a few unsuccessful interviews, and kept learning from each experience. Grow supported her every step of the way:

“Before my first interview, I had a mock interview with Karen from Grow, who explained what questions I might be asked and how to answer them. I learned so much. Even though my first interviews weren’t successful, I used all the advice from Grow, watched YouTube videos, read articles online, and kept applying. I am really grateful for everything, for little things, for big things, for everything.”

“I’ve applied for a Teaching Assistant course and I’ve been talking to staff at my school who told me many TAs started out as Lunchtime Supervisors. This is just the beginning for me. As my children grow and become more independent, I’ll have more time for myself and for my own development. I will do it, step by step.”

“I feel on this journey it is important to be honest with yourself about what is possible right now. You might need to begin with a small step to reach your big goal, but you will get there!”

Interview with Sheeja Sethumhadhavan – Supporting Women to Explore a Career as a Teaching Assistant

In partnership with Learn Hillingdon, Belina Grow recently delivered a two-week “Becoming a Teaching Assistant” taster course designed to help women explore a career in education. With 20 women taking part and an impressive 87.5% average attendance, the course offered hands-on insight into the Teaching Assistant role while building confidence and practical skills. We caught up with Sheeja, who led the sessions, to hear more about what made this course special, the progress she’s seen in participants, and why these kinds of opportunities are so vital for women looking to start or restart their careers in the UKWhat is the name of your session or sessions?
The session is called ‘Becoming a Teaching Assistant’. It’s a two-week taster course we run in partnership with Learn Hillingdon.

What is your session about?
It’s an introductory course designed for women who are interested in pursuing a career as a Teaching Assistant. The aim is to give participants a clear understanding of the role, responsibilities, and the skills and knowledge needed, while building their confidence to take the next step, whether that’s enrolling in a formal qualification or improving their English and Maths.

Can you describe what happens during a typical session?
Each session is interactive and practical. We explore what it means to be a Teaching Assistant, the kinds of tasks they do, and the behaviours and qualities that are important when working with children. One of the standout activities is a blindfolded task, it’s simple but powerful, helping participants see how perception and communication really matter when supporting learning. The sessions also offer space for discussion, group activities, and peer learning.

Who is the session for?
The session is especially for women who are thinking about starting a new career, many of whom are new to the UK job market or returning to work after a break. Most of our learners have previous education or work experience from other countries and are now looking for a way to begin or restart their careers here in the UK.

What kind of participants usually attend? What needs or barriers are they facing?
We often support women who are lacking in confidence, unsure about how to navigate the UK education system, or who have been out of the workplace for some time, often due to caring responsibilities. Some face language barriers, others are just unsure how to take the first step. This course gives them that opportunity in a safe, supportive space.

What makes this session helpful or different from other support available?
It’s the combination of practical insight and emotional encouragement. We don’t just tell them what the job involves, we show them, we discuss it together, and we connect it to their real-life experiences. And because we offer it in partnership with Learn Hillingdon, there’s a seamless path to continue learning. Many go on to take the full Teaching Assistant qualification or refresh their Maths and English through our Functional Skills courses.

What kind of feedback have you had from participants?
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive! Participants love how clear and easy-to-follow the sessions are, and they really appreciate the friendly, welcoming environment. A lot of women tell us the interactive activities helped them understand the role better and gave them the confidence to pursue it.

Could you share any quotes or stories from women who found the session(s) useful?
Absolutely! Here are just two of the comments we received:

“I liked that the session gave a clear idea of what it’s like to be a TA. It was easy to follow and helped me understand the main responsibilities. I also enjoyed the interactive parts and hearing from others. It made me feel more confident about taking the full course.”

“I really enjoyed the course because I met new people, and the teacher was excellent at explaining everything clearly. She helped us understand how to become a Teaching Assistant and what skills are needed for the role. The classes were fun, engaging, and easy to follow.”

Do women attend the session more than once? If so, why do you think women come back or recommend it to others?
Yes, we often see women return, either to attend other sessions we run or to support others by sharing their own journey. I think they come back because it’s a confidence-boosting space. Many tell us they recommend it to friends or family members because it helped them feel seen, heard, and motivated.

It helps them feel more capable and optimistic and they make new connections with other women who are in similar situations. They also leave with a clearer path forward, whether that’s starting a qualification, improving their English, or looking for work in a school.

What changes or progress have you seen in participants over time?
Some women have gone on to enrol in full Teaching Assistant qualifications. Others have joined Functional Skills classes to strengthen their English and Maths. I’ve seen so many small but powerful changes, more eye contact, more participation in group discussions, and most importantly, a belief that they can do it.

Any examples of confidence building, engagement, or moving towards training/work?
Yes, we’ve already had several women from this most recent course book their assessments for the next stage in September. One woman told us she’d always wanted to work in a school but never believed she could. After just two weeks with us, she’s planning her learning and career steps.

Why should someone join this session if they’re unsure or nervous?
Because it’s designed for people just like them. There’s no pressure and no judgement, just encouragement and guidance. We take it step by step, and everything is explained clearly. It’s a safe place to explore your options.

What would you say to encourage a new participant to try it?
I’d say: You don’t have to have all the answers or feel confident right now. Just come along and see what it’s like. You’ll learn, you’ll laugh, and you’ll meet others who understand what you’re going through. And by the end of it, you’ll feel more ready than you think.

Confidence Grows at Oak Farm Bootcamp

Earlier this month, women from across Hillingdon took part in the Grow Bootcamp at Oak Farm Children’s Centre — a relaxed, two-hour personal development session designed to help participants reflect on where they are now, where they want to be, and the steps they can take to get there.

Led by Saeema Yusuf MIEP, the Bootcamp is the starting point of every Grow participant’s journey and is specially curated to motivate and help women make their next steps feel achievable.

We spoke to two participants from the session, Zehra and Jaswinder, about their experience — and how it’s helped them move forward.

“I came across very resilient women”

Zehra, who previously worked in human resources, was already looking for work when she was referred to the Grow programme at the children’s centre. She joined the Bootcamp while feeling unsure about her career direction.

“I think I went in with a very confused mind — should I progress further in HR or should I look into childminding?” she said. “So I thought maybe if I go in this programme, let’s see what happens.”

What Zehra found was a group of women from all walks of life, many of whom had professional careers before having children.

“I came across very resilient women. Some were about to do a PhD, some were teachers, some were dentists. People from very varied backgrounds came together and I think I learned from their resilience.”

The session helped her feel more confident in returning to HR.

“Just because I’m unable to secure a role for the past three months doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t be in HR. It gave me a sense of clarity.”

Zehra also took part in Grow’s mock interview and CV sessions, which gave her some unexpected but useful insights.

“My CV never had a personal statement. After the training session that I attended with Mercedes, I got to know about the importance… all my CVs that I apply with now have a personal statement in it.”

She is continuing to attend Grow events, including coffee mornings and job search support, and has recently signed up for a Canva course.

“I learned how to represent myself”

Jaswinder found the Bootcamp a valuable and new experience. She was particularly encouraged by learning from the other women in the group.

“It helps you grow your confidence, and it gave you some good local ideas about how to represent yourself in front of others,” she said. “I learned a lot from the other ladies… how we can express ourselves.”

Before attending the session, Jaswinder said she had never really spoken up in a group setting. But after joining the Bootcamp, she found herself participating more confidently.

“It was a good experience to join that group and I learned a lot from the other ladies… I had a problem with expressing myself, but I’ve learned a lot from the group.”

She is now working towards her next steps, which include further training in functional skills, a Canva course and exploring health and social care in the future. Jaswinder also said “I am really very happy to learn that the Grow Programme also helps in providing a reference for work if we stay actively engaged with them for over 3 months which is really helpful for those ladies who have been staying at home to look after their child and have no reference.”

The Grow Bootcamp is a space where women are encouraged to focus on themselves, speak openly, and take the time to think clearly about their goals. If you haven’t attended yet, we urge all Grow participants to take part.

As Zehra said:

“It gave me a plan… What am I doing right now? Where do I want to be in the future? How can I get there?”

 

Sarah Builds Skills and Gets Motivated Through Grow

Sarah lives in Hillingdon and came to the UK five years ago. She has been volunteering to support refugees and asylum seekers through a local charity and, in 2024, joined the Grow Programme after a friend recommended it to her. With a strong background in interpreting and teaching, Sarah is using Grow’s resources to build her confidence and continue growing her skills as she looks to restart her career in the UK.

Sarah said “I found out about Grow in October 2024 through a friend. We both volunteer with a charity called REAP that supports refugees and asylum seekers. I’ve been helping people with things like English, interpreting, and housing. My friend told me that Grow could help me with my CV, finding courses, and preparing for work, so I decided to give it a try.

Before I came to the UK, I worked as a translator and interpreter for the US Army in the Middle East. I’ve always liked helping people, and I want to do the same here. But when I arrived in the UK, everything was different, and I didn’t know where to start.

Grow has really helped me. I’ve done a Level 1 Customer Services course through Get Set UK and joined the Grow Bootcamp. These sessions gave me a lot of energy and motivation. They helped me believe in myself again.

One thing I really love about Grow is the support for women. Women have so much to deal with—looking after children, running the house, and still trying to build a career. Grow understands that. It brings women together from all backgrounds and gives us space to grow, learn, and move forward.

The team at Grow are amazing. Many of them have been through the programme themselves, so they understand what we’re going through. Seeing them now helping others gave me hope that I could do the same.

I also use the Grow Jobs Bulletin—it’s really helpful and full of ideas for jobs. Right now, I’m looking for work in interpreting, admin, customer service, or as a teaching assistant. I’m currently doing a Level 2 Customer Service course and also thinking about doing more training to keep improving my skills.

Grow has given me the confidence to keep going. It reminds me that I can do this!”

 

Sabahat Gains Confidence in Getting Ready for Work

Sabahat has lived in the UK for five years and is a volunteer with Learn Hillingdon.  She joined the Grow programme to rebuild her confidence, get interview support, and move closer to paid work. With help from Grow adviser Karen Louth and sessions like Motivation Monday, Sabahat is now feeling more positive and prepared than ever.

Sabahat said “I have been in the UK for five years and I have twin children, so I spent the first couple of years looking after them. When I was ready to do something for myself, I started studying with Learn Hillingdon. I’ve done courses like Functional Skills, Health and Social Care Level 1, and digital skills.

One of my teachers told me about Grow and said they could help with CVs, job searching, and confidence. That’s when I joined. I wanted support to get back into work, especially as I had worked as a teacher, news anchor, and for an NGO in my home country.

Grow has really helped me. Karen Louth gave me amazing support and prepared me for two interviews. She even gave me her time outside the regular sessions, which really helped build my confidence. It was my first time going to an interview in the UK, and her advice made me feel ready.

I’ve also attended online Grow sessions like the Coffee Mornings and Dress for Success. It was really motivational and helped me understand how important it is to take time for yourself, even when life is busy. It made me feel seen and supported.

Right now, I’m volunteering as a Teaching Assistant at Learn Hillingdon, helping with ESOL and vocational English courses. I also volunteer as a Learner Counsellor, supporting other students and sharing feedback with the team.

I’m now focusing on getting a job as a Teaching Assistant because I have experience and it’s something I enjoy. I’ve also recently completed Health and Social Care Level 1 and may go on to Level 2. I’m checking job websites and staying in touch with education agencies, and I’m hopeful I’ll be working soon.

Grow gave me the space to learn, connect with other women, and feel confident again. I’m very grateful for the support.

Merlyn Gains Confidence and Plans for a Future in Teaching

Merlyn moved to the UK two and a half years ago with her two children and is now looking to upskill and find a job with the support of Grow. Although she has not worked in the UK yet, she volunteers every afternoon at her children’s school and her dream is to get into paid work as a Teaching Assistant. Grow is he8iujlping her grow her skills and confidence along the way.

Merlyn said “I found out about the Grow programme through the Hillingdon Council website while I was searching for jobs and courses. I hadn’t worked in the UK before, but I am volunteering at my children’s school, and I wanted to find a job or take some training that could help me get started.

In India, I did my post-graduation in Zoology and a Master of Philosophy in Education. But when I applied for jobs here in the UK, employers told me I needed to do relevant courses or qualifications in the UK. That’s when I contacted Grow and joined the programme.

Since joining Grow, I’ve attended the Bootcamp, some online sessions such as the Coffee Mornings, and a one-day Leadership Training course in Paddington run by PDT. The Leadership course taught me about the different styles of leadership and how to be confident as a leader. I enjoyed it very much.

I’m interested in working in a school, especially as a Teaching Assistant. I am interested in undertaking more courses, especially courses that will enable me to work in schools. I already have about four months of volunteering experience at my children’s school where I volunteer every weekday from 1pm to 3.20pm. I work with small groups of children, helping them with simple maths like addition and subtraction and with grammar in English. I enjoy it so much and it’s helping me get ready for a paid job in the future.

Grow has given me confidence and made me feel supported. I check the Grow app which is great for giving me job ideas as one of the things I’ve found difficult is understanding roles in jobs and whether I am suited to them. The Grow app helps with this because it provides advice about different jobs and what they are. My goal is to get a job that fits around my children and gives me the chance to use the skills I already have and having the support of Grow to help me on this journey is so helpful.