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.”

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.

Nimra Gets Ready For Work with GRoW

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Nimra is a mother of a 5-month-old baby boy and a 3-year-old daughter and came to the GRoW Programme in Leicester looking for support on her journey into work in the UK. After moving from Pakistan 5 years ago, Nimra has focused on her life as a mother but after seeing an advert about the ways GRoW support women to get ready for work, came and met with the team for guidance.

Nimra said “I previously worked in teaching in Pakistan but since moving to the UK I have been bringing up my children and life has been very busy. I am a member of some community groups in my local area and they introduced me to GRoW and I was immediately intrigued as to how they could help me in looking at job opportunities. As I have young children I am only really in a position to work at home and I was interested in exploring this. I met with GRoW”s adviser, Zoiya, at Highfields Library and she explained that this is what GRoW specialises in – supporting women into work and helping them through personalised support, including CV writing and looking at job prospects that suit me and my circumstances.

I explained that I had a background in teaching and that I love working with children and I realised that this is a goal I could pursue. I am also interested in accounting and so am considering this as a possible career too.

I haven’t had any work experience in the UK as yet but I am really keen to explore opportunities and even though I have my young children I am interested in finding a part time position that I could do from home.  I feel that working from home at the moment would work well for me as I can build up my experience while I’m getting ready to find a full time career when my family circumstances allow me to work more hours.

Being part of GRoW has been a great insight for me to learn what I need to do to start getting ready to work, especially as it has been a nurturing and supportive environment. I’ve spoken to lots of members of the GRoW Team, Liz, Zoiya and Kaneez especially and all have been so friendly and happy to help me. I was so proud to receive my GRoW graduation certificate at the celebratory event a few weeks ago and it has really boosted my confidence and motivation for the future.

My journey with GRoW is just beginning but despite the challenges of balancing my family responsibilities with work, I am eager to explore training opportunities that will help me prepare myself for work, especially in roles related to working in a school or childcare.

I am looking forward the opportunities that lie ahead and grateful for the support I’ve received from GRoW.

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.”

 

Fouzia Finds Confidence to Seek Full-time Beauty Career

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Fouzia, a hairdresser and beautician from Pakistan, came to the UK in August 2023. She had worked in the beauty industry for 9 years before coming to the UK and after undertaking a UK refresher course at Wesley Hall in Leicester she is now ready to start her journey to work in the UK and is looking for full time work in a salon.

Fouzia said “I am just about to complete a 5-week beauty and hairdressing refresher course and have just one day left to do. It’s been really good as although I have lots of experience and Certificates from Pakistan’s Government College, the refresher course will help me to find work in the beauty industry in the UK. I feel I have a lot to offer with a wide range of skills in hair styling and colouring and beauty treatments including manicures, pedicures, waxing and threading.

One of my biggest challenges when I first came to the UK was my English speaking so with GRoW’s support I enrolled on an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) course and am now seven weeks into a 17 week in-person programme. It’s going really well and has helped me improve my English language speaking skills. I felt quite confident with understanding others but speaking English more fluently had been more difficult but since doing this course I now feel much more comfortable and confident when speaking to others.

My first introduction to GRoW was when I attended the GRoW Programme at the Shama Women’s Centre in Leicester. GRoW has been such a valuable resource and I am so happy that I joined the programme. Liz, Zoiya and Saeema have been very helpful in giving me the advice and guidance I need to start me on my journey to work here in the UK. They are giving me lots of support, helping me with my CV and ideas for job openings.  They have also introduced me to the GRoW App which has lots of useful practical tips on how to find work and also on motivation.

Now with the Refresher course almost completed I feel ready to start looking for full-time work in a beauty/hairdressing salon and am feeling really happy about the future.

 

Sindushar Starts her Journey back to work

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Sindushar came to the GRoW Programme in Hillingdon in January 2024, looking for support to find her first job since moving to the UK 18 months ago. With a young daughter, Sindushar felt destined to be a stay at home mum but with GRoW’s support she is now feeling confident about her journey back to work and is looking forward to a new start.

Sindushar said “I came to the GRoW Programme at West Drayton School in Hillingdon and I’m so glad I took that first step. I haven’t lived in the UK for very long, just 1.5 years, and my daughter was only 5 years old when I moved here with my family. Back in my home country I had the support of my family and friends around me so I was able to work. I had a job working as a software tester in an IT company. Even though I had thought about going back to work I found the prospect very daunting. I was worried about how I would balance work with looking after my daughter and I felt destined to continue being a stay-at-home mum for the foreseeable future. However, thanks to the support and guidance of GRoW, I’m now feeling confident and ready to embark on a new chapter in my life.

GRoW introduced me to lots of opportunities and resources like the GRoW app that has information all tailored to mums like me – in fact it was GRoW’s tagline ‘We help women in to work’ that first got my attention.  On joining the programme I was faced with the dilemma of whether to continue in the same field of work as before or explore new opportunities that might be easier to balance with my responsibilities as a mother. GRoW helped me realise that there are plenty of part-time job options available that fit around my child’s school schedule.

The GRoW workshops provided so much support in building my confidence. We did lots of group work with other women which really helped. It’s a very supportive environment. Taking a break from work for a year and a half had left me feeling unsure of myself, but through various activities and exercises, I rediscovered my self-assurance. I learned to set goals and think about a future where I could balance work and family life and also do something just for me.

One particular workshop on interview skills, led by Audrey Bodman, was especially interesting. As someone who hadn’t taken part in video call interviews and was very apprehensive, Audrey’s advice and guidance was amazing. I received lots of practical tips and now feel much more sure of how to present myself confidently in online interviews.

Since being part of the GRoW Programme, I’ve been to a few interviews and feel much more optimistic about getting a job. The programme has helped me feel confident that I will find the right career path to suit my goals but also my responsibilities. My next task is to update my CV and then I’m ready to job search!”

 

Michelle Celebrates Sixth Work Anniversary with Belina GRoW

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Employment Adviser, Michelle Grenada-Bryan is celebrating a significant milestone – her sixth work anniversary with GRoW! Michelle started as a participant with the GRoW Programme in 2018 when she was looking to return to work after her youngest child started full-time school. She is a vital member of the GRoW team and has evolved within the team to provide more specialist support for neurodiverse people and those with higher support needs.

Michelle said “I was first introduced to GRoW through my son’s school where Director Liz Sewell was running the GRoW Programme. It came at a time when I was looking to go back to work but was unsure where to begin and I needed some support.  Liz offered me a position within the team to develop GRoW participant relationships and book appointments which quickly expanded to working directly with participants to provide employability support and assisting them with researching job opportunities. It was a part-time position which offered me the flexibility to take on an additional role at the school as an SMSA.

Over my six years with GRoW I’ve continued my professional growth, combining my role with a permanent SMSA/1:1 SEN Learning Support Assistant position. This role has deepened my understanding of supporting people with more complex needs, which I also apply to my work with GRoW in collaborating with 3SC to assist neurodiverse individuals and those with learning disabilities through the Access to Work programme. It’s a really interesting job and so rewarding to be able to help people to overcome barriers and challenges that helps them to stay in work and feel more confident

GRoW has developed so much over the past six years with the different regions we work in and also through the range of events and specialised content we provide.  One thing never changes though and that is that we like to do things differently. We know that life is not just about work. We all wear many hats throughout our lives and for a lot of the women we support it isn’t just about “I’ve got to find a job”, it’s “I’ve got other things going on”; “I’ve got a family”; “I’ve got caring commitments” etc. We understand and we approach things from a holistic point of view. When women find the right employment they tend to stay there for a longer period of time and they are extremely committed. At GRoW we have a delicate yet highly motivational approach that hits the mark and 100% of the people that come through the programme truly achieve something from it, whether it is finding a job, getting a qualification, developing an effective CV or building their confidence and motivation. Everyone gets something out of it to suit their circumstances.

I have learned so much over the past six years but one of the most important things I have learned is to take advantage of any, and all opportunities that come your way as you never know where it might lead. Six years ago I knew what I wanted to do but I didn’t know how to get there. It’s being part of GRoW that has led me to do the different things I am doing now and my journey is still continuing so watch this space!”

Shirin’s Steps to Self-Employment

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Mother of one Shirin came to the GRoW Your Own Business Workshop at the Shama Women’s Centre in Leicester, looking for information and advice to help her follow her dreams to develop her beauty business,  Jamilla’s Beauty, so that she can better work around her family.

Shirin said; “I want and need to work but find the regular 9-to-5 routine doesn’t quite fit with being a mum and with a 7 year old daughter and my skills as a Beauty Therapist I was thinking more about the idea of developing my own beauty business from home. I found out about the GRoW Your Own Business workshop from Wesley Community Centre so went along to the Shama Women’s Centre to find out more.

Mercedes Grant, our tutor, covered a lot of ground, from taxes to CV writing and preparing a business plan. Mercedes was really good at breaking things down so you understand exactly what you need to do so it’s not too overwhelming. She explains it all in such a way that you can approach it in a systematic way, almost like a roadmap. I had thought about starting a business before, but having someone guide you through it and offer some motivation is different. It’s less stressful when you realise things aren’t as complicated as they seem, especially if you take it one step at a time. As well as the workshops, Mercedes also gave us access to the GRoW App which has lots of information in one place which is really handy.

I’m currently developing Jamilla’s Beauty and doing some admin work as an Activity Coordinator. I work from 9 to 2 each day – it’s a stepping stone for me and I’m happy to do this until I can set up my business as I see that is where my future lies.

I want to say to all the mums out there trying to balance family and career, there’s more you can do than you might think. You just need some guidance. GRoW at the Shama Women’s Centre is a good place for that. It’s about believing in yourself and finding your own way. Being on the GRoW Your Own Business Workshop has been very encouraging for me. It’s not just about learning skills, it’s about finding support and a community that helps you achieve your dreams. I now feel ready to move forward with mine and am looking forward to the future.

 

Mihaela Upskills to Open New Doors

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Mihaela was referred to GRoW through the Restart Scheme in May 2022 from her local Jobcentre who felt she would benefit from the supportive community that GRoW offers mums in their journey to work. Initially she was looking at going back to work after a 5 year break to have her youngest child and with GRoW’s support found work as a Cashier at Primark. Mihaela is now enrolled on a Level 2 Functional Skills English and Maths course and is looking forward to new opportunities.

Mihaela said “When I first joined GRoW I struggled with confidence, especially with language, and I felt very shy. It was a huge barrier to me moving forward with my life but GRoW became a lifeline for me, boosting my confidence with the help and support of the team connecting me with other women experiencing similar issues as myself and also through the GRoW app with its motivational quotes and support information.

GRoW helped me craft an effective CV, which ultimately led to a job opportunity at Primark. I started as a cashier in December 2022 as a Christmas job which turned into a permanent 20-hour week position. It’s been a year now, and I’m still enjoying the job.

Though I am really happy with my current role, I know I can achieve more for myself and feel I need to push myself to do more learning. Before I joined GRoW an adviser from the Jobcentre recommended a Functional Skills course to me but I didn’t feel I had the confidence then to pursue it. Since going through the GRoW Programme however, I feel different. I now feel ready to take it on and so when I learned that GRoW were able to help me access a Functional Skills I jumped at the chance! The course covers English and Maths, and upon completion, I will have a Level 2 qualification.

GRoW helped me with the whole process of enrolling on the course. They carried out two assessments with me and dealt with all of the correspondence with the course providers, Runway Training. I’m all set now to start the course online, and my aim is to work on it for 1 hour each day so I can complete it hopefully within a couple of months.

Looking ahead, I want to explore new opportunities for work. I’ve always liked the idea of working with wood or craft, maybe making my own furniture. GRoW has opened doors for me, and I’m excited to see where these new skills will take me.

GRoW has been instrumental in transforming my life. It has helped me secure employment, build confidence, and now, it’s guiding me towards further qualifications. I feel far more empowered now as a result and I am looking forward to shaping a brighter and exciting future for myself and my family.

Rehana’s Path to Childminding Entrepreneurship with GRoW

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Rehana began her journey with GRoW at the Shama Women’s Centre, where she attended the GRoW Your Own Business Programme. With plans to start her own childminding business, Rehana gained valuable insights and practical advice about various aspects of self-employment, and with GRoW’s continuing support has gained experience and is now on the path to achieving her goal.

Rehana said “I had been a regular visitor to the Shama Women’s Centre over the years, where I had taken some courses such as computer, IT and ESOL but it was the first time I had done a programme like GRoW Your Own Business.  It was excellent and the ladies that ran the programme – Liz, Mercedes and Kaneez – were really friendly and supportive. I attended one session a week for three weeks and it was a great experience for me. I felt it helped me to understand the different aspects of setting up a business such as preparing your Business Plan, promoting your business, and finance, tax and VAT. It covered a lot of detail, step by step but more than anything, it made me feel so much more confident and motivated to push forward.

I have always wanted to be a childminder. I previously worked in a school and childcare nursery 16 years ago and I have a NVQ childcare qualification. I am currently working part-time in Home Care but my plan is to become a full-time childminder as I find it a very challenging and rewarding career. Through GRoW I was offered the opportunity to gain some recent work experience when they asked me to provide childcare at a GRoW session they were running at Highfield Childrens Centre. I offered support by looking after a child while their mother attended a GRoW session. I have completed a First Aid course and my next steps now are to finalise some of the details and then arrange for my OFSTED inspection. Once everything is completed, Kaneez is helping me to launch the business early next year and GRoW have offered to help advertise my business via their GRoW app which is really helpful.

I am grateful to GRoW for the support I have received. It has been such a helpful and motivating experience, taking part in workshops with a supportive community of women, whilst gaining practical guidance on navigating the complexities of setting up a business. I feel very optimistic about the future and can’t wait to start.