Valency Gets a Job as an SMSA

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At GRoW, we support women who want to return to work but may feel unsure about how to start again. Whether they’ve been raising children, juggling family life, or just haven’t had the confidence to take that first step, our team is here to help with friendly, practical support.

Valency recently started her new role as a School Meals Supervisory Assistant in Hounslow. She’d been out of work since 2022 after the birth of her second child. With help from the Grow Programme, she built her confidence, refreshed her skills, and secured a job that works for her family.

Valency said “After my second baby, I stayed at home and wasn’t working since 2022 when I had an admin job. I wanted to get back to work, but I had lost a lot of confidence. It’s not easy when you’ve been home with the kids – you start thinking maybe you can’t do it anymore. But I knew I had to try.

I found out about the Grow Programme and joined the Preparing to Work in Schools course – it was a Level 2 course and I really enjoyed it. I learned so much, especially about safeguarding children and protecting privacy. That part really stuck with me and gave me relevant knowledge.

Khatera was my advisor and she helped me with everything – my CV, interview tips, all the documents I needed. I had a mock interview with Karen too, which made such a big difference. Most of the questions I got in the real interview were just like the ones we practised, so I was ready.

I found the job on the Hounslow Council website – I just kept looking and applying like Khatera told me. She kept encouraging me, saying don’t give up, just keep trying. And she was right – I got the job!

I’m working now as a School Meals Supervisory Assistant. I started a few weeks ago and it’s going really well. It’s term time, Monday to Friday, and the hours fit perfectly with my family. My husband works evenings so I work in the mornings and he can look after our little one. It works for us.

The Grow community really helped me build myself up again. I joined the online workshops – the coffee mornings, the interview workshops – they were so helpful. I didn’t get to join everything, but I got a lot from the ones I did. I used the Grow app too, which gives you lots of updates and useful info.

“I’d say to other women – go for it. Confidence is so important and Grow was there to help and support me, and helped me feel ready. I am feeling very happy now.”

Ada Finds Confidence and Work with Grow

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Ada moved to the UK from Nigeria three years ago and spent a long time trying to find work. It was not easy starting again in a new country, but with the support of the Grow programme, she has now found a flexible cleaning job that fits around her family life, is feeling more confident and is looking ahead to her future prospects.

Ada said “I first heard about Grow through my son’s school. They sent me an email about the programme and because I was already looking for a job, I thought I would give it a try. I didn’t really know how things worked in the UK job market, so I needed help.

Before I moved to the UK, I worked in Nigeria doing admin work and also cleaning jobs. But here, I hadn’t worked for nearly three years. I felt like I had lost confidence.

Joining Grow gave me a new start. I joined some sessions in person at my child’s school, like the Bootcamp, and I’ve also been to lots of online sessions like the Coffee Mornings, the CV workshop, and the Interview workshop. These were all really helpful.

Grow helped me make a proper CV and taught me how to apply for jobs. I found my job on Indeed, and I used my new CV from Grow to apply. I got the job! It’s a cleaning job and it gives me time to take care of my child too. I can choose my own hours, which is perfect.

Even though I’m working now, I still come to Grow sessions because I want to keep learning and maybe do more training in the future. I’m still hoping to get a better job one day, and Grow is helping me step by step.

The best thing about Grow is that it has helped me feel more confident and I was part of a community with other mums like me. I’m really happy I joined.

 

Fajer Finds the Right Role with Grow

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Fajer joined the Grow programme in November 2024 after meeting the team at her child’s school. At the time, she was experiencing a difficult period in her life, having recently lost her brother, for whom she had been a full-time carer. She was also looking to return to work after a career break to care for her young child. Five months later, with consistent support from Grow and her own persistence, she secured a job with the London Ambulance Service as a Healthcare Adviser.

Fajer said “When I saw Laura and Liz from the Grow team at my son’s school, I went to speak to them to find out more. I was really down at the time and just wanted to do anything to get out of that place in my head. They explained the programme, registered me on the app, and showed me how to access weekly job links. I started applying through the app and other portals and even got offered some roles.

“Initially, I was looking for remote roles which is what I’d done during COVID. But most jobs I saw were asking for recent experience, which was hard because I had a gap in my CV. I did get offered some jobs however but they were not quite right for me and Laura’s guidance had encouraged me to really think about my choices, so I persevered.

“Karen supported me with my CV. She told me I had the right skills, but the format needed work. She completely restructured it and tailored it for healthcare roles. I had two CV sessions with her, and that made a real difference.

“When I got through the first stage of interviews with the London Ambulance Service, Laura connected me with Kaneez who referred me to Smart Works for interview coaching and clothing. The session there helped me prepare for my final interview stage. The coach I spoke to had experience in healthcare and gave me insight into the types of questions I might be asked. That preparation helped me feel more confident.

“The job I’ve now secured is part-time—two days a week—which works well for me now that I have some family support at home. It’s not remote, but it is relevant to my past experience working in GP surgeries and NHS call centres.”

“Looking back, when I first joined Grow I wasn’t clear on exactly what I wanted, I just knew I needed to do something. Laura helped me take a step back and focus on making the right decision instead of rushing. That advice helped shape my approach.”

“Grow gave me structure and direction at a time when I needed it. From CV support and job links to interview preparation and referrals, the team were always there with practical help.”

 

Elisa Starts Work at Wilko

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Elisa joined the GRoW Programme in March 2024 and has now started a new part-time job in retail at Wilko. Elisa has been supported throughout her journey to work by her Adviser, Sheeja. Together they worked on her CV, job applications, and building her confidence. Elisa has shown real determination and has taken important steps towards building a better future for herself and her daughter.

Elisa said “I joined GRoW a year ago. At the time, I wasn’t working and I wasn’t sure where to start. I have worked before — I did packing jobs through an agency and worked at Poundland — but I lost my job when I was pregnant. That was back in 2022, so I had been out of work for a while.

I wanted to work again, but it felt hard. I have a young daughter who is 2 years old, and I’m also on pre-settled status, which makes things more complicated sometimes. I didn’t know what support I could get or how to find a job that would fit around my life.

Sheeja from GRoW really helped me. She really went above and beyond. She worked with me to update my CV and apply for jobs, checking in with me and encouraging me to keep going. She helped me get a reference, which is really important when you haven’t worked for a while. She also helped me by advocating for me, speaking with other people and authorities on my behalf to help me when I needed to find new accommodation.

She personally helped me with job searching by telephoning me and inviting me in to the office to support me in applying online, through Indeed and other sites. I didn’t have much luck but then one day, I was out shopping and I saw a sign at Wilko saying they were hiring. I went in, filled out the form, and gave them my CV. A few days later, they called and offered me the job.

I now work part-time, Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm. My daughter is in nursery and I pay a little extra so she can stay the extra hour while I work. It’s not always easy, but I’m proud to be working again.
GRoW has helped me a lot, especially Sheeja. She gave me support when I needed it most and helped me feel more confident. I’m really happy to be back at work and I feel more positive about the future.”

Change in action

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Working to help people has always taken a blended mix of empathy, expertise, and encouragement. Yet now more than ever it’s about reaching out and genuinely connecting with people sitting outside of the working world.

This is a huge priority for policy makers, keen to support not just people attending the Jobcentre and receiving state benefits, but those back at home, commonly believing there’s no ‘right’ job out there for them. Programmes, and their funding, are rising to the challenge; their make-up directly responding to the task of finding, coaxing, and empowering people to think differently about their own futures. It’s a challenge Ingeus is keen to overcome.

One such example is the People & Skills South London Partnership Programme, delivered by Ingeus in partnership with Belina Consulting and Beam across the five London Boroughs which form The South London Partnership: Croydon, Kingston upon Thames, Merton, Richmond upon Thames and Sutton. So far, the programme has supported over 700 unemployed people from across its five London boroughs, utilising a strong network of local partners to provide community outreach and offer local knowledge and expertise.

Belina specialises in supporting women with differing barriers preventing them from working. Over the course of the People & Skills South London Partnership Programme, Belina supported 80 women from Croydon and Kingston to get ready for or start work.

Read more about the project here

GRoW Support Tanuja on Her Journey to Employment

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At GRoW, we are dedicated to helping people gain the skills, confidence, and support they need to find sustainable work. Tanuja’s story is a great example of how the GRoW Programme’s workshops, training, and one-to-one support can make a real difference.

Tanuja said “I recently started a job working in a café, making coffee and sandwiches. I enjoy this work because I have done it before, and it feels good to use my skills again.

I learned about GRoW when I was searching for jobs online. A friend suggested that I join the GRoW programme because I was always looking for work but not having much success. I joined the workshops and met Karen, who helped me a lot.

Karen showed me how to make a professional CV. Before this, I was applying for many jobs but getting no replies. I did not understand why. Karen helped me highlight my skills and write my CV properly. After that, I started getting interview offers, which made me feel much better.

I also attended interview workshops with GRoW. Karen practiced interview questions with me and gave me tips on how to answer. This helped me a lot when I went for my interview at the café. My manager asked me if I could make a coffee, and I felt confident enough to say yes and show my skills.

GRoW also helped me to improve my skills by enabling me to do a Level 1 Customer Service training course with Get Set UK. This course was very helpful and it will help me in my job and also for any job in the future I apply for. I am waiting to receive my certificate so I can add it to my CV.

Whilst I am enjoying my job I do need to increase my hours so I am keen to find additional or alternative work in a customer service type role ideally, maybe closer to home. I am much more confident now since going through the GRoW Programme and want to say a big thank you to GRoW, Karen, and everyone who helped me. I am very grateful for their support.

 

GRoW at the Jobs Fairs – Connecting with Opportunities

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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.”

GRoW App Ambassador Dhanya is Making a Difference

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At GRoW, we are fortunate to have incredible App Ambassadors who contribute to our community in meaningful ways. One of them is Dhanya, who joined GRoW in December 2024. Originally from India, Dhanya has been living in the UK for nearly three years and is actively working towards building a new career while supporting others through her role as a GRoW App Ambassador.

Dhanya said “When I first joined GRoW, my main goal was to find a job and meet new people, especially people from different backgrounds and to be one among them to support each other. Before, my social circle was mostly people from India, but now I have had the chance to connect with people from different parts of the world both online and in person. That has been a great experience and also being part of the GRoW community and meeting the team members such as Liz and Laura who are so supportive.

I became a GRoW App Ambassador because I wanted to learn more about all the activities happening at GRoW but also I wanted to know what was happening in my community in Croydon. Before, I only looked for events related to my interests, but now, I explore all opportunities so that I can share them with others. I post in the group to help people find useful opportunities.

Some of the things I have shared include a a pizza-making workshop to explore kids’ culinary skills, an embroidery workshop using repurposed materials, and an opportunity to meet an author, Mr Bhishma Asare, to talk about his new book. I also shared information about a webinar for parents and carers on how to support young kids and an opportunity to volunteer as an NHS care community responder.

I focus mainly on opportunities for women and kids in Croydon. This is my first time doing something like this. I volunteered to be an ambassador, and I enjoy it. It has helped me learn about what is happening in my community, share useful information, and connect with more people.

Before coming to the UK, I worked as a design engineer in India. But now, I want to shift my career path completely. I am interested in working in services, maybe in the NHS or teaching. For my own job search, I have applied for many teaching assistant jobs. However, since I do not have a UK qualification, I need to complete training first. I have registered for a Level 2 Teaching Assistant course, but I need to complete three years of UK residency before I can start. By March, I will be eligible, and I plan to begin the training then.

Being a GRoW App Ambassador is something I can add to my CV. It shows my involvement in the community and my ability to share information. More than that, it has helped me build confidence and gain knowledge about different opportunities around me.

I am very grateful to everyone at GRoW. Liz, Laura, and the whole team have been supportive and friendly. It is a great community to be a part of, and I am excited to continue my journey here.

Sara GRoWs her confidence and looks to the future

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Sara came to the GRoW Programme looking for support in getting back to work. She has actively participated in various GRoW programmes, both in-person and online, undertaken training and recently secured a job as a carer. Sara found the impact of having a strong support network in GRoW as a huge boost to her confidence and motivation.

Sara said “I first came across GRoW through my daughter’s school. They were advertising a GRoW bootcamp at the school for parents who wanted help with learning English or finding work. At the time, I was struggling to find a job and didn’t know where to go or what to do, so I thought, “Why not?” That’s how it all started for me.

When I joined GRoW, I was looking for work and trying to figure out what I needed to do to get there. I also had some challenges because I am hearing-impaired and unsure if that would make finding a job even harder. GRoW helped me a lot. I did a course on mental health and another one on working with children and young people. Both were online, but they gave me so much confidence. Being in a group where everyone was in the same situation, struggling with English as a second language, made me feel comfortable. We were all learning together, and it gave me the courage to speak up and use my English more.

I’ve been out of work for a long time. The last time I worked was about 10 years ago, helping my husband with his business. Since then, I focused on raising my children and did some volunteering to gain experience. Now, my youngest child is older and more independent, so it’s easier for me to work.

Even though my goal was to work with children or in schools, I’ve taken a job as a carer for now. It’s not my dream job, but it’s a good starting point to gain work experience and build my skills. I’ve already learned a lot through the training, like safeguarding and understanding medication needs.

GRoW has been a huge support for me. They check in regularly, tell me about new courses, and encourage me to keep going. I remember one time I wasn’t planning to do a course, but someone from GRoW called and explained why it would be helpful. I’m so glad I did it. They’ve always been there to guide me, and their encouragement has made all the difference.

For me, the biggest thing GRoW has given me is confidence. As a woman and a mother, it’s easy to lose confidence, even if you have experience or skills. GRoW helped me believe in myself again, and that’s what’s allowed me to take these steps towards finding a job.

My dream is still to work with children or in mental health, and I’m open to doing more courses if I need to. For now, I’ll focus on doing my best in my new role as a carer and continue building my experience. I’ll also stay connected with GRoW because their support has been invaluable, and I know they’ll help me reach my goals.

To anyone out there who feels stuck or unsure about how to move forward, I’d say: just start. It’s not easy, but with the right support and a little confidence, you can do it. GRoW has shown me that we’re all capable of achieving more than we think.”

 

Sravani Looks To Reignite Her Career in IT

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Sravani moved to the UK from India a year ago, bringing with her a wealth of experience in IT as an analyst and a desire to re-establish her career in the sector. After joining the GRoW Programme a month ago she found motivation with the GRoW Bootcamp and is now actively pursuing opportunities in software testing while balancing her role as a mother to her four-year-old daughter.

Sravani said “When I first came across the GRoW Programme through a leaflet, I thought, ‘Why not give this a try?’ At that point, I was looking at returning to work in IT-related roles, specifically in software testing, and the idea of having support and guidance felt promising. I visited the GRoW office, and from the moment I registered, I felt a sense of trust in the team. Everyone was so approachable and helpful; I knew I was in the right place.

One of the first things I did was attend the in-person bootcamp. That experience was really important for me. I felt really motivated and it helped me reflect on where I was and where I wanted to go. Having been out of work for a while due to taking a career break to care for my daughter, I felt like my confidence had dipped. But the bootcamp activities, such as planning your day and identifying your strengths, really boosted my confidence and gave me clarity.

The bootcamp also gave me the tools to talk about my skills and experiences. It taught me how to present myself confidently during interviews and discussions, which is something I hadn’t done in years. Now, I’m attending GRoW’s online sessions, and they continue to provide me with encouragement. However, I must say, I’d love to participate in another in-person bootcamp. That personal interaction and focused time were so impactful for me.

Before coming to the UK, I worked in India as an Associate Analyst and later as a Senior Analyst at a company called Global Logic. My role was non-technical, but over the years, I developed an interest in working in a technical domain. I even completed a course in software testing to enhance my skills. This is now what I want to do in the UK. GRoW has helped me update my CV and prepare for this goal. I haven’t faced an interview in the UK yet, but I feel more prepared for when that time comes.
The support I’ve received has been so valuable to me. I’m searching for jobs on platforms like Linkedin, Indeed, CV Library and Indeed and I’m grateful for the motivation and direction they’ve given me, and I’m excited about what’s next. I’m hopeful that with GRoW’s continued support, I’ll soon find the IT role I’m working towards.”