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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Sunita Builds Skills and Confidence for a Future in Education

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meet Emma – From GRoW Participant to Business Starter

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Emma is a mother to 5 children with ages ranging from 6 to 22 years old. Emma first joined the GRoW Programme during the challenging times of the lockdown in 2020. Having never worked before, she embarked on the programme as a way to find confidence and direction. Her journey has since come full circle as she is now working with the GRoW team in Lambeth, helping to engage new participants. She’s not only helping others but also developing plans to start her own cleaning business, with support from Mercedes, who runs the GRoW Your Own Business programme.

Emma said: “Right when lockdown happened in 2020, I joined the GRoW Programme which had transformed into an all-online programme. Although I had done voluntary work, I hadn’t done any paid work before and was lacking in confidence. Being a mum kept me busy, but when I came to the programme, I wasn’t sure where to start. I had heard about GRoW from my children’s school and it just felt like the right time. The programme really helps you figure out what you want to do and where you want to go, and for me, that was huge.

The biggest thing I took away from GRoW was confidence. Before, I didn’t have a clear idea of what I wanted to do. But through the workshops and the support I received, I started to believe in myself. I hadn’t worked before, but after finishing the programme, I managed to get a job in retail. It wasn’t something I had planned, but GRoW helped me put together my CV and prepare for interviews. I even attended a CV workshop, and that was a game-changer. I learned to adapt my CV for different jobs, which was something I hadn’t thought about before.

Before joining GRoW, I had only done voluntary work – things like helping out in a nursery and at my children’s school. That gave me some experience, but I never thought I could actually use it to get a paid job. The GRoW team helped me see that everything I had done was valuable. And that’s a message I want to share with other women – just because you haven’t had paid work doesn’t mean you don’t have skills and experience.

Now, I’m not in retail anymore because the shop I was working at closed down. But that gave me the chance to think about what I really want to do, and that’s to start my own cleaning business. I’m getting support from Mercedes who runs the GRoW Your Own Business programme, and it’s been amazing. She’s helping me with everything from understanding self-employment to setting up my business plan. It’s exciting to think about being my own boss.

I’m also helping out with the Lambeth programme now, working to engage new participants. It feels good to give back and to be able to say to others, ‘I was in your shoes, and look where I am now.’ GRoW opened my eyes to possibilities I hadn’t considered before. It’s not just about getting a job; it’s about figuring out what you truly want to do and then going for it. That’s what I’m doing now, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the support.”

Vikoriia’s Seeks a Construction Apprenticeship

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carmen Starts a Job as an After School Club Playworker

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Mum of two, Carmen, joined the Kingston GRoW Programme in June and took part in the Successful Summer programme to help her find a job.

After moving to the UK from Hong Kong Carmen had dedicated her time to her family but felt the time was right to pursue work opportunities. With GRoW’s support she has now secured a part time job as a Playworker at an After School Club and is enjoying the opportunities work brings to her life.

Carmen said; “I had spent over 20 years working in purchasing and administration in Hong Kong. However, after settling in the UK, I knew I wanted to do something different. I wanted a job that would allow me to balance my work and my role as a mother. I knew that working in a school would provide the flexibility I needed, especially since it would allow me to fit my work around my children’s school hours.

I remember seeing information about the GRoW Programme in a school newsletter not long after I arrived in the UK, I read that it was an organisation that helped mothers like me return to work. At the time, moving to a new country, adjusting to a different lifestyle, and navigating the job market were too much so I wasn’t ready to start working yet. As time passed athough and I felt more settled, I knew it was time to take the next step.

I joined the GRoW Programme this summer and it made a huge difference in helping me find the right job. One of the biggest challenges I faced was my lack of confidence in interviews. In Hong Kong, I had worked at the same company for over 15 years and hadn’t needed to interview in a long time. I felt out of practice and unsure of how to present myself in a UK job market. That’s where the GRoW Programme came in.

I attended one of their online workshops focused on interview preparation which was presented by a guest speaker called Jonty Rooke MIEP who was really inspiring. This session was invaluable. It taught me what to expect in an interview, how to structure my answers, and how to relate my previous work experience to the roles I was applying for. The team at GRoW also gave me personalised advice on preparing for specific interviews, which helped ease my nerves. I was even able to reach out via WhatsApp for last-minute advice before an interview!

My first interview was for an administrative role in a school, and although I didn’t get the job, I learned a lot from the experience. The feedback was that I didn’t have enough school experience, but instead of feeling discouraged, I used it as an opportunity to improve. The GRoW team suggested I complete an online safeguarding course to boost my understanding of school environments and strengthen my future applications. This course turned out to be crucial because when I later interviewed for a play leader role at an After School Club, I was asked questions about safeguarding. Thanks to the course, I was confident in my answers and knew exactly what was expected in that environment.

I am now working as a part-time play leader at a local After School Club, just a 20-minute walk from my home. My hours are perfect—Monday to Thursday from 3:00 to 6:00 PM—which means I can still be there for my daughters and manage everything at home. My youngest daughter is old enough to come home on her own, so I don’t have to worry about arranging childcare while I’m at work. This role fits perfectly with my life.

This is my first job since moving to the UK, and I am loving it. Not only does it provide financial independence, but it also feels great to be part of a team again and contribute to the community. I work with young children, which is such a rewarding experience, and it’s given me a sense of purpose and fulfilment that I hadn’t realised I was missing.

The support I received from the GRoW Programme was key to helping me regain my confidence and find a job that fits my life. Without their help, especially with interview preparation, I don’t think I would have secured this role as quickly. I hope my story encourages other women in similar situations to know that with the right support, it is possible to find a job that works for you and your family.”

Empowering Haddy to Secure a New Role

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Haddy is a committed frontline practitioner who has spent years supporting people in challenging circumstances, most recently supporting people in need at food banks whilst working as an Advisor with the Citizens Advice Bureau. When her job came to an end she looked to Jobcentre Plus for support to find new employment opportunities and was referred to Belina GRoW to provide the crucial support she needed.

Haddy attended her first GRoW session at Croydon Town Hall and quickly realised the value of the resources and support offered.

Haddy said “GRoW provided me with more than just basic advice—they offered tailored interview coaching that proved really useful. Despite my previous experience in client-facing roles, I found the interview practice and tips from GRoW were incredibly beneficial. I particularly valued the one-on-one support from Liz who helped me refine my interview technique. It really helped me regain my confidence. This personalised guidance paid off quickly, as I secured three job offers in just one week, ultimately choosing a role with the National Careers Service.”

Haddy began her new role as an Employment Adviser at the National Careers Service where she will help provide high quality career advice and guidance to improve clients’ skills. She will introduce job seekers and those in work places to free professional courses to make them stand out.

Reflecting on her experience, Haddy emphasised that even for someone with her background, skills and experience, the support from GRoW was invaluable. The programme not only helped her secure a new job but also reinforced the importance of seeking guidance and continuously improving, no matter where one is in their career.

 

Nawal Gets Support to Get Ready for Work

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

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

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

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

 

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!

 

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.