Humaira’s Journey From the GRoW Programme to Employment

Posted on by heathercette

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Congratulations to Kaneez Fatima MIEP – Our Rising Star

Posted on by heathercette

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Drita’s Job Success with GRoW

Posted on by heathercette

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

Posted on by heathercette

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.

Rhiya Gets Support Through GRoW Community Partnerships

Posted on by heathercette

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

Posted on by heathercette

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.”

 

Introducing Om Yoga with Shilpa Pandit

Posted on by heathercette

GRoW are delighted to announce that qualified Yoga Instructor Shilpa Pandit will be running a series of free online Yoga Sessions for our GRoW Community Members!

GRoW were introduced to Shilpa at the Belgrave Centre in Leicester where we were running our GRoW Bootcamp sessions focussing on confidence, motivation, goals and action.

Shilpa is a dedicated advocate for well-being and has overcome her own mental health battles and is now determined to share the benefits of yoga. Shilpa told us all about her new Yoga Studio that she is developing and we wanted to be the first to make this available to our GRoW participants!

Shilpa’s journey began three years ago when she turned to yoga to cope with post-natal depression, panic attacks, and stress. She found an online yoga community and studied for 6-8 hours every evening. The practice became her sanctuary, prompting her to train rigorously, become qualified and eventually start teaching.

Shilpa has been running her own sessions as a volunteer with an online yoga group, teaching participants across the UK and in Italy. She has now taken her first steps to setting up her own business – Om Yoga with Shilpa Pandit – and GRoW are delighted to be able to sponsor a range of sessions to bring the benefits of yoga to our participants.

Shipa said “Om Yoga offers accessible classes online, fostering a supportive environment that creates opportunities to improve your mental wellbeing and physical health. With reflexology, yoga poses, and meditation, I will guide my students on a journey of self-discovery and inner peace. I am grateful to GRoW for their support and look forward to working with the GRoW community to bring them the transformative power of yoga.”

Look out for details of our upcoming Yoga sessions with Shilpa in the GRoW Bulletin and on the GRoW App!

Overcoming Barriers: Nandhini’s Journey with the GRoW Programme

Posted on by heathercette

Following her move to the UK from India a year ago, Nandhini is looking to re-establish her career and looking for opportunities to work in a school which will allow her to fit her working hours around her young son. She has been an active and engaged member of the GRoW Programme, taking part in the recent Preparing to Work in Schools Workshop, undertaking relevant training and improving her interview skills.

Nandhini said, “I moved to the UK in March 2023 and have had a 6-year career break since having my son. Before that I had a job working in design for an automobile company. Getting back to work now my son is at school is a priority for me but I want to have the right job that fits around my family.

I heard about the GRoW Programme through my son’s school, West Drayton Academy in Hillingdon. GRoW has offered many opportunities for me to develop myself and I really feel I have grown, especially in my confidence. English is my second language and a priority for me is to improve my language skills. This is something my Adviser, Saeema has been working to help me with and I have enrolled on a Daily Steps ESOL course to improve my English language proficiency.

My second priority is to work on gaining the relevant skills and experience to help me get a job in a school. As well as GRoW’s Preparing to Work in Schools Workshop I have taken part in Audrey Bodman’s Interview Skills course and I have also completed courses in Early Years Teaching and Childcare. Saeema has now put me forward for Safeguarding and Data Protection courses that will help me even more. I am also seeking opportunities to gain practical experience through volunteering at a local school.

I have also found lots of support through the GRoW App. It’s given me many insights into things like interview techniques, job postings and relevant events within my community. I attended the International Women’s Day event at the Beck Theatre in Hillingdon this week which was so inspiring and motivated me further to achieve my goals.

Community support and mentoring have played an important role in my journey to getting ready for work and overcoming barriers I have to get a job. I feel like I have had lots of encouragement from GRoW, especially from Saeema and also sharing experiences with the other ladies in the GRoW Community has been fantastic.

I feel really determined to keep working hard to achieve my goals and am grateful to GRoW for their help in supporting me on this journey.

Sindushar Starts her Journey back to work

Posted on by heathercette

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

Posted on by heathercette

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!”