More Than 270 Women Build Confidence, Skills and New Opportunities Through Grow Digital

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More than 270 women across Leicester have developed new digital skills, explored Artificial Intelligence (AI) and gained confidence in using technology through the Grow Digital AI for Women programme, delivered by Grow and funded through AKG UK’s Community Investment Fund.

Working alongside trusted community organisations including Shama Women’s Centre, Peepul Centre, APANPAN CIC, Wesley Hall Community Centre and others, the programme was designed to make AI accessible, practical and relevant to everyday life.

For many participants, this wasn’t just about learning a new technology. It was about building confidence, discovering new opportunities and developing skills that can support work, learning and family life.

The achievements of participants were recently celebrated at the Grow Digital Celebration Event in Leicester, where women, community partners and supporters came together to recognise the impact the programme has made.

From Uncertainty to Confidence

Many women joined the programme feeling unsure about AI and whether it was something they could use.

Fathima, who attended Grow Digital workshops hosted at Shama Women’s Centre, admitted she was initially sceptical.

“I was someone who was quite reluctant to use it. I used to think people are becoming lazy.”

After attending the sessions, her view changed completely.

“When I went, I realised it’s not someone who’s lazy who uses it, it’s someone who’s smart. If you take advantage of it, it can work to your advantage. It can actually help in your personal as well as your professional development.”

She described the programme as:

“Really like an eye-opener.”

For many participants, AI went from being something unfamiliar and intimidating to a practical tool they could use every day.

Practical Skills for Everyday Life

One of the strengths of the programme was its focus on real-life applications.

Participants learned how AI could support job searching, CV writing, communication, planning, language learning, online safety and even helping children with their homework.

Fathima particularly valued how practical the sessions were.

“I really enjoyed how the Kaneez made it practical to every person’s need. For someone who’s looking for a job, someone who wants to cook, someone who wants to learn a language, or someone who doesn’t speak much English.”

As a mother of two young children, she was surprised by how AI could support learning at home.

“She showed us how AI can help teach Year 1 and Year 2 children about addition like a teacher.”

Participants also learned how to use AI safely and effectively, understanding both its benefits and limitations.

“Use it to your advantage but don’t let it use you.”

That message became one of the key themes of the programme.

Supporting Women Into Work

The programme also helped women strengthen their employability skills and digital confidence.

Shital, who joined a Grow Digital workshop through the Peepul Centre, had previously completed a degree in Computer Engineering in India but wanted to understand how new technologies were being used in the UK.

She said:

“Nowadays in everything, you need AI.”

The workshops helped participants understand how AI could support job applications, improve writing skills and build confidence using digital tools.

Fathima, who was made redundant earlier this year, found the sessions particularly useful while updating her CV and searching for work.

“I liked how I could use my transferable skills as a mum, take the knowledge and expertise from other fields and apply it to the job that I’m applying for.”

For many women, the programme provided an opportunity to develop skills that are becoming increasingly important in today’s workplace.

The Power of Community Partnerships

A key factor in the success of Grow Digital was the collaboration between Grow and trusted community organisations across Leicester. By working with organisations that already had strong relationships within their communities, the programme was able to reach women who may not otherwise have engaged with digital skills training.

Reflecting on the partnership, Aura Chacón, Active Women Coordinator, said:

“Through the collaboration with Grow Get Ready for Work we were able to upskill participants who took part in the AI Workshop. We place high value in partnership working, bringing resources and expertise to the Active Women project from organisations such as yours, which plays a crucial part in our commitment to sustainability and community development.”

She added:

“Kaneez was able to engage genuinely with the women and made a long-lasting impression for them to continue their personal development and make the most of the AI technology available to them.”

Kaneez Fatima MIEP, who delivered the programme on behalf of Grow, said:

“This achievement would not have been possible without the support, trust and collaboration of our community partners.”

“The Grow project delivered by Belina Grow CIC and funded by AKG UK has truly made a positive difference in many lives.”

The impact of the programme was celebrated at the Grow Digital Celebration Event in Leicester, where participants, partners and supporters came together to recognise the achievements of more than 270 women who took part.

Speaking after the event, Joanne Van AIEP, Social Impact Manager at AKG UK, said:

“It was a wonderful event, a real celebration. Thank you for the amazing work you have done on this project.”

Partners consistently highlighted the enthusiasm of participants and the supportive learning environment created through the programme. One community partner described seeing women move:

“From hesitation around technology to confidence and practical use of AI in their everyday work.”

Another reflected:

“The energy in the room, the conversations and the willingness to learn was amazing.”

As one partner summed up following an AI workshop:

“We gathered to connect, share and grow, enjoying useful AI sessions, meaningful conversations and so much love in the room. It was a space to uplift one another, learn together and simply be present.”

Celebrating Success

The Grow Digital Celebration Event brought together participants, community leaders, partners and supporters to recognise the achievements of women who completed the programme.

Hosted by Shama Women’s Centre, the event celebrated not only the women who had gained new digital skills, but also the partnerships that helped make the project possible.

Attendees included representatives from AKG UK, community organisations, local leaders and programme supporters who came together to celebrate the impact Grow Digital has made across Leicester.

Looking Ahead

As technology continues to evolve, digital confidence is becoming increasingly important in everyday life and work.

The Grow Digital AI for Women programme has shown that with the right support, women from all backgrounds can build confidence, learn new skills and embrace technology in ways that work for them.

For more than 270 women, the programme was about much more than AI. It was about confidence and opportunity and ensuring that women have the skills, knowledge and support they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

 

How Grow Digital Changed Fathima’s View of AI

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When Fathima joined the Grow Digital AI workshops in Leicester, she wasn’t sure what to expect.

Delivered by Grow and funded through AKG UK’s Community Investment Fund, the programme was designed to help women build confidence in using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and understand how digital tools can support everyday life, learning and employment. The workshops were hosted at Shama Women’s Centre and brought together women from across the local community to explore AI in a practical and accessible way.

Like many people, Fathima had heard a lot about AI but wasn’t convinced it was something she needed.

“I was someone who was quite reluctant to use it. I used to think people are becoming lazy. They don’t want to put in the hard work. They’re trying to have a shortcut doing CVs or personal statements.”

After receiving information about the workshops through Shama Women’s Centre, Fathima decided to give it a try.

“I thought, OK, I haven’t looked into it, I haven’t used it, so I’ll go and see what it’s all about.”

What she discovered completely changed her perspective.

“When I went, I realised it’s not someone who’s lazy who uses it, it’s someone who’s smart. If you take advantage of it, it can work to your advantage. It can actually help in your personal as well as your professional development.”

Fathima particularly appreciated the practical approach taken during the sessions.

“I liked when Kaneez said, ‘Use it to your advantage but don’t let it use you.'”

She explained that the workshops helped her understand both the benefits and limitations of AI.

“It only does what you instruct. It’s as clever as what you ask.”

As someone currently looking for work after being made redundant in January, Fathima found the sessions especially useful when updating her CV and applying for jobs.

“I haven’t had to use a CV for some time. Now when I had to update it, I liked how I could use my transferable skills as a mum, take the knowledge and expertise from other fields and apply it to the job that I’m applying for.”

The workshops also introduced her to practical tools she can use every day.

“She makes it very simple. Don’t overcomplicate it. Just give a key instruction about what you want.”

One example that particularly stood out was using AI to help plan meals.

“If you’re lost with ideas about what to do, just tell it what you’ve got in the fridge and ask AI to suggest a menu for the day.”

For Fathima, one of the biggest surprises was discovering just how many different ways AI can be used.

“I really enjoyed how Grow’s Kaneez made it practical to every person’s need. For someone who’s looking for a job, someone who wants to cook, someone who wants to learn a language, or someone who doesn’t speak much English.”

As a mother of two young children, she can also see how AI could help support learning at home.

“I’ve got young kids. My youngest is six and I have a nine-year-old. Kaneez showed us how AI can help teach Year 1 and Year 2 children about addition like a teacher.”

Looking back on the experience, Fathima describes the workshops as an eye-opener.

“I was so wrong. I think it’s a smart way to do things, but we should always make sure that we are in control and that we use it wisely.”

She added:

“I found it really like an eye-opener.”

Earlier this week, Fathima attended the Grow Digital Celebration Event in Leicester, where participants came together to celebrate their achievements and receive certificates recognising their learning.

Fathima was one of more than 270 women who took part in the Grow Digital AI for Women programme. Through Grow’s partnership with community organisations across Leicester and Leicestershire, the programme has helped women build digital confidence, develop new skills and explore practical ways of using AI in everyday life, learning and work.

 

Sonal Secures Her First UK Job with Support from Grow

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Sonal lives in Hayes and joined Grow after moving to the UK from India. With a strong academic background, including a Master’s degree and PhD, and previous experience working as an Assistant Professor in a college in India, Sonal was keen to rebuild her career in education after taking time out of work to care for her child. However, arriving in a new country and trying to understand the UK job market proved challenging.

Sonal said:

“When I came to Grow, I was not aware of the UK job market and I was struggling to find the correct way to apply for jobs. I didn’t know the right platforms to use or what the requirements were to find a job in the UK because I was new here.”

“I also had a long career break, really a seven-year gap, so Grow helped me to gain motivation again and supported me to gain the confidence to restart my career journey.”

Sonal first heard about Grow through a friend who was already connected with the programme. Since joining Grow, Sonal has attended online sessions covering CV writing, interview preparation, motivation and understanding the UK workplace.

“I attended lots of seminars, online courses and sessions about how to make a CV, how to present yourself in interviews, what kind of jobs are available in the market and how you can start your journey again.”
Grow also encouraged Sonal to complete a Level 2 course in Understanding Support Work in Schools and Colleges through Learn Hillingdon while she was searching for work.

“Although I already had qualifications from my country, I was totally new to the UK education system and didn’t know how things worked here. From the course I also learned about British values, safeguarding and many more things.”

Sonal also attended Grow interview preparation sessions, which she says helped her feel more prepared and professional during interviews.

“I learned how to introduce myself by doing mock interviews with Grow, how to present myself and what I should and shouldn’t say during interviews.”

With support from Grow, Sonal began applying for jobs through platforms including LinkedIn and Indeed and gradually became more confident applying for education-based roles.

“Before joining Grow, I had applied for many jobs through Indeed but I didn’t get anything. After joining Grow, especially after doing the course from Learn Hillingdon, I became more confident applying for roles in schools and colleges because I always wanted to work in the education sector and I felt better prepared.”
After a year out of work in the UK, Sonal has now secured a role as an Associate Lecturer at the London Academy for Applied Technology.

“It has been almost a year looking for work, so this is a big achievement for me. This will be my first job in the UK. I am happy I joined Grow as they really helped me to regain my confidence again and help give me the advice and guidance I needed.”

Sheila Rebuilds Her Career

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Sheila lives in Hayes and joined Grow through the SWEET programme after recently moving to the UK from Kenya with her daughter to join her husband. With a background in IT consultancy, business and clinical coding, Sheila had spent several years out of work while caring for her daughter and was trying to understand how to rebuild her career in a completely new country.

Sheila said:

“Back in my country, I was an IT consultant and I also majored in business and worked in medical volunteering and clinical coding. After having my daughter, I became the primary caregiver, so I could only work from home, which meant I was very limited in the type of work I could do.”

Although Sheila had qualifications and professional experience, she found trying to return to work in the UK difficult and overwhelming.

“I have only been in the UK for five months and have been looking to return to my career as my daughter starts Reception in September. I found it challenging being new to the country and having no family or support here. I didn’t know how to go about things and adapting to another country with different systems and another culture was difficult for me.”

“Getting my career back is important to me because I wanted to rebuild myself as a woman, not just as a mother.”

Sheila joined Grow two months ago after being introduced to the programme by another participant and has since attended online sessions, employment rights workshops and motivational sessions led by the Grow team.

“Grow gave me a blueprint for how to go about rebuilding my career. I got to understand how the UK employment system works and what my options are. It was really an eye opener for me. It gave me a roadmap that I’m now following.”

One of the biggest changes for Sheila has been understanding how employment works in the UK and how to present herself professionally.

“Grow’s sessions and team members helped me to improve my CV and make it more suitable for UK standards. I now understand the application processes and feel more confident about interviews.”

“I also learned how to use the STAR method. In my country we don’t use it, so that’s something I was still learning here. I used the STAR method in my interview and this month I secured a part-time job working as a medical receptionist.”

Sheila also said the sessions helped her understand her rights at work and gave her more confidence speaking in interviews.

“Now I know my rights at work. I understand what is fair and what is not considered fair in UK workplaces.”

“The motivational sessions were also very useful. They spoke to us about interview confidence, answering questions and language barriers. It was very informative.”

Looking ahead, Sheila hopes to continue building her career within healthcare and administration.

“I’m looking for administrative posts and I also want to volunteer so I can gain one-on-one experience before moving fully back into work.”

“I really want to stay in the medical profession.”

Reflecting on her experience, Sheila believes support like Grow is especially important for women returning to work after motherhood.

“So many women lose themselves in motherhood and when you want to come back, you have no guide.”

Sheila said:

“Mothers nurture future generations, but when a mother is nurtured, the world itself is healed and aligned to accommodate that future generation.”

 

Nisha’s Journey Back into Work

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Nisha joined Grow after spending nearly three years out of work while raising her family. Through Grow’s Job Brokerage support, she received help with her CV, interview preparation and job search, and has now secured a term-time role that fits around her children, as a kitchen assistant in a primary school.

Finding a way back to work

Before joining Grow, Nisha was actively applying for jobs but not getting results. Nisha said:

“My situation was very bad, I was desperately looking for work, I needed some financial stability… I was volunteering in a primary school… but I wasn’t hearing anything back.”

Her situation was shaped by her responsibilities at home.

“Timing, as a mother of two, was very difficult. Getting a job that fits within school hours is really tough… I didn’t have the option of someone picking up or dropping off my kids.  I am a mother of twin boys, both with special needs… I am the main carer for my boys, so although I was applying for different jobs, I found it very hard.”

Being out of work for a long period also made things harder.

“You don’t know where to start or how to approach things. There was a lack of support, low confidence, and limited employability skills.”

Getting support through Grow

Nisha came across Grow through a session at her children’s school.

“They came to my children’s school… she told me that they have a project helping mothers find a job, and I thought what can be better than this. I showed interest and my journey started with them.”

Through the Job Brokerage support, she began working on her applications and preparing for interviews.

“Grow helped me create my CV, and I think that was the reason I was being shortlisted for interviews.”

“I also had a mock interview… I learned how to answer questions and how to prepare… I received detailed feedback and every time I had an interview, I would read through the feedback.”

She also had ongoing one-to-one support.

“The one-to-one support was just amazing. I knew that if I got stuck, I had somewhere to go and someone to ask.”

Building confidence and skills

One of the key changes for Nisha was feeling more prepared and able to present herself.

“At that time, if someone asked me, ‘What do you do?’ I would say, ‘I’m a mother of two.’ That was my identity. Now, I feel more confident in how I present myself. I’ve learned how to talk about my skills and experience clearly and confidently.”

She also felt more supported in managing applications and interviews.

“My advisor was always there for me… I could talk about my applications… that was the most valuable support I received.”

Moving into work

Nisha has now secured a role as a kitchen assistant in a primary school.

“My role mainly involves preparing food, serving meals to the children, and supporting during lunchtime… and helping with general day-to-day duties.”

The role works around her family, which was a key priority.

“This job has given me exactly what I was seeking, balancing my family responsibilities while working.”

What has changed

Having a job has brought both stability and independence.

“I feel great. I’m working and managing my own life. I don’t have to ask anyone for help, and I’m now financially independent.”

She also describes the wider impact on her confidence and wellbeing.

“Working outside has given me more confidence in talking to people and learning new skills.”

Looking ahead

Nisha now feels more positive about her future and the opportunities ahead.

“I feel more positive about the future… as my circumstances change, I can see more opportunities opening up for me.”

Sumbal Finds Herself Again Through Grow

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Sumbal joined the Grow Programme after trying on her own to find work that would fit around her three young children. As a single parent, she was looking for something that would work for her family life, while also helping her rebuild her confidence and sense of identity.

Through Grow, she was introduced to an Early Years Skills Bootcamp, which she is now completing.

Sumbal said:

“I’ve got four kids who are 8, 7, 3 and 2 and I’m a single parent. After my youngest was born, I started thinking, I need to be me again. Since my first child was born in 2017, everything has been about the kids. People don’t even call you by your name, they just know me as my kids’ mum. I thought I need to snap out of it and do something for myself.

I tried on my own for about eight months. I was applying online, doing interviews, even doing some remote commission work. I thought working from home might suit me because of the kids, but it didn’t work. I was still at home, still surrounded by everything, not socialising. I realised that’s not for me.

I remembered Grow from a presentation that Grow’s Khatera did at my child’s school and I thought I would contact them. I spoke to Sheeja and straight away she said there’s a course starting – an 8-week bootcamp with JCL – and asked if I was interested. I said yes straight away, because I knew I wanted to work with children.

Before I started the course, I joined a few Grow online sessions. They really helped me. They talked about different types of work and how to choose something that suits you. That helped me decide properly that working with children is what I want to do.

Now I’m doing the 8-week Early Years course. The first two weeks were face to face, then online, and now we’re back face to face again. We’ve done things like safeguarding, legislation, and first aid training. They also help with work placements and interviews at the end.

It means if I go to a nursery or school, I already have what they are looking for.

Grow ask you during the course what you want to do next. You can go into work or continue studying, like Level 2 or Level 3. They don’t just leave you after the course, they stay with you until you’re ready. For me, I want to go into employment in a school or nursery setting.

Grow made everything easier for me. I was struggling on my own for eight months, but with Grow, from the moment I walked in, they’ve been helping me.

They check in on me, they support me, they guide me. Sheeja even said she can provide a reference for me.

I honestly regret not coming to Grow earlier. I should have come first instead of trying on my own. I’ve already recommended Grow to other mums. When they see me, they ask what I’m doing and I tell them they should join. Some of them have already started doing things through Grow as well.

My focus now is to get a job. If I can get a role in a school or nursery, I’m ready to go.

Supporting Women Back into Work with SWEET

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For the past seven years, Grow has delivered the SWEET Programme, supporting women who are furthest from the labour market to rebuild confidence, develop skills and take steps towards work.

Funded by the National Lottery and now entering its 10th year, SWEET supports women across London and is delivered in partnership between Grow (Belina Consulting), PDT, and Equi-Vision.

Saeema, who has been working on the SWEET programme since 2019, says many of the women who come to Grow face a combination of barriers when trying to enter or return to work.

“Many of the women we support haven’t worked for a long time, or they’ve never worked in the UK before. Some have qualifications or experience from their home country, but they don’t know how the system works here. Others have spent years raising children and now want to return to work but don’t know where to start.”

Women are referred to SWEET through a range of community partners including schools, children’s centres, job centres, charities and local community organisations, as well as through word of mouth. Once on the programme, they receive personalised one-to-one support alongside group sessions designed to build confidence, develop skills and help them understand how to access opportunities.

“One of the biggest barriers is experience,” Saeema explains. “Employers often ask for experience, but if someone hasn’t worked here before it can be difficult to get that first opportunity.”

To help overcome this, Grow works closely with local partners to connect women with volunteering opportunities and work experience, allowing them to gain practical experience while continuing to receive support with things like CV writing, interview preparation and job searching.

“We work with organisations such as H4All, Home-Start and other community groups. Volunteering gives women the chance to gain experience while still having the support they need to move forward.”

Most women stay on the programme for between six and nine months, although support can continue longer depending on individual needs. Advisers stay in regular contact, helping women stay motivated and setting small steps that move them closer to employment.

“It’s about giving people the time and space they need,” Saeema says. “Sometimes someone just needs help understanding how to apply for a job online or how to upload their CV. Other times it’s about building confidence and helping them believe they can do it.”

The programme also includes Grow Bootcamp sessions, delivered in community settings such as schools and children’s centres. These sessions help women explore their confidence, identify barriers and think about practical solutions for moving forward.

A key strength of Grow’s approach is the lived experience within the team itself. Many of the women who work with Grow are mothers and have faced similar challenges themselves, including balancing childcare, building confidence and returning to work after a break.

Saeema often delivers parts of the Grow Bootcamp in different community languages, helping women feel comfortable and fully included in the sessions.

“When women hear someone speaking their language and understanding their situation, they open up,” she explains. “They realise they’re not alone and that there are ways forward.”

For many women, the programme is about more than just finding a job. It’s about understanding the systems around them, building confidence and gaining the skills they need to move forward independently.

“A lot of the women we meet have so much ability and experience,” Saeema says. “They just don’t always realise it themselves. Once they begin to see what they are capable of, it can really change how they move forward.”

Through personalised support, community partnerships and a deep understanding of the barriers women face, the SWEET programme continues to help women take meaningful steps into employment, volunteering and further learning, creating lasting impact for families and communities across London.

Mire Gains New Learning and Skills with Grow

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Since joining Grow in October 2025, Mire has been actively working to build her skills and confidence through Grow Digital and Hillingdon Adult Education. She lives in the Hillingdon area and is exploring different job options while juggling family life.

Mire said:

“I first came to Grow because someone told me there was a course at the Children’s Centre at Oak Farm in Hillingdon. I didn’t know what it was, but I went anyway. When I got there, I saw that Grow was helping people like me who have never worked in the UK, to get ready for work. I didn’t know how to make a CV or how to apply for jobs. I learned all this in the Grow Bootcamp and I really liked it.

Before I came to the UK, I worked in lots of jobs. I started working when I was 14. I worked in a clothes factory, a design company, and later trained and worked in beauty therapy. I really loved that job. But since coming here, it’s been hard. I don’t know if my certificates are recognised. Also, I have young children and my husband works full time, so it’s not easy for me to go out and work.

Grow helped me to think about my options. I still love beauty and I would love to work in that again, but the hours don’t always fit with my family. You might have to work weekends or evenings and I need to be there to pick up my children. So now I’m also thinking about working in a school, maybe as a teaching assistant or in a nursery. I have experience with children and I think I would be good at it.

The biggest challenge for me was computers. I didn’t feel confident at all using a laptop or PC. I was scared. But Grow put me on a five-week computer course. After that, I joined another course with Hillingdon Adult Education. I finished that recently and I feel much more confident now. I can go online, use forms, and I’m even think about doing more courses.

Now I want to continue learning. I’ve signed up for another computer course and I’m also interested in childcare, childminding, and maybe doing English and maths too. Grow helps me a lot. They tell me what’s available and they can support me to apply for jobs too. I’m really happy I joined Grow. It’s free and they push us to learn. That is the best thing.

Surayya Progresses from Volunteering to a Job Offer

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Surayya joined the Grow Programme just over a year ago after hearing about us through her children’s school. She has been living in the UK for three years, having moved here from India, but had never worked before. As a mum of young children, she was looking for a part-time role during school hours – but without work experience or networks, she didn’t know where to start.

When Surayya first came to Grow, she says she felt new, unsure and quite isolated. Surayya said “I didn’t know anybody here. I didn’t have a community. I just needed to meet people and understand how things work. Every job I applied for were asking for experience, but I didn’t have any. I didn’t know how to get that.”

With support from her Grow Adviser, Sheeja, she was encouraged to start with volunteering to build confidence and gain experience. Surayya emailed a local school directly and asked if she could volunteer. “They accepted me”, said Surayya.  “I started helping the teacher in the classroom. It gave me experience and helped me understand the school, the children and the teachers.”

Through volunteering, Surayya began to build experience and at the same time, she was attending Grow sessions, taking part in the Bootcamp and using the Grow app to access advice and information. “The sessions gave me confidence. I learned about interviews and how to improve myself. I didn’t know these things before.”

When an opportunity came up at the same school to work as a School Meals Supervisory Assistant (SMSA), Surayya applied. Before the interview, Sheeja arranged a mock interview for her with Grow adviser, Khatera. “We practised the questions and that helped me a lot. When the real interview came, I felt more ready.”

Surayya has now been offered the SMSA role and is waiting for her official start date. She believes that volunteering, along with the interview practice and confidence she gained through Grow, made the difference.

“It helped me a lot. I know the school now. I know the children and the atmosphere. The volunteering gave me experience and helped me get this job. Being part of Grow has helped me build my confidence, I am naturally an introvert and so being part of a community and receiving advice on how to access opportunities has been so helpful for me and its helped me take the steps myself.

“Grow know how to help mums like me to improve confidence and present ourselves in interviews. I didn’t know these things before. It’s really good.”

Empowering Women with AI: Grow Digital Launches in Leicester with Shama Women’s Centre

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A new partnership between Grow and Shama Women’s Centre is already making an impact in Leicester, helping women build digital confidence and explore how AI tools like ChatGPT can support their journeys into work, learning, and everyday life.

Since our launch event in early October, with Grow Director Liz Sewell as host, the Grow Digital workshops (funded by AKG UK) have been delivered twice-monthly at Shama, offering tailored support to both service users, staff, and volunteers. The workshops are designed to demystify artificial intelligence, showing women how it can help with job search activities such as writing CVs and cover letters, as well as more practical everyday tasks like finding recipes, drafting letters, or generating creative ideas.

Salma, who runs the Job Club at Shama, sees the value of this work first-hand. “Many of our women are just beginning to explore what digital tools can do. The AI sessions help them realise how useful and accessible these tools can be, not just for work but for their everyday lives.”

With each workshop, Grow’s Kaneez provides hands-on guidance, often translating key instructions into participants’ native languages to ensure full understanding. This inclusive approach is crucial, as many attendees face barriers related to IT skills or limited English.

“Having Kaneez there to translate has made a big difference,” says Salma. “It means no one is left behind. Some of the women were amazed when they saw ChatGPT respond in their own language. That moment of realisation was powerful; suddenly AI didn’t seem so out of reach and its uses became immediately clear.”

A tailored session is also delivered for Shama staff and volunteers. “We had one volunteer say she could now use ChatGPT to help with her AQA forms and other admin tasks,” Salma recalls. “Even I’ve started using it to draft documents more efficiently. It’s changed the way we think about everyday digital tools.”

So far, attendance has been strong, with 25+ women joining the October sessions alone. But Salma notes that this e need to adapt the format over time. “These sessions offer a fantastic introduction to AI and it is clear that its tremendously useful. We look forward to further developing the course to deliver more practical insights that will help build a deeper understanding of its potential, and we’re exploring different ways of running the sessions to build on what our participants have learned with follow-up workshops.”

Beyond digital skills, the programme is also strengthening community partnerships. Grow and Shama have been working together since 2022, supporting women across Leicester to build confidence, gain qualifications, and take steps into employment. Grow Digital is the latest strand in that work, opening up new opportunities and making cutting-edge tools accessible to all.

As Salma puts it: “The more familiar our women become with AI, the more they can take control of their futures. It’s not just about jobs, it’s about confidence, curiosity, and empowerment.”