Fajer Finds the Right Role with Grow

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Change in action

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

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

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

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

Read more about the project here

Asfia Progresses from Learning to Employment

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Asfia first came to the GRoW Programme in October 2024, when she was looking for opportunities to develop new skills and find a job that suited her family’s needs. As a mother to teenage twins and a younger child, she wanted a career that allowed her to balance work and home life. Through GRoW, she discovered courses that would enable her to progress towards her goal of working with children and social care, and she quickly got involved in learning.

Asfia said “I first heard about GRoW in October 2024. At that time, I was looking for ways to build my skills and find a job that would work around my children. I have always been interested in working with children and possibly becoming a social worker in the future, so I wanted to start with some courses to set me on the right path.

Through GRoW, I completed two courses: Level 1 Preparing to Work in Schools and Level 2 Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health. These courses were so helpful in giving me the knowledge and confidence to take my first steps. Before this, I had not done any studying in 20 years though I had spent many years at home managing my family and running a restaurant business with my husband.

I found out about GRoW through a leaflet in the local library that explained the courses available. When I called to find out more, I spoke to Kaneez, who was really supportive and guided me through the process of getting started. I had never studied anything like this before, but I found the courses to be very engaging. The trainers were fantastic—Natasha and Liz made sure we understood everything clearly, and they explained things in a simple way that made it easy to follow.

After completing the courses, I started looking for job opportunities, and I was so happy to be offered a role in an After School Club. It started with just a few hours a week, but now they are offering me more hours because they are happy with my work. This has given me such a boost in confidence—I feel like I am finally doing something for myself while still being there for my children.

Looking ahead, I plan to continue my learning to help me progress further in a career in either social work or education. I am planning to take a Level 3 course in Children and Young People’s Mental Health to deepen my knowledge and open up more opportunities for the future. GRoW has made such a difference in my life. The team has been so supportive, and I feel like I am part of a community that wants to see me succeed.
I would recommend GRoW to anyone who is looking for support in getting back into work or learning new skills. It has given me the confidence I needed. After not doing any studies in 20 years it was so easy to step back into it again with the support of my course tutors which is something I really didn’t expect at all.

GRoW Support Tanuja on Her Journey to Employment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

GRoW at the Jobs Fairs – Connecting with Opportunities

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The recent Jobs Fairs in Uxbridge and Kingston were a fantastic opportunity for job seekers to meet employers, make new connections, and explore job options. GRow’s Liz and Iryna attended the Kingston Jobs Fair and Sheeja attended the Uxbridge College Jobs Fair at Hayes Campus alongside members of the GRoW community, who were there to connect with potential employers and find out what opportunities there are in the local and national jobs market.

Job fairs provide an excellent platform for networking, learning about different industries, and discovering job openings that may not be widely advertised. For many job seekers, the chance to speak directly with recruiters and hiring managers helps to break down barriers to employment and gives them a clearer understanding of what employers are looking for.

Sheeja shared her thoughts on the experience, highlighting the positive impact of attending in person. “It’s a great place to be, you can meet so many employers all at once and learn about support organisations, volunteering opportunities, and other roles that might not be immediately obvious.”

She also emphasised the variety of opportunities available. “Even if you see a construction company hiring, they may also have admin jobs. So it’s always good to talk to people and see if they have any other opportunities.”

For members of the GRoW community, events like this can boost confidence and motivation. Many participants are returning to work after a break or looking to change careers, and speaking with employers in a supportive environment can make a big difference. Sheeja said “We met some women who hadn’t been to a jobs fair before, and they found it really useful. They were handing over their CVs, filling in forms, and getting immediate feedback, which was really valuable.”

This year’s fair at Uxbridge College – Hayes Campus, saw a significant number of attendees, with more mothers in attendance compared to previous years. “Compared to last time, I think we had more people coming in, and we saw more mothers looking for work, which was great. There were police, the Navy, and colleges there too, so it wasn’t just local employers, but a mix of different organisations.”

Beyond the job opportunities, the fair also provided information on training programmes, career support services, and apprenticeships, providing a better understanding of the next steps people can take in their journey to employment.

If you hear about a job fair in your local area, we highly recommend attending. Sheeja said “If you hear about a job fair in your local area, you really should go because they are a great opportunity to network, connect with new people, and explore different career options.”

GRoW App Ambassador Dhanya is Making a Difference

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.”