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.”

 

3 Updates in April Set to Boost Wages, Job Flexibility, and Childcare

Posted on by heathercette

April has brought forth several noteworthy developments initiated by the UK government, aiming to improve the lives of individuals and families across the nation. Here are three key updates you should know about:

1. Minimum Wage Increased to £11.44: Starting from April 1st, the UK government has raised the minimum wage to £11.44 per hour, a 9.8% increase on 2023’s rate. This adjustment seeks to address income inequality and provide workers with better financial security.

2. Flexible Working Available from Day One: In a move to accommodate the changing needs of the workforce, the government has introduced a policy requiring employers to offer flexible working arrangements from the first day of employment. This change acknowledges the importance of work-life balance and empowers employees to manage their professional and personal responsibilities more effectively.

3. 15 Hours of Childcare Now Available to Working Parents of Two-Year-Olds: Working parents of two-year-olds can now benefit from 15 hours of free childcare per week. This expansion of childcare provision aims to support families and ensure that children receive quality early education and care.

If you have any questions about any of these new measures, we are here to help. just drop us a line at info@belinagrow.co.uk

Fouzia Finds Confidence to Seek Full-time Beauty Career

Posted on by heathercette

Fouzia, a hairdresser and beautician from Pakistan, came to the UK in August 2023. She had worked in the beauty industry for 9 years before coming to the UK and after undertaking a UK refresher course at Wesley Hall in Leicester she is now ready to start her journey to work in the UK and is looking for full time work in a salon.

Fouzia said “I am just about to complete a 5-week beauty and hairdressing refresher course and have just one day left to do. It’s been really good as although I have lots of experience and Certificates from Pakistan’s Government College, the refresher course will help me to find work in the beauty industry in the UK. I feel I have a lot to offer with a wide range of skills in hair styling and colouring and beauty treatments including manicures, pedicures, waxing and threading.

One of my biggest challenges when I first came to the UK was my English speaking so with GRoW’s support I enrolled on an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) course and am now seven weeks into a 17 week in-person programme. It’s going really well and has helped me improve my English language speaking skills. I felt quite confident with understanding others but speaking English more fluently had been more difficult but since doing this course I now feel much more comfortable and confident when speaking to others.

My first introduction to GRoW was when I attended the GRoW Programme at the Shama Women’s Centre in Leicester. GRoW has been such a valuable resource and I am so happy that I joined the programme. Liz, Zoiya and Saeema have been very helpful in giving me the advice and guidance I need to start me on my journey to work here in the UK. They are giving me lots of support, helping me with my CV and ideas for job openings.  They have also introduced me to the GRoW App which has lots of useful practical tips on how to find work and also on motivation.

Now with the Refresher course almost completed I feel ready to start looking for full-time work in a beauty/hairdressing salon and am feeling really happy about the future.

 

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!”

Shirin’s Steps to Self-Employment

Posted on by heathercette

Mother of one Shirin came to the GRoW Your Own Business Workshop at the Shama Women’s Centre in Leicester, looking for information and advice to help her follow her dreams to develop her beauty business,  Jamilla’s Beauty, so that she can better work around her family.

Shirin said; “I want and need to work but find the regular 9-to-5 routine doesn’t quite fit with being a mum and with a 7 year old daughter and my skills as a Beauty Therapist I was thinking more about the idea of developing my own beauty business from home. I found out about the GRoW Your Own Business workshop from Wesley Community Centre so went along to the Shama Women’s Centre to find out more.

Mercedes Grant, our tutor, covered a lot of ground, from taxes to CV writing and preparing a business plan. Mercedes was really good at breaking things down so you understand exactly what you need to do so it’s not too overwhelming. She explains it all in such a way that you can approach it in a systematic way, almost like a roadmap. I had thought about starting a business before, but having someone guide you through it and offer some motivation is different. It’s less stressful when you realise things aren’t as complicated as they seem, especially if you take it one step at a time. As well as the workshops, Mercedes also gave us access to the GRoW App which has lots of information in one place which is really handy.

I’m currently developing Jamilla’s Beauty and doing some admin work as an Activity Coordinator. I work from 9 to 2 each day – it’s a stepping stone for me and I’m happy to do this until I can set up my business as I see that is where my future lies.

I want to say to all the mums out there trying to balance family and career, there’s more you can do than you might think. You just need some guidance. GRoW at the Shama Women’s Centre is a good place for that. It’s about believing in yourself and finding your own way. Being on the GRoW Your Own Business Workshop has been very encouraging for me. It’s not just about learning skills, it’s about finding support and a community that helps you achieve your dreams. I now feel ready to move forward with mine and am looking forward to the future.

 

Rehana’s Path to Childminding Entrepreneurship with GRoW

Posted on by heathercette

Rehana began her journey with GRoW at the Shama Women’s Centre, where she attended the GRoW Your Own Business Programme. With plans to start her own childminding business, Rehana gained valuable insights and practical advice about various aspects of self-employment, and with GRoW’s continuing support has gained experience and is now on the path to achieving her goal.

Rehana said “I had been a regular visitor to the Shama Women’s Centre over the years, where I had taken some courses such as computer, IT and ESOL but it was the first time I had done a programme like GRoW Your Own Business.  It was excellent and the ladies that ran the programme – Liz, Mercedes and Kaneez – were really friendly and supportive. I attended one session a week for three weeks and it was a great experience for me. I felt it helped me to understand the different aspects of setting up a business such as preparing your Business Plan, promoting your business, and finance, tax and VAT. It covered a lot of detail, step by step but more than anything, it made me feel so much more confident and motivated to push forward.

I have always wanted to be a childminder. I previously worked in a school and childcare nursery 16 years ago and I have a NVQ childcare qualification. I am currently working part-time in Home Care but my plan is to become a full-time childminder as I find it a very challenging and rewarding career. Through GRoW I was offered the opportunity to gain some recent work experience when they asked me to provide childcare at a GRoW session they were running at Highfield Childrens Centre. I offered support by looking after a child while their mother attended a GRoW session. I have completed a First Aid course and my next steps now are to finalise some of the details and then arrange for my OFSTED inspection. Once everything is completed, Kaneez is helping me to launch the business early next year and GRoW have offered to help advertise my business via their GRoW app which is really helpful.

I am grateful to GRoW for the support I have received. It has been such a helpful and motivating experience, taking part in workshops with a supportive community of women, whilst gaining practical guidance on navigating the complexities of setting up a business. I feel very optimistic about the future and can’t wait to start.

Sajada’s Passion for Lifelong Learning

Posted on by heathercette

Mother of four Sajada came to GRoW in the Autumn of 2023 after connecting with GRoW Adviser Saeema at a junior school in Hillingdon. With a passion for learning and development, Sajada has engaged fully with the GRoW Programme and is now studying for a Level 2 Teaching Assistant course.

Sajada said “I met Saeema when dropping my youngest son off at his school one morning and she was so positive and encouraging about the GRoW Programme that  I was intrigued to find out more. I am a person who has always been interested in gaining knowledge and furthering my education. I have always believed it is important to keep growing, keep studying, even if you are a busy mum, of course it is difficult to find the time but it is possible always to do something. Back in 2018 I did Employability and ESOL courses at Uxbridge College and more recently at Hillingdon Adult Centre I did my Level 2 Functional Skills Maths and English. I have also done a Safeguarding course and a Level 1 Teaching Assistant Course. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic and lockdown I was not able to complete it because I was unable to carry out the mandatory voluntary work placement.

When I met Saeema I was pleased to be offered the opportunity through GRoW to enrol on the next level in my journey to becoming a Teaching Assistant.  I am doing the course online and am really enjoying it. Studying the Level 1 first gave me some really important tools about how to study which has made it easier for me this time around. I have moved house recently which has presented a few challenges for me so being able to do the study fully online is a great help and my tutor is really understanding and supportive.

I moved to the UK from Afghanistan in 2007 where I had been a medical student. I faced the challenge of adapting to a new language and culture and although I knew English, the transition to spoken English was difficult. I married here and had four children and have embraced the opportunity to learn and improve my language skills. It’s especially important as I want to be a Teaching Assistant and good communication is so crucial. Being able to speak the language well and communicate and learn from other teachers and students is a personal goal for me.

Something I feel very passionate about is the importance for mothers to prioritise education, not just for their children but for themselves too. Mothers are educators within their homes and so by constantly learning and gaining more knowledge mothers can better support their children and contribute positively to society. I think it is really important to give back to society and so I fully encourage other mothers to seize opportunities for personal and educational growth.

I have a dream to reach academic achievement, to be wearing the square hat and gown and be standing before my peers, confidently speaking English so I can inspire others too.

Saeema has been a real guiding force behind me, encouraging me all the way to keep motivated and learning. I have attended sessions with GRoW in-person as well as online and they have helped move forward with my dreams and take the opportunities seriously. I am now looking forward to completing my Teaching Assistant course and taking it to the next step of finding work.”