Introducing Karen Louth, Our New Employability Lead at Belina GRoW!

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We are thrilled to welcome Karen Louth to the Belina GRoW team as our new Employability Lead! Karen brings over 20 years of recruitment experience and 8 years of employability experience with organisations including DWP, Ingeus, PeoplePlus and TNG where she successfully supported people into work. Her wealth of knowledge of the recruitment industry and passion for helping others find meaningful employment make her a fantastic addition to the team.

Karen will be running Training Zoom sessions and one-on-one coaching to support GRoW participants on your journey to training and employment. She’ll be offering expert advice on CV preparation, interview techniques, and job searching, ensuring you feel job-ready and confident.

Join Karen for her first session this Friday at our coffee morning, where she will be sharing valuable tips and insights. It’s the perfect chance to meet her and find out how you can benefit from her extensive experience in recruitment.

Karen said:

“My passion is helping people on their journey to securing a new role. I will be there to support you every step of the way in navigating your way through the recruitment processes. I’ve been a recruiter for over 20 years and sifted through thousands of CVs – I know what a good CV looks like and if an applicant should be shortlisted for an interview! Over 8 years, I have successfully supported many women to return to work. I look forward to helping you to become job-ready and successfully secure your next role.”

With her extensive background in recruitment and employability, Karen has a track record of helping people achieve their career goals. She’s eager to apply her skills and insights to support our community of women at GRoW as this is a particular passion of hers as she acknowledges many women can be left behind in employment due to every day challenges such as parenting and childcare.

Karen will be kicking off her workshops soon, with CV sessions every Tuesday and interview technique workshops on Thursdays. Whether you need help creating, developing or polishing your CV or preparing for a big interview, Karen is here to guide you.

We’re excited for the impact Karen will make at Belina GRoW and can’t wait for you to meet her! Be sure to join the coffee morning this Friday to say hello and gain some fantastic career advice.

Carmen Starts a Job as an After School Club Playworker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Introducing Iryna, Our New Employment Adviser in Kingston

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We are delighted to introduce Iryna, our new Employment Adviser, who will be working with our participants on the South London Partnership project funded by Mayor of London. Iryna will be working with women in Kingston, Croydon, Merton, Sutton and Richmond to help provide employability advice, guidance and tailored support to help more women into education and employment with a particular focus on supporting Ukrainian women. Iryna brings a unique perspective and invaluable experience to our team, having herself navigated the challenges faced by many of the women she now assists.

Iryna moved to the UK two years ago from Ukraine, following the Russian invasion. When she arrived, she faced the daunting task of adapting to a new country, learning a new language, and finding employment—all while supporting her family. Despite not speaking any English initially, Iryna worked diligently to improve her language skills by attending college, engaging in ESOL courses, and practising daily. Her determination has paid off, as she now speaks English fluently and is in the process of qualifying as a solicitor in the UK, having already established a legal career as a Lawyer back in Ukraine.

Her personal experience has fuelled her passion for helping others in similar situations. Iryna has been working for the past month with our fellow Employment Adviser Valeriia and with Valeria now transitioning to a new role, Iryna has taken on the responsibility of continuing the essential work of guiding Ukrainian women through the GRoW Programme. Her fluency in Ukrainian allows her to effectively communicate with participants who may struggle with English, providing them with the understanding and support they need to understand and navigate the UK job market and educational opportunities available.

Iryna believes in the power of face-to-face interactions saying “I prefer to meet with participants over coffee, as it allows for more meaningful conversations where I can listen, provide guidance, and offer the encouragement many of these women need. Many of the women we work with at GRoW are not just seeking jobs; they are seeking someone who understands their journey and can provide clear explanations and practical advice in their native language.”

Although Iryna’s efforts are focused primarily on helping Ukrainian women, GRoW’s support is open to anyone in need. Whether it’s helping people into employment or guiding them towards further education, GRoW offers important information and clear communication. Iryna highlights the significance of peer support: “I travelled to the UK with my close friend which means I had someone to share my experiences with and we could support and encourage each other along the way. This was really important for me but not everyone has had that. This is something GRoW provides that is absolutely vital”.

With the new academic year approaching, Iryna is gearing up for a series of face-to-face events starting in September. These will provide further opportunities for Ukrainian women in Kingston to access the support they need, whether it’s through weekly Zoom meetings or in-person sessions.

For those interested in coming along to one of Iryna’s meetings in Kingston, please book through the Kingston app and look out for latest updates and event announcements on the GRoW WhatsApp group. If you have a friend who is looking to move into education or employment why not bring them along too! Many of the events are family-friendly as well so just reach out to Iryna to check when booking if you want to bring your children along.

 

Empowering Haddy to Secure a New Role

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

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

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

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

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

 

Nawal Gets Support to Get Ready for Work

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

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

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

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

 

Nitya Starts a Volunteering Position

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Nitya moved to the UK from India in January 2020 with her husband, initially planning to stay for two years. Arriving just before the COVID-19 pandemic, Nitya faced some challenges including homesickness, and adapting to a new country during lockdown. In 2022, she gave birth to her daughter and decided to focus on her child before re-entering the workforce and came to GRoW in late 2023 to support her in her journey back to work. Nitya said “I first heard about the GRoW programme while visiting the Children and Young Families Centre (CYPFC) at Highfield Library in Leicester. A staff member introduced the programme to the mothers there, explaining how GRoW could support women in getting back to work. Although I wasn’t looking for a job at that time I did leave my information and later received a message about the programme. I went along in June 2024 as I was thinking about returning to work. As soon as I started attending GRoW’s online sessions I could see the benefit. These included Friday coffee mornings and meetings with guest speakers like Jonty Rooke, which I found so inspiring. Through these sessions, I gained important information about job applications, personal statements, and CV writing. Zoiya and the team also worked on creating a CV for me. I really needed to gain work experience in the UK and so I applied to voluntary positions at Cancer Research UK and to Leicester City Council for a volunteering position at the library. I was so pleased to be accepted for the library position and have received my paperwork to complete. Working at the library will provide me with the work experience I need and I can balance my childcare with my husband. My daughter is now almost two years old and will start nursery in 2025 so I intend to work full-time then. The support from GRoW has been really helpful to me. Though I had a number of jobs in India it is not easy to work in a new country without understanding the process or having any work experience. GRoW has boosted my confidence and given me the knowledge I needed to get ready for work in the UK. I feel really focused and prepared to build my career now and look forward to starting my volunteering job at the Library.

Kaneez Fatima MIEP Wins Quality Professional Awards 2024 Rising Star Category

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Belina GRoW are proud to announce that Kaneez Fatima MIEP has won the Quality Professional Awards 2024 in the Rising Star category. Kaneez’s journey with GRoW has been extraordinary. From joining our GRoW Programme as a participant in 2020 after a decade as a stay at home mum, Kaneez has risen to the position of Head of Compliance at Belina and we are delighted that her dedication, hard work and commitment to excellence has now been recognised on a national level.

“Winning the award was a huge honour,” Kaneez said. “It made me feel proud and showed that my hard work and dedication are appreciated. My efforts have always been recognised by my organization and team, but to see them acknowledged across the entire UK sector was a moment of immense pride.”

Kaneez’s work within the GRoW Programme showcases her skills and determination. She has ensured compliance across complex projects and has implemented efficient systems that help meet and exceed project targets.

“I liked how the awards brought everyone together and recognised our efforts,” Kaneez continued. “The event itself was also a great opportunity to connect with colleagues and celebrate our collective achievements.”

A key aspect of Kaneez’s approach is the ‘right first time’ principle and she stresses the importance of efficiency and accuracy in delivering quality services. “Yes, the ‘right first time’ approach is something I strive for consistently,” she said. “It’s important to ensure efficiency and accuracy in our work. In addition to ‘right first time,’ the other important words are ‘honesty’ and ‘caring.’ By maintaining high standards and genuinely understanding the needs of the people we support, we can provide more effective assistance.”

Her work significantly impacts participants, ensuring they receive accurate information and timely support. “My approach helps participants by ensuring they receive accurate information and support on time, which is necessary for securing jobs and achieving their career goals,” she added.

Colleagues have long recognised Kaneez’s contributions. One colleague noted, “Kaneez is exceptional at setting up systems and fixing problems. She’s reliable and gets things done on time, even when it’s tough. When faced with problems, she’s great at finding solutions and isn’t afraid to try new things.”

Reflecting on her journey, Kaneez remains humble and grateful for the support she has received. “Success is not just about individual achievements; it’s about the collective efforts of a team working towards a common goal. I am proud to be part of such an amazing team, and this award is a testament to our shared commitment to excellence.”

Kaneez’s award is a well-deserved recognition of her hard work, dedication, and innovative approach to quality and compliance. Congratulations, Kaneez, on this outstanding achievement!

 

Nandhini Continues to Build Confidence and Upskill through GRoW

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In March, we introduced Nandhini, who moved to the UK from India in March 2023. Nandhini has been on a journey of self-improvement and skill acquisition, aiming to re-establish her career and find a job that fits around her family. Nandhini has made significant strides, continuing to build her confidence and enhance her skills through various courses and training opportunities.

Nandhini recently embarked on a Basic Maths and Budgeting (Multiply) course, kindly set up by Hillingdon Adult Learn specifically for GRoW participants. The five-week course, held every Thursday at the Hillingdon Women’s Centre, focuses on essential maths skills and practical budgeting techniques.

Nandhini said “I have attended three classes so far, where we covered topics such as multiplication, division, decimals, fractions, percentages, and practical applications like calculating household bills.

This course has been incredibly beneficial, helping me refresh my maths skills and providing practical knowledge for managing household expenses. Even though I learned maths in India what has been interesting about this course is the different ways of teaching. I’ve learned new methods that I can use to teach my kids, and the supportive environment has really boosted my confidence. The instructors are kind and attentive, ensuring that all learners are supported and friends, co-learners, and GRoW members on the course are also very helpful when we encounter problems. They assist us in finding solutions. I’m thoroughly enjoying the course and feel more confident in my maths abilities.”

Nandhini is taking full advantage of the opportunities GRoW have offered. She has actively participated in the Preparing to Work in Schools Workshop and other relevant training sessions. Her goal is to secure a job in a school that accommodates her family’s needs. English, being her second language, posed a challenge, but with the support of her adviser, Saeema, Nandhini enrolled in the Daily Steps ESOL course to improve her proficiency. She also completed courses in Early Years Teaching and Childcare and participated in Audrey Bodman’s Interview Skills course. She is now looking ahead to add new skills and qualifications, all aimed at enhancing her employability.

“I have now enrolled in a Functional Skills course with Runway Training” said Nandhini. “This course will further enhance my skills and boost my CV. The confidence I’ve gained from the Basic Maths course has prepared me to tackle this new challenge and I believe these skills will be instrumental in enhancing my employability and helping me achieve my career goals.”

 

From Ukraine to Kingston – Valeriia Works with GRoW to Empower Women into Employment

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Belina GRoW are delighted to announce that Valeriia Fedoronchuk has joined the team as an Employment Adviser to support women on our new South London Partnership Project funded by Mayor of London. Valeriia will be working with women in Kingston, Croydon, Merton, Sutton and Richmond to help provide employability advice, guidance and tailored support to help more women into work. Originally from Ukraine, Valeriia resettled in London after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. With two years in the UK, and a background as a Teacher in Ukraine, she brings a wealth of lived experience to provide invaluable advice and guidance to women navigating the job market.

Valeriia hit the ground running with our ‘Successful Summer’ project launch on Monday, marking her first official day with Belina GRoW. The event was a success, attracting 11 women eager to start their journey towards employment. Valeriia was particularly inspired by the enthusiasm and determination of the attendees, which included not only Ukrainian women but also women from other backgrounds.

Valeriia carried out a range of outreach and community engagement activities to ensure we were able to promote our event to women in the local areas who needed the most support, “I contacted people through my local Whatsapp and Telegram groups, I connected with the Resettlement Officer in Kingson and distributed leaflets and was delighted to see people there from all different areas who can benefit from the support we can offer through this project,” Valeriia said.

The project, funded by the Mayor of London, aims to support women in securing employment and offers comprehensive assistance, including CV preparation, mock interviews, job identification, and practical help such as start-of-work bonuses and references from Belina GRoW. The program also focuses on boosting confidence and motivation, essential for women re-entering the workforce.

Valeriia highlighted the common barriers faced by Ukrainian women as primarily language skills. She said “While many of the women we are supporting on the programme have a good command of English, others need to improve their proficiency to help them in their journey to work. Additionally, many women lack local work experience and struggle with the recognition of their qualifications. The project addresses these issues by guiding participants towards relevant training courses and providing crucial information on how to navigate the UK job market.

Valeriia’s own journey to employment in the UK was challenging. A mother to two boys and a primary school teacher with over 11 years of experience in Ukraine, she faced obstacles such as the need for local references and the recognition of her qualifications when she began looking for work 3 months after arriving. She also experienced challenges finding a school placement for her older son. Valeriia found support through the GRoW programme; “Sheeja worked with me to produce a really wonderful professional CV and really helped guide on the job application process.”

Now working part-time with Belina GRoW, Valeriia enjoys her role and is rethinking her career path. Her lived experience and understanding of the challenges faced by other women make her an invaluable asset to the team. Speaking of the GRoW Programme Valeriia said “I feel really passionate about providing the support I once needed to help other women overcome barriers and find rewarding work that is meaningful to them. I am really looking forward to working with the participants on our new programme and encourage more women in these South London Boroughs who want to get back to work to come and join us. Though places are limited we still have room for more and we want to do all we can to make a significant difference in the lives of women to empower them to achieve their career goals.

Humaira’s Journey From the GRoW Programme to Employment

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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.”