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.”

Vidya Discovers New Confidence with GRoW

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Vidya moved to the UK from India in July 2024 with her husband and two children. She previously worked as a hospitality manager and is keen to find similar work in the UK. Vidya has found support and guidance through GRoW and has attended the GRoW Bootcamp and undertaken a customer service course to help her achieve her goal. Vidya is now working as as an eVisa champion for Ealing and Hounslow CVS as well as searching for part time and full time work.

Vidya said “I first heard about GRoW when I went to a jobs fair in Feltham. I was searching for job opportunities online and found out about the event. At the jobs fair, I met Saeema and the GRoW team. They told me about the GRoW Bootcamp and the other support they could give me. I decided to join because I wanted to find work and learn more.

Before coming to the UK I used to work as a hospitality Manager for a corporate serviced apartment. When I moved here, I started searching for jobs, but it was hard because I didn’t know where to begin. I was originally interested in part time work but since going to the job fair I realised that availability of full time opportunities are more than part time jobs, and decided to apply for full time work.

Being part of GRoW and taking part in the Bootcamp was very good. I learned so many things, like where to find jobs in my area and how to feel more confident when applying for them. The team was very kind and helped me a lot. They made me feel like I could do this. There were lots of activities, and they gave me the push I needed to start applying for jobs.

GRoW also helped me with my CV. Karen ran an online session where she explained everything about writing a good CV, and Saeema helped me put it all together. Now, I have a CV that I can use to apply for jobs.

I also completed a customer service course. It was about hospitality and catering services, and I learned a lot that will help me in my next job. This course gave me more confidence and refreshed my knowledge about the industry.

The GRoW team is not just a community; they feel like family to me. They take care of me and make me feel supported. Every day, I am applying for jobs, and even though I haven’t found one yet, I feel positive. I know I will get there because of the confidence and support GRoW has given me. I have started volunteering work in December as an eVisa champion for Ealing and Hounslow CVS which is helping me to gain some work experience and a boost for my CV.

Thank you to everyone at GRoW for all your help. I hope to find a full-time job soon, and I am very grateful for everything you have done for me.”

 

Valeriia’s Journey From GRoW to Teaching Assistant Role

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From GRoW to a Teaching Assistant Role: Valeriia’s Journey

Earlier this year, we shared Valeriia’s inspiring story of resilience and determination as she transitioned from her life in Ukraine to working with GRoW in Kingston. Today, we’re excited to share an update about Valeriia’s next chapter: her new role as a Teaching Assistant. In her own words, Valeriia reflects on the challenges she faced, the steps she took to overcome them, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

“I always knew I wanted to work in a school, but there were two problems holding me back. First, I didn’t have any local experience, which employers here really want. Second, most of the schools I applied to were looking for someone with experience working with children who have special educational needs (SEN), and I didn’t have that either. Even so, I didn’t stop applying. I kept looking for jobs, going to interviews, and learning from each experience.

This summer, everything changed. I saw a vacancy for a Teaching Assistant at the school my son attends. It felt like fate! I applied straight away, and they invited me for an interview. To my surprise and happiness, I got the job. I officially started in September, and it’s been a wonderful three months since then.

Looking back, I think two things helped me succeed. First, the experience of going to different interviews really prepared me. In one previous interview, I had to read a book with Year 1 children and then discuss it with them. When the same task came up during my interview for this job, I felt confident because I already knew what to do. The second thing was the confidence I gained while working with GRoW. That job reminded me that I’m capable, that I can contribute, and that I have skills to offer.

But more than that, the inspiring women at GRoW inspired myself. Seeing their strength, determination, and kindness helped me believe in my own potential and motivated me to overcome any barriers I faced.

Working at my son’s school has been very different from my experience as a teacher in Ukraine. In Ukraine, children with SEN used to go to special schools. It wasn’t until 2019 that they started integrating into regular schools. Here, every class has children with SEN, so gaining experience in this area is really important. I didn’t have that experience before, but now I’m learning every day on the job. I’m also thinking about taking a course on understanding autism to build my knowledge further. I believe every new skill and bit of knowledge helps me improve and grow. I would suggest to anyone who is looking to work in a school to undertake courses or programmes where you can learn about how to support children with additional needs as it is quite an important part of a teaching assistant role.

One of the best parts of my new job is how convenient it is. I can drop my son off at school and start my workday right there. It’s made life so much easier for our family. I found this job on a website called Eteach, which lists school jobs. I checked it regularly because I wanted something close to home. When the vacancy appeared, it felt like the perfect fit.

If I could give one piece of advice to others looking for work, it would be this: keep going. Keep applying, keep going to interviews, and don’t give up. Even if you don’t get the job, you gain experience with each interview. You learn what to expect, you build your confidence, and eventually, you’ll find the right opportunity. That’s what happened to me.

Working with GRoW was also a turning point for me. When I started, I had been out of work for a while, and my confidence was low. But the job at GRoW reminded me that I’m capable. I enjoyed meeting new people, helping them, and feeling like I was contributing again. That experience made me feel ready when this teaching assistant role came along.

I’m so happy to be where I am now, and I’m grateful for the support I’ve had along the way. Every experience has been a step forward, and I’m excited to keep learning and growing in my new role.”

 

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.

 

Amna Builds Confidence and Skills Through the GRoW Programme

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Amna joined the GRoW Programme looking for ways to rebuild her confidence and gain new skills. She hadn’t worked formally before in the UK but had worked as a volunteer before COVID. Amn’s journey with GRoW has been transformative and now she is volunteering as both a Parent Champion and working with HomeStart Hillingdon, and has just completed her Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification with Get Set UK, as part of the GRoW Programme. Now Amna is looking to undertake a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification and is now working towards a career in this field.

Amna said; “When I first joined GRoW, I was feeling very unsure. I hadn’t worked before, only volunteered in schools a long time ago. After COVID, I lost my confidence and my communication skills. I felt nervous even to talk to new people. But through GRoW’s coffee mornings and meeting others like me, I started to feel encouraged. The GRoW team really supported me, especially Michelle and Sheeja, and it made me feel like I was not alone.

Now, I am volunteering as a Parent Champion and with HomeStart Hillingdon. For HomeStart, I’m attending training every Wednesday for nine sessions. After that, they will match me with a family, and I will visit them to provide support, listen to their problems, and let them know they’re not alone. I’m there to help, but if they need advice, I speak with the coordinator. It feels good to know that I am making a difference and helping people.

With the Parent Champions, I attend sessions and help as a translator for Urdu if anyone needs it. It’s a great way for me to give back to the community and use my language skills to help others.

Through GRoW, I also found out about the Teaching Assistant course. I completed my Level 2 certificate, and now I’m preparing my CV with Sheeja’s help. I never thought I would want to work as a Teaching Assistant, but GRoW has changed my mindset. I’m even planning to take Level 3 later this year! Now, I feel ready to apply to schools and see where this path can take me.

Joining GRoW was one of the best decisions I made. It gave me confidence, skills, and a support network. I now feel ready to balance volunteering and work, and I am excited for the future. I know that, with GRoW by my side, I can achieve my goals.”

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.

Masiha Begins a New Role in Retail

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Mum of one Masiha recently joined the GRoW Programme when she was referred from her Universal Credit coach at the job centre and has now found a job as a Retail Assistant at Home Bargains in West Drayton.

Masiha said “A few weeks ago, I applied for Universal Credit. During my first job centre appointment, they asked if I wanted a job and how long I had been unemployed. I told them I was actively looking for a job and they mentioned a programme called GRoW, which helps women, especially mums, find jobs. I was interested, so they referred me to GRoW.

One of the GRoW advisers called me, and we scheduled an appointment. During our first meeting, she referred me to some Functional Skills courses and helped me with my job applications. I mentioned that I had an interview with Specsavers, and she offered to help me prepare for it. Karen, one of her colleagues, conducted a mock interview with me, which was incredibly helpful.

I wasn’t expecting such comprehensive support from GRoW. I thought it was just a motivational programme, but they provided practical help, including interview preparation. One day, while scrolling through the GRoW app, I saw a job posting for Home Bargains. They were opening a new store nearby, so I applied.
Within a few days, Home Bargains contacted me. They initially said they would get back to me within a week, but it took a bit longer. Meanwhile, I was also waiting to hear back from Specsavers, but that role was in Putney, which is quite far from where I live in Ruislip. Home Bargains, on the other hand, is much closer, just a 54-minute bus journey away.

I have three years of retail experience, having worked at Primark before I went on maternity leave. After my maternity leave, I couldn’t return to Primark because they needed someone full-time, and I could only work part-time on weekends. I then worked as a caregiver for a year, but the job wasn’t secure enough. With my own caring responsibilities, it was too difficult to coordinate the hours they were willing to offer me. I also did some freelance interpreting work from home.

My personal life has been challenging. My husband and I divorced, and I had no financial support, which led me to apply for Universal Credit. My daughter, who is now in nursery part-time, has special needs, so I need to be available for her during the week. That’s why I can only work weekends.

Home Bargains offered me a part-time position with shifts on weekends, which suits my schedule perfectly. I can work two four-hour shifts on Saturdays and Sundays, and possibly a late Friday evening shift if needed. The contract states that it’s eight hours over a maximum of two days, which works well for me.
The help I received from GRoW was amazing. Karen, my adviser, went above and beyond. Even though I was registered with job search websites I never saw the Home Bargains job advertised and if I wasn’t part of the GRoW community, I wouldn’t have known about it. As soon as I saw it, I applied and secured an interview within a week.

I’m excited to start this new chapter and grateful for the support from GRoW. They helped me find a job that fits my needs and prepared me for the interview process. Now, I’m looking forward to starting my new job at Home Bargains and providing for my daughter.