Michelle Celebrates Sixth Work Anniversary with Belina GRoW

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!”