Introducing Iryna, Our New Employment Adviser in Kingston

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.