Pooja Kaur Builds Confidence Through Volunteering

Pooja Kaur joined Grow two years ago after being referred by the Job Centre in Hillingdon. At the time, she was pregnant with her son and looking after her four-year-old daughter. She was out of work and looking for help, not just with employment, but with finding ways to stay active, connect with others, and access opportunities for both herself and her children.

Pooja Kaur said “I came to Grow when I was pregnant with my son. My daughter was four at the time and I was looking for help with finding support, and also something to do for myself such as activities, groups, or something for my children. I had lots of skills but didn’t have anything on my CV here and had never had a job in the UK.

Back in Afghanistan, I had learned many things through my community. Our school was in the temple and I helped teach children when the teachers couldn’t come. I’d never had the opportunity to use those skills here.

At Grow, I had one-to-one support and joined different sessions. My adviser, Sheeja, helped me find links to courses and volunteering. One of those links was to H4All who support health and wellbeing in the community, particularly for people with long-term health conditions, older people, and those who may be socially isolated. They liked my CV and my hobbies and offered me training and volunteering opportunities. I’m now a Community Champion with them and doing further training, including suicide awareness. I’ve also started volunteering with DASH, supporting disabled people with activities like painting and crafts.

In January, I attended an event with H4All and was presented with a certificate by the Mayor of Hillingdon. That meant a lot to me.

Volunteering has helped me gain confidence and reminded me what I can do. I’m still looking for the right work for me, something that fits around my family and where I can use my experience. But I feel more positive and open now and I’m doing things that matter to me and that help others too.”