Here, you’ll find the latest updates, insights, and stories from Belina GRoW CIC and the communities we support.
- Sidra Finds Learning and Work with Grow Digital
Sidra, who lives in Hayes, first came to Grow two years ago, looking for help to find a job. With no UK work experience and little confidence using technology, she wasn’t sure where to begin. But through tailored support with her CV, interview preparation, and access to short training courses, Sidra has built the skills… Read more: Sidra Finds Learning and Work with Grow Digital - Kavitha Volunteers in the NHS
Kavitha joined the Grow programme in Hillingdon in September. With over ten years of experience in IT, she was keen to get back into work after a career break and felt ready to explore new directions. Since joining Grow, Kavitha has been a regular face at workshops focused on interview preparation, confidence building and job… Read more: Kavitha Volunteers in the NHS - Grow and Peepul Enterprise Supporting Women in Leicester
Grow and Peepul Enterprise Supporting Women in Leicester This autumn, Grow has been working in partnership with the Peepul Centre in Leicester to deliver Grow Digital workshops for women who are rebuilding their lives after experiencing domestic abuse. The workshops have been offered as part of the Peepul Centre’s wider support for women who have completed counselling… Read more: Grow and Peepul Enterprise Supporting Women in Leicester - Anisha Starts New Role as Learning Support Assistant
Anisha from West Drayton recently started a new job as a Learning Support Assistant at a local school, marking her return to work after several years of focusing on her family. With support from Grow, and especially her adviser Sheeja, Anisha was able to tailor her CV and build the skills and confidence needed to… Read more: Anisha Starts New Role as Learning Support Assistant - Empowering Women with AI: Grow Digital Launches in Leicester with Shama Women’s Centre
A new partnership between Grow and Shama Women’s Centre is already making an impact in Leicester, helping women build digital confidence and explore how AI tools like ChatGPT can support their journeys into work, learning, and everyday life. Since our launch event in early October with Grow Director Liz Sewell as host the Grow Digital… Read more: Empowering Women with AI: Grow Digital Launches in Leicester with Shama Women’s Centre - ‘Every Woman Can Reclaim Her Dreams’: Grow’s Khatera Ahmad MIEP Crowned IEP Member of the Year 2025
Belina Grow’s Khatera Ahmad MIEP has been crowned the prestigious IEP Member of the Year for 2025. We sat down with her to discuss what this recognition means, her groundbreaking research on South Asian working mothers, and her passion for employability work. What does winning Member of the Year mean to you personally and professionally?… Read more: ‘Every Woman Can Reclaim Her Dreams’: Grow’s Khatera Ahmad MIEP Crowned IEP Member of the Year 2025 - AI Confidence Boost Helps Banupriya Step Back into WorkAI Confidence Boost Helps Banupriya Step Back into WorkAfter a career break to care for her two children, Banupriya is now back in work as an Accounts and Compliance Executive for an energy company and says the support she received from Grow, especially around using AI, made all the difference. Banupriya first joined Grow more… Read more: AI Confidence Boost Helps Banupriya Step Back into Work
- Pakeeza Finds Confidence and Full-Time Work with Support from Grow
Pakeeza, who lives in Hillingdon, has just secured a full-time job as a General Assistant with an airline catering company near Heathrow – a brilliant achievement she credits in part to the confidence she gained through the Grow programme. Previously working part-time while studying at university, Pakeeza found herself out of work after returning from… Read more: Pakeeza Finds Confidence and Full-Time Work with Support from Grow - Nicole Upskills with Canva Course to Explore New Career Path
Nicole, a single parent juggling part-time work and raising her three children, recently completed a beginners’ Canva course with Capital City College – referred by the Grow team to help her explore new career opportunities. With a background in admin and reception work, she was keen to upskill and take steps toward a more fulfilling… Read more: Nicole Upskills with Canva Course to Explore New Career Path - Kayleigh Completes Childcare Course
Kayleigh, a mum from Kingston, recently completed a Level 2 childcare course with support from Grow. After having her baby, she wanted to do something that would prepare her for the future and now she’s looking forward to continuing her learning and working towards a job that fits around her family life. Kayleigh said: “I… Read more: Kayleigh Completes Childcare Course - Oksana Builds a New Future with Grow
After months of building her confidence, learning new skills, and tailoring her applications with support from Grow, Oksana has started a new role as a Lunchtime Supervisor at a primary school in Hillingdon. Since moving to the UK from Ukraine nearly three years ago, Oksana has worked hard to improve her English and adapt her… Read more: Oksana Builds a New Future with Grow - Sravani Builds Confidence and Finds First Job in the UKSravani joined the Grow Programme in late 2023 looking to build her confidence and eventually return to the IT sector, where has previous work experience in India. With support from Grow she has started a new job working part-time in retail, her first job since moving to the UK. Sravani said:“I started working at Superdrug… Read more: Sravani Builds Confidence and Finds First Job in the UK
- Interview with Sheeja Sethumhadhavan – Supporting Women to Explore a Career as a Teaching Assistant
In partnership with Learn Hillingdon, Belina Grow recently delivered a two-week “Becoming a Teaching Assistant” taster course designed to help women explore a career in education. With 20 women taking part and an impressive 87.5% average attendance, the course offered hands-on insight into the Teaching Assistant role while building confidence and practical skills. We caught up with… Read more: Interview with Sheeja Sethumhadhavan – Supporting Women to Explore a Career as a Teaching Assistant - Creating More Work Experience Opportunities for Everyone
By Liz Sewell FIEP, Director, Belina Grow It’s hard to get a job if you don’t have experience — and it’s hard to get experience if you don’t have a job. That’s a cycle too many people are stuck in. Last week, I joined a fantastic event hosted by the Deputy Mayor of London, @HowardDawber,… Read more: Creating More Work Experience Opportunities for Everyone - How You Can Use Free AI to Get a Job – An interview with Liz Sewell FIEP
AI might sound like something for tech experts, but it’s not! As part of the Grow programme, women are invited to join this short, practical session led by Liz Sewell FIEP, all about using free AI tools like ChatGPT to make job searching quicker, easier, and more effective. In just 30 minutes, you’ll learn how to use AI on… Read more: How You Can Use Free AI to Get a Job – An interview with Liz Sewell FIEP - Supporting Afghan Women and SEN Carers with Lived Experience: An Interview with Khatera
At the heart of Grow’s work is a deep understanding of the barriers women face when trying to move forward – especially those navigating life in a new country or raising children with additional needs. In this interview, we speak with Khatera, who runs two dedicated support sessions: one for Afghan women and another for… Read more: Supporting Afghan Women and SEN Carers with Lived Experience: An Interview with Khatera - Helping Ukrainian Women on their Journey to Work – An interview with Iryna Sydorova
What is the name of your session or sessions?Ukrainian Women What is your session about?This session was created primarily to offer a safe and comfortable space for Ukrainian women who, due to unexpected circumstances, found themselves in migration and were not prepared for it. Can you describe what happens during a typical session?During the session,… Read more: Helping Ukrainian Women on their Journey to Work – An interview with Iryna Sydorova - Confidence Grows at Oak Farm Bootcamp
Earlier this month, women from across Hillingdon took part in the Grow Bootcamp at Oak Farm Children’s Centre — a relaxed, two-hour personal development session designed to help participants reflect on where they are now, where they want to be, and the steps they can take to get there. Led by Saeema Yusuf MIEP, the… Read more: Confidence Grows at Oak Farm Bootcamp - Sarah Builds Skills and Gets Motivated Through Grow
Sarah lives in Hillingdon and came to the UK five years ago. She has been volunteering to support refugees and asylum seekers through a local charity and, in 2024, joined the Grow Programme after a friend recommended it to her. With a strong background in interpreting and teaching, Sarah is using Grow’s resources to build… Read more: Sarah Builds Skills and Gets Motivated Through Grow - Sabahat Gains Confidence in Getting Ready for Work
Sabahat has lived in the UK for five years and is a volunteer with Learn Hillingdon. She joined the Grow programme to rebuild her confidence, get interview support, and move closer to paid work. With help from Grow adviser Karen Louth and sessions like Motivation Monday, Sabahat is now feeling more positive and prepared than… Read more: Sabahat Gains Confidence in Getting Ready for Work - Merlyn Gains Confidence and Plans for a Future in Teaching
Merlyn moved to the UK two and a half years ago with her two children and is now looking to upskill and find a job with the support of Grow. Although she has not worked in the UK yet, she volunteers every afternoon at her children’s school and her dream is to get into paid… Read more: Merlyn Gains Confidence and Plans for a Future in Teaching - Yevheniia Gets a Job and Training
Yevheniia moved to the UK from Ukraine in 2022 and is now working hard to gain experience and build a career in education. Through Grow she was encouraged to undertake a Level 1 Teaching Assistant Course with Runway Training and she has recently started working in a local pub as bar staff. Yevheniia said “I… Read more: Yevheniia Gets a Job and Training - Valency Gets a Job as an SMSAAt GRoW, we support women who want to return to work but may feel unsure about how to start again. Whether they’ve been raising children, juggling family life, or just haven’t had the confidence to take that first step, our team is here to help with friendly, practical support. Valency recently started her new role… Read more: Valency Gets a Job as an SMSA
- Ada Finds Confidence and Work with Grow
Ada moved to the UK from Nigeria three years ago and spent a long time trying to find work. It was not easy starting again in a new country, but with the support of the Grow programme, she has now found a flexible cleaning job that fits around her family life, is feeling more confident… Read more: Ada Finds Confidence and Work with Grow - Akiko Finds Support and Confidence Through Grow
Akiko lives in Hillingdon and has a background in graphic design. She joined Grow after a friend recommended the programme. She was looking for work that fits around her childcare responsibilities and also wanted support to rebuild her confidence and improve her CV. Akiko has found Grow to be a supportive network and sisterhood where… Read more: Akiko Finds Support and Confidence Through Grow - Fajer Finds the Right Role with Grow
Fajer joined the Grow programme in November 2024 after meeting the team at her child’s school. At the time, she was experiencing a difficult period in her life, having recently lost her brother, for whom she had been a full-time carer. She was also looking to return to work after a career break to care… Read more: Fajer Finds the Right Role with Grow - Belina GRoW Director Liz Sewell Gives Evidence to Work and Pensions Select Committee
Director, Liz Sewell FIEP, will be giving oral evidence today (Tuesday 23 April) at the Work and Pensions Select Committee as part of its inquiry into “Get Britain Working: Reforming Jobcentres.” - Supporting Parents to Support Their Children with Maths
At GRoW, we love seeing our participants take steps to build confidence, explore new opportunities, and pursue their aspirations. Dhanya is a great example of this. Since joining GRoW, she has been actively engaging with our resources and is our GRoW App Ambassador in Croydon. Dhanya recently attended the first session of “How to Help… Read more: Supporting Parents to Support Their Children with Maths - Regina Completes Helping Children with Maths Course
We recently made available to our GRoW community the ‘Helping Children with Maths’ course held by Capital City College and one of our grow members was pleased to take part in and complete. Regina has been part of GRoW for some time, joining various workshops to build her confidence and skills — including CV writing… Read more: Regina Completes Helping Children with Maths Course - #WomenWelcome: Accelerating Action for Women in Work
International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 calls on us to “Accelerate Action”—a reminder that progress for women cannot wait. At Belina GRoW, the theme this year is #WomenWelcome, celebrating the strength, resilience, and talent of women from all walks of life and urging employers, policymakers, and communities to take meaningful steps toward equality. On Friday, the… Read more: #WomenWelcome: Accelerating Action for Women in Work - Asfia Progresses from Learning to EmploymentAsfia 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… Read more: Asfia Progresses from Learning to Employment
- GRoW Support Tanuja on Her Journey to Employment
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… Read more: GRoW Support Tanuja on Her Journey to Employment - GRoW at the Jobs Fairs – Connecting with Opportunities
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… Read more: GRoW at the Jobs Fairs – Connecting with Opportunities - Kingston GRoW App Ambassador Zineb Builds Her Confidence
Zineb has been part of the GRoW Community since last year and recently became a GRoW App Ambassador. As a mother of four, Zineb was looking for support to start her journey to work in the UK and found a passion for working with children. Zineb said “I first heard about GRoW last year when… Read more: Kingston GRoW App Ambassador Zineb Builds Her Confidence - GRoW App Ambassador Dhanya is Making a DifferenceAt GRoW, we are fortunate to have incredible App Ambassadors who contribute to our community in meaningful ways. One of them is Dhanya, who joined GRoW in December 2024. Originally from India, Dhanya has been living in the UK for nearly three years and is actively working towards building a new career while supporting others… Read more: GRoW App Ambassador Dhanya is Making a Difference
- Oksana Embraces AI to Build a New Career
Oksana attended a recent GRoW event on ChatGPT where we spoke to her about how she had been using the revolutionary AI program to help support her on her journey to employment. Since moving to the UK from Ukraine nearly three years ago, Oksana has worked hard to improve her English and adapt her skills… Read more: Oksana Embraces AI to Build a New Career - Sara GRoWs her confidence and looks to the futureSara came to the GRoW Programme looking for support in getting back to work. She has actively participated in various GRoW programmes, both in-person and online, undertaken training and recently secured a job as a carer. Sara found the impact of having a strong support network in GRoW as a huge boost to her confidence… Read more: Sara GRoWs her confidence and looks to the future
- Madiha Finds New Confidence and Opportunities
Madiha has been part of the GRoW community for over a year. She is a very active member who has worked hard to upskill herself and move closer to finding work. Recently, she was referred to Smart Works for a career consultation, which made her feel very confident and positive about her future. Madiha also… Read more: Madiha Finds New Confidence and Opportunities - Vidya Discovers New Confidence with GRoW
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… Read more: Vidya Discovers New Confidence with GRoW - Empowering Leicester Mums!
How Belina Grow’s Community Investment Fund-backed Leicester Bridge Project has delivered outstanding social impact and changed 111 women’s lives. - Kaliki GRoWs her confidence and motivation while gaining new skills and experience
Kaliki moved to the UK from India two years ago and settled in Hounslow with her family. She had never worked before, but is determined to find a way to build her skills and experience and find a job. When she heard about the GRoW Programme at a local job fair, she decided to join,… Read more: Kaliki GRoWs her confidence and motivation while gaining new skills and experience - Sravani Looks To Reignite Her Career in ITSravani moved to the UK from India a year ago, bringing with her a wealth of experience in IT as an analyst and a desire to re-establish her career in the sector. After joining the GRoW Programme a month ago she found motivation with the GRoW Bootcamp and is now actively pursuing opportunities in software… Read more: Sravani Looks To Reignite Her Career in IT
- Valeriia’s Journey From GRoW to Teaching Assistant Role
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,… Read more: Valeriia’s Journey From GRoW to Teaching Assistant Role - Interview with Mercedes Grant FIEP and Claudine Adeyemi-Adams FIEP: How GRoW and Earlybird Are Using AI to Support Women in Lambeth
In this interview, we speak to Mercedes Grant FIEP, Head of Programme for GRoW Lambeth, and Claudine Adeyemi-Adams FIEP, founder of Earlybird AI, about their exciting collaboration to support women in Lambeth. Funded by the London Borough of Lambeth, the project integrates Earlybird’s AI technology to enhance participant support and streamline processes. Q: How did… Read more: Interview with Mercedes Grant FIEP and Claudine Adeyemi-Adams FIEP: How GRoW and Earlybird Are Using AI to Support Women in Lambeth - How GRoW and Earlybird Are Utilising AI Technology to Support Women in Lambeth into Work
On November 12th, Belina GRoW’s Liz Sewell FIEP and Mercedes Grant FIEP attended the launch of Earlybird’s publication, Employment Support Services in the AI Era, at the Resolution Foundation’s offices in London. The event brought together employability sector leaders to explore how AI is transforming employability services. Liz joined a panel discussion to share GRoW’s… Read more: How GRoW and Earlybird Are Utilising AI Technology to Support Women in Lambeth into Work - Mukta’s Journey to Confidence and a Career in Childcare with GRoW
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… Read more: Mukta’s Journey to Confidence and a Career in Childcare with GRoW - Amna Builds Confidence and Skills Through the GRoW Programme
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… Read more: Amna Builds Confidence and Skills Through the GRoW Programme - Sunita Builds Skills and Confidence for a Future in Education
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… Read more: Sunita Builds Skills and Confidence for a Future in Education - Masiha Begins a New Role in RetailMum 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,… Read more: Masiha Begins a New Role in Retail
- Our Key Priorities for the New Government
Our Key Priorities for the New Government - Meet Emma – From GRoW Participant to Business Starter
Emma is a mother to 5 children with ages ranging from 6 to 22 years old. Emma first joined the GRoW Programme during the challenging times of the lockdown in 2020. Having never worked before, she embarked on the programme as a way to find confidence and direction. Her journey has since come full circle… Read more: Meet Emma – From GRoW Participant to Business Starter - Navya Gets Ready for Work
Navya joined the GRoW Programme in August 2024, looking for support as she transitioned into the UK job market. With her background studies in Human Resources and logistics, Navya has been keen to find a role that fits her skills and experience. Now as part of the GRoW Programme she has been actively engaged with… Read more: Navya Gets Ready for Work - Nandhini’s Journey to Becoming a Teaching Assistant
Nandhini recently secured a job as a teaching assistant in a primary school with the support of the GRoW Programme. After moving to the UK from India in March 2023, Nandhini was keen to re-establish her career after a six-year break to raise her son. She wanted to find a role that would allow her… Read more: Nandhini’s Journey to Becoming a Teaching Assistant - Vikoriia Seeks a Construction Apprenticeship
Vikoriia is an experienced construction professional from Ukraine, now living in the UK and seeking an apprenticeship in the construction industry. Having worked as a foreman for five years, she’s eager to get back into the field in roles such as estimator, site manager, or assistant site manager. Vikoriia joined the Kingston GRoW Program who… Read more: Vikoriia Seeks a Construction Apprenticeship - Introducing Karen Louth, Our New Employability Lead at Belina GRoW!
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… Read more: Introducing Karen Louth, Our New Employability Lead at Belina GRoW! - Carmen Starts a Job as an After School Club Playworker
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… Read more: Carmen Starts a Job as an After School Club Playworker - Belina Partner with Womentum CIC to Empower Women Through Wellbeing and Support
Belina GRoW CIC are excited to be working with Womentum CIC, a community interest company based in the heart of Leicester that offer a range of services from mindfulness to meditation, recreational adventures, arts and crafts and coffee mornings to empower women to come together and support each other. Belina GRoW spoke with Mumtaz Patel,… Read more: Belina Partner with Womentum CIC to Empower Women Through Wellbeing and Support - 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… Read more: Introducing Iryna, Our New Employment Adviser in Kingston - Empowering Haddy to Secure a New RoleHaddy 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… Read more: Empowering Haddy to Secure a New Role
- Nawal Gets Support to Get Ready for Work
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… Read more: Nawal Gets Support to Get Ready for Work - Nitya Starts a Volunteering Position
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… Read more: Nitya Starts a Volunteering Position - Humaira’s Journey From the GRoW Programme to Employment
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… Read more: Humaira’s Journey From the GRoW Programme to Employment - From Ukraine to Kingston – Valeriia Works with GRoW to Empower Women into Employment
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… Read more: From Ukraine to Kingston – Valeriia Works with GRoW to Empower Women into Employment - Michelle Grenada-Bryan – Transforming Lives through Specialist Coaching
Michelle Grenada-Bryan is an Employment Coach at Belina GRoW and is making a significant difference in the lives of people with neurodivergent conditions through her work on the Neurodiverse Strategy Programme with 3SC. With a focus on empowering her clients to overcome workplace challenges, Michelle’s efforts are tailored to meet the unique needs of neurodivergent… Read more: Michelle Grenada-Bryan – Transforming Lives through Specialist Coaching - Bangladeshi GP Nur Gets Ready for WorkNur moved to the UK in 2022 from Bangladesh, where she was a dedicated and experienced General Practitioner (GP). Nur is now looking for job opportunities in the healthcare sector to gain work experience before undertaking her license to practice in the UK. Nur has been supported by GRoW through our GRoW Bootcamp and with… Read more: Bangladeshi GP Nur Gets Ready for Work
- Congratulations to Kaneez Fatima MIEP – Our Rising Star
Congratulations to Kaneez Fatima MIEP – Our Rising Star - Drita’s Job Success with GRoW
Drita was referred to GRoW from her Job Centre in Uxbridge in December 2023 and has been actively engaged with the support GRoW has to offer. A regular attendee at our virtual Coffee Mornings as well as a regular visitor at GRoW’s HQ at The Winning Box in Hayes, Drita has engaged with Daily Steps… Read more: Drita’s Job Success with GRoW - Nimra Gets Ready for Work with GRoW
Nimra is a mother of a 5-month-old baby boy and a 3-year-old daughter and came to the GRoW Programme in Leicester looking for support on her journey into work in the UK. After moving from Pakistan 5 years ago, Nimra has focused on her life as a mother but after seeing an advert about the… Read more: Nimra Gets Ready for Work with GRoW - Rhiya Gets Support Through GRoW Community Partnerships
Rhiya was introduced to the GRoW Programme through her Housing Association, Belgrave. As a single parent to a child now in full-time school Rhiya was seeking support and guidance to get into work, with a particular interest in admin or working in schools. Through the partnership networks fostered through GRoW’s work in the community, Rhiya… Read more: Rhiya Gets Support Through GRoW Community Partnerships - Overcoming Barriers: Nandhini’s Journey with the GRoW Programme
Following her move to the UK from India a year ago, Nandhini is looking to re-establish her career and looking for opportunities to work in a school which will allow her to fit her working hours around her young son. She has been an active and engaged member of the GRoW Programme, taking part in… Read more: Overcoming Barriers: Nandhini’s Journey with the GRoW Programme - Sindushar Starts her Journey back to work
Sindushar came to the GRoW Programme in Hillingdon in January 2024, looking for support to find her first job since moving to the UK 18 months ago. With a young daughter, Sindushar felt destined to be a stay at home mum but with GRoW’s support she is now feeling confident about her journey back to… Read more: Sindushar Starts her Journey back to work - Michelle Celebrates Sixth Work Anniversary with Belina GRoWEmployment 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… Read more: Michelle Celebrates Sixth Work Anniversary with Belina GRoW
- Eghosa’s Journey From Confusion to Clarity Through Leicester GRoW Programme
Eghosa joined the Leicester GRoW Programme in late 2023 to seek guidance on getting back to work. With a variety of skills and qualifications, she was unsure where to start and needed some help and direction. With GRoW’s support, she is now on her way to a career in the healthcare sector. Eghosa said, “I… Read more: Eghosa’s Journey From Confusion to Clarity Through Leicester GRoW Programme - Introducing Om Yoga with Shilpa Pandit
GRoW are delighted to announce that qualified Yoga Instructor Shilpa Pandit will be running a series of free online Yoga Sessions for our GRoW Community Members! GRoW were introduced to Shilpa at the Belgrave Centre in Leicester where we were running our GRoW Bootcamp sessions focussing on confidence, motivation, goals and action. Shilpa is a… Read more: Introducing Om Yoga with Shilpa Pandit - Shirin’s Steps to Self-EmploymentMother of one Shirin came to the GRoW Your Own Business Workshop at the Shama Women’s Centre in Leicester, looking for information and advice to help her follow her dreams to develop her beauty business, Jamilla’s Beauty, so that she can better work around her family. Shirin said; “I want and need to work but… Read more: Shirin’s Steps to Self-Employment
- Zainab’s Journey From Entrepreneur to Aspiring Business AnalystZainab came to the UK from Nigeria 3 years ago to pursue a Masters Degree in International Management. Having successfully run her own fashion business back home, life took a new turn for Zainab after completing her degree and welcoming her fourth child two years ago. Recognising the need for a change and seeking new… Read more: Zainab’s Journey From Entrepreneur to Aspiring Business Analyst
- Belina GRoW CIC and Leicester Employment Hub Work in Partnership to Empower Women in Leicester
As part of our ongoing commitment to empower women in Leicester, Belina GRoW CIC has partnered with Leicester City Council’s Employment Hub. This collaboration seeks to enhance access to support, training, and employment opportunities for women in the city. The Leicestershire Employment Hub, established in 2018, is an ESF-funded project aimed at providing free and… Read more: Belina GRoW CIC and Leicester Employment Hub Work in Partnership to Empower Women in Leicester - Laura Lands Two Jobs in Leicester
Leicester mum, Laura, came to GRoW looking for support to find a job after a 4-year gap. With a new found confidence and motivation Laura found two part-time jobs and is feeling positive about the future. Laura said “I hadn’t worked since having my son 4 years ago. I had been looking for jobs but… Read more: Laura Lands Two Jobs in Leicester - Hillingdon Bridge Project
Belina GRoW Community Interest Company has just started a new project in Hillingdon (Hillingdon Bridge Project) which is funded by the Heathrow Community Trust, Communities Fund. Our Head of Research, Laura Dewar talked to Saeema Yusuf, who will be delivering the Project, about her approach and how the mothers will be supported over the next… Read more: Hillingdon Bridge Project - Zoiya Goes from GRoW Team Participant to GRoW Team Member in Leicester
Mother of three Zoiya is a recent addition to the GRoW Team in Leicester and a symbol of inspiration for many mothers in the community. Having completed the GRoW Programme, Zoiya is now committed to supporting other mothers in Leicester, drawing from her rich background as a Functional Skills English and Maths Teacher. Additionally, she… Read more: Zoiya Goes from GRoW Team Participant to GRoW Team Member in Leicester - Mihaela Upskills to Open New Doors
Mihaela was referred to GRoW through the Restart Scheme in May 2022 from her local Jobcentre who felt she would benefit from the supportive community that GRoW offers mums in their journey to work. Initially she was looking at going back to work after a 5 year break to have her youngest child and with… Read more: Mihaela Upskills to Open New Doors - Pushpa Secures Full-Time Job as a Teaching Assistant
Pushpa, who joined the GRoW Programme in May 2023, has achieved a significant achievement by securing a full-time position at a local school as a Teaching Assistant. Pushpa sought assistance to navigate her way back into the workforce while balancing the responsibilities of being a mother to two young children and has fully engaged with… Read more: Pushpa Secures Full-Time Job as a Teaching Assistant - Shameela’s Job Success
Shameela came to the GRoW Programme in Newham looking to get ready for work following a 19 year break to raise her children. After working with GRoW on a hospitality work placement she has enrolled on a Level 2 Teaching Assistant Course and has undergone other training to help her in her goal of working… Read more: Shameela’s Job Success - Rehana’s Path to Childminding Entrepreneurship with GRoW
Rehana began her journey with GRoW at the Shama Women’s Centre, where she attended the GRoW Your Own Business Programme. With plans to start her own childminding business, Rehana gained valuable insights and practical advice about various aspects of self-employment, and with GRoW’s continuing support has gained experience and is now on the path to… Read more: Rehana’s Path to Childminding Entrepreneurship with GRoW - Belina GRoW CIC Awarded Funding from Jobs 22’s New Community Investment Fund, Part of the Restart Scheme
Belina GRoW CIC, a Community Interest Company dedicated to engaging and empowering women outside of the labour market, is thrilled to announce that they have been selected as a recipient of the Community Investment Fund, established by Jobs 22, funded by and part of the Restart Scheme. Jobs 22, prime provider of employment services to… Read more: Belina GRoW CIC Awarded Funding from Jobs 22’s New Community Investment Fund, Part of the Restart Scheme - Parents on Universal Credit Expected to Work More Hours
URGENT FOR ALL EMPLOYABILITY COLLEAGUES Today (25 October 2023) the DWP has announced that parents of children aged three to twelve years on Universal Credit will be expected to work a maximum of thirty hours a week or job seek for these hours. This is a major change for the mothers that we work with at… Read more: Parents on Universal Credit Expected to Work More Hours - GRoW App highlighted in IES Work in Progress Commission Report
The Institute for Employment Studies Commission on the Future of Employment Support has just published it’s interim report. It is a call for personalised services that meet the needs of the individual and help them to develop the skills and confidence to move into work. It gives key characteristics of services that say they should… Read more: GRoW App highlighted in IES Work in Progress Commission Report - Plan for jobs
At Belina Grow CIC we welcome the publication of the Work and Pensions Select Committee Inquiry ‘Plan for Jobs’. Our CEO Liz Sewell gave oral evidence to the Committee and it is positive that the Committee have listened to our concerns. We know through our work that disadvantaged mothers do less well in the labour… Read more: Plan for jobs - Newham Bridge project
Women from Altmore and Sheringham Children’s Centres attending the Grow Graduation ceremony at Newham College where they are able to directly register onto courses. This project has been established to develop a programme that moves women into adult education and work. We worked in two children’s centres with 20 women who wanted to get back… Read more: Newham Bridge project - Audrey Bodman FIEP to Join Belina GRoW CIC
Belina GRoW CIC is thrilled to announce that Audrey Bodman FIEP, is joining the team! Belina GRoW is a new Community Interest Company dedicated to developing projects that engage and empower women who are currently outside the labour market. Their mission is to conduct research and provide support that will help women transition into work,… Read more: Audrey Bodman FIEP to Join Belina GRoW CIC - Belina GRoW CIC Head of Research, Laura Dewar, to attend the opening panel of the new Centre for Employability Excellence
Established by the IEP, The aim of the Centre for Employability Excellence is to provide a comprehensive platform for research and good practice, open to all sectors of the employability profession. A simple resource that will help us all to work together, encourage open discussion, share our insights, and develop the quality of employability services… Read more: Belina GRoW CIC Head of Research, Laura Dewar, to attend the opening panel of the new Centre for Employability Excellence - Supporting Ukrainian Women into Work
We are looking at what extra can be done to support Ukrainian women into work for their and their families benefit and because they have so much to offer the UK economy. GRoW Ukrainian project co-ordinator Olena has been talking to Ukrainian women to investigate their employability issues. Key issues raised so far Their diplomas… Read more: Supporting Ukrainian Women into Work - It is national Flexible Working Day
Today 21 June is Flexible Working Day 2023! Set up to promote, learn, encourage and celebrate all things flex. For a future where flexible working simply comes with the job. Here at the Belina Grow CIC we know that Flexible Working will make a difference in ensuring that more women returners, and many others can return to… Read more: It is national Flexible Working Day - New report from Belina GRoW CIC – Developing a case for the promotion of term-time working
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that work can be organised and carried out very differently. There has been a rapid rise in the number of employees working from home, representing a move away from the normal working environment and an increase in workers’ autonomy as to how they manage and deliver their work. - Working in schools – Newham project
The interim evaluation of the project has been conducted through Belina Grow Community Interest Company (Belina Grow CIC)[1]. Belina Grow CIC is a new organisation dedicated to developing projects to engage and empower disadvantaged women who are currently outside the labour market and to conduct research and evaluation. - Budget 2023 briefing
Let’s build on the Budget to boost the chances of economically inactive mothers and those of pre-school children to get in to training and work - Good News on Childcare Costs for the Poorest Families – matched with added UC requirements for main childcarer in UC families.
Good News on Childcare Costs for the Poorest Families – matched with added UC requirements for main childcarer in UC families. - Work and Pensions Select Committee report back – making the case for employability and support for the economically inactive
Work and Pensions Select Committee report back – making the case for employability and support for the economically inactive
Belina GRoW CIC 