Shazia
Shazia came to Equal Communities, after being referred by a previous client. She wanted to find part-time work to help ease her financial
situation. She has had a difficult time over recent years with a
challenging family situation to manage which meant that she had
become increasingly isolated within her own close family environment.
An initial meeting was arranged with a Key Worker, for a relaxed chat, explaining about the support we could offer. At the first meeting it was clear that Shazia was very low on confidence and self-esteem,
particularly lacking confidence with her spoken English and was
evidently some way away from being job ready; she has never
previously had a paid job. Agreeing to meet with us in the first place was in itself a major step.
One of the main concerns was the lack of confidence when speaking English. Shazia was able to read and write in English but was not
comfortable when speaking. Our Keyworker held a series of sessions with Shazia to practice speaking English in an informal, relaxed
atmosphere. As Shazia’s confidence slowly grew, the Keyworker then enrolled her on to English conversation classes, where she was able to mix with other people in similar situations.
Meetings with the Keyworker continued alongside the English
conversation classes, and eventually Shazia felt ready to start looking for suitable part time work. A CV was prepared and job search was
undertaken. Shazia was helped through the application process, with job preparation and with mock interviews. Supported by the Keyworker she then began to apply for jobs.
Shazia attended a couple of interviews without success but was not
deterred. She continued to meet with her Keyworker and attend the English conversation classes and continued applying for jobs. Eventually she managed to secure a support role at a local school and was absolutely thrilled.
“I am so pleased; I can’t believe the help and support I got and how it opened a door I never thought I could go through”.
Sonia
Since arriving from Pakistan, Sonia had been concentrating on being a full-time mother to her two children and looking after the family home. With both children now attending school, Sonia wanted to find a job so that she could contribute to
supporting her family financially.
Having no real idea of how to go about this, having never looked or applied for work before, she was looking for some help. She was referred to Equal Communities by a family friend who had also used our service.
Sonia was quite shy and low on self-confidence. She had had little social interaction over recent years, other than with family and a few close friends, and so was nervous about entering into a new environment.
A chat with her Keyworker helped to put her at ease, explaining what we offered and several gentle “get to know you” sessions followed, looking at options and the best ways forward. Sonia was then placed as a volunteer with the community foodbank and referred for food hygiene classes, to help develop her
social skills and to help build her confidence.
Working with the Keyworker, Sonia started to look at possible job
opportunities. She was helped to prepare a CV and helped with job search and interview preparation. A successful application followed, and Sonia began work as at a local nursery. She is really enjoying the role and appreciating the independence it gives her and proud that she is able to help support her family.
“I can’t thank Equal Communities enough. The whole process was so friendly and supportive”.
Rkia
Rkia came to Sheffield from Tunisa on a spousal visa in November 2023. With very limited English
language skills and no family or friends in South Yorkshire, moving to the UK with her partner seemed a difficult and daunting task at first. Keen to gain
employment but unsure whereto start, Rkia was
referred onto the Sheffield City Council ‘Sector Routeways Hospitality’ training "Boot Camp"
delivered by Equal Communities from our St Marys Hub at the back end of 2023. While Rkia performed well on the programme it was recognised during the course that given her employment and language
barriers Rkia would instead perhaps benefit greater from the UKSP funded keyworker contract that Equal Communities deliver on behalf of Sheffield City Council.
In February 2024 Rkia was assigned her Equal Communities Keyworker, Fiona Dawson. Fiona worked with Rkia to look at her skills and address barriers identified as holding her back from gaining employment. With Fiona’s weekly support sessions, Rkia engaged in community led ESOL classes as a springboard towards her enrolling onto L1 English and a Communication Course delivered from the St Marys centre. While studying to improve her
communication skills within the friendly community focussed setting of the St Marys centre, Rkia and Fiona worked together on a weekly basis to explore wider aspects of her employability journey. These
interventions ranged from practical exercises to
improve Rkia’s confidence, exploring the employment opportunities within the local economy, articulating her transferable skills and building a CV.
Through this support Rkia eventually secured employment within the NHS as a cleaner where she is now enjoying her new career.
Imaad
Imaad had faced a difficult year after his driving
licence was revoked, leaving him unemployed and
uncertain about his future. When he eventually
regained his licence, Imaad was eager to explore
becoming a self-employed taxi driver but feared that his past record would prevent him from obtaining the necessary badges.
Recognising Imaad’s perseverance, Hafeas at Equal Communities worked closely with him, providing one-to-one coaching and group workshop training to
ensure he passed the relevant exams. In addition, Hafeas represented Imaad before the Sheffield City Council Licensing Committee, arguing passionately that his past should not dictate his future. The
committee agreed and Imaad was granted his badge. He is now working successfully as a taxi driver with Veezu and Uber. Reflecting on his experience, Imaad shared his gratitude, saying,
"Hafeas’ support was amazing; I literally would not be working now without him."
