I am a single mother of six children. I lived abroad for many years with my husband but I had a very difficult, abusive, and unhappy marriage.
I returned to the UK five years ago to start a new life. I divorced from my husband and suffered from anxiety and depression. I am also diabetic and asthmatic and suffer from osteoarthritis.
I needed help with writing a CV and help with training/returning to work part-time - and exploring my options. I was not sure what direction to go in as I had not been in paid work for over 25 years.
I was referred by Cambridge City Council to Jo, an Outreach Employment Advisor, who was able to come and visit me in my home before Covid-19 restrictions and then appointments were by phone.
A positive experience
Jo was very patient and went at my pace. She understood that I been through very difficult times. We discussed that I wanted a part-time flexible job to fit around my family and the school day. Jo helped me to write a very good CV and a range of covering letters.
At the time, I was living in a very difficult housing neighbourhood with difficult, noisy, and anti-social neighbours and this increased my feelings of anxiety and depression. Very happily after a time, I was able to do a ‘mutual exchange’ and moved into Cambridge city. I am now very settled in my new home.
I started working as a volunteer at an Islamic Saturday School before Covid-19 restrictions, which I really enjoyed. It had been a very positive experience. I plan to return to this voluntary role when Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.
After some consideration, I discussed with Jo that I would like to become a Child Minder. Jo printed out job profiles and information and registration packs and we booked online a Pre-Registration Evening for Becoming a Childminder.
At around the same time, I was involved in a car accident and suffered whiplash. Following several hospital appointments, I was also diagnosed with osteoarthritis and was advised by consultants that I would not be physically fit enough to be a Childminder.
Alternative career paths
Jo and I then discussed and explored alternative career pathways to accommodate my physical health condition. I discussed with Jo becoming an Arabic Interpreter which would open up opportunities to work for the NHS and/or Court system. I had already informally acted as an Arabic Interpreter for a young woman in my community when she attended a hospital appointment.
We looked at a few Arabic courses that local colleges in Cambridge offered. However, even with fee remission help, I did not feel I could currently afford the course fees. We discussed and explored free Arabic courses offered online.
Due to ill health, I have not yet started the Arabic Diploma. I had been very ill with Covid-19. I am now feeling well and fully recovered and feel ready to start the Arabic Diploma.
I feel I have come on a long journey. Jo has been very kind, flexible and supportive of my needs and situation and this support has helped gradually build my confidence.
Taking the decision to start the Arabic Course has now made me feel positive about the future and that I will achieve my long-term plan to work as an Arabic Interpreter.
