I moved from Portugal to London a year ago, after living there for eight years. I found life in Portugal really difficult because there isn’t much work there, and the jobs that do exist are very low paid. The government doesn't support you in the same way as they do here.
In Portugal, I often came across racism in the workplace. I felt employers prioritised white applicants over me, regardless of the fact that I had lots of qualifications and was perfectly suitable for the role. I came to the UK to give my daughter another opportunity to study, to work, and to have a better life than me. When we first moved here my daughter and I went to the bank to sort out some paperwork, and my daughter said, "Mum, look, there are lots of black people working in the bank. We don't have that in Portugal. It feels different here." I thought to myself, I’ve seen this my whole life, but even as a young child my own daughter can see it too. Here, things really are different. Here, we are treated as people.
I’ve worked in a job centre in the past supporting people into work. I want to support people again and make a difference. I moved to the UK because there are more opportunities to be successful and to find a job. I want to find work as a carer and work my way up.
I'm very enthusiastic about Beam. Beam gives people so much help and support! I'm putting a lot of my trust in you all and in Beam to help me into work and help me start my life again. You all represent so much hope and goodness. Thank you so much.