Being able to help someone truly makes a difference in my life. We cannot always pay it forward financially but we can always give someone a bit of our time and that goes a long way.
I worked as a carer for over ten years when I was living in the Netherlands. Lots of older people can feel isolated due to lack of family or friends, so being able to support their needs is important to me. However, when I came to the UK a few years ago, I didn't have the right level of English to work as a carer straightaway.
Difficulty with work means my current housing situation is pretty severe. My universal credit was cut off before Christmas so I've been unable to pay my rent and am in a lot of debt to my landlord. I have two children under five and I could literally be made homeless at any point. That feeling is really hard to digest.
The Shepherd's Bush Families Project have been a great help - supporting me with everything from childcare to advocacy and counselling. They've been there for me every step of the way and then put me in touch with Beam. Doing these courses will help me to refresh my skills. Beam can then support me to find work with guaranteed hours and a good salary. And most importantly I'll be back doing the kind of work I love! I want to keep progressing in my role and one day, become a nurse. Beginning my training is the first big step in hitting the restart button on my life and I absolutely cannot wait to get going.
Hana is working with Beam as she is at risk of homelessness.