Suada's Story

After immigrating with her husband and a young baby, Suada found her first experiences in the UK very difficult. Read about how her experiences with Home-Start allowed her to overcome her struggles and take the first steps toward a new career and a new chapter in her life.

I came to the UK in 2003 with my husband who was pursuing higher education in Leeds. I felt very isolated at the time, in a new country with a small baby to look after. I spoke to my Health Visitor who referred me to Home-Start Leeds. A friendly visit from one of their co-ordinators led to support from Home-Start Leeds and a new chapter in my life.

I attended the Annual General Meeting, probably my first social interaction with people in the UK. Even though I hardly knew anyone, I felt very welcome. As my confidence grew I expressed an interest in becoming a volunteer. I attended their 10 week preparation course which I thoroughly enjoyed and was able to make a new group of friends. Within a few weeks I was matched to a family to support, simultaneously I got the opportunity to attend various training courses organised by Home-Start.

In November 2004 I successfully applied for the Home-Start Work Experience programme. The experience I gained from that can not be expressed in words. The only thing that I can say is that with this experience in hand I was confident enough to apply for my first ever job in a Sure Start programme and I got it!

I am still a volunteer supporting a family and will continue to do this whilst I remain in the UK. I am here on a visa which means I will have to leave in a couple of years which is a depressing thought as Home-Start has been more than a family to me. Coming from a third world country where opportunities for women are scarce, Home-Start proved to be not only a gateway to opportunity but helped me to adjust, make new friends and finally advance my career.