Lara's Story

Lara*, a single mother from Italy living in the UK was made redundant from her job as a part-time retail assistant of 15 years.

Lara heard about the Centre through a friend. “I had a very challenging time. I was very worried about losing my job and money, and I was homeschooling during the lockdowns."

"Carla, my employment advisor, was always there ready to help me whenever I needed it. She always had the ability to understand my feelings and believe in me. She especially encouraged me not just to apply for any job, but to pursue what I like to do the most. At first, I worried about going through the redundancy process by myself. Really, I was no longer enjoying my job but it paid the bills, and I didn’t believe in myself enough to try to do anything else."

"With Carla’s help, I was prepared for redundancy meetings, and received compensation for the termination of my job. And I was thinking about my future with a clearer mind.”

Carla says; “I emotionally supported Lara by meeting face-to-face, building her confidence and preparing for the redundancy meetings. Once the redundancy process was finished, Lara started being more optimistic about her future and ready for new challenges”.

“I was a dental nurse back in my home country, Italy, but I felt like I was out of practice. I was struggling with so little money, and very worried. Carla referred me to the Welfare Rights Team in the Centre and they helped me to be more financially stable.”

“I always received the best service in terms of support from the centre and got help with Council tax support, Benefits advice, English lessons, food vouchers and help with my employment situation. I kept getting turned down for dental nurse jobs because I needed flexibility for my childcare. It is so important to be able to speak to someone like Carla who understood how disheartening it could be."

"But finally after 20 months working with Carla, and five interviews for dental nursing jobs, I got a part-time job as a dental nurse assistant, with an employer who gives me flexibility for childcare and my nursing course."

"Although I am in work I am still in contact with Carla and I cannot thank her enough for what she has done for me and my child. Cardinal Hume Centre is the best helpful place I know since I am in London. Thank you all for what you are doing."

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To protect our clients we have changed their name. The featured image is Employment Specialist Sarah Roper.