How did you join MVAP?
I am a single mother with two children. I came here from the Middle East and have a law degree but I can’t use it here, especially with raising my family. I had no idea about welfare benefits before I came. They don’t exist where I’m from – you have to work to have money. In the beginning, after I was helped to get benefits, I felt embarrassed to be getting something for nothing. Deep inside, I felt I have to pay it back, I don’t want money for nothing. I kept trying to find something useful to do. I have studied English – I managed to get my GCSE English, which was really hard. And I have trained as an interpreter, because I have experienced how when you’re struggling you only want to speak in your own language.
I live in north Manchester, which has been very troubled, especially by drugs and gang crime. I was being bothered by anti-social behaviour and my neighbour told me to contact Cheetham Hill Advice Centre (CHAC). It turns out they don’t deal with that, but they helped me to find the right people at Manchester City Council. Later, I asked CHAC if I could volunteer and they put me forward for the MVAP programme.
How was the MVAP training?
I started the training in September 2022 and enjoyed it. The whole programme is well thought out and very flexible. They understand about childcare needs. That was like a gem for me and allowed me to do it. When I arrived for the first day, it was very welcoming. There were people from all different backgrounds, countries and ages. The mix of everyone was beneficial. It’s a very difficult course, it’s not easy to introduce the benefits system and how that can be adapted to each individual. The trainer is a very patient, respectful and professional person who can bring it to life for everybody. When she explained things so calmly, they got into my head without me having to push to learn.
I chose to do my MVAP placement with CHAC. I was scared when I started to do cases, but they have staff with you to guide you. It was like having a driving instructor sitting next to you. You feel safe. It was good to mix doing the course with real experience. It was easy to apply, to pick up things, and to see reality.
What has happened since?
I kept volunteering for CHAC after I finished the course. All the staff are helpful and supportive and have a caring spirit. The volunteer manager has good systems and gives us guidance. She also has ways of helping us remember even simple things, like how to use the photocopier. I learnt more and more and became confident. I was very committed to going every week and then I started to do two days a week volunteering.
Earlier this year CHAC advertised for a 3 hours a week post. It doesn’t sound like a lot but is enough for me, for now. I applied, along with a few others, and was very pleased to get the job.
What next for you?
I feel like a miracle has happened, where I have found a road and a direction I didn’t even know existed. I enjoy working as an advisor and want to keep on doing this. And hopefully one day work full time. Now I see people differently – it’s not how people look from the outside. Everyone has problems and everyone needs someone. We all need each other. The support you give might change someone’s life. I feel more relaxed because I have more knowledge. I feel happy when I have made someone smile, and I am more grateful with what I have. I am keen to learn more and do the job perfectly, because even one penny can affect someone.
I have also seen how the police and Council have clamped down on some of the worst problems in north Manchester, and the area is improving. I want to stay here and be a part of the community. I feel I can make a difference, even if it is small. I want my children to grow up here and be proud of their mum.
‘We’ve looked at a different employment model and been more imaginative, as we could see who the people were who might want those jobs, that we wouldn’t have expected to be attractive.’ Charity Manager, CHAC
