Meet Connie, Employability Coach supporting Hongkongers
Connie works on our free Jobs for Hongkongers project, helping newly settled adults improve their employability, and supporting them in finding work or learning new skills.
Originally from Hong Kong, Connie moved to the UK in July 2023. She initially struggled with loneliness and feelings of worthlessness.
She says: “In Hong Kong, work gave me a sense of satisfaction, of contributing and connecting with society. When I came to the UK, I only had my family. I had no job, no friends, and no connection. Feeling upset and lonely took a toll on my wellbeing so I looked for help.”
After discovering Groundwork Five Counties’ support for Hongkongers, Connie volunteered with the charity on projects that tackled loneliness in vulnerable adults, and helped young children connect with nature. She now works as an Employment Coach, helping fellow Hongkongers find work and make a positive start in the UK.
She says: “I am here to help people who feel the same as I did when I first moved. This support is completely free to BN(O) visa holders and lasts for 8 weeks, either online or in-person.
“Everyone is different in terms of situation and pace, and we’ll work with you to set goals and provide personalised advice. Why not get in touch? It could change your life!”
To find out more about this support and to sign up, visit: https://www.groundwork.org.uk/gwfc-hongkong
Above photo: Connie volunteering on our befriending project
Connie 現時為Jobs for Hongkongers 計劃工作，協助新來英國定居的香港人提高就業能力，在求職及學習新技能方面給予支援。
Connie 在屯門長大，2023年7 月由香港來到英國，最初的她被孤單的感覺包圍，同時覺得自己豪無價值。
她憶說： 「在香港，工作為我帶來滿足感，感覺對社會有貢獻之餘，亦與社會有聯繫。來到英國後，我有只有我的家人。沒有工作，沒有朋友，更加沒有任何聯繫。我知這些種種不安和孤單慢慢影響著我個人健康，我覺得需要為自己找出路。」
在認識Groundwork Five Counties有支援香港人的服務後，Connie以義工形式參與機構的不同項目：減低弱勢人士的孤獨感，幫助幼兒與大自然建立聯繫。她現在擔任就業教練，協助香港人就業及在英國有積極的新開始。
她說：「我希望在這崗位幫助那些和我當初來到英國時有同樣感受的人。這項計劃為BN(O) 簽證持有人，提供完全免費的支援， 持續8星期的支援可以透過在線或面對面形式進行。」
「每個人的情況和步伐都不同，我們會與你一齊訂定目標並提供個人化的建議。何不試試聯絡我們？它好有可能會為你帶來改變！」
想知更多或報名，請瀏覽：https://www.groundwork.org.uk/gwfc-hongkong