I do feel grateful to be associated with Gateway Family Services

Sandra Anyinsah
Soho Children's Centre

"I got onto the Community Family Worker course by chance really. A Community Development Worker in my neighbourhood informed me there was a course coming up and asked if I was interested.

I started the course not really knowing what it was about. As the course went on I found that it was very interesting and an area I would like to work in. In time, I realised that Gateway Family Services was behind it. We had key workers as well as management coming in to support us from time to time and getting to know us.

The best bit for me was the opportunity to do a training contract for six months. It was proposed and encouraged but no one was forced into it. Most importantly they took into consideration all our preferences and I got a contract at a convenient place with flexible hours.

Gateway also organised a 'back into work session' where we were given guidelines on writing CVs, interview techniques, etc.

We were encouraged to sign up with the agency that was being set up. Through this agency I got a job as an involvement worker working with the Training and Involvement Team at Soho Children's Centre. I am part of the Health and Family Support team as well.

I have just started a teacher training course and I am pleased to say that I have received a positive response from Gateway. A tutor who is also part of management has agreed to be my mentor to guide me through my course.

I will just conclude by saying that I do feel grateful to be associated with Gateway Family Services because it has been instrumental in helping me gain a qualification to work in this field, secure a job and support and encourage my professional development."