When Elena*, from Lanarkshire, moved to Scotland from Romania with her newborn child in 2021, she could not speak English and was completely reliant on her abusive ex-partner.
After finding the courage to end the relationship, Elena, 37, found herself in financial hardship, unsure of how she was going to provide for herself and her daughter, when she joined the Fair Start Scotland service in March.
Despite Elena’s desire to work, with her limited English, a lack of confidence and work experience, she struggled to remain hopeful.
Supported by her Remploy Key Worker, Scott McKinlay, Elena actively engaged in development sessions whilst also receiving emotional support regularly from a Romanian-speaking Remploy colleague.
Determined to be independent and create a better life for herself, Elena concentrated on improving her English skills and she quickly developed the ability to speak and understand English.
With renewed confidence, Elena received interview coaching and started to apply for jobs with support from Scott.
In July, Elena successfully applied and interviewed for a Production Operative position with a shellfish company.
She said: “I’m thrilled to be in work and able to provide for my daughter. I’m now hopeful for our future, thanks to Remploy.”
*Name anonymised at participant’s request
