Zara Shafiq: Transforming The Lives of Women in Balsall Heath

Ahead of International Women’s Day, we want to spotlight one of our amazing Family Support Workers – Zara Shafiq. We chatted to Zara about the positive impact her work at Together St Paul’s has on the local community, the best advice she’s ever been given and the women who inspire her.

Hi Zara! Tell us a little bit about your time working at Together St Paul’s.

I started at Together St Paul’s as part of the Junior College Apprenticeship Scheme in 2013 when I was 17 years old. I was part of a small group of students who were given the opportunity to gain life and work skills and gain experience in various departments within St Paul’s. I chose to complete my apprenticeship within the play service in the Venture, where I worked with children from the ages of 4 to 12 years.

I completed a few weeks of placement, which led to a volunteering opportunity where I gained even more skills and experience. After 2 months of volunteering, I applied for a job within the after-school club. From there, I progressed and moved on to other bigger and better roles within the play service, which led to me becoming the Co-ordinator of the service.

After over 10 years of working within the play service, I chose to divert onto a different path and became a Family Support Worker within St Paul’s – and that’s what I do today.

How does your work positively impact the lives of women and girls in Balsall Heath?

My job allows me to make a difference to people within our community. As someone who was born and raised in Balsall Heath and who attended services within St Paul’s from a young age, I am aware of the challenges but also the positives our community holds – they help us thrive and make us unique.

I have supported young girls to express themselves and encouraged them to be the best they can be. I have also had the privilege of supporting women through difficult journeys, helping them to reach their hopes and dreams of a better, happier life. Through compassion, patience and support, I have worked alongside women as they rebuilt their confidence, rediscovered their strength, and began to believe in themselves again.

Can you tell us about a woman you work with who you’d like to shine a spotlight on? What is it you admire about them?

Anita Moore (Community Manager and Snr DSL within the Trust). I have known Anita since day one at St Paul’s. Anita has supported me through my entire journey within St Paul’s. She has been a mentor to me. Anita is the kind of person who is always there for you, willing to listen and ready to offer advice. Even when she was having a difficult day, she will still have a smile on her face, which is reflected in the people around her. Anita supported me as a Co-ordinator, allowing me to be my own person and make decisions freely, as well as stepping in without me having to ask. She made me believe I had the strength to make big changes and move on to bigger things – which I did. Anita is a very positive, community-minded person, and she has made a huge difference within St Paul’s. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? 

The best piece of advice I have been given was from my grandma. I was 18 at the time, and she wanted me to take my driving lessons, however, I was very anxious about it. My grandma said, “You need to become independent, so you do not need to rely on anyone else.” I have now been working since I was 17, earning my own money, having my own car, home and my own perfect family, all thanks to my grandma’s words. 

What advice would you give your younger self?

Celebrate the smallest achievements, even when no one else notices.