What our Clients say..
DWP Kickstart Scheme
“Working at Light Foundations encouraged me to grow every single day. I learned a lot about how to connect with upper management, how to interact well within a team, and how to properly schedule my working day so that I can focus on the duties that are genuinely essential. Esther's instructions helped me gain confidence in my ability to execute any task and take on additional responsibility, as well as get an understanding of how important leadership is for the growth and performance of employees. During these seven incredible months, I had the chance to complete a variety of duties from which I was able to deduce what motivates me at work and what I would like to pursue in my long-term career. My favourite aspect of working for this firm was the atmosphere, in which everyone was encouraging and supporting one another in order to grow as a team and increase the organisation's output. This experience laid the foundation for the rest of my career, and I consider myself extremely fortunate to have worked with such remarkable management and an empowering team.” Best regards,
Diana,Youth-Digital Assistant
"When I first came to Light Foundations, I was very unsure of myself. I knew that I wanted to be an artist, but I didn't have the confidence to pursue it and I needed income. So when I became employed, I didn't really know what to expect or how things would turn out but I can say from the bottom of my heart that I am glad I joined this organisation. I had very minimal experience in fundraising but over time I learnt and grew and managed to raise enough money to run up to 5 different programmes, including our Hong Kong ESOL classes which is my greatest achievement. LF has been instrumental in making me the person I am today, someone who is not only confident and self-assured but is also diving head first into pursuing her dreams. With the support of Esther and the entire team at Light, my experience could not have been more amazing. I have made lifelong friends, helped people less fortunate than me, and watched the progress of countless individuals while also progressing myself. I got an insight into the world of non-profit and had the privilege of meeting so many amazing organisations in London that help so many across the nation daily. My time at LF made me see the world in a different light and helped me find my purpose. I am now well on track to pursuing my art career with all the transferable tools I gained throughout my time there while also securing a part-time job." Endrina, 12 months, as
EndrinaFundraising Assistant-Manager
“Thank you so much, I really appreciate everything that you have done for me and I hope one day we will cross paths in the future.”
Linda
“As I begin to look back upon my time at Light Foundations, I am beginning to see how much I have progressed as a person. I have noticed the more mundane skills I have improved such as email etiquette that all trainees were provided with. I also have a portfolio of content that I produced based on the design brief and have used in a real-world environment to improve further my chances of continuing a future in media. Overall, I am extremely grateful for the opportunity presented to me this past 7 months, it has been a learning experience for sure and the lives I changed and touched with the outreach programs and the Instagram posts will stay with me forever. “
Oliver
“In 2021 I finished my studies in college. I have a Diploma in Business. I have finished college and I tried to apply for the job but because of my work experience which I did not have, I could not find anything suitable for me. In the beginning, I started as a teacher assistant. I was meant to assist during the lessons. However, after that, I started to do admin tasks. I found it interesting, and I really enjoyed it. It helped me to improve my own skills such as writing, speaking, and listening. In the beginning, Esther, my manager, supported and mentored me. She explained to me how I need to deal with clients, and how I need to communicate with them via email and the phone. We used to have many face-to-face meetings. She was very patient, and she was always ready to help me. Light Foundations provided me with more training which helped me to be more confident and to find more ways how to provide good service in this programme. This has helped me to understand what I would like to do in the future. Now, I am more confident, and I know exactly that I want to be an admin, this has helped me to gain work experience, which is very needed, especially for someone like me who just finished my studies. II have been offered to stay at Light Foundations and I accepted the offer as I really enjoy my job now and I am happy to work with such a nice team.”
Malvina
“When I first joined Light Foundations, I had been job searching for a while within the midst of the pandemic, finding it incredibly hard to get responses or interviews. The Kickstart opportunity felt like a lifeline, and I was able to start a role where I felt valued, and I was able to use my problem-solving and creative skills in partnership. My role was as a Digital Marketing officer, and I was responsible for updating website copy, marketing flyers, and social media accounts. I was able to learn how to use WordPress at a professional and business needs level which has proved incredibly important in my current role. I received training with a website developer who gave me an understanding of how editing the website worked and was able to use my initiative to improve on that. I also was given creative space to suggest my ideas for how to improve the social media channels and create cohesion in the marketing distribution. As a result, this Kickstart position gave me the ability to hone my skills in a supportive environment. Since working in this positive team, I was much more successful with getting interviews and as a result, I am now working in the National Theatre Archive as a Digital Preservation Assistant. I use WordPress very frequently along with other digital skills which were helped developed at Light Foundations.”
Hannah
Previous
Next
DLUHC Hong Kong BN(O) ESOL
“This ESOL course has helped me expend my vocabulary and improved my writing skills. Our teacher Paul has helped me improve my speaking skills, especially with the pronunciation. Now I have gained more confidence when speaking English.” Kong
Kong
“In the beginning I could not understand most of the words the teacher said due to my poor listening skills. After a 3-month ESOL course, now I can understand at least 70% of the content while doing a listening task on my own.”
Kwun
“I enjoyed every minute of the course as well as Paul's strong sense of humour. I did not know learning English could be this fun!”
Tam
“I wish the length of this course could be longer!”
Yueng
Previous
Next
Share to Heal
"The Share to heal workshop is a wonderful self-building and support resource for myself but also for my mum, Paula, who attended sometimes too. What I liked about it, is that it gave me a chance to offload my worries and bad experiences in a safe environment with others. I really liked the family atmosphere and how things went with the flow.
The Light Foundation's advisors have lovely souls and have done wonders for this workshop. It's wonderful for supporting and talking about difficult parts of life. I hope it carries on in the future and expands with more opportunities. We need more resources like this.
Levi and Paula, NortholtShare to Heal Programme
"I thoroughly enjoyed the Share to Heal programme due to the diverse range of people I got to meet! Also, its good to note that the trainers who lead the sessions are very dedicated, open and always willing to have one on one sessions, as part of the course which is very helpful!"
Lisa, EalingShare to Heal Project
"Light Foundations' Share to Heal workshop has been absolutely amazing. I have met new people that are just willing to sit and listen to me and give me advice even though they are going through a lot themselves and I just made another family"
Larissa, HounslowShare to Heal Project
“I found the Share to Heal Group very useful as it motivated me to talk about my past and my mental health struggles. It was nice to meet new people. I found it very engaging. I am glad I came to the group.”
Hasharan, SouthallShare To Heal Project
“When I planned to join the Share to Heal group, I expected that I would learn general knowledge about working in this country and that's it. But I found myself able to talk about the problems in my marriage and grief, and this gave me the power to change in a better way. I'm very happy I met all the group members who were very supportive and became a real family to me. They became my backbone in this country. Special mention to Light Foundations' advisors who have supported me with my work and personal life. I am really grateful and appreciate every effort and goal of Light Foundations”.
Amany, NortholtShare to Heal Programme
Previous
Next
Business Administration/Mentoring
“I remember around this time last year I was completely lost, my confidence gone and feeling unmotivated. I was referred to Light Foundation through job seekers. I saw it as an opportunity and an opportunity it was. I had a meeting with Esther, I spoke to her about dreams and hope for what I wanted to get out of the course but also what I wanted to do in the future. I feel like she did not just put me through a course but really help me to develop my confidence during the time I was with Light Foundation. Putting me through a woman leadership training each week to reflect and learn in workshops. I also got the chance to take part in another leadership training at the end of the week we got to speak to a politician. All of these little things helped develop my confidence. This led me to get two jobs. The second is a traineeship at a charity within an area that I have always wanted to work in. I remember when I spoke to Esther about how passionate I was at the start but not knowing how to get there. The support did not stop me at the job I was given to help me with travel in my first month so I would not have to worry about money too. Thank you, Esther and Light Foundation.”
Christina
Business Administration Course
“I want to thank Light Foundations for supporting me throughout this course and providing nothing but their encouragement from the beginning till the end.
The course advisors made me feel so relaxed and the environment made me feel at ease and confident to participate more in group discussions. Hearing the other ladies share their personal life experiences, was very touching and it was nice to know that we all shared similar setbacks throughout our lives and that I was not on alone.
As the sessions carried on, our bond as a group became even stronger and the great thing about the course, was that it wasn’t just work-based, but also a fun, comfortable and enjoyable experience for us too. After the assignment was over, we started to focus more on the employment side, writing CVS and cover letters. Loads of job opportunities were presented to us, and we got to interview each other within the group.
We all got a chance to meet the employment officer from Love London Working, who did a drop-in session with us and gave lots of advice to every one of us, on how to take the next step into employment.
Two things I have learnt from the course is to love myself and believe in myself and also, with this qualification and other things that I have gained especially my confidence, I am ready for work placement. Thank you once again to the Light Foundations Team for all your advice, support, commitment and encouragement that you have given me with continued employment support.”
Nicola, ActonBusiness Administration Course
"Back in April 2019, I attended a group session at Acton Jobcentre that Light Foundations held to share information on the available programmes. I registered my interest to qualify for an iCQ certificate in Principles of Business Administration Level 2 funded by Clarion Futures. I have been a full-time Mum for more than 17 years, and have already a degree in business administration which I gained years back. Now that my sons are in college, I decided to update my degree. Within the time I spent taking the course, I have gained a solid foundation and knowledge about Business Administration.
What I particularly liked about this course, is the knowledge provided in most areas and the teaching methods of the trainers. We were continuously inspired by the whole team. I would recommend this programme to anyone, especially those who have been out of employment for a long time and looking to gain new skills.
Whilst on this programme, I had my CV, updated, gained interview technique skills and additional ESOL classes to improve my English for a few weeks. Upon finishing the course, I felt confident enough to go back into the job market and have even attended a couple of interviews with employers for work placements. And now, with this new qualification, gained skills and knowledge, I am armed to go and face the job market."
Celine, EalingBusiness Administration Course
"Thank you very much for the great support I received from you! When I came to do this iCQ Certificate in Principles of Business Administration Level 2 course back in April, I was struggling with severe stress and anxiety and had been out of work for such a long time. It was so difficult to start, as I didn’t study for a long time, but the course advisor reassured me and provided one to one support, because I had my anxiety and stress. With the great amount of assistance I received, I managed to complete the course. I found the course helpful and have gained administrative skills which will assist me a great deal in my business. Light Foundations also further assisted me by arranging with the Fulham jobcentre manager to support me with start-up funds as well as having offered to assist me with buying some stock to help get my Shampoo business off the ground. I am very proud of my achievement and would encourage anyone to take a step of faith and enrol on this programme. We were supported by the whole team, with job opportunities, CV updating, interview technique skills, encouragement and extra! Thanks again to the team at Light Foundations. "
Ludmilla, FulhamBusiness Administration Course
"I have been on a course with Light Foundations, funded by Clarion Futures and have achieved an ICQ Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Business and Administration.
It was a very good course with very helpful trainers who were very good at making sure we understood everything that was being taught to us.
They also made sure we did our best, and were always on hand to help us day or night if we needed help with our assignments.
At the end of the course, they also helped me with my CV, interview techniques, motivations, and applying for jobs. Overall, my experience has been excellent! And I have not only qualified, but also learned new skills, friends and confidence in myself and my job prospects have increased. Thank you, Light Foundations and the team. "
Maureen, Shepherds BushBusiness Administration Course
"I came to the course to refresh my knowledge in basic Administration but gained more insight and understanding of the Business Administration role. Having been out of work for some time, I had lost my confidence and felt behind in my knowledge-gap and ability to get back to work.
Through the way the course was organised and presented, and with the high-quality facilitators, who were very patient and encouraging throughout the training, and assisted with the employability skills aspect of the programme, I can confidently say that I am now ready and confident in getting back into employment. I am very happy and grateful to Light Foundations and its funder Clarion Futures to have given me such a great opportunity for me to gain a qualification and improve my skills."
Zemetawerk, Shepherds BushBusiness Administration Course
Previous
Next
Business start-up support
“The support I have received from Light Foundations has been amazing. From the day I had my first consultation, I knew I was in good company. I had a friendly mentor who was passionate about her role and genuinely wanted my business to succeed.
I was given very clear information on the start-up loan. Everything was broken down for me, from how much I could borrow, to the interest on the loan, so I left feeling well-informed and well-equipped.
The mentor was with me all the way through the process, helping me to create the right business plan and cash flow, and to ensure that my application for the loan was successful. The loan has done wonders for my business and helped in making my dream a reality. I have recommended Light Foundations to all my business-minded friends and will continue to do so in the future.”
Esther, LondonBusiness start-up support
"I had been unemployed for a while and had a business idea which I really wanted to get started. I attended Light Foundations' group session at Acton Jobcentre where they shared information on the funded programmes they had.
What interested me the most, was the Practical Entrepreneurship Level 3 and business start-up support, as I was really looking into getting my business up and running.
I registered my interest and was enrolled on the programme. I met up with an advisor for one to one advice and explained my idea to her, and she was very keen to assist me to get started. After that, Light Foundations arranged with the Jobcentre manager for the enterprise allowance.
I also on my part, asked around for funding. I was able to start my Vegan Café, and I further received additional £100 vouchers from Light Foundation’s funder Clarion Futures, for equipment and for the continued in-work support for my business.
I am now very happy and in full time self-employment. I love my Café, this is a dream come true. I am situated at The Humble Veg, 135 Northfield Avenue, London. "
Jacqueline, EalingBusiness start-up support
“I wanted to be a successful business owner and see my business grow and excel in the next five years, and that is why I came onto the Level 2 course in Principles of Business and Administration delivered by Maximal Learning in association with Light Foundations.
This course has really helped me improve my knowledge in planning and project management and overall, my understanding of business and helping me to move my company forward, thanks for the opportunity.”
Fred, Croydon Business start-up support
“Through Light Foundations, I was able to acquire a business start-up loan to start my business.
This loan allowed me to have and things I would not have been able to otherwise; such as a website design, advertising, and a database which are all essential for the success of our recruitment business. I highly recommend Light Foundations for reasons beyond the loan.
The entire process was enlightening throughout. They worked with me through my business plans, cash flow and any other questions I had. Because of them, my business became a reality. I cannot thank them enough.”
NaomiBusiness start-up support
“I just want to say thank you for your support. I was not sure what to do with my life and career, but you gave me hope and encouragement during the one-on-one consultation with your team.
I left inspired and enrolled on a short course which I am completing in the next few weeks. I am very happy that now I have the guidance, direction and business support I needed and cannot wait to set up my own fitness business. Thank you so much Light Foundations.”
Kariyan, ActonBusiness start-up support
Previous
Next
Volunteering Project
I came to Light Foundations in 2016 after having some difficulty getting a job.
I was originally working as an engineer, but due to a downturn in my industry, I was one of many redundancies, with little opportunities to get back into that field.
I decided to look into some volunteering hoping that it might help me improve my CV or allow me to make contacts that might lead to opportunities.
I found Light Foundations, and after a couple of emails, I met to discuss how we could help each other and then join them on a part time basis. During my time there I got the opportunity to work on a variety of roles and meet a range of different people from charities, company directors and people like me looking for help to get into work. There were lots of challenging times and I gained good experience of dealing with obstacles that can come with trying to set up new projects.
I was also encouraged, to take responsibility of certain tasks and projects, and gain some confidence in managing work; where I hadn’t had much experience.
There was a very positive energy at Light Foundations, and it was good to receive advice on areas I could work on improving.
After volunteering for a few months, I left the role so I could concentrate on getting full time paid work. I have since managed to secure employment in a new career role as an analyst and have also helped a friend set up a new business venture, so I have plenty to be looking forward to with this new direction my life has taken.
Peter, ChiswickVolunteering Project
After I completed university, I began searching for jobs as I was determined to succeed in my career pursuits. After a while it became apparent of barriers in the workplace due to my long-term illness.
I realised this after I became ill in the workplace, on my very first day and it was decided that I should leave. However, I became ever more determined to gain employment.Then, I came across Light Foundations.
From the website I knew that this organisation genuinely cared about its clients, and particularly assisting vulnerable people back into employment. I have been given both mentoring and instructive counsel, which has encouraged and helped me to understand the benefits of being self-standing. In time, others around me have seen me develop on so many levels and my confidence has blossomed.
Despite many setbacks and obstacles I encountered in returning to work, Light Foundations has diligently supported me, and I persevered until I have now found a suitable position.
I am extremely grateful that the team have always dedicated time to others, in their desire to fulfil the ambitions whether big or small. Their optimism and open-mindedness has enabled me to see the bigger picture and I feel positive about a brighter future!
Thanks for the opportunity.”
Masada, SouthallVolunteering Project
I volunteered for Light Foundations, and was placed on one-month Traineeship in 2016 while I was looking for work, and was grateful to be taken on. While I worked for Light Foundations, I was tasked with preparing bids to gain funding in order to support employability projects run by Light Foundations.
I also had the opportunity to assist with the End of Year Business Seminar. Working for Light Foundations has enabled me to develop skills and versatility that will help me in my future career. Light Foundations works to help people achieve their goals, and I am proud to have been associated with this organisation. I wish Light Foundations all the best in the future, and I know they will continue to make a big impact on the lives of many.
Preema, EalingVolunteering Project
“Given the opportunity of volunteering as an Administrative Manager not only helped improved my administrative skills to a professional and high standard, but has also assisted me in integrating into the culture of the country.
As well as this, it has exposed me to meeting wonderful people from diverse backgrounds. Most importantly, I have been able to assist them in achieving various pursued careers.
Light Foundations, is an organization that cares strongly in assisting people, in achieving their desired careers through being volunteers, learners or wanting to be potential entrepreneurs. I recommend it to anyone who would want to associate with this credible organisation.”
Julie, EalingVolunteering Project
“I had volunteered with Light Foundations for two months in 2013, and this was when I newly arrived in London and did not have a job.
Based on my resume, Light Foundations even sponsored me to get a certification in Business Administration level 2/3 that helped me secure a job in London. Light Foundations' advisors advised me on the salary expectations and how I could grow in the London market.
While I worked in Light Foundations, she gave me the freedom to handle marketing and communication, administration and as part of the marketing duties, I even went on the Radio (YES!).
Light Foundations works toward the betterment of people, even if the people are only working for a short period or volunteering (like me). I wish Light Foundations all the best!”
Ranjitha, HounslowVolunteering Project
Previous
Next