For the past eight years, the only work that Mitcham resident Meena Siddiqui knew was being her husband's full time carer.

But the 54 year old was determined to get back into the workforce.

That is when she was given a volunteering opportunity with the ‘Creative Maths’ programme run by The Ethnic Minority Centre.

The programme gave her a chance to learn new maths techniques, improve her communication skills, knowledge and gain more self confidence.

Now that hard work has paid off.

“I was unemployed for a long time, so I was really glad to have the opportunity to volunteer for the EMC Creative Maths programme," Mrs Siddiqui said.

“Now I have found employment at a pharmacy in Colliers Wood and everything I have learned is all thanks to EMC and Clarion Futures.”

Sabitri Ray, project director at EMC added that she hoped more people could benefit from this in the future.

"I am really pleased that the partnership with Clarion Futures has helped us to present maths in an engaging way," she said.

"Employing an unique tutor like Rita Ball from Roots2Grow has also enhanced the teaching techniques of maths which brings benefits to so many local residents.”