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Healing Systems, Not Just People: Healing Health Inequalities
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For the first instalment in our new immigration series, we’re proud to share a personal account from one of our colleagues whose journey from Portugal to London embodies resilience, courage, and the transformative power of starting over. In this honest and uplifting conversation, she reflects on what inspired her move to the UK, how her lived experience shapes her work at SIG, and the hopes she carries for a kinder, more inclusive future. Her story sets the tone for a series that celebrates the diverse paths that bring people to our community.
1. Could you share a little about your journey, where you’re originally from and what brought you to the UK?
I was born and grew up in Portugal, and I spent most of my life there. It’s home, and it will always be a very special place for me.
A couple of years ago, when I was with my boyfriend, we both felt we needed a change and were looking for better opportunities – opportunities that, unfortunately, we couldn’t really find back home at the time.
I’ve also always had a bit of a fascination with London ever since I was younger, so moving here felt exciting and meaningful, like starting a new chapter of my life.
2. What shaped your decision to work in social care?
I’m very new to social care, only joined about six months ago, but I am very passionate about helping people. I studied social work at university (in Portugal) because I’ve always wanted to make a real difference in people’s lives and support others when they need it most. Although I’m still learning and growing in this environment, I truly enjoy what I do and feel motivated by the impact this work can have on people and the community.
3. What has your experience been like as an immigrant in the UK, and how has that shaped your perspective or identity?
Being an immigrant in the UK has been a real journey of growth for me. Like many people who move to a new country, the beginning wasn’t always easy, adjusting to a different culture, language, and way of life took time, patience, and a lot of resilience. There were very difficult moments when I missed home, my family, my friends, but those experiences also helped me become stronger and more independent.
Living in London, surrounded by so many cultures, stories, and backgrounds has made me more open and empathetic, and has helped me appreciate diversity in a much deeper way.
4. Can you tell us about your role at SIG and the team you work in? What does your day-to-day work involve?
I’m part of the Audit, Risk and Compliance team, working as a Health and Safety Officer. I joined around six months ago, so I’m still fairly new, but I’ve already learned so much and feel supported in my role.
Everyday is different, no two days are the same! It might sound cliché, but it’s true! I usually start by planning my agenda, but often something unexpected comes up that changes all my plans. That variety keeps the role interesting and encourages me to stay flexible and solution focused.
5. What unique strengths do you feel you bring from your background?
I understand what it’s like to adapt to new environments and feel out of place at times. This has made me more empathetic, patient, and open-minded person. I also feel that my cultural background and perspective help me connect with people from different walks of life and approach my role with compassion, understanding, and respect.
6. In what ways do you feel your lived experience influences how you contribute to your role?
Having gone through the challenges of adapting to a new culture and environment myself, I know what it’s like to feel uncertain, out of place, or overwhelmed. This makes me naturally empathetic and patient in my work.
Even though I don’t work directly with residents, it shapes the way I approach my role – I’m more thoughtful, understanding, and always thinking about how I can help create a safe and supportive environment for both staff and the people they support.
7. How do you see your work making a difference, and what message of hope would you like to share?
I see my work as a small but meaningful way to make a difference, even if I’m not working directly with residents. By helping keep environments safe and well-organised, I support the teams who work on the frontline.
I’m proud to be part of a team that works with empathy, respect, and dedication – it’s a team that truly believes in making life better for the people we support.
As someone who has experienced migration myself, I wish more people understood that moving to a new country comes with both challenges and opportunities. It can be scary and overwhelming, but it’s also a chance to grow, learn, and build connections. My message of hope is simple – every effort to be kind, patient, and inclusive makes a difference. Change doesn’t always happen all at once, us together, we can create communities where everyone feels welcome and supported.
