Tuesday, the 22nd of January 2025 saw the very first ReSTORE Nurse graduation and celebration event at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Sheffield. 11 nurses celebrated their graduation having passed all their exams and we continue to support a further 24 nurses across 3 cohorts.
ReSTORE which stands for Refugee Support, Training, Orientation, Recruitment and Education is a structured programme for refugee nurses living in South Yorkshire delivered by the South Yorkshire Primary Care Workforce and Training Hub.
The programme was developed to overcome the many barriers in place for refugee nurses being able to work in the UK. In addition to the four step programme, there is strong pastoral support throughout. This is the ‘magic’ ingredient that builds back confidence and belonging and is the bridge to take the nurses back into the profession they love and where the NHS needs them.
ReSTORE is built upon strong relationships with local authorities, DWP, NHS trusts, charities, and academic institutions, including the two universities in Sheffield. It aligns with the NMC’s processes, ensuring robust support for participants.
Blerta Ilazi, the nurse lead for ReSTORE, has worked tirelessly to transform the vision of the programme into a reality. She meticulously designed the programme to address the specific needs of the nurses, going above and beyond to ensure every nurse felt valued and supported.
Blerta consistently reassured the nurses that they could and would return to the profession they love. She serves as an inspiration, role model, and friend to the nurses, while also playing a crucial role in fostering relationships across the system to ensure the programme’s success. Nurse Emma Matthews has worked alongside Blerta, initially as a volunteer and later as an employee. Driven by a passion for supporting those overlooked by the system, Emma’s care has shone through as a guide and mentor.