What does the English at Home project offer?
If you know of a refugee or asylum seeker who is isolated or could benefit from practical support, please look at helpinleeds.com and the new and improved Learning English Leeds website.
English at Home helps people to learn a skill that is vital for everyday life.
We support refugees and asylum seekers who, for reasons of caring, health etc. are currently unable to attend classes. We develop students’ language skills so that they can cope with everyday life and become more independent.
We are committed to promoting cross-cultural friendship and enabling participation in community life.
We support our students to move on to other learning opportunities e.g. English classes or vocational qualifications.
An English at Home match can last anything from 6 weeks to 2 years.
“My favourite part of our training sessions is having a learner come and share their experiences of having a teacher. At one of these sessions, Selina was entering the building when she bumped into a woman who used to interpret for her. Selina smiled as they chatted and said “I have not seen you for a long time because I don’t need you anymore!”
Contact Information
Volunteers Manager:
David Skivington
07564 267 065
Volunteers Manager:
Tina Brocklebank
07845 298 039
General Enquiries: English at Home
The difference it makes
Rasha and Adnan had been learning English for a few months but were still too nervous to use English outside their lessons. Their English at Home tutor invited them to a party she was hosting. They came along and had a great time, and managed to speak in English with the other guests. Using English at the party was a huge boost to their confidence.
The next day there was a knock at their door and, for the first time ever, Adnan felt able to open it and speak to whoever was there. It was the postie, with a parcel for next door. They took in the parcel, and later brought it round to their neighbours’ house. That first contact led to a growing friendship. Rasha and Adnan say that making friends with the neighbours has made their house feel more like home.
“Helping someone to learn English has the potential to make a difference to an asylum seeker or refugee’s life. Thinking of ways to do this is creative and challenging, which (selfishly) as a retired person, I need!”
“The support given. The thorough workshops and tutorials offered. I like a lot of things!”
“I have been very impressed with LASSN as a company, and my english at home partner, who is fantastic.”
“The chance to meet people from different backgrounds and the opportunity to expand my teaching skills.”
“Meeting new families from different parts of the world and feeling that I might help to make them establish their lives in the UK.”
“EAH is very well organised. The training is regular and of a high standard. I feel well supported. The resources are regularly added to.”
“Very supportive organisation. Excellent online resources. Good to feel you’re doing something of value.”
“The strong feeling of support and excellent quality of training received from LASSN to enable me to carry out my volunteer role.”
“Helping others learn English and making good connections with people from other nations.”
“I was a teacher and very much enjoy teaching still. I have liked working for LASSN for 17 years.”
Achievements in 2020/21
A full review of our activities in 2019-20 can be downloaded here
87 tutors spent 1538 hours (64 days) teaching English to 108 people. Each of these sessions were carried out virtually.
26 support sessions were run to prepare tutors for teaching online. This change in the nature of the role was supported by formal training sessions for volunteers as well as more informal skill shares to discuss good practise with other volunteers.
New online resources for tutors and learners were developed including a complete section on the website about teaching online as well as a practical guide for online teaching, covering top tips and useful resources
Covid support included arranging 400 food parcels, 18 devices (phones, laptops) and providing 55 households with credit and data to make sure people could stay connected
95% learners reported increased confidence through speaking with their teacher
LASSN tutors helped 26 people to successfully take up college courses, and mainstream ESOL classes
Tutors spent…
hours teaching English to
learners.