Empowering refugees and asylum seekers through language and community

About us
Founded in 2019, English for All was created to fill a vital gap in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) provision for refugees and asylum seekers. What started as a small initiative driven by a belief in welcome, solidarity, and connection has grown into a lifeline for hundreds of individuals navigating life in a new country.
Our story began with a simple idea: that language is key to belonging. We knew that many displaced people were being left behind due to long waiting lists and overstretched services, and the impact of these delays—loneliness, isolation, and limited opportunities—was devastating. In response, we created an inclusive, person-centred space where learning English was just the beginning.
Today, English for All runs free weekly classes, conversation groups, and mentoring support that not only teach language skills but also foster confidence and meaningful connections.

Vision
To empower refugees and asylum seekers through accessible, person-centred ESOL education and fostering community connections.
Mission
To empower refugees and asylum seekers through accessible, person-centred ESOL education and fostering community connections.

What we do
We provide free, person-centred English language support for refugees and asylum seekers, helping them gain the skills they need to build independent lives and meaningful connections. Our work is grounded in creating safe, inclusive spaces where learners feel supported, empowered, and part of a community.
We run a variety of weekly online classes, including conversation groups and women-only spaces, to suit different levels of English. These sessions don’t just focus on language—they help build confidence, foster friendships, and create a sense of belonging. Our learners play an active role in shaping their lessons, ensuring the content reflects their goals, whether it’s preparing for work, navigating public services, or simply building everyday communication skills.
In addition to our classes, we provide one-on-one mentoring to help learners with practical challenges like CV writing, job interview preparation, and form-filling. Our social and cultural events also offer a vital opportunity for people to come together, share experiences, and strengthen their support networks.
We provide free, person-centred English language support for refugees and asylum seekers, helping them gain the skills they need to build independent lives and meaningful connections. Our work is grounded in creating safe, inclusive spaces where learners feel supported, empowered, and part of a community.
We run a variety of weekly online classes, including conversation groups and women-only spaces, to suit different levels of English. These sessions don’t just focus on language—they help build confidence, foster friendships, and create a sense of belonging. Our learners play an active role in shaping their lessons, ensuring the content reflects their goals, whether it’s preparing for work, navigating public services, or simply building everyday communication skills.
In addition to our classes, we provide one-on-one mentoring to help learners with practical challenges like CV writing, job interview preparation, and form-filling. Our social and cultural events also offer a vital opportunity for people to come together, share experiences, and strengthen their support networks.
Get in touch
If you’re an asylum seeker or refugee living in the North East of England and struggling to stay connected, we’re here to help. Whether you’re facing poor internet access or have children who need to connect to online lessons, we can support you in getting online and staying connected.
To find out if you qualify for assistance, simply get in touch.
info@englishforall.uk
07376 331428

Our approach
Our classes are built around participatory learning, where everyone has a voice and the curriculum is shaped by the needs and goals of the group. This helps learners not only improve their language skills but also develop leadership, resilience, and a sense of ownership over their progress.
We understand that everyone’s journey is different. Some participants want to build language skills for everyday tasks, like speaking to a doctor or navigating school meetings, while others need support to prepare for work or further study. Our lessons are flexible and tailored to help learners achieve their personal goals at their own pace.
Creating a safe, welcoming space is central to everything we do. Many of our learners have experienced trauma and uncertainty, so it’s essential that they feel supported, heard, and able to engage without fear of judgment. Our community-focused approach builds trust, encourages connection, and gives learners the confidence to thrive—both in class and in life.