OUR CONTRIBUTION
TESTIMONIALS
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FREE WEEKLY ENGLISH CLASSES RUN BY A TEACHER WITH translation services
Every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday during term time we run English classes for all levels, from absolute beginner to more advanced speakers. For our members, this not only improves their English language skills but also their self-confidence. Our future aspiration is for our members to be able to give back time in helping others new to the group to improve their English language skills.
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WEEKLY DROP-IN support sessions in partnership with EARLY HELP
Every Wednesday during term time we operate a drop in service from 12-2pm, where anyone can stop by and talk to the the compassionate and helpful staff from Early Help (by Southend Borough Council). The staff here can give you general or parenting advice or information on how to apply for benefits, housing, schools or even registering with a doctor's surgery. We can arrange for translators to help if you are not that confident speaking English yet.
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WEEKLY FRIENDSHIP GROUPS AND FREE Playschool
Our Friday friendship group (from 1-2.30pm) is very popular as our members are able to discuss important issues, share any problems and talk together about how to resolve them. But best of all, it's a place to relax, enjoy a cuppa and practice your English!
During our friendship group, we also offer an educational and fun nursery/playschool right next door to our hub in the Victoria Shopping Centre. The professional and qualified staff at A Better Start Southend run this crèche for Welcome to the UK.
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FAMILY EVENTS AND OUTINGS
Welcome to the UK has organised many events to bring the community together, such as trips to the park where the children can run, play and make new friends, family outings to Sea Life Adventure and Southend Pier, visiting the library to join up and borrow books, and Christmas parties with a visit from Santa. These types of events help our members get to know their community and it builds their confidence and encourages them to socialise with locals and our other members.
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presentations to increase awareness at various networking events, for example SAVS, agm, southern adult community college, the double whammy and Southend council events.
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health-related sessions organised by welcome to the UK where gps and nurses talk about breast cancer, pediatric immunisation, etc.
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setting up promotional stands during notable days
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cook4life course run by the children's center
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environmental activities to teach children how to respect the streets and parks, such as litter picking, tidying up and planting flowers, cycling sessions
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translation services at the job center, the children's center, GP surgeries, etc.
Susana:
I first came to Welcome to the UK 6 months ago and wanted to take part in both the English classes and the friendship group. All of the staff and volunteers are very helpful and friendly and the friendship group is fun because there are many different nationalities and languages. I have made new friends, learnt about different cultures and I get to practice my English skills. I have become less shy and a more open person.ou would like to feature.
Aizhana:
I joined Welcome to the UK in January 2019. Ilda, the Founder & Coordinator, has supported me and my family through both the good times and the bad. If my family ever has problems, I know that I can depend on Welcome to the UK to help. By coming to the English classes and the friendship group, both my written and spoken English has greatly improved and I am so happy now.