Our impact over the past 12 months
1,411
people sought
our help
Immigration
advisers worked on
557 cases
Volunteer advisers worked on
142 cases
61
people obtained Refugee Settlement
272
people were supported with eVisa applications
71
people obtained Leave to Remain
Advice line open
6 hours
each week
35
volunteers gave
their time
2,169
visits to
our drop-in
48
new cases supported through our Women for Refugee Women partnership
SUPPORTING INTEGRATION:
Our English Language Classes
Notre Dame Refugee Centre is committed to supporting the integration of refugees and asylum seekers into British society by advancing education, training and language skills. Learning English is a crucial step in the integration journey. Language competence empowers people to connect with others, navigate daily life, build confidence and eventually find their place within society.
Our English classes take place every Monday and Thursday in a welcoming and supportive environment that encourages learners to build meaningful relationships and develop a sense of belonging.
The programme is run entirely by volunteers with teaching qualifications and classroom experience. Tutors create lesson plans and materials tailored to the needs and abilities of their learners. Beyond language teaching, the classroom also provides an important space for social connection, encouragement and mutual support.
MEET SOME OF OUR LEARNERS:
V (pre-beginners)
I learned about Notre Dame Refugee Centre through a friend. Originally, I came because I needed help with other matters, but then I learned that the Centre offered free English classes, and I decided to try them. I have been in this country for three years now. I can speak French, but I had never studied English before. Being unable to communicate, even at the most basic level, is a real problem, as it makes all sorts of daily tasks difficult, or even impossible, without help from somebody else. For example, something as simple as going to the shop and asking for something I need, or communicating with service providers such as my GP, requires an interpreter – but you cannot always rely on interpreters!
When I came here, I immediately felt welcome. I was put in a small class of about seven students. We got to know each other and are happy to meet week after week because we support and encourage one another, as we are all in the same situation. Our teachers, Susan and Christelle, are excellent! They go out of their way to help us understand and learn new things.
I have been taking classes here at the Centre for one and a half years now, and I am really pleased because I am starting to see the progress. I feel more confident as I begin to understand what people are saying, and I can communicate simple things. I know that there is still a long way to go and a lot more learning to do, but I do not get discouraged. Being able to communicate, even at the most basic level, is so empowering, and it gives me a sense of having achieved something good!
HS (conversation class)
When I arrived at Notre Dame Refugee Centre, I could already speak some English. I had studied it at school in my home country, but my level of proficiency was not great. I was looking for ways to improve and get some practice. My situation in this country is still precarious, but I believe that, as long as I am here, I need to integrate into society, and for that, speaking the language is absolutely essential. Integration is not possible if you cannot communicate with the rest of the community.
Eventually, a friend took me to the Centre, and I immediately saw that it was exactly what I had been looking for. It was perfect for my needs! One major problem for me was money. Here, not only are the classes completely free of charge, but the Centre also covers our travel costs and offers us food. This practical help is what makes attending the classes possible, and it motivates me to make even more of an effort to learn.
Our teacher is extremely helpful. I am grateful because he does not only teach us the language, but also helps us understand the culture and what is socially and culturally appropriate in different situations. This is precious and extremely helpful for us.
It is now my second year of taking classes here. I have noticed that my English has changed – it has improved! Nowadays, I feel more confident about my language skills. I can understand more, and I feel that I am moving forward, slowly but surely, on my path towards integration.
MEET SOME OF OUR ENGLISH TEACHERS:
Ned: Beginners English teacher
“I was a headteacher for 20 years at a school in Wandsworth which welcomed many unaccompanied minors and children from refugee families. As Head of Sixth Form, I also had the opportunity to take on a more pastoral role, which I absolutely loved.
After retiring, I felt I wanted to return to teaching in some capacity. Then, after seeing the anti-immigration marches last summer, I felt deeply saddened and wanted to do something practical and positive. I searched online for refugee charities near me and found Notre Dame Refugee Centre.
At the beginning, the learning curve was just as steep for me as it was for the students. I had never taught English as a foreign language before, and teaching a pre-beginner class with students speaking many different languages — but no English at all — was a completely new experience. My background had always been teaching children, and I quickly realised that teaching adults is very different.
Fortunately, I started as a teaching assistant supporting a more experienced tutor, which helped me enormously. A few months later, I took over the class and now teach alongside Janet. I really enjoy working with her — we collaborate closely, share resources and plan lessons together. The support from colleagues has been amazing and everyone is incredibly welcoming.
The greatest satisfaction is seeing students progress and move into higher-level classes. Many learners have difficult and unstable lives, but the atmosphere at the Centre is so warm and supportive. Everyone is willing to help one another, and it is a wonderful environment to be part of.”
Vlad: English conversation class
“After completing my CELTA qualification in Cambridge, I wanted to gain practical teaching experience. One of our tutors suggested volunteering opportunities, and after some research I decided that Notre Dame Refugee Centre would be a meaningful place to contribute while developing my teaching skills.
I have found the experience extremely rewarding. One of the aspects I value most is the opportunity to meet and work with people from many different backgrounds and life experiences. I teach intermediate and upper intermediate learners, which means students can express themselves, share ideas and talk about their experiences. I find these conversations enriching and inspiring.
One challenge has been creating lesson materials from scratch each week. In previous teaching environments, I had access to prepared syllabuses and resources, whereas here I need to design lessons myself and think carefully about topics that will engage students. This can sometimes be demanding and time-consuming.
However, the students are always motivated, respectful and appreciative. Despite the difficult situations many of them face, there is a very positive atmosphere in the classroom. I try to encourage and motivate learners, even when they are dealing with stress and uncertainty outside the classroom.
I believe that when people experience kindness, respect and encouragement, the effects continue beyond the classroom itself. Positive experiences and human connection can have a lasting impact on people’s lives.”