Section 2: Services By Theme

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Contents

Contents

Learning English. ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)

DCC’s ESOL and Engagement Team provides resources, signposting, and expert advice to ESOL learners and practitioners, and works with ESOL providers to improve information sharing and collaboration. You can find details of all English language classes on offer in Devon on our interactive map at https://www.devon.gov.uk/migration-and-resettlement/maps/  If you need information or advice about ESOL, including help with finding the right English language class, please contact us at ESOL@devon.gov.uk  

Mainstream (accredited) ESOL

To study towards a recognised qualification in English, sign up (subject to eligibility) for a course at a Further Education (FE) college or with the county council’s own Adult Education provider, Learn Devon.  ESOL courses offered by these providers are usually free for eligible learners. 

Exeter College:
PETROC (Barnstaple and Tiverton):
City College Plymouth:

South Devon College (Torbay):

Learn Devon:

Workers’ Educational Association (WEA):

Community ESOL

Devon is lucky to have many voluntary and community organisations and groups that offer free English classes and conversation groups. While most of these classes do not lead to a qualification, community ESOL classes are usually taught by well-qualified and experienced teachers. As well as helping learners to improve their English, they also support integration by helping to build strong connections in the local community. The main providers of community ESOL in Devon are

For more information and contact details for these providers, click on the links above. This will take you to for all of these providers can be found in section 1 of this Directory.

Online ESOL and an app

Online classes at different levels are available for learners who face difficulties accessing face-to-face English classes in their local area.

For studying at home there is also a free app – AILEM – that has been created by refugees to support other refugees and asylum seefkers. Go to https://www.ailemapplaunch.org/

Employment and Careers

Finding a job in Devon when your first language is not English can be extremelyzchallenging. Fortunately, there are a number of organisations offering support

with:  

  • job searches  
  • writing a CV and/or a letter of application  
  • advice on interview techniques in UK  
  • signposting to work-experience and volunteering opportunities (volunteering is a great way to practice English and to improve your CV)  
  • English for Specific Purposes (ESP) – the extra English that you might need in order to work in a particular trade or profession, e.g. English for Construction

Job Centre Plus (JC+)

The first place to go if you are looking for a job and/or to sign on for benefits. You will be introduced to a Job Coach who will help you search for jobs. JC+ can also provide free training, help with getting qualifications translated – and much more. https://www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus

Connect to Work

Connect to Work is a free programme designed to help people who are facing barriers to employment find and stay in meaningful work.

For those who are eligible, the programme will offer personalised, one-to-one support from a dedicated employment specialist who will:

  • Understand your career goals
  • Help overcome challenges and barriers
  • Match you with suitable job opportunities
  • Support a smooth transition into work and promote inclusive workplaces

If you’re ready to take the next step, contact The Team on at ctwenquiries@devon.gov.uk

Devon’s Youth and Employment Hubs

There are six physical hubs in the county, providing in-person support to help you find out about different career options, jobs, and learning opportunities.

Whether you are a young person aged 16+ looking for career opportunities or an adult looking to retrain, find a new path or get back to work, our advisors can work with you for as long as you need to take the next step on your employment, learning or skills journey. Hubs are available in:

  • Exeter Central Library                                           
  • The Bookery in Crediton
  • The Beehive Community Centre in Honiton     
  • Tiverton Library
  • Barnstaple Library                                                 
  • Ilfracombe Library
  • Newton Abbot Library

For more information about opening times or to make an appointment for any of the hubs, email employmenthub@devon.gov.uk or visit https://www.devon.gov.uk/economy-enterprise-skills/skills/employment-hubs/

Other local support with finding the right job

The following organisations can provide specific employment support for ethnically diverse communities:

To find other support in your area freely available to all members of the public, see our interactive map:  https://www.devon.gov.uk/migration-and-resettlement/maps/

Children’s Education

Early Years

The government in UK provides funding for all 3 and 4 year old children to attend early years provision for up to 30 hours per week for free.

Children aged 9 months to 2 years old currently can receive 15 hours per week of free early years provision. From September 2025, this will increase to 30 hours per week.  To find out more about Early Years support available in Devon, and how to apply for a place for your child, visit https://www.devon.gov.uk/educationandfamilies/early-years-and-childcare/

School Admissions

If you are resident in Devon, you can apply for a place in a mainstream state primary or secondary school. For guidance on how to apply for a school place for your child and for information about where to go if you need support:

Ethnically Diverse Education Achievement Service (EDEAS)

EDEAS provides advice and guidance to support schools to remove barriers and inequalities in attainment and achievement for ethnically diverse children and young people, as well as those learning English as an additional language (EAL), including providing Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and bilingual resources. We provide bilingual support, EAL, GRTS and EDI consultancy, as well as interpreting and translation services to schools and Early years providers.

EAL (English as an Additional Language)

EAL is the term used in the UK in reference to supporting children of refugees and other migrants with learning English. The following places provide advice, guidance and support with EAL:

Schools of Sanctuary

A growing national network of more than 680 schools and nurseries, all committed to creating a culture of welcome, understanding and belonging for refugees and other migrants. In Devon, the Schools of Sanctuary initiative is being championed by the Pickwell Foundation (see page 25).

Adult Education

Further Education (FE)

Colleges in the UK offer a wide range of courses to adults aged 16 and over. You can sign up for a course whether you are 16 or 76.   All courses

for 16 to 18 year olds are free. In Devon, there are three FE Colleges and DCC’s own FE provider, Learn Devon

Higher Education (HE)

In the UK, you need to apply for university through a website called UCAS: https://www.ucas.com/ The following link explains how to apply: https://www.ucas.com/applying

University of Plymouth

The University of Plymouth, located in Britain’s Ocean City, is renowned for its world-class teaching, impactful research, and commitment to sustainability. With a diverse and inclusive community, it welcomes students from around the globe, fostering cultural exchange and collaboration. Plymouth offers a vibrant campus life and a wide range of programs designed to prepare students for a global future, combining practical learning with a supportive, welcoming environment.

Search for undergraduate / postgraduate courses and research opportunities here: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/study

Open University

The Open University offers flexible distance-learning courses and other accessible options for study to students of all backgrounds. Designed to fit around work and life commitments, it provides a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, along with tailored support for diverse learning needs. Its inclusive approach empowers students to upskill, retrain, or achieve qualifications at their own pace.

Search for courses here: https://www.open.ac.uk/

University of Exeter

The University of Exeter, a top UK institution, offers a full range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research opportunities. With students from 140+ countries, it fosters a vibrant, inclusive environment through cultural festivals, international societies, and language programs. Exeter University values diversity as a catalyst for innovation and creativity, recognising that a multicultural community promotes a deeper understanding of global issues and prepares students to become global citizens.

Search for undergraduate / postgraduate courses and research opportunities here: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/

Support for International Students

The University of Exeter offers a wide range of dedicated teams, support schemes, and initiatives to help international students feel welcome and ensure their experience is rewarding and successful.

University of Exeter Students’ Guild

The Guild is an independent, non-profit charity led by students and staff, working to ensure every student can make the most of their time at Exeter. Membership is free and automatic for all University of Exeter students.

Our events programme includes trips, movie nights, and social activities—whether you’re an undergrad, postgrad, online learner, or based at Streatham or St Luke’s, there’s something for everyone.

Student voices shape everything we do. We amplify their views, support positive change, and create an inclusive space where all perspectives are respected.

Societies

With over 250 university societies to choose from (www.exeterguild.com/communities), our student-led groups are where students can make friends, have fun and connect over a shared interest or activity. All students are welcome to join any society, but we’ve highlighted a selection that may be of particular interest to international students:

African and Caribbean Society
‍Asian Society
Azerbaijani Society
Bangla Society
‍Bulgarian Society‍ Burmese Society
‍Chinese Society
‍Eastern European Society
‍European Society ‍Filipino Society
Friends of Palestine Society
‍Greek and Cypriot Society ‍Hong Kong Public Affairs and Social Services Hindu Society ‍Indian Society – INSA
‍Indonesian Society International Athlete Society International Student Society ‍Iraqi Society
‍Irish and Northern Irish Society
Islamic Society
‍Israeli and Zionist Society
‍Japanese Society
Jewish Society		‍ Jordanian Society ‍Korean Society ‍Latin American Society ‍Malaysian Society
‍Middle Eastern and North African Society
‍Moroccan Society
‍Multicultural Students Society
Nooma Society
‍North American Society
Orthodox Christian Society Pakistani Society
‍Polish Society
‍Russian Society ‍Saudi Society
‍Scandinavian Society‍ Singapore Society
‍South African Society
‍South Asian Society
Student Action for Refugees (STAR) Society
Students of Colour Association
‍Turkish Society ‍Ukrainian Society ‍Vietnamese Society

Guidance and support provided by the Guild:

We offer free, confidential, and impartial​ in-person or online advice related to students’ housing, course or finances. Access advice on issues such as academic problems, finances, housing: www.exeterguild.com/find-support

The Universities of Sanctuary team at Exeter

As part of the University of Sanctuary network, a UK-wide initiative, the University of Exeter Sanctuary team work to foster a culture of welcome and inclusion for asylum seekers and refugees – including offering sanctuary scholarships and partial fee waivers to undergraduate students who are seeking asylum. These scholarships are competitive, so if you are interested in applying, it is a good idea to apply well in advance of your course.

Housing

District council support

In Devon, the District and City Councils manage local social housing and provide advice and support with finding a home, dealing with landlords and for anyone facing homelessness.

By law in the UK, your local council must provide you with emergency accommodation if you have a priority need. For example, if you are pregnant if you have a disability; if you are suffering from trauma because of your experiences

East Devon District Council https://eastdevon.gov.uk/housing-and-homelessness/ | phone: 01395 517469

Exeter City Council https://exeter.gov.uk/housing/ | phone: 01392 277888

Mid Devon District Council https://www.middevon.gov.uk/residents/mid-devon-housing/ | phone: 01884 255255

North Devon Council https://www.northdevon.gov.uk/housing | phone: 01271 388870

South Hams District Council https://www.southhams.gov.uk/housing | phone: 01803 861234

Teignbridge Council https://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/housing/ | phone: 01626 361101

Torridge District Council https://www.torridge.gov.uk/housing | phone: 01237 428700.

West Devon Borough Council https://www.westdevon.gov.uk/housing | phone: 01822 813600

Other sources of support with housing

Shelter – A UK charity that provides help for anyone facing a housing problem. https://england.shelter.org.uk/

Refugees at Home – connect hosts with refugees and asylum seekers across the UK https://refugeesathome.org/

British Red Cross – https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-help/get-help-as-a-refugee

Neurodiversity

The word Neurodiversity refers to the diverse experience of all people and the many different ways in which we experience and interact with the worlds. However, it is often used in the context of the autistic spectrum and other neurological conditions such as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) or learning disabilities.

Devon County Council’s SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) local offer

Signposts a wide range of locally available support. https://www.devon.gov.uk/education-and-families/send-local-offer/about-send-and-the-local-offer/

South West Autism Support Services

Specialise in supporting children and young people on the autistic spectrum. https://www.southwestautismsupport.com/

North Devon Down Syndrome Group

Supports families from all walks of life who have a family member with Down Syndrome. Organises outings and activities – bringing families together for support and to have fun.

WayMakers Devon CIC

Solution-focused support for autistic and ADHD people without significant learning needs (aged 14+) to build accessible and fulfilling lives. Also works with employers and professionals to improve accessibility and neuroinclusion. Works across Devon and beyond.

LGBTQ+

Intercom Trust

A Southwest charity providing LGBT+ communities with advocacy, low-cost counselling, domestic abuse services, training / consultancy, and general support. Combating homophobia and transphobia across Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay to promote respect and equality.

Micro Rainbow

Working towards a world where LGBTQ+ people are free from discrimination and have equal opportunities in all fields of life. Provides safe housing for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers; supports refugees through employment, education, volunteering and training programs; and runs social activities to combat isolation.

Sunrise Diversity

Sunrise Diversity provides support for LGBTQ+ people. Click here for more information and contact details.

Women’s Support

CoLab Women

Supports women facing multiple disadvantages, particularly homelessness, domestic abuse, sexual violence and other challenges. CoLab Women uses a trauma-informed, strength-based approach to rebuild resilience, confidence, and self-esteem. Brave Spaces is a two-year test and learn project supporting women facing these issues. https://www.colabexeter.org.uk/colab-women

The Olive Project        

The Olive Project works with black and minoritized women and girls who are subjected to abuse and violence, and to support them to live free from harm. Click here for more information and contact details.

Wave Wahines CIC

A surf club with the Aloha spirit, offering a safe space for women and girls from all backgrounds and lived experiences to access surfing and connect with our oceans. Also run bespoke sessions for resettled communities and women recovering from trauma.

Physical Health

In the UK, your GP (General Practitioner) is your first point of contact for health concerns and can refer you to specialists if needed. For help finding and registering with a GP, visit https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/how-to-register-with-a-gp-surgery/ and for NHS services in Devon, see https://myhealth-devon.nhs.uk/

Below are additional national and local organisations offering health and wellbeing support.

Public Health (Devon County Council)

Public Health is a team within Devon County Council responsible for Health Improvement, Health Protection, Healthcare Public Health. We are supported by public health Intelligence, policy and research in everything we do. We work in partnership with other health and local authority partners to achieve this such as social care, UK Health Security Agency, Office of Health Improvement and Disparities, NHS, district councils, VCSE partners amongst many others. Public Health has a Public Health Grant from the Department of Health and Social Care which allows the team to commission and deliver programmes of work to improve the health of the population. We commission services for public health nursing, sexual health, drug and alcohol services and a variety of training offers for staff.

Here are a few of the many initiatives we facilitate by working with partners:

Vaccinations

Are you and your family protected?        

Vaccinations are one of the best ways to protect yourself, your family, and your community from serious illnesses like flu, meningitis, measles, mumps and polio. In the UK, all routine vaccines are free for everyone.

Book an appointment with your GP practice to review your vaccination history and discuss any additional vaccines you might need. If you’re unsure which vaccines you or your family have received, don’t worry — you can safely restart the schedule.

Learn more about vaccinations on the official NHS website: NHS vaccinations and when to have them – NHS

The Eddystone Trust

Southwest-based charity supporting Devon residents with sexual health and HIV services. Offers rapid HIV and syphilis testing, help accessing sexual health screenings, and resources like condoms, PrEP, and PEP. Advocates for those living with HIV, offering peer support, guidance around diagnosis, and non-judgmental, person-centred care.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

If you are experiencing mental ill-health and looking for support, please start by talking to your doctor. Your doctor may refer you to specialist support. There are also a number of organisations and projects that offer mental health support to asylum seekers, refugees and migrant workers

National Support

Barnado’s Helplines

Barnardo’s offers several mental health and wellbeing helplines for ethnically diverse communities. All helplines are available   Monday to Friday, 10am-8pm, and Saturday, 10am-3pm.

  • Boloh Helpline: Support for adult asylum seekers and HK British nationals. Offers advice, signposting, emotional support, and 8 free therapy sessions. Call 0800 151 2605 (languages available, with interpreters) or use webchat at https://helpline.barnardos.org.uk/ or email boloh.helpline@barnados.org.uk
  • Refugee Family Helpline: Emotional and practical support, advice and signposting for families seeking sanctuary in the UK. Call 0808 156 8777 or email refugeefamilyhelpline@barnados.org.uk
  • Hong Kong Helpline: Referrals for therapy, counselling, youth space, peer support, family space, and webinars for HK British nationals. Call 0808 169 1671 or email HongKong@barnados.org.uk (English and Cantonese).
  • Ukrainian Support Helpline: Therapy, advice, and practical support for Ukrainian refugees. Call 0800 148 8586 (English, Ukrainian, Russian) or email ukrainiansupport@barnados.org.uk

Migrant Right’s Network

is a national network offering advice and guidance on mental health, on what support is available and how to access it. Mental Health – Migrants’ Rights Network

British Red Cross: Support for Afghans

Mental health assessment, advocacy and support for Afghans already living in England who worked to assist the British Armed Forces between Oct 2001 – Aug 2021, as well as their families. Staff speak English, Dari and Pashto. To contact support, call 02033177979, email afghanservice@candi.nhs.uk or visit https://londonveteranservice.nhs.uk/warm-welcome-afghan-service 

Royal College of Psychiatrists

Mental health information packs for patients and carers translated into 29 languages https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/translations

Child Bereavement UK: Ukrainian Packs

Child bereavement resources in Ukrainian https://www.childbereavementuk.org/Listing/Category/resources-in-ukrainian

Mental Health Foundation

Resources for refugees and asylum seekers translated into multiple languages including Pashto, Dari, Arabic Ukrainian. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/programmes/refugees/resources

Solace

Helpful video resources to help refugees and asylum seekers arriving in the UK understand and cope with mental challenges they may face, such as stress, PTSD, difficulty sleeping and lack of confidence. There are also exercises designed to help manage the effects of stress and trauma. These resources are available in English, Albanian, Farsi, Kurdish Sorani, Pashto or Tigrinya. Helpful resources for refugees and people seeking safety | Solace

Devon-Based Support

NHS Mental Health Support

The NHS offers guidance and a range of different links for anyone experiencing mental ill-health.

https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/ directory

Talkworks

Devon’s NHS Talking Therapies Service. A free, confidential, service, part of NHS Talking Therapies , for people (aged 18+) in Devon (excluding Plymouth). https://www.talkworks.dpt.nhs.uk/

Livewell SW

Offers a specialist service for anyone living in the Plymouth area. Dedicated to supporting the health and mental health needs of asylum seekers and those who have sought refuge in the UK. https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/project/asylum-seekers-refugees-mental-health-team

Ubuntu Counselling Services

Ubuntu Counselling offers a holistic counselling service for Black and Minority Ethnic Communities in Devon. Click here for more information and contact details

CEETCIC

Community Environmental Educational Therapy CIC (CEETCIC)

offers support, for the health of people and the planet, through community, art, activity, environmental and wellbeing projects. CEETCIC believes that immersing ourselves in nature, learning how to help our planet, being part of our communities, and being active are valuable ways of developing skills, friendships, confidence, happiness, and self-esteem. Works with schools, refugees, and over 55s. 

The Gardeners Collective CIC

The Gardeners Collective in North Devon connects people with nature through gardening, offering sessions for families, beginners, workplaces, and the general community. https://thegardenerscollective.co.uk/

Carer Support

Devon Carers

Devon Carers is a free service by Westbank commissioned by Devon County Council and NHS Devon. If you provide unpaid support for an adult living in Devon (excluding Plymouth and Torbay) who needs help because they are ill, frail, disabled or have a mental health or addiction problem, then you can access free support in your caring role.

We treat each carer as an individual, taking time to find out what’s important to them, and work out together how we can support them in their caring role. Services include a helpline, webchat, workshops, peer support groups, hospital services, carer assessments, carers passport, sitting service, website and quarterly magazine.

To find support, contact 03456 434 435, email info@devoncarers.org.uk or visit devoncarers.org.uk. Helpline hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 9am-1pm.

Families in Grief

Our vision is to build a community where children, young people, and families are supported to understand, express, and move through grief with compassion, connection, and hope. We provide a combination of:

  • One-to-one support
  • Group programmes
  • Family days and support for parents and carers
  • Resources and support for professionals, schools, and community groups
  • Bereavement training

Families in Grief is a secular charity that offers support to people of all backgrounds, with an approach that strives to be inclusive of all religions and beliefs.

Policing and Community  Engagement

Contacting the police and other emergency services

Emergencies:

In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the service you need: the Police, the Fire and Rescue Service or the Ambulance service.

Non-Emergencies:

For non-emergency situations, you can report issues online or by calling 101. Use this service for incidents that don’t require an immediate police response, such as stolen items, property damage, civil disputes, suspected drug activity, antisocial behaviour, or other non-urgent enquiries. This helps keep emergency lines free for serious situations.

You can find more guidance here: How to report | Police.uk

Devon and Cornwall Police Diverse Communities Team (DCT)

The Devon and Cornwall Police Diverse Communities Team (DCT) is a small team of specialist officers and staff who focus on maintaining and developing confidence in the police, working to ensure community cohesion. It supports local officers in understanding the needs of people with protected characteristics and ensuring that we work with our diverse communities to protect the vulnerable and reduce the risk of harm.

We work to achieve the following aims:

  • engagement with people with protected characteristics and from diverse backgrounds to create and maintain trust
  • reduce risk to vulnerable people and promote community cohesion through our work with partner agencies
  • increase awareness and reporting of hate crime
  • reduce the re-victimisation of hate crime victims
  • champion the Devon and Cornwall Police Equality Objectives (including reducing violence against women and girls)

We cover all of Devon and Cornwall and can be contacted for non-urgent enquiries Monday to Friday by email using the addresses below. Please note that in an emergency, people should telephone 999/101 or contact via the Devon & Cornwall Police website instead.

Devon and Cornwall Community Scrutiny Panel

The Devon and Cornwall Community Scrutiny Panel is an independent, volunteer-led initiative dedicated to fostering trust and transparency between local communities and Devon & Cornwall Police. The Panel comprises diverse members from across Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly, all committed to ensuring fair and accountable policing practices.

Key Activities:

  • Monthly online meetings to scrutinise D&C Police body-worn video footage related to local Stop & Search and Use of Force incidents.
  • Assessment of police data to identify areas of disproportionality and recommend improvements.
  • Providing feedback to police officers, highlighting best practices and addressing areas of concern.
  • Offering free training opportunities to enhance public understanding of policing.
  • Serving as an independent point of contact for community members to raise concerns about policing practices.

Get Involved:

Individuals aged 16 and above, residing in the region and not currently serving in policing roles (or within the past three years), are welcome to join. No prior experience is required, and free training is provided. All meetings and communications are conducted online to support sustainability goals.

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