Migration and resettlement

Supporting ethnically diverse communities across Devon

Section 2: Services By Theme

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

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DCC’s ESOL and Engagement Team (see page 51) 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. 

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:

  • CISCO
  • Imagine Torbay
  • Pickwell Foundation
  • St Sidwell’s Community Centre
  • Teignbridge CVS
  • DCRS
  • Odils Academy
  • Refugee Support Devon
  • Sunrise Diversity

Contact Details for these organisations 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 seekers. Go to https://www.ailemapplaunch.org/

Employment and Careers

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Finding a job in Devon when your first language is not English can be extremely challenging. 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

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 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                                                        
  • Cullompton Library
  • The Beehive Community Centre in Honiton               
  • Tiverton Library
  • Barnstaple Library                                                               
  • Ilfracombe 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/

Library Work Clubs

Devon’s 54 libraries are vibrant community hubs offering more than just books. Alongside the Employment Hubs listed above, several libraries host Work Clubs that offer tailored support for refugees and other migrants. Services include one-to-one mentoring, help finding jobs, signposting to English classes, and introductions to local employers

  • Barnstaple Library Work Club
    • Tuesdays and Fridays, 10.00am – 1.00pm.
    • Address: IT Suite, First Floor, Barnstaple Library, Tuly Street, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 1EL. Ask for the “Iain and the work club” at Reception.
    • Email: Iain Harris – iain.harris@librariesunlimited.org.uk
  • Bideford Library Work Club
  • Newton Abbot Library Work Club
  • Tavistock Library Work Club

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/


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