The Creative English programme meets a real need in communities around the country. It’s a great tool for building relationships across the community and gives people a sense of belonging. Anyone of any age can come to a Creative English class to improve their confidence in speaking English. The classes have a fun and relaxed atmosphere that puts people at ease. Many people who take part have been in the UK for a long time but been unable to access local services due to lack of English speaking skills. One Creative English tutor said, The local community benefits as people…

Roman came to LifeLine to update her computer and English skills so that she could return to work. Through LifeLine’s programme of learning and job support, she was able to get a job at a creche. Roman said, "I’d like to thank you for helping me get this job. I am enjoying it very much and feel so happy. Even my family see the difference in me - they say they haven’t seen me so happy in a long time." Jon Cruddas MP visits LifeLine's training centre. Bernard works as a Station Officer at Kings Cross Station and says that…

Josh joined SW!TCH Expeditions [one of our previous alternative education provisions] and was assigned a one-to-one mentor by the name of Adam. Josh had a history of mental health issues, struggled to control his temper, and was prone to using abusive language. The SW!TCH team set out on a mission to build his confidence - Adam offered to take him away on a camping trip along with a handful of other students and mentors. During the trip, his mentor deliberately chose to focus on positive efforts that Josh was making and less on the issues he faced. At one point…

Our Redbridge Champion Support Co-ordinator, Acia, first encountered LifeLine Projects as beneficiary, then as a volunteer, and now we’re delighted she’s joined the staff team on our exciting initiative to support parents and carers of 11-24 year-olds in Havering, Redbridge and Barking and Dagenham. My first contact with LifeLine was in December 2006 or January 2007. I had moved to the area in 2006. I didn’t know anyone when I arrived and I didn’t have any GCSES or previous experience of work. When I dropped the kids to school, I saw the Lifeline Job Shop. I could see some computers…