Further Learning Festival March 2026
During the week of 9 - 13 March 2026, LEAH hosted an exciting online further learning festival, organised by our wonderful ESOL coordinator, Keri.
All LEAH students were invited to attend 20 minute Q&A's with local/online providers. The six Q&As were well attended by all regular online group class students. Many students attended more than one event. We also welcomed students from 1-1 pairings and from our community class in Heston.
Language for learning:
Our pre-entry students were supported with vocabulary to help them navigate the difference between different learning providers.
Open to all students:
We had a visit from Sarah from Learning Unlimited: Online conversation clubs – Learning Unlimited
Students learnt about the importance of putting their learning into practice and contributing to discussion. Students were left keen to join LEAH's conversation club and Learning Unlimited conversation club/telegram channel.
For students hoping to attend college:
LEAH tutors who have also taught at Kingston College and West Thames College helped students understand timetables, exams and support available at local colleges.
For students wanting career support:
We had a visit from Karam from Breaking Barriers, Breaking barriers support adults from forced migrant backgrounds find meaningful employment though tailored mentoring, re-accreditation and support: Helping refugees find meaningful employment - Breaking Barriers
Click here to see the Breaking Barriers presentation
We had a visit from Mariam from the Launchpad Collective. Students were particularly interested to hear about their work ready English programme. The Launchpad Collective
Click here to see the Launchpad Collective presentation
For students who would like to study at university:
The Open Learning Initiative (OLive) was set up to support refugees and asylum seekers with university applications. I was staggered by the number of our students who joined Corinne's Q&A and dream of going to university one day. They were happy to hear how inclusive the university ready programme was of different levels/readiness for university:
OLIve | School for Policy Studies | University of Bristol
Click here to see the OLive presentation
Future plans:
In the second half of each workshop, learners were divided into small groups.
Our regular remote class tutors supported students to complete a form asking for their thoughts and feedback.
Keri says:
"I am so grateful for the tutors' support. So far, I have had some very interesting responses. Students are quite vocal about their motivation for learning and the difficulties that they face. Many students like learning online and the flexibility that it offers for parents/carers. I am now working through the list and signposting to individuals as much as I can."
Wimbledon Foundation Annual Evening Reception
On Wednesday 18 March, our Merton coordinator, Matilda, and Fundraising Manager, Bryony, were delighted to attend the Wimbledon Foundation Annual Evening Reception, at The All England Lawn Tennis Club.
Bryony described the event as
an inspiring evening, and a great opportunity to network with local charity partners and members of the Wimbledon Foundation staff team.
LEAH is delighted to be supported in Merton by the Wimbledon Foundation.
Wimbledon Foundation Guests Ruth Shaw (Wimbledon Foundation Trustee) and Bryony Rowan (LEAH Fundraising Manager) enjoy the Wimbledon Foundation Reception 2026. Held in the Courtside at The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon. Wednesday 18/03/2026. Credit: AELTC/Felix Diemer.
The Mayor’s Annual Charity Dinner 2026
The Mayor’s Annual Charity Dinner took place on Friday 13 March 2026, raising valuable funds for the Mayor’s Charitable Trust, supporting both LEAH and FANY.
Held in the elegant and historic surroundings of Glenmore House, the evening brought together both charities alongside many community leaders, and provided a valuable opportunity to make new connections and create new bonds of understanding across the borough.
LEAH was represented by members of staff, volunteers, and Trustees, who came together to promote the charity and talk about our important work in the borough. Throughout the evening, our representatives engaged with guests and shared more about the support LEAH provides to the local community.
It was a wonderful evening and great to meet LEAH staff and volunteers - among many other interesting guests!
I was very proud to be there as a LEAH representative as it gave me the opportunity to meet many of the Trustees and other volunteers who do such wonderful work for the charity.
We are very grateful to the Mayor and all those involved in organising such a meaningful event, and are proud to have been part of an evening that celebrated partnership, community, and shared purpose.
Hounslow Together Speaker Series Wednesday 18 February 2026
Demographic Change: How Do We Respond?
Wednesday, Feb 18 from 4 pm to 6 pm
We are very excited to be taking part in the Hounslow Together Speaker Series on Wednesday 18 February 2026, hosted by the University of West London.
The event will explore one of the most pressing challenges facing our borough, and will bring together experts from Age UK, King’s College London, Oxford University and Sandwich Generation Support.
Our dynamic and passionate coordinator Savannah will be presenting a case study, sharing her experience of supporting adults learning English in Hounslow.
This is a great opportunity to hear different perspectives, connect with local partners, and think collectively about how we respond to change in our communities.
Reserve your place here now!
Easyfundraising
Did you know that whenever you buy anything online – from your weekly shop to your annual holiday – you could be raising free donations for us with easyfundraising?
There are over 8,000 retailers on board ready to make a donation – including eBay, Argos, John Lewis & Partners, ASOS, Booking.com and M&S – and it won’t cost you a penny extra to help us raise funds.
All you need to do is:
1. Go to https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/leahlearnenglishathome/ and join for free.
2. Every time you shop online, go to easyfundraising first to find the site you want and start shopping.
3. After you’ve checked out, the retailer will make a donation to LEAH at no extra cost to you whatsoever! There are no catches or hidden charges and we will be really grateful for your donations.
4. The Donation Reminder is easyfundraising's browser extension that pops up to let you know a brand will donate as you shop. You can then get your donation in one click.
Thank you for your support!
Big Tech Mop Up!
A 6 week appeal has been launched to encourage people to donate their unwanted mobile devices to raise funds for the Mayor’s Charitable Trust through the recovery, data-wiping and resale of donated technology such as smartphones, laptops , smart watches and tablets.
Drop off your unwanted devices at one of our public drop-off locations – smartphones, tablets and laptops are all welcome. It’s quick, easy and the best option if you’re donating multiple devices.
The scheme will run until 28th February 2026.
Watch a short video here of the Mayor at ReLove Technology's site talking with their CEO about the collection appeal process and how to donate including the type of devices they can accept:
Pantomime fundraiser for LEAH
Merton’s MP3 Players will be staging their thirteenth family pantomime, Peter Pan, at the end of January, and have kindly selected LEAH as the charity to receive the funds raised! We are incredibly grateful for their support.
The pantomime will take place on Friday January 30th, Saturday 31st January and Sunday 1st February 2026 at St John The Divine church in Merton.
LEAH staff will be there too to say hello.
Click here to book your tickets!
Comedy Night fundraiser for LEAH
We’re pleased to share that LEAH has been selected as one of the charities supported by the Mayor’s Comedy Night, held in aid of the Mayor’s Charitable Trust.
The event will feature a line-up of comedians for an evening of live entertainment, with funds raised supporting LEAH and the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry . We are very grateful to the organisers and the Mayor’s Charitable Trust for choosing to support our work helping adults learn English and build confidence in their communities.
The comedy night will take place on Thursday 5 February 2026 at Ram Jam Records, The Grey Horse, 46 Richmond Road, Kingston upon Thames.
Click here to book your tickets!
Christmas opening hours 2025
Learn English at Home will be closed for Christmas from 3pm on Tuesday 23rd December and will reopen on Monday 5th January at 9am.
During this time, our support services (email and phone) will be unavailable, and no English classes will take place.
If you would like to find things to do or need help during this time you can visit the following websites:
Hounslow: Home | Hounslow Connect
Kingston: Connected Kingston
Merton: Merton Together: support those in need | Merton Council
Richmond: Home - London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
RUILS has produced a very useful Christmas resources pack for people who may need extra support over the Christmas period when most charities are closed. It includes Christmas lunches, free events and contact details for emergency services and social care.
If you are at risk of being made homeless please visit Shelter for advice: Homelessness advice - Shelter England
Urgent Support
If you believe someone is at immediate risk please call 999
Adult social care teams can provide information, support and guidance to adults with care and support needs, and those who look after them.
If you need urgent support for non-emergencies, please get in touch with Social Services via the numbers below.
| Adults | Children | |
| Hounslow | 020 8583 3100 | 020 8583 6600 |
| Kingston | 020 8547 5005 | 020 8547 5008 |
| Merton | 020 8545 4388 | 020 8545 4226 |
| Richmond | 020 8891 7971 | 020 8547 5008 |
Christmas Newsletter 2025
Season’s Greetings from LEAH!
In our Winter newsletter, we reflect on the incredible achievements of 2025, and express our heartfelt thanks to our volunteers, staff, trustees, and supporters.
Read LEAH's Christmas 2025 newsletter here!
If you’d like to receive our newsletter directly into your inbox, you can sign up here.
We wish you all a peaceful Christmas and New Year.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
