Volunteer summer party at the Guildhall
Our summer party was a truly memorable evening, bringing together 46 attendees to celebrate the incredible dedication of our volunteers and supporters.
We were honoured to be able to hold it at the Guildhall in Kingston, and to be joined by some very distinguished guests, including the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Councillor Noel Hadjimichael, accompanied by the Mayoress, Ms Carol Berliner, as well as Deputy Mayor, Councillor Sue Ansari, and her consort, Mr Jaseem Ansari.
The evening was a delightful mix of stories and laughter as staff, volunteers and the mayoral party spent quality time together.
With humour and warmth, the Mayor gave a speech where he expressed how happy he was to see so many passionate people working together to make Kingston a better place.
A highlight of the evening was an inspiring speech from Deputy Mayor Sue Ansari, who spoke movingly about LEAH's vital work in the community. As a former ESOL teacher herself, she beautifully captured the transformative power of language learning, describing those life-changing moments when learners can finally understand their child's school letter, speak confidently to their GP, or simply greet a neighbour without fear.
Her words perfectly encapsulated what makes our volunteer community so special.
"You, incredible tutors, give so much more than lessons. You give time. You give connection. And you help build a more compassionate, more inclusive Kingston for all of us"
Read her full speech here: In praise of LEAH.
Our new LEAH Volunteer and Training Manager, Anna Ciecko, said about the evening
"I was truly moved to be part of such a wonderful celebration. The evening, complete with delicious refreshments and heartfelt conversations, truly showcased the strong community spirit that defines LEAH. It is imperative to recognise our volunteers for their quiet, patient work that makes such a lasting impact on our learners' lives".
Kingston Dragon Boat Festival – A Celebration of Community Spirit
On Sunday 20th July, we were proud to host a stall in the Community Hub at the vibrant Dragon Boat Festival in Canbury Gardens, Kingston.
Despite the rainy weather, there was a great turnout, and it was a fantastic opportunity for us to raise awareness of our work, connect with local residents, and engage with potential new volunteers.
Throughout the day, we were thrilled to welcome both past and present volunteers who stopped by to say hello, as well as members of the public keen to learn more about what we do.
We were visited by several distinguished guests, all of whom expressed genuine interest in, and support for, our mission:
-
- The Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Councillor Noel Hadjimichael, accompanied by the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Sue Ansari, her Escort Jaseem Ansari and the Town Crier, Michael Seigel. The Mayor has chosen LEAH as one of the charities he will support this year, and it was lovely to meet him in person.
- John Azah OBE, local race equality champion, joined in the fun by playing our tin can alley game. He told us that he once shared an office with LEAH in the late 1980s!
- Prabha Shetty from MILAAP accompanied Mr Azah and they both won some of our friendship bracelets.
We were delighted to hear that the Town Crier’s wife had previously volunteered with LEAH, and that the Deputy Mayor herself was once an ESOL teacher.
Our Office Manager, Ruth, said:
"It was wonderful to chat to people about what we do, with all the amazing sights and sounds of the dragon boat races in the background. I loved discovering how many people had connections with LEAH and were interested in our work.”
A heartfelt thank you to all our amazing volunteers who came along to support us - we couldn’t have done it without you!
All Aboard! Learners Take to the Thames for a River Adventure
On Monday 21 July, a group of our learners from Merton set off on an exciting journey to experience something new – an Uber boat trip along the River Thames. The idea came from a recent lesson about transport in London, where we realised that none of the learners had ever travelled by riverboat before.
The day began at South Wimbledon station, where the group met with their tutor and took the Underground to London Bridge. After arriving, they walked to London Bridge Pier, enjoying the sights and atmosphere along the way. While waiting for the boat, they looked across the river at the Walkie Talkie building and learned about the Sky Garden – a popular free viewing point in central London.
When the boat arrived, everyone boarded and settled in for the 45-minute journey west to Putney. Along the route, they passed many of London’s most famous landmarks, including St Paul’s Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament, and Battersea Power Station. It was a perfect opportunity for learners to take photos and videos, capturing the impressive views from the water.
At Putney Pier, the group disembarked and took a short walk to a nearby café by the river, where they relaxed with a coffee and chatted about the day. Afterwards, they took the bus back – a peaceful end to a memorable outing.
It was a delightful way to see the city from a different perspective, and a great chance for learners to practise English, explore new parts of London, and enjoy the summer sunshine together.
Exploring history and community: Heston class trip to Boston Manor House
On Wednesday 9th July, our Heston class took learning beyond the classroom with a wonderful trip to the beautifully restored Boston Manor House - a perfect way to wrap up our summer term together.
For many of our learners, the idea of navigating new areas or getting on a bus alone can be a daunting prospect. That’s why we decided to make the journey itself part of the adventure! Armed with the skills from last week’s lesson on directions, our learners and volunteers travelled together on the bus.
Arriving at the grand manor before it opened to the public made us feel like VIPs. We were warmly welcomed by Anna, the Volunteer Manager at Boston Manor House. From the moment we stepped inside, phones were out, cameras clicked, and the beauty of the house sparked genuine awe from our learners.
Our visit began in the orientation room, where Anna gave a short talk about the house’s rich history, using the amazing timeline on the wall as a prompt to support lower-level learners. She then handed out activity worksheets, and students were tasked with exploring and writing about various objects around the house. The response was fantastic: everyone was engaged, asking thoughtful questions, and practicing their English in a truly meaningful context.
After our historical treasure hunt, we gathered outside at the picnic tables to enjoy a well-earned lunch in the stunning green space that surrounds the manor.
Anna offered students the chance to register for summer volunteering opportunities at the manor - a brilliant way to stay connected, build confidence, and feel part of something over the holidays.
A huge thank you to our dedicated volunteers at the Heston class, who continue to go above and beyond to support our learners. Without them, the Heston community class wouldn’t be the vibrant, welcoming place it is today.
NATECLA Conference 2025
The NATECLA (National Association for Teaching English and other Community Languages to Adults) 2025 Conference was an inspiring event for ESOL practitioners and educators across the UK.
Among the many highlights was a workshop delivered by our ESOL manager, Elena, focusing on ESOL in the workplace.
In the session, Elena talked about LEAH's innovative work in supporting employees at a local seafood factory and Heathrow airport with tailored English language lessons. This was a 3 year project, funded by the Trust for London.
The workshop also introduced a practical toolkit, and a collection of schemes of work and lesson plans designed to help other organisations develop and deliver their own workplace ESOL programmes.
Elena said:
“It was amazing to see how much interest there is in workplace ESOL. Our goal was to create something practical, adaptable, and easy to use, and seeing people so keen to take it forward was incredibly rewarding.”
The response from attendees was overwhelmingly positive.
Participants from colleges, charities, and local councils expressed enthusiasm about adapting the toolkit for their own learners, recognising its potential to address language barriers in employment settings.
You can access the toolkit here: LEAH (Learn English at Home) – ESOL In Workplaces
Beyond the workshop, the conference provided valuable opportunities to network with fellow educators, exchange ideas, and explore new approaches to ESOL delivery. The shared commitment to learner empowerment and inclusive education was evident throughout the conference.
Overall, the NATECLA Conference 2025 served as a vibrant platform for collaboration and innovation in the ESOL field.
LEAH's contribution added a meaningful perspective on supporting language learners in the workplace, and the resources shared are set to make a lasting impact.
More details about the conference, including LEAH's presentation can be found here: https://sites.google.com/view/natecla25/during-the-conference/programme-workshops
Celebrating Refugee Week: “Community as a Superpower”
Celebrating Refugee Week at Heston
Over the course of the celebrations of Refugee Week, from 16th to 25th June, our English class in Heston buzzed with creativity, reflection, and connection as we came together to honour this year’s theme: “Community as a Superpower.”
With funding from Hounslow Council, we were able to run a meaningful, community-focused project that brought our learners closer to the idea - and reality - of belonging.
Exploring the meaning of community
Our celebrations began in the classroom. During the first week, Savannah, our ESOL and Activities Coordinator, designed and delivered English sessions that encouraged learners to explore what community means to them.
For Pre-Entry learners, Savannah created tailored resources to break down the concept into manageable and relatable ideas. These included visual materials made using Canva to help learners engage and express themselves confidently.
Download here:
Higher-level learners explored the historical roots of the local area, using a visual timeline of Heston 100 years ago. They discussed historical photographs, shared their thoughts, and even took part in a scavenger hunt at the Royal British Legion, uncovering and piecing together the building’s rich history.
Download here:
Creative expressions of community
In the second week, with a deeper understanding of community, learners were invited to express their personal interpretations through art. Each student created a drawing or design that captured what community means to them in Heston. These artworks were then mounted on a sign and are now proudly displayed at Heston Library.
The display gives learners something tangible they can return to - a reminder of their creativity, their voice, and their place in the community.
A huge thank you
None of this would have been possible without the generous support of Hounslow Council, whose funding allowed us to bring this inspiring project to life. Their support helped empower learners to reflect, create, and celebrate the power of community - something we all need, and something our learners now know they are part of.
Kingston Celebrating Communities Awards
Kingston Council, Kingston Voluntary Action, and local voluntary organisations organised an amazing event at All Saints Church on Thursday 26th June, where local charities and individuals came together to recognise the people making a difference in the borough.
Our ESOL Manager Elena and CEO Sohail represented LEAH, hosting one of seven community stalls at the event. People visited our stall to learn more about LEAH’s work in supporting adults with English language learning through volunteering. The evening was a lively and multicultural celebration, with music, food, and plenty of community connection.
The Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Councillor Noel Hadjimichael, made a special stop at the LEAH stall, engaging with us and taking an interest in the charity's impact.
Adding to the excitement of the evening, our volunteer Jane Simmons was nominated for the 'unsung hero' award. While the award ultimately went to another deserving nominee, LEAH was proud to see Jane’s dedication and contribution recognised.
Elena said about the event:
“It was such a lovely evening. We had great conversations with people from all over Kingston, and it was a wonderful opportunity to share what LEAH does. Seeing Jane nominated was a proud moment for all of us.”
The event served as a powerful reminder of the vibrant community spirit across Kingston and the continued importance of charities organisations like LEAH in building a more inclusive borough.
Celebrating 1100 Years of King Athelstan: A Special Day in Kingston
On Friday 20th June, we gathered to celebrate a remarkable milestone - 1100 years since King Athelstan’s coronation, right here in Kingston! To mark the occasion, ten students (and four lovely babies!) joined us for a day filled with history, discovery, and connection.
We started by welcoming everyone with plenty of water and smiles. Our walk, led by our volunteer Susanne, brought Kingston’s story to life. She shared fascinating facts, including the meaning of the three fish symbol and the history behind the seven pillars surrounding the Coronation Stone.
We then made our way to the Rose Theatre. Many students were delighted to find out they could return with their children and continue engaging with local culture.
After a refreshing break in All Saints Church with sandwiches and a good cup of tea, we headed to the Kingston Museum - a clear highlight of the day!
Thanks to funding from Kingston Council, we were able to produce a special ESOL-friendly worksheet to support learners in understanding who King Athelstan was, why he is such an important figure in Kingston’s history, and how the walk and museum visit related to his legacy. The resource helped students connect more deeply with the experience and participate with greater confidence.
You can download the worksheet here - Kingston trip ESOL worksheet
At the museum, Rhys, the Cultural Learning & Participation Officer led a fascinating object-handling session with Saxon-era artifacts, including pottery made from local riverbank clay.
One of the most memorable moments came when a student came across a drawing of what New Malden is believed to have looked like in Saxon times. It reminded her of her hometown in Somalia, and she shared how this connection helped her feel more in touch with her roots.
Trip feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Many students said they made new friends and especially loved the museum experience. Here’s what one student said:
"Thank you very much for the lovely trip on Friday. I really enjoyed walking around Kingston, learning new things, and visiting the museum. It was also very nice to meet the LEAH team and other students. I felt happy and welcomed. Thank you again for organising everything. I look forward to joining more trips in the future."
The day was a wonderful tribute to King Athelstan’s legacy, and a powerful reminder of how exploring history together can build bridges, spark friendships, and strengthen community.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to Kingston Council for making it possible.
We all live under the same sky... connecting with nature
Last week, 25 students and 3 tutors took part in a special remote workshop with Alison from Dose of Nature
- an inspiring session that encouraged students to reconnect with the natural world.
Held outside of regular class hours, the 90-minute workshop was a big success, especially considering it took place on a non-class day. The session focused on the mental, emotional, and physical benefits of spending time in nature - something particularly relevant for many of our remote students, who often experience isolation or limited mobility.
Throughout the session, students explored ways to bring small moments of nature into their daily routines. Using the five senses as a guide, they also built their English vocabulary by learning positive adjectives and descriptive language related to natural experiences.
Some practical tips shared during the session included:
- Look for repeating patterns and shapes in nature
- Unplug from headphones and tune in to natural sounds
- Safely enjoy the sun’s vitamin D
- Breathe in the "medicinal air" around trees
- Pause to find awe in small things
Student feedback reflected just how meaningful the session was:
"Very impressed with this class."
"Today is not just class, it is therapy."
"I go to park every day for lose weight. Now I go to be happy."
As a follow-up, students have been invited to take part in a summer photography challenge capturing and sharing moments of nature that bring them joy and calm.
This workshop served as a powerful reminder: no matter where we are in the world, we all live under the same sky.
Kingston Refugee & Migrant Conference 2025
As part of Refugee Week 2025, our CEO Sohail had the honour of attending the Kingston Refugee & Migrant Conference in Kingston upon Thames.
The event, organised by Kingston Council, brought together community organisations, local leaders, and people with lived experience of displacement to share stories, experiences and ideas, and discuss ways to build a more inclusive and supportive borough for refugees and migrants.
The afternoon’s agenda featured a warm welcome from the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Councillor Noel Hadjimichael, followed by moving testimonies from individuals resettled through the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme, the Afghan Resettlement Scheme, and the Kingston United for Ukraine project.
Reflecting on the event, Sohail said:
“It was a great pleasure to be part of the event, which really showcased the work being done by Kingston Council and its partners like LEAH, to support refugees. I was impressed with and felt humbled by the courageous people who stood up to tell their stories of displacement and how they had made successful lives in Kingston.”
