L&Q launches free English classes across London neighbourhoods

L&Q is offering free English classes for residents across London following the success of its pilot project in North-East London earlier this year.

Working in partnership with local organisations including Waltham Forest College, Harlow Integration Support Services and Merton Adult Education, L&Q is launching new ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes in boroughs across London including Enfield, Waltham Forest, Epping and Wandsworth.

The free classes open to all residents in the area, will run from October 2011 to June 2012.

L&Q provided the initial ESOL classes in early 2011, working with the charity Integration Support Services (ISS). The classes, which took place in Enfield, Waltham Forest and Epping, had residents from around the world take part for a range of reasons; from meeting new people in the area to being able to help their children with English homework.

Deislava Golendzkitva, a 26-year-old mother, who lives in Trotwood, took part in the Epping ESOL classes earlier this year. Deizy said: “Being a mum to a two-year-old, it has been hard to get out and meet new people, especially with my limited English skills. The ESOL classes were very good and helped me to improve my English and gave me confidence to go out and meet other mums in my community. I plan to take part in more ESOL classes because improving my English will help me to find a job in the future.”

Matt Corbett, L&Q’s head of neighbourhood investment said: “We are very pleased to offer people the chance to improve their English skills with the new ESOL classes, especially as the initial project proved to be very popular with residents. “This year we are launching the L&Q Foundation; a fund of £100 million. Through the Foundation we will continue to support our communities and deliver ever more efficient and effective projects, like ESOL.”