For most people coming to a new country, the first six months after arrival is the critical period, determining how well the integration process takes place. However, most government assistance is only offered after the person has been able to demonstrate that they have been legally resident for more than six months. Whilst waiting, people adapt to their new circumstances and learn how to navigate multicultural Britain without learning English. Ineligible or waiting for state provision, many new immigrants become increasingly isolated, lonely and dependent on their mother-tongue communities.

Even when the government-backed schemes kick in there is a strong leaning towards formal, assessment based English learning with demonstrable targets and goals. All good stuff, but there is an evident gap: a clear window of opportunity and a niche which local churches can fill. Church are perfectly positioned to teach informal conversation classes – even a few days after somebody arrives in the country.

With this gap in mind, it is evident that something must be done.

English for Everybody is a faith-based project which aims to help refugees, International students and economic migrants to integrate into their host community through the teaching of English and into a local church through the gospel of Jesus.