By Lois Smith, Trustee & ESOL Lead

English language proficiency is vital for our beneficiaries to gain independence and integrate into our community. English language tuition is therefore a central part of Sanctuary in Chichester’s work. We are very fortunate to currently have a team of 27 qualified, experienced and dedicated volunteer ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) teachers who provide one-to-one tuition, English lessons at the Women’s Group, and ESOL support at the asylum seeker hotel.

Tutors who work with individuals or families usually meet them once a week and tailor lessons to the needs of their students. Sometimes this might involve accompanying them to shops, cafes, or the library. This kind of tutoring allows for good relationships to develop and can be very satisfying for both tutor and students as they see confidence growing with the improvement of language skills.

Classes at the Women’s Group and conversation topics at the asylum hotel are focused on functional language and practical help such as schooling, health and finding work. The emphasis is always on having fun and encouraging people to speak.

Although our volunteer tutors provide many hours of teaching (707 hours just in one-to-one tutoring in the year up to 18th October 2025), it is important that beneficiaries get as much exposure to language support as possible. We therefore help beneficiaries with applications to ESOL courses at Chichester College – over 100 students this September! – and those offered by WSCC. Our tutors encourage and support people to attend these classes and our Pathways to Independence (PTI) Manager works alongside the college team to ensure our beneficiaries get the best out of their studies. In addition, our tutors sometimes provide more advanced language support to adults studying GCSE English. Over the last few years Sanctuary in Chichester has sponsored 10 students on the University of Chichester bridging module which prepares students for university study, and we retain strong links with the university.

As well as attending English lessons, one of the best ways for people to improve their English language skills is through work, and our Education, Employment and Training (ETE) mentors work with our PTI Manager to help people find suitable employment, both paid and voluntary.