Monday drop-in
Every Monday we open our doors and offer a safe space for people to enjoy a cup of tea, socialise and make friends.
Our team of brilliant volunteers also help refugees practice and improve their English language skills through informal conversations. This builds confidence, encourages integration and increases their employability.
We partner with organisations such as Together for Mental Health to signpost our clients to other vital services and organise a variety of information sessions.
Time: 10:30am – 1pm
Address: RISC Hall, 35-39 London Street, Reading, RG1 4PS
The entrance to the Main Hall is at the back of the RISC building and is accessed via the alley to the right of World Shop on London Street.
Wednesday drop-in
Our Wednesday drop-in solely focuses on informal English lessons. Some of our volunteers are retired languages teachers. This is a great opportunity for our clients to improve their English and socialise.
One of our clients in her late 50s , arrived from Afghanistan in 2021. She has never received a formal education and couldn’t speak English when she first started coming to our Wednesday drop-in for English classes. Now a regular attendee, she’s one of our best students. She’s able to have conversations, read signs, and go shopping. The English classes have greatly improved her independence and social life.
Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm
Address: Reading Quaker’s Meeting House, 2 Church St, Reading RG1 2SB
Friday drop-in
Time: 2pm-4pm
Address: Atrium Café, Greyfriars Church, Friar Street, Reading RG1 1EH
Our Friday drop-in is held at one of our Sanctuary Cafes.
Led by volunteers and our staff, the drop-in is a place for refugees and people seeking asylum to connect with a variety of organisations and resources.
Each week we organise for our clients to meet with relevant charities, statutory agencies, potential employers, and be signposted to specialist services.
Every other week there is an opportunity for refugees to meet with a representative from the local authority for help with finding longer term accommodation.
The Friday drop-in is also the place where clients can meet people from our Befriending Service.
