Building a better future for refugees & migrants in the UK

ACH are pleased that the White Paper recognises the role of migration in shaping and strengthening Britain, and the importance of effective integration support. In his speech, the Prime Minister stated that ‘when people come to our country, they should also commit to integration, to learning our language’. We know from our work that migrant and refugee communities are keen to participate and contribute. There is a strong desire to learn a good standard of English, with long waiting lists for ESOL (English language classes).

I initially expected this role to involve tasks such as assisting with CV writing, interview preparation, and career advice, but my experience has gone far beyond that. I’ve built connections with incredible colleagues, delivered impactful workshops, and gained confidence in public speaking and teamwork. Leading sessions on enhancing life skills, wellbeing, and providing employment support has been a rewarding experience, showing me just how powerful community engagement can be.

On my first day, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. I was stepping into a unique environment, taking on responsibilities that felt unfamiliar, and collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds. My role as a Teaching Assistant and Resource Developer focused on supporting refugees and migrants, helping them improve their English and Digital skills so they could integrate into their new communities.