WEST Wiltshire Multi-Faith Forum is offering English lessons in Melksham for women looking to learn or improve their English language.
Every Wednesday morning from 10.30am-12.30pm Diana Deal and volunteers run a workshop for women to learn English at Melksham United Church. The group has been around for two and a half years now and help women from countries such as Bangladesh and Turkey and are hoping to involve women from other countries too.
They learn topics such as daily routines, what to say at the doctors, directions and other general language topics that would benefit them in the community.
There are some students who have remained loyal to the group, having attended from the very beginning. One of the students said, “I meet other people here, I enjoy. I learn English; before, I didn’t speak English. Diana, the teacher is very helpful”.
As well as learning English, the women have had the opportunity to meet other women in similar situations and make friends along the way, something that could not have happened without the class. As a group they also visit local exhibitions, such as the recent toy exhibition in Corsham and meet up with sister groups from areas such as Trowbridge whom they recent met at Bowood House.
To encourage the women to learn social skills as well as being given the opportunity to practise their newly-learned phrases, the group hold lunches every half-term where the women make homemade dishes and bring them in to share. Local members of the community such as police officers, council members and carers support, are also invited. These invited members often stay and teach the women valuable skills.
Pat Aves, councillor for Melksham North, has offered her services to teach the women how to knit. Pat also supports them as part of the Health and Wellbeing Group, addressing loneliness and social isolation.
Diana Deal, teacher of the class said, “If people think they have a valuable skill that they could come and teach the students such as drawing, then you are more than welcome to come and visit for a few hours, we are looking to hopefully expand the group further.”
The group is free to join, however a donation to help the continuation of the group would be appreciated. The group is also in need of volunteers to help with the creche. The women often bring their children to class and they need help in looking after them whilst the mothers attend classes.
If you are interested in joining the group or would like more information about volunteering, please contact Farzana Saker on 07834 812663 or email the West Wiltshire Multi Faith Forum on wendywwmff@gmail .com or visit their website www.wwmff.org.uk.
Above: Teacher Diana Deal & students during class.
