Derby College Group’s ESOL Futures event brings Derby’s language learning community together

Derby College Group recently brought together around 200 members of Derby’s ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) community for a wide-ranging careers and wellbeing event, connecting learners with employers, course advisors, health services and community support organisations under one roof.

The ESOL Futures event, held at the St. James Centre, Malcolm Street, Derby, was organised by ESOL Lecturer and Coordinator Karen Robertson, who said: “Organising this event was about much more than putting organisations in a room together. It was about creating a space where members of our ESOL community could feel genuinely welcomed, informed and inspired. Seeing so many people walking away with new contacts, new ideas, and real confidence in their next steps made every bit of planning worthwhile. This is exactly what Derby College Group is here for.”

The event brought together a wide range of organisations and services across health, wellbeing, careers and education. Careers advisors from Derby College Group and the National Careers Service were on hand to help visitors with CV checks, job search guidance and one-to-one appointments, while Derby Skills Academy offered information on short construction courses including bricklaying, joinery, plastering and painting and decorating.

The University of Derby was also represented, with Curriculum Leader Ciaran Fallon speaking to prospective students about routes into higher education. “Events like this are so important for breaking down barriers and reaching people who might not have considered university as a realistic option,” said Fallon. “We had some brilliant conversations today about Level 3 and Access courses. These are real pathways into higher education, and it was great to meet people who are ready to take that step.”

Mohammadali Bahrami, originally from Iran, was among those who attended keen to explore further study options. “I came today to find out what opportunities are available to me in Derby,” he said. “There is so much here I did not know about, courses, careers advice, support. I feel much more confident about what my next steps could be.”

Derby College Group Library Manager Rachel Huskisson attended alongside colleague Katie Craddock to promote library services available to all DCG students. “Our libraries are so much more than a place to borrow books,” said Huskisson. “They are welcoming, inclusive spaces where every student can get the support they need to succeed. We want every ESOL student to know that the library is for them, whether that is for study, resources or simply a quiet place to feel at home.”

Groundwork Five Counties, Catherine Connolly was also on hand, offering practical advice on energy saving, reducing household bills, and tackling damp, mould and condensation. Groundwork can arrange home visits and offers a telephone translation service, making their support accessible to all. “We are here to help people save money and live in warmer, healthier homes, and today was a wonderful opportunity to reach people who could really benefit from what we offer,” said Connolly. “We booked home visits on the day, and for anyone who needs it, we also have a telephone translation service so language is never a barrier to getting help.”

Other organisations present included Advice for All, offering guidance on debt, housing and benefits; Livewell, providing free blood pressure and BMI checks; NHS Social Prescribers; Connected Perinatal Support; Al-Hurraya; Family Hubs; and Supporting Carers from Citizens Advice.

Derby College Group offers a wide range of ESOL courses designed to help learners improve their English, build confidence and progress into employment or further study. To find out more, visit the Derby College website.

For further information, contact Karen Robertson: karen.robertson @ derby-college.ac.uk