Support for speakers of other languages

English Conversation Groups

We have several of these relaxed, social groups which meet in libraries. The aim of the groups is to build confidence in speaking English and improve listening skills, through everyday conversations. These are ideal for speakers of other languages. English conversation groups currently take place at:

• Chester Library at Storyhouse: Wednesdays, 5pm - 6pm, fortnightly. Held in meeting room upstairs, drop in.
• Ellesmere Port Library: Tuesdays, 11am - 12pm, weekly.
• Lache Library: Tuesdays, 10am - 11am, weekly.
• Northwich Library (relocated to Weaver Hall Museum): Wednesdays, 10am - 11.30am, weekly.
• Winsford Library: Fridays, 11am - 12pm, weekly.

ESOL courses

• Neston Community Youth Centre (NCYC): Fridays 10am - 1pm. Beginners ESOL, drop in.
• Neston Library: Saturdays, 10.30am - 12pm. ESOL for Ukrainians. Drop in.
• Northwich Memorial Court (Brio): Fridays, 10am - 11.30am, Conversational English. Term time only. Phone 01244 400730 for more information
• Wharton Library: Mondays, 10am - 11.30am.
• English Language Centre: previous known as English in Chester, the English Language Centre is a British Council accredited school, the general English course aims to develop communicating effectively in English - all aspects of language are covered, with an emphasis on speaking and listening.
• Cheshire and Warrington Equality and Race Centre (CHAWREC): based in the Unity Centre in Chester, CHAWREC offers English speakers of other languages (ESOL) a range of classes with qualified ESOL tutors, all abilities are catered for with both accredited and non-accredited classes and one to one support.

Language and Culture Cafe

• Storyhouse Chester: last Monday of the Month, 7.30pm. The Language and Culture Café is a monthly social event for anyone looking to meet new people, learn about global culture, or share a love of travel. Great for those who wish to improve their English through conversation.

Free online English language resources

• British Council: learn English online using high-quality resources, all the activities are designed for self-study with interactive exercises and worksheets
• Duolingo: provides help with learning English as a second language, the default language of the webpage can also be changed from English to another language e.g. Ukrainian
• Babbel: this resource is offering free access for Ukrainian refugees to language resources
• Mondly app: learn 41 languages from your native language via the Mondly app which is accessible on any device - Mondly is offering free mobile language courses for Ukrainian refugees