What is MEP & what might be expected of volunteers?
The Migrant English Project (MEP) is involved in helping individuals whose first language is not English. These individuals are migrants, asylum seekers and refugees.
The project helps these individuals to gain the skills necessary to communicate in English.
It is also a safe and friendly meeting place for individuals who might feel isolated in Brighton and Hove because of their lack of English language, and/or being away from their own countries, and/or not knowing enough people in the community.
Providing support, encouragement, a friendly listening ear and inspiring self-esteem and confidence is just as important as the teaching of English and often the two go hand in hand. Please be aware that some of the students may be particularly vulnerable due to their personal past circumstances and experiences and sensitivity to this is paramount.
To become a volunteer, please fill in the Aplication Form (click here), and we will contact you and invite you to an induction meeting after the references have been checked.
Please note that this is a drop-in centre and many teachers and students cannot attend every week or may arrive later. Still we would like to maintain some consistency and regularity with the following timetable:
THE TIMETABLE
OPEN EVERY MONDAY except bank holidays and a short period over Christmas and New Year, depending on who is available to open up and coordinate. Please check summer opening times by ringing the above number to avoid disappointment.
Setting up 10 am to 10:30 am
Lessons from 10:30 am to 1 p.m.
Refreshment/Lunch break* 1–1:30 p.m.
Lessons: 1:30 pm – 4.30 p.m.
* As well as tea, coffee, juice, biscuits and fruit, which are available before and during lessons, some kind of vegetarian meal is provided.
We have to be completely cleared and gone before 6 p.m.
Please ring or text the number above to let us know if you are unable to come in.
