Project Overview
Our programme was designed with one central aim: to help people prepare for work in the UK.
To achieve this, Transitions HUB delivered a holistic support model combining:
English language learning
One‑to‑one employability coaching
UK workplace readiness
Wellbeing and confidence‑building
Social integration and community connection
Clear pathways into education, training, and employment
Weekly ESOL classes, profession‑specific English modules, personalised career guidance, women’s wellbeing sessions, cultural outings, and community‑building activities all worked together to strengthen confidence, communication, and readiness for employment.
Participants & Engagement
We supported 33 people, with 28 active participants and 8–13 attending weekly, representing 15+ countries from Afghanistan to Kyrgyzstan.
Participants included asylum seekers, BRP holders, graduate route visa holders, and dependents, with English levels ranging from Pre‑Entry to Business Level.
Engagement remained consistently strong:
20+ clients attending ESOL regularly
150+ one‑to‑one sessions delivered
28 Individual Learning Plans completed
13 participants at our busiest session
Barriers & Stories of Strength
Participants faced overlapping barriers including limited English, immigration restrictions, trauma, isolation, financial hardship, and childcare pressures. Despite these challenges, they demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination.
Their stories reflect the courage behind their progression:
Masoumeh (Iran) rebuilt confidence through ESOL and social activities.
Labib (Algeria) continued career planning after eight years of asylum uncertainty.
Sabina (Bangladesh) balanced newborn care with job search and learning.
Tatiana (Ukraine) supported integration as an ESOL tutor.
These journeys highlight the strength and perseverance shown by many Transitions HUB participants as they prepare for work and rebuild their lives in the UK. To learn more about their experiences, readers can explore the full individual case studies available in the IMPACT: Measuring What Matters section.
Impact & Outcomes
Participants progressed into roles including chef, support worker, hospitality, and customer service.
One participant secured a placement at Glasgow University to study Electrical Engineering.
Many enrolled in college ESOL courses and began preparing for IELTS.
Professional progression included Engineering, Teaching, HR, Care, Hospitality, Digital Media, Pharmacy, Accounting, and Law - supported by ENIC validation for engineering, pharmacy, accounting, teaching, and nursing credentials.
Confidence and wellbeing improved significantly:
70% felt much more confident
25% felt a little more confident
Participants reported reduced isolation, improved mood, and stronger peer relationships.
Participant Feedback
ESOL Support: Participants consistently rated ESOL highly, with 85% marking sessions as Excellent and reporting increased confidence in speaking and writing. Learners valued 1‑to‑1 learning, speaking practice, profession‑specific English, and vocabulary development, with many requesting more sessions and longer class time.
Career Support: Career support was strongly rated, with 90% describing it as very helpful and 70% saying it fully met their needs. Participants highlighted CV reviews, job search guidance, career planning, skills assessments, and clear action plans as the most valuable elements. Common next‑step needs included funding for courses, interview preparation, and job referrals.
Progress & Preparedness: Most participants felt much more prepared for work or study. They reported improved confidence, communication, and understanding of UK job pathways. One participant progressed significantly, achieving CSCS, CITB, ENIC recognition and securing a 1‑year university placement.
Acknowledgments
Special thanks to BBO Funding and Purpose Marketing for interviewing participants and supporting the development of this report. We proudly tag and thank @BBOFunding | @PurposeMarketing | @TowerHamletsCouncil.