30 September 2025
Welcome to the Multicultural Devon Network Newsletter
 Welcome to the Multicultural Devon Network Newsletter, the quarterly newsletter of the Migration and Resettlement Team at Devon County Council (DCC). Our newsletter shares information about cultural events and celebrations, learning English, anti-racism initiatives, No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) and much more. It is also an opportunity to celebrate Devon’s multiculturalism and to emphasise that DCC is here to support all residents of Devon. We recognise that many in our community face barriers, challenges and discrimination due to their race, religion, ethnicity, first language and/or immigration status, and we are working to break down these barriers and improve information sharing and access to services in Devon.
If there is anything you think our team can do to support you and our communities, or if you have any information that you would like to share in our next newsletter, please email ESOL@devon.gov.uk.
Supporting Asylum Seekers
Our Migration and Resettlement Team continues to provide support, including ESOL classes (thanks to all our volunteer teachers), for the asylum seekers currently resident in a local hotel.
Following a number of small protests outside the hotel, Councillor Julian Brazil, the leader of Devon County Council, has called for asylum seekers to be treated with the ‘dignity and compassion they deserve’. At a full council meeting on 4th September, Councillor Brazil reaffirmed the council’s commitment to supporting asylum seekers resident in Devon in areas such as education, child welfare, and social care. He commented,
“These are not criminals, they are some of the most vulnerable people. They have suffered, many have been persecuted and tortured and are waiting in the asylum system. They have come to our country legally to find a better life. Who wouldn’t want to do that?”
“While I fully support people’s right to protest, I would urge people to be mindful of their circumstances.”
To help dispel some of the misinformation that is circulating about asylum seekers and refugees, we have now added some myth-busting facts to our Migration and Resettlement webpages, including – for example – the fact that, contrary to what many seem to believe, people seeking asylum are not eligible to work or to claim benefits and that those resident in hotels receive only £8.86 per week spending money from the government.
To find out more, visit The Facts: Information About Refugees And Asylum Seekers - Migration and resettlement.
Volunteers Wanted
 Are you interested in volunteering to help teach English for Speakers of Other Languages?
There are various opportunities across Devon to get involved with teaching English to refugees, asylum seekers and migrant workers.
We are currently looking for volunteer teaching assistants in the Exeter area to help with a beginner class for adults and a new class for mothers and babies. Both of these roles will involve assisting others with teaching. You won’t need to lead any classes.
Experience is not necessary. You just need to be friendly, reliable and able to volunteer two hours of your time each week.
If you are interested in getting involved, please email ESOL@devon.gov.uk.
Give Me the Wings to Fly
I am Naheed Ayoub, an Afghan refugee who lost everything, now working with the Migration and Resettlement Team, helping others through the same painful journey I once walked. Below is a piece reflecting on my experience when I was an asylum seeker.
I am one of many asylum seekers with a story – one of pain, patience and hope.
For a long time, I was placed in a hotel, far from the city. Isolated. Quiet. It felt like a prison to me, like a bird trapped in a cage, cut off from the sweetness of life, trying to fly with broken wings.
That bird was me.
These are not just my words. They are the words of many asylum seekers who feel the same. We carry dreams of safety, freedom, dignity, skills, love, and hope. All we ask for is a chance – a chance to live, to work, to contribute, to belong.
So, give us wings to fly. We are not a burden; we are people, with stories worth hearing.
Featured Organisation: Teignbridge CVS
In each newsletter, we feature an organisation from our directory of services for ethnically diverse communities in Devon to give a deeper insight into the amazing work these organisations do.
When did you launch your group and what was your motivation?
Teignbridge CVS has a long history of supporting the local community, but our dedicated work with refugees, people seeking asylum, and migrant families began in 2022, in response to the Government’s Homes for Ukraine programme. Our motivation has always been to ensure that everyone arriving in Teignbridge feels welcomed, supported, and connected, and that opportunities to learn, work, and participate in community life are accessible.
What is your group’s vision?
Our vision is for a Teignbridge where everyone feels a sense of belonging, and where new arrivals are not only welcomed but their skills, experiences, and cultures are valued. We also aim to get more people into supported work experience, carefully matching individuals with placement hosts to ensure the best experience and training opportunities. We hope to see more joined-up, collaborative approaches across agencies, community groups, and volunteers, creating a stronger, more inclusive network of support.
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We run a weekly drop-in for people to get together, which is attended by CVS staff, volunteer interpreters, Citizens Advice and occasionally a housing officer from Teignbridge District Council. We run weekly ESOL classes in Newton Abbot, and we are in the process of starting more community ESOL classes so that learning opportunities are available beyond the main centres. We have also been running online ESOL for those who cannot access face-to-face classes, and twice a year we run intensive ESOL for employment courses.
What do you most enjoy about the work you do?
The most rewarding part is seeing confidence grow in the people we support. Whether someone is improving their English, beginning work experience, attending appointments, or engaging in local activities, those small steps have a big impact. Collaboration makes the work even more enjoyable, working with community groups, volunteers, local hubs, and statutory partners means that together we can create welcoming, supportive spaces where people feel safe to learn, explore, and connect.
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Can you share a story about how your support has benefited the people you work with?
Recently, we supported an Afghan gentleman to start work experience at St Sidwell’s Community Centre in Exeter, supported by the DWP. Working together with St Sidwell’s Community Centre staff, we were able to tailor the placement to his skills and goals, helping him build confidence and feel part of the community.
What are your plans for the future?
We are developing a Lived Experience Panel of Refugees, ensuring that people with first-hand experience can shape local services and have their voices heard. We also plan to continue expanding community ESOL and supported work experience, working with local groups and hubs to reach smaller towns and match participants with the most suitable placements. Longer-term, we hope to create more creative and cultural opportunities, including music, art, and cooking/food activities, bringing communities together while fostering inclusion and connection across Teignbridge.
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Dates for your Diary: Cultural Events and Activities October - December 2025
After a busy summer of activities around Devon, Autumn brings with it many celebrations and festivals. Below is a selection of important dates and events taking place both nationally and locally here in Devon.
October is Black History Month, a time to celebrate and raise awareness of black heritage, history and culture. This year’s theme is ‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride’. Barnstaple library will be holding a day of discussion, crafts, music, & stories on Saturday 11th October.
20th October is Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. The Exeter Hindu Cultural Centre will be holding an evening of dinner, dance and performances on Saturday 18th October. Find more information and book here.
On 26th October at 12-5pm, Inclusive Exeter are holding an All Souls Day celebration. Communities are invited to take part by presenting their traditions of remembering loved ones and by contributing to a communal table to display food, items, and stories connected to remembrance. If you’d like to take part, email element.aga@gmail.com.
31st October is Halloween, a festival with diverse origins, including Pagan and Christian traditions, that has become an important cultural festival in the UK and USA.
November is Islamophobia Awareness Month, which aims to raise awareness of Islamophobia and showcase the positive contributions of Muslims to society.
9th November is Remembrance Sunday, a day to remember all people killed or wounded in wars around the world.
Also on 9th November at 6:30pm, the Italian Cultural Association Exeter will be showing a film, Mamma Roma, by Pier Paolo Pasolini, in Italian with English subtitles at the Exeter Phoenix. Tickets will be available online soon. Email italianculturexeter@gmail.com for more information.
30th November is St Andrew’s Day, a celebration of the patron saint of Scotland which is usually marked with traditional Scottish dancing, music and food.
On the 13th December, Nigerians in North Devon will be holding their end of year gathering at Roundswell Community Hall, Barnstaple from 2pm to 6pm. Everyone is welcome and there is no need to sign up – just turn up on the day.
14th to 22nd December is Hannukah, the Jewish festival of lights celebrated by lighting one candle on the menorah each night, playing a traditional game called dreidel, and eating traditional Hanukkah foods.
18th December is International Migrants’ Day, an opportunity to celebrate the positive contributions of migrants to societies around the world.
25th December is Christmas Day, a Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, which is also a family holiday celebrated by both Christians and non-Christians.
ESOL Update
After the summer break, ESOL classes are underway again across Devon. There are some new, free ESOL classes starting in September and October:
Tiverton – A new class for women started in September at the Old Heathcoat School Community Centre in Tiverton. The class takes place on Wednesdays, 10am – 12pm. If you’d like more information or to sign up, email englishc4iw@gmail.com.
Petroc are also starting two new ESOL courses in Tiverton. A 6-week ESOL speaking and listening course starts on Tuesday 7 October, 5pm - 8pm. A 20-week level 1 ESOL course starts on Tuesday 25 November, 5pm – 8pm. For more information and to sign up, visit their website (scroll down and click on Tiverton campus at the bottom of the contents list on the left).
Axminster – A new class will be starting on Friday October 10th at 1pm-2:30pm at Pippins Community Centre, Axminster. It will be open to all levels. You can just turn up on the day but if you’d like more information, please email ESOL@devon.gov.uk.
Exeter - Classes are continuing at the Park Life Heavitree Hub in Exeter on Tuesday evenings, 7:30pm-8:30pm, in term-time. These are free, friendly English language lessons to help you develop the language skills, confidence and connections to participate in your community. If you’d like to sign up, email englishclasses@parklifeheavitree.org.uk.
You can find these classes and many more on our interactive map of ESOL classes on our website, which you can see here: Find a free English class or job support - Migration and resettlement. We are currently updating the details of classes on the map. If you run a class and would like it added to our map, please email us at ESOL@devon.gov.uk.
Learn Devon ESOL Courses
 Improve your English skills with a free ESOL course from Learn Devon
If you need support with your English skills, Learn Devon can help.
Learn Devon offers a number of free, online English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) courses. We also run face-to-face courses across Devon.
New IELTS Preparation Courses:
Daily Conversations Class in Tavistock Library:
Wednesdays, 11am – 1pm, from 5th Nov – 10th December (with a break for half-term on 29th October). Join us for a friendly and informal speaking & conversation group to build your confidence, practise speaking and listening, and make friends in Tavistock! Email learndevon@devon.gov.uk or phone 0345 155 1014 if you are interested. We would love to have you join us!
Find out about these courses and many more on our website.
Skills Bootcamps
 Time to take your next step with Train4Tomorrow Skills Bootcamps!
Devon County Council’s free*, flexible Skills Bootcamps are here to enhance your skills and boost your career opportunities. There are over 60 courses available, designed to help you gain valuable skills and industry-recognised certifications, with a guaranteed interview on completion.
Whether you’re seeking employment, considering a career change, or wanting to improve your skills, Train4Tomorrow has something for everyone. Through Devon County Council, 25 training providers are delivering training in early years education, introduction to plumbing and electrical, hospitality, healthcare, and more!
Applications are open right now for courses starting soon, head to www.train4tomorrow.org.uk/bootcamps to find out more and apply today!
Please note to be eligible, you must be aged 19 or over, live within Devon, Plymouth or Torbay and have the right to work in the UK .
*Employers that want to upskill their staff contribute towards the course costs
Exeter Multicultural Choir
 Facilitated by Refugee Support Devon's, Valentina Alba, the Exeter Multicultural Choir starts again on Friday 10th October and takes place every Friday, 1pm - 3pm, at St Sidwell's Community Centre on Sidwell Street, Exeter.
Hosted in partnership with Devon County Council, the choir sings in multiple different languages and it is always a fun afternoon with tea, hot chocolate and biscuits, getting to know others in the local community.
Anyone who speaks another language other than English is welcome. No experience needed, just a love for music and a willingness to have a go!
Email multiexeterchoir@gmail.com for more information or just turn up!
ESOL Training Opportunities
There are lots of great ESOL training opportunities available from the South West Councils, free for ESOL practitioners in the Southwest.
South West Councils has teamed up with NILE to offer the online CELTA course at no cost to you. Find out more and express your interest here.
In partnership with Natecla, SW Councils are also offering monthly free online ESOL training webinars on a different topic each month. See more information and book onto the webinars on the SW Councils Events Page.
In collaboration with English Unlocked, SW Councils are hosting a series of online webinars and workshops on a variety of topics. You can see all the events and book on here.
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