As a Social Worker in training on placement at Fersands and Fountain SCIO, I was lucky enough to be asked to run the Language Café Group for the last 17 weeks, alongside volunteers.
The Language Café is a group run by Fersands and Fountain SCIO for individuals who have English as a second language. The group takes place WEEKLY on a TUESDAY at 10AM during school term) FREE OF CHARGE. New members are always welcome to come along and will be invited to join the Whatsapp Group Chat to keep up to date about each session.
The Language Café not only provides an opportunity to practice English in a safe and inclusive setting, but also fosters confidence, builds social networks, improves access to services and helps individuals feel connected to their community. The group also offers a couple of outings each block to enable members to enjoy local landmarks within Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire. Something I have found particularly helpful and special about the Language Café is that members tend to get involved with volunteering opportunities at Fersands which enables them to build their confidence further, socialise, build skills and potentially access a reference if required for future work.
Services like Fersands and Fountain SCIO provide me with hope that third sector agencies can support individuals who are faced with barriers through no fault of their own. Fersands and Fountain SCIO are working in line with their mission to empower residents through informal learning, support, education to reduce poverty and increase equality. It is very clear that the Language Café is helping to break down some of the major barriers that are present for non-native English speakers. I cannot express enough what a valuable group the Language Café is to the Woodside Community. As the community has a high percentage of individuals with English as a second language, the group provides an inclusive space to practice English and aid integration.
