Summer is a time for adventure, growth, and forging new connections. This summer, in collaboration with Headliners, some of our Sixth Form students had the incredible opportunity to attend the Headliners' 2023 Summer Residential in the Yorkshire Dales.

Headliners is a renowned UK-based charity dedicated to empowering young individuals through multimedia. With a mission to amplify the voices of the youth, Headliners has consistently been at the forefront of engaging young people in media, journalism, and creative projects. Their initiatives are designed to foster confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills.

The journey unfolded at Ingleborough Hall, where students participated in a myriad of outdoor activities. They navigated rugged terrains during gorge walking, honed their skills in archery, and scaled trees. Additionally, they delved into media and photography, capturing the essence of the local village and its tranquil landscapes. Overall, the trip presented a blend of challenging and exhilarating experiences for the students.

With Headliners' expertise in multimedia, the residential proved to be a transformative experience. It provided an avenue for our students to articulate their perspectives, share their stories, and forge meaningful connections.

Rob Austin from Headliners lauded the unwavering spirit and enthusiasm of the young participants. He emphasized that this residential was a comprehensive learning journey, enabling students to push their boundaries, acquire new skills, and strengthen their self-confidence.

This enriching experience stands as a testament to the synergy between ELATT and Headliners. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all collaborators involved in this event.

For those interested in a visual recap of the residential, there's a YouTube video that offers a glimpse of the highlights. The video showcases young individuals from London and North-East England uniting in Yorkshire, partaking in activities like gorge walking, archery, and photography challenges.

Launched in March 2017, the WWL project was a collaborative effort between ELATT, Action West London, GOSAD, and Train To Work. Funded by the Big Lottery Fund and European Social Fund, the project's mission was to facilitate pathways for refugees to move closer to the job market. Initially planned for three years with 331 participants, it has since been extended to seven years and has impacted 793 people. 

The project's success was measured by the number of participants progressing into further education and employment. It successfully reached all its targets, demonstrating the transformative power of tailored support and guidance. 

As we near the project's completion, we recently held an end-of-project celebration event on June 19th to acknowledge the project's achievements and the transformative impact it has had on the lives of refugees.

The Impact 

The WWL project catered to a diverse group of refugees, ranging from 17 to 82 years old, with varying levels of education and professional experience. Despite their differences, the project's participants shared common barriers: language difficulties, lack of employability confidence, disorientation, and isolation. 

To address these barriers comprehensively, the project provided English language classes, job search support, housing advice, and wellbeing services. The project also fostered a friendly and understanding environment, and testimonials from various participants emphasize the advisors as the most vital aspect of the project for them. 

The project's impact is best illustrated by its outcomes. Out of the 765 participants, 219 pursued further education, and 144 secured employment. Additionally, the project helped participants enhance their self-confidence, English language skills, and knowledge of local services, setting them on a path towards a brighter future. 

The Celebration Event 

The recent celebration event served as a platform to share the project's achievements and the lessons learned. The event highlighted the importance of a flexible, tailored approach, extensive support from local partners, and an emphasis on self-empowerment. It also underscored the value of friendly, expert advisors and the importance of developing self-confidence. Furthermore, the event shed light on the project's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The project quickly adapted to remote delivery, providing digital devices and mobile Wi-Fi to those in need. This rapid response ensured that participants could continue to access the project's services and other essential resources during the lockdown. 

The event commenced with speeches by Anthony Harmer, ELATT CEO, Carol Sam, Assistant Director of Equalities and Engagement at Ealing Council, and Sue Ormiston, EU Programme Manager at The National Lottery Community Fund. Guest Speaker Ahmad Hammami, owner of Lebanese restaurant and café Sidra and arrived in the UK from Syria as a refugee in 2016, shared his journey and experience of coming to London as a refugee. In the panel discussion featuring refugees and employers, panel participants shared their experiences. Mouda Mohammed, a project participant who graduated from a university in Sudan with a degree in counselling and health psychology, Dimitrii Radishevskii, a refugee now living in London and working as a marketing and branding designer, Mohammed Khatir, another project participant who has completed a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in law, and Mustafa Muse, the director of Train2Work Academy and an employer who actively hires individuals with refugee status, discussed the challenges faced by refugees in finding employment. 

Empowering Refugees Through Tailored Support and Collaboration 

In conclusion, the Working West London project has provided valuable insights into supporting refugees and helping them overcome barriers to employment. One of the key lessons we learned is that a "one size fits all" approach is inadequate when dealing with the diverse range of individuals. Instead, the project's strength lies in its individualistic approach, recognizing and addressing the unique needs and challenges of each participant. 

Another important lesson is that unless we address the immediate crisis or issues faced by individuals during their time on the project, our ability to make a meaningful difference in their lives will be hindered. It is essential to provide support and assistance in areas such as anxiety, debt, and housing issues, as these can significantly impact a person's ability to focus on employment or educational progress. By covering all the bases and offering comprehensive support, we create a solid foundation from which participants can pursue their goals. 

As we reflect on the success of the Working West London project, we are reminded of the potential that lies within each individual. By adopting an individualized approach, addressing immediate crises, and fostering supportive relationships, we can empower refugees to overcome barriers, unleash their potential, and make significant contributions to society. The Working West London project stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of refugees and the transformative power of tailored support and guidance. 

Volunteers' Week is an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering in their communities​​. This year, we at ELATT - an award-winning education charity - invite you to join us in this celebration, and perhaps inspire you to become a part of our volunteering family.

Since 1984, ELATT has been dedicated to supporting students to improve their lives through employment. As part of our Learning Community, volunteers have been an integral part of our journey, aiding us in running our organisation while enhancing their own employability. As we celebrate Volunteers' Week 2023, we not only want to appreciate our existing volunteers but also invite new ones to join us and make a difference in their communities.

Volunteering is a fulfilling way to give back to the community. It enables you to develop new skills and, as many of our volunteers affirm, helping others makes you feel great in return​​. At ELATT, we offer a range of volunteering opportunities across Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Brent, and Ealing. Whether you're interested in gaining some teaching or administration experience in an informal setting, or simply wish to contribute your spare time to a good cause, we have a role for you.

Our main volunteering opportunities include roles as a Volunteer Teaching Assistant or a Volunteer Administration Assistant. We also have opportunities to support students through our Industry Partners and occasionally have positions available in Fundraising, Marketing, and IT support. Also, you can volunteer in the Wellbeing Service at ELATT. To learn more about these opportunities, please visit our website and explore our current volunteering vacancies.

We are looking for individuals who are well-organised, reliable, and possess good literacy and numeracy skills. Experience in an education setting is a plus, but not essential. The ability to interact with people who speak English as a second language and to work with colleagues and students from different cultural backgrounds is important. At ELATT, we value a non-judgmental approach that respects different cultures and is sensitive to the needs of students with difficult personal circumstances.

Volunteer roles at ELATT are unpaid, but we do offer some benefits. We will reimburse you for a set amount of travel costs and lunch per day, cover your DBS clearance, and provide an induction as well as ongoing training and support. Additionally, as a volunteer, you will have access to ELATT's staff training sessions.

Volunteers' Week 2023 is not just a time to celebrate ongoing commitment but also to inspire more people to say 'yes' to volunteering​​. With the breadth of volunteering opportunities on offer at ELATT, we hope to spark your interest and help you take the next steps in your volunteering journey​​.

So, whether you're looking to develop new skills, make a difference in your community, or just want to contribute some of your time to a worthy cause, consider volunteering with us at ELATT. We promise you a rewarding experience that not only benefits our students and the community, but also enriches your own life.

Here's to our inspirational volunteers, and those who are yet to join us - thank you, and let's have a great Volunteers' Week together​!

ELATT invites you to join our Working West London project celebration event, where we celebrate the remarkable achievements of refugees who have successfully gained employment and realized their potential. This year's event promises to be a grand celebration, showcasing the project's impact and offering valuable insights into supporting refugees in their journey towards a better future.

The Working West London project, in collaboration with Action West London, GOSAD, and Train 2 Work, has been instrumental in empowering nearly 800 refugees to gain employment or move closer to the job market. The project, funded by the Big Lottery Fund and European Social Fund as part of the Building Better Opportunities Programme, started in April 2017. This event, held in conjunction with Refugee Week 2023, marks the end of the project and serves as a platform to share the valuable learnings gained throughout its duration.

One of the many success stories that exemplify the impact of the Working West London project is Mohammed's journey. Originally a human rights lawyer from Sudan, Mohammed had to leave his career behind due to persecution. Arriving in the UK with limited English, he aspired to practice law again. The challenges he faced during the asylum process and settling in a new country seemed daunting, but everything changed when he joined the Working West London project.

Thanks to the project, Mohammed was able to improve his English skills and achieve the necessary level in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The project also guided him through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) system, enabling him to apply to university. Meanwhile, Mohammed volunteered as a caseworker at St Mungo's, a charity for homeless people in London.

Mohammed's story is not unique; many refugees come to the UK with degree-level skills and professional work experience. However, due to language barriers and difficulties in translating qualifications to UK equivalents, they often find themselves working in low-paid jobs that do not match their potential. The Working West London project aims to change this narrative, helping refugees realize their skills' value and contribute to society.

According to ELATT's CEO, Anthony Harmer, "It makes no economic sense to lose the valuable skills of people who are now British Citizens with refugee status. We need to do whatever we can to help people settle in this country and to use their skills for the benefit of London and the UK. It’s a win, win situation for everyone."

Now, let's turn our attention to the exciting details of the Working West London Project Celebration event on Monday, 19th June 2023. The event will take place at the University of West London's Weston Hall, located at Saint Mary's Road, London W5 5RF. The celebration will kick off at 10 am and conclude at 2 pm.

The event agenda is packed with inspiring presentations and discussions. It will begin with registration and a warm welcome, followed by testimonials from individuals whose lives have been transformed by the project. A presentation on the project evaluation will shed light on the strategies and methodologies employed to support refugees into employment and sustained careers.

Moreover, the celebration will feature a panel discussion with Ahmad Hammami, the owner of the Lebanese restaurant and café Sidra, who arrived in the UK as a refugee from Syria. Joining him on the panel will be Mustafa Muse, an employer who actively hires individuals with refugee status, and a participant from the Working West London project. The panel will provide a platform to exchange advice, share experiences, and address the challenges faced by refugees seeking employment in the UK.

In addition to the enriching program, attendees will have the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and enjoy a delicious lunch. It's an event where success stories come to life, inspiring everyone in attendance.

To secure your place at this extraordinary event, we invite you to book your free ticket now on our Eventbrite page: Working West London Celebration Event Tickets. Please remember to specify your dietary requirements during the booking process. If you have any questions or queries, feel free to reach out to Nafisah at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Join us on this remarkable occasion as we celebrate the achievements of the Working West London project and the remarkable individuals who have overcome challenges to realize their dreams. Let's stand together and support refugees in their journey towards employment and a brighter future for all.

Take the first step towards a career in digital!  

The ELATT Open Day will tell you all you need to know about studying at ELATT.
Sign up now for a packed day including:

• A tour of the ELATT training centre - see our state of the art equipment and facilities in real life
• Meet the team - meet our friendly teachers and support staff and find out all you want to know about our courses.
• Course tasters - try out your hand at a range of IT subjects, from Web Design to Digital Media!
• Meet our alumni - meet ELATT graduates and find out why you should study at ELATT and what our alumni are doing now. 

 To sign up complete this simple registration form

Why ELATT? 

ELATT is an award-winning training provider made up of a dynamic group of people. Graded Outstanding by Ofsted, we are here to help our students realise their potential in all aspects of learning, life, work and wellbeing. We provide FREE courses to over 1,000 Londoners each year, Londoners who improve their skills and move into new and better jobs.

Choose ELATT for:

• Cutting edge curriculum and digital skills
• Online and in-person learning options
• A personalised timetable to meet your individual needs, including assistive technology and equipment loans
• Small class sizes, with an average of ten students per course.
• A supportive, safe and friendly environment
• Jobsearch and careers advice

5 reasons you should study at ELATT

Find out more about our courses:

Our Courses

Find out more about Our Training and how our Learning Model puts you at the centre of everything we do:

Our TrainingOur Learning Model

Meet our graduates who have gone on to successful careers across a range of digital fields:

Our Graduates

Three sixth form students were lucky enough to visit the offices of URBN, the group behind Free People, Anthropolgie and Urban Outfitters, located in Brick Lane.
Students visited various departments and learned about the process of buying, sustainablity and ethical fashion.

Sixth form student Michael wrote:
URBN looked more like a warehouse than an office. We got lots of free stuff and snacks before having a tour from Michael. The first place we went to was where the designers designed the clothes and logos etc. The head designer showed us a slideshow of some designs and then a woman came up and did the same, except her designs were clothes and furniture and his were logos. The people in there gave us all a free bright orange bag and then Michael took us upstairs to the next people.

The second place we went was this big room that sort of looked like a warehouse. We learned that they took old and vintage clothes and altered them a bit then resold them. We learned about the benefits of this for the environment and the importance of fair trade in fashion.

Everyone at URBN was really nice and helpful and I learned a lot. I thought it was really funny that people could bring their dog to work at the office!

ELATT are always looking for employers who would like to support our student with workplace visits & work placements. If you’d like to support our students please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

On 14th July 2021 over 200 ELATT students, staff, funders and volunteers joined the annual Student Celebration event focussed this year on ‘Reaching your goals’, held online for the second year. The event kicked off with the highlights from each department, including many students moving on to volunteering, paid work or further education and almost 150 devices provided to students to bridge the digital divide, including 90 laptops, 23 tablets, 23 smartphones and 10 Wi-Fi boxes. 

Next, attendees broke into groups to discuss their goals and where they hope in be in 5 years' time. After reflecting on this, Lena Kay, international transformation coach, shared her story from being a child refugee from Kurdistan, growing up in London, excelling in management before having a breakdown and reaching rock bottom. She transformed her life and got off medication and benefits, now living in the USA and empowering others. To get a feel of the talk and her tips, you can find her Tedx Talk here. 

Following Lena’s inspiring talk, attendees were treated to the premiere of a film showcasing Sixth Form’s recent Community Action Anti-Homelessness Project, produced by Odd Eyes Theatre. The video can be viewed on Youtube and you can read more on the Learning Community blog. 

Staff, students and volunteers commented on the inspiring talk from Lena, practical tips they will implement going forward and on the hard work and dedication of the Community Action project. We wish everybody a lovely summer break and look forward to returning in September! 

Volunteer Testimonials

This Volunteers' Week we'd like to thank our volunteers and share their stories. We have had over 55 volunteers this year and their support for our students is so important to our excellent student satisfaction and success rates. Volunteers have been vital during our live, tutor-led online lessons during the pandemic. Volunteer TA's provide essential support to those in need of additional tech support whilst the teacher continues the live lesson, ensuring no one is left behind whilst we've been locked down.

Read on to hear what ELATT volunteers have to say about their experience...

I started volunteering with ELATT after I found myself jobless during the pandemic in 2020. I’ve loved having the opportunity to help others, and meet new people whilst developing my skills and knowledge, and supporting a fantastic charity! The team are so flexible and accommodating, and the training is great plus there are a range of ways you can get involved; I initially planned to support the admin team as this is where my work experience lies, but instead decided I’d try my hand at being a teaching assistant in the virtual ESOL classes and loved every minute! My time volunteering with ELATT has opened so many doors and given me the confidence to pursue a new career in Speech and Language Therapy. I would encourage anyone considering volunteering with ELATT to go for it - it has been an absolute game changer for me!
- Robyn, volunteer ESOL TA in 2020

I had the opportunity to do volunteer work in two ways for Elatt. I assisted my teacher in the creation of some digital materials (forms) and also as an assistant in a group of beginners. It was an experience that allowed me to learn a lot. It was amazing to meet people from different parts of the world, with so many different stories and a lot of willpower to be there. It was definitely inspiring! I recommend it to everyone who has a little time. It will be an incredible experience for you and will help others! Thank you Elatt for the opportunity!
- Juliana, volunteer Teaching Assistant

I have been a volunteer teaching assistant since July 2020 and I am half way through my third term of teaching alongside the main ESOL teacher. The best thing about volunteering for me is simply the time you get to spend having conversations with people that I would never get the opportunity to interact with otherwise. I have met numerous different people all from different backgrounds and cultures and I have learned so much about each individual one. I have gained so much confidence in not only speaking to new people but in my own teaching ability. When I started I found it difficult to know what to say to students and now I am happy to take control of a lesson if I need to and guide the students in the right direction effectively. This is what I found challenging in the beginning. It is hard to know what questions to ask students and how to relate to them when they speak little English but I have learned that a friendly face and smile can go a long way. I would definitely recommend volunteering and teaching to others whether it be to develop your own career or to fill some spare time as you will get as much out of it as the students do from your help.
- Rose, volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistant

My experience as a student and then as a volunteer at ELATT has been the most precious time in my education. ELATT gave me the opportunity to volunteer as a teaching assistant. I have met many teachers here who made a good impact in my life, the staff are kind and always happy to help in any way they can. After my time at ELATT, I had the opportunity to get a job and improve myself in many areas.
- Margarita, volunteer Teaching Assistant

On 19th June ELATT, Action West London, Train 2 Work and GOSAD hosted the annual Working West London Employer Event, online for the first time. The two-hour event included a workshop and panel discussion about Refugee Employment.

Over 30 attendees joined the webinar, which kicked off with an introduction from Mohammed, a participant from Sudan who previously worked in Law before coming to the UK. ELATT helped with his UCAS application and he’s just finished his second year at University to become a lawyer in the UK.

Musharaf and Catalina from Action West London delivered an inspiring presentation on the topic of ‘The Job Market Post Lockdown’, packed with helpful advice about which sectors are still hiring throughout the Coronavirus pandemic. Tips included those interested in customer service could look for roles as Social Distancing Ambassadors, and that sectors such as logistics, couriers and care are all busy hiring to meet increased demand. Musharaf highlighted that to be successful in the current job market, you need to stand out, and gave practical advice including: online training via providers such as ELATT and Action West London; upskilling and enhancing knowledge; tailoring your CV and really dedicating time to the job search. With the advent of homeworking, there could be ideal opportunities for those in need of flexible roles, such as parents and those with caring responsibilities.

A panel discussion followed, led by Dr Nafisah Graham-Brown and joined by Dalila Arafa, a refugee participant from one of our Working West London project partners, Action West London, who worked in logistics and civil transportation in her home country; Joanne Thomas, EMEA Recruiting Lead from Oliver Wyman who is working on a placement programme with Transitions; Fahira Mulamehic, Employment Programmes Manager, Refugee Council; and Debbie Viner, Interim Executive Director of People and Learning, British Red Cross. We were also delighted to be joined by Virendra Sharma, MP for Ealing and Southall.

@VirendraSharma
I spoke at an important event addressing refugee employment with @BritishRedCross, @refugeecouncil , @elattlondon and @OliverWyman. Thank you for your valuable insight on the barriers faced by refugees today. I look forward to working with you all in the future. #RefugeeWeek

The panel discussed their challenges and successes of supporting refugees into work and employing refugee individuals including the misconceptions around the right to work in the UK. All the employers agreed their organisations had benefitted from hiring from a larger talent pool, including refugee individuals, as their workforce was enriched by the diverse life experience of these individuals. Attendees shared their thoughts using the online chat function, including comments such as “what a fantastic initiative (from Oliver Wyman). So inspiring to hear such sincerity at the core of your corporate endeavours to support and value refugee potential” and “an excellent point that Virendra mentioned. It's one of the main barriers- that employers don't recognise refugees right to work. We are/have been hearing it from refugees on a regular basis unfortunately, over the years.” Thank you to all the panelists who really highlighted the importance of fair hiring practices and education and support for employers, including partnerships with organisations such as ELATT and Action West London.

We are delighted that so many joined us and the excellent feedback we received, that attendees came away with useful tips and felt inspired. If you’d like to keep up to date with what we’re up to and future events, please click here to join our mailing list.

We’re also so proud to announce that our Working West London Team have been shortlisted for Team of the Year at the ERSA Employability Awards 2020. Well done to all the team!

Can you help us close the opportunity gap in London?

Our vision is a London where everyone can flourish in their lives, no matter their age, background or circumstances.  When it comes to learning, we’ve got it covered, but our students tell us that the missing link to help them progress is work experience.

A former student Georgia explained the value of doing a work placement:

‘During my time at ELATT I secured two work placements where I learnt extensive skills in the business administration sector and also how to be part of a working environment, which I lacked experience in until now. I also achieved multiple qualifications as well as gaining experience that will help me in the future.’

Ready for Industry

Our students are so passionate about gaining these opportunities that they have created a campaign with Citizens UK to raise this need amongst businesses in East London.  Here they are campaigning for work experience opportunities in the Olympic Park, Stratford.

We want to help our students find opportunities in tech, corporate, education and a range of other environments to enable them to develop their practical skills and apply what they are learning in class.

The ELATT learning community is made up of a diverse range of students including young people with autism and learning difficulties, refugees and migrants and adults returning to work. Our students study Business, IT, Web design, Media, English and Maths and take part in a wide variety of extra-curricular and community activities.

Hear from Freddie

‘The young people at ELATT have diverse and often complex needs. We also know that we do not yet have the skills and confidence to navigate the system and access the support that we need. While the urgency to work becomes ever greater in an environment of high youth unemployment in East London...We want a mentor to support us.’

In this video our Digital Media Production student Freddie tells you about his current studies, his hopes for the future, and why mentoring and experience will make all the difference to him.

How you can help:

We know that the first step towards employment is the hardest: with no recent work experience, only 30% of our students get into work.  But once they have experience, 80% of our students move into employment.  Be part of this change: our Industry Partners support us by offering mentoring, work experience and work placements to our talented and dedicated students. Work experience could be for 1 or 2 weeks or for 1 day a week over 3 months – this can be tailored to what suits your company.

Please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you think you can help or to suggest other organisations you know who may be able to offer work experience of any duration to our students.