With Consonant, you can achieve your ambitions and thrive in the UK

If English is not your first language, and you want to improve your skills, then our free English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes are for you. 

Being able to speak English opens the door to so many opportunities for making friends, finding work, and enjoying life. We offer classes for people of all abilities, during the day and in the evenings. Whether you’re a complete beginner, or can already speak English, you can join a class that’s right for you.

We can also help you prepare for your IELTS exams.

Our ESOL courses are designed to help you with everyday life:

• learn speaking, listening, reading and writing skills
• learn skills to help you with every day life like going to the shops
• join a class that’s right for you, no matter what your ability

To book a class please get in touch with one of our ESOL advisers. They will arrange a time for you to come in and do a short assessment. This helps us understand a bit more about your level so we know which class is best for you.

See our course timetable below.

If you want to get a visa to study or work in the UK, or if you want to become a citizen, you may need to take an IELTS exam. We can help you for free! 

What is IELTS?

IELTS (the International English Language Testing System) is an exam in English language skills. It is a qualification that is recognised throughout the world and is often required by universities and other institutions.

Who is it for?

Many people who want a visa to study, live and work in the UK may need to take this exam. It is accepted by universities in the UK (as well as Australia, New Zealand and Canada, and many in the USA) as well as by professional organisations across the world.

People who want to become British citizens may need to take the test. Many take the test because they have learned English and want to challenge themselves!

How can we help?

Join our free IELTS preparation course where we can help you to:

• Understand the test structure
• Practice reading, writing, listening and speaking
• Prepare with mock exams
• Build confidence to use English and get the results you need

Are you experiencing a problem and need advice? We can help you to get back on course. We offer free advice to Westminster residents on many issues.

• If you are living in Westminster, we can help you with:
• Benefits: we can answer questions about entitlements, support you with applications and help you appeal against unfair decisions.
• Debt and money advice: managing your money can be hard. We can help you manage your debts, improve your financial situation and maximise your income.
• Work-related problems: we can help you understand the terms of your employment and your rights. If you’re facing redundancy, intimidation and unfair dismissal, we’re here for you.
• We can also help you improve your job prospects and find a job. See our free careers advice service below.
• Housing: talk to us if you want to know your rights, make a housing application and get a place to live
• Health and Community Care: having trouble accessing the care you need? We can help

For information by telephone, call

0207 402 6750
Tuesdays 13:30pm-16:00, Wednesdays 10:00-12:30

For face to face information, visit
Tuesdays 10.00 – 12.30 (Derry House)

Wednesdays 10.30 – 12.30 (Church Street Library)

Consonant
Derry House, Penfold St. NW8 8HJ

Are computers a mystery to you? Do you think you can make better use of them? Our free classes will help you learn how to use computers, email and get online.

Computers are so important in our lives. Whether it’s registering for a GP, shopping, entertainment, or keeping in touch with old friends, computers make our lives easier. We can help you make the most of the opportunities computers and the internet have to offer.

We offer simple, easy-to-follow lessons to help you make the most of technology. With classes for all ages and abilities, our tutors will make sure you progress at a pace that’s right for you. Join one of our beginners or intermediate computer classes today.

Our computer rooms are equipped with modern, easy-to-use computers. Here you can learn to:

• communicate with friends and family
• use important programs for work like Microsoft Office
• go shopping online and use online banking
• search for information on the internet safely
• set up and use email
• use social media (like Facebook and Twitter)
• apply for jobs
• use your smartphone.

To find out more please get in touch with one of our advisers. See our course timetable below.

Are you looking for a new job but don’t know where to start? Do you want to develop your CV to get the career you’ve always wanted? We can help!

Getting a new job, or changing career, can be scary. There are many choices to make, many places to look, many dos and don’ts. Navigating the job market can be tricky, especially if you’re unfamiliar with working in the UK.

Our specialist Careers Advice service is here to help you make sense of it all. We offer tailored, one-to-one advice sessions to help you understand more about the career path you want to take and how to go about building the knowledge and skill set needed to achieve your goals.

Our free Job Search Support group meets every week where you can use our computers to search for job opportunities. Our advisers will be on-hand to give you the best tips on how to search for the right opportunities.

Our advisers can help you:

• explore careers: find out what a job involves and if it’s the right on for you
• search for opportunities: know where to look and who to ask
• identify your skills: what are your strengths and what can you improve on
• find courses: get the skills you need to be the perfect candidate
• build your CV
• produce a winning cover letter: make sure you stand out in the crowd
• ace an interview: learn the skills and techniques for a successful interview.

To find out more please get in touch with one of our advisers.

Get one-to-one advice and support to find a new job, prepare your application for the career you’ve always wanted.

We know that finding and applying for a new job can be stressful. That’s why our Job Search Support Groups are all about support and encouragement. Join other people like you and get one-to-one help  in a friendly environment.

Our group leaders will help you:

• understand the labour market in the UK
• use the best techniques to find job vacancies online
• prepare winning CVs and cover letters.

To find out more please get in touch with one of our advisers. See our course timetable below.

If you have ideas and motivation, our coaches can give you guidance and support to help you develop your business. Coaching could give your business idea the edge it needs to be a success.

Business coaching can be provided to anyone who is looking to start up a new business, or already has an existing business and needs some help with it.

Here’s what to expect:

• one hour sessions with an expert Business Coach
• meetings at Consonant’s office or via phone or Skype, to help you work on your business plan
• at a time convenient for you, either fortnightly or monthly.

Between coaching sessions.

You will need to prepare in advance of the coaching meetings to make sure you get the most out of the time with your Business Coach. The Business Coach may invite you to do further work between meetings (e.g. writing business plans or doing market research) as part of the agreed actions and in preparation for the next meeting.

To find out more please get in touch with one of our advisers.

What could be more important than the health of you and your family? We’ve teamed up with health professionals so you can look after your physical and mental well-being.

Our free health service can help you to learn about your health and how to look after yourself

• information sessions: find out about accessing health services, registering with a GP and understand any costs or regulations involved
• counselling: talk to someone about whatever is on your mind in our free 1-to-1 sessions
• regular health clinics: get an appointment with a nurse, physiotherapist, or acupuncturist.

We’re always looking for volunteers with a background in health to volunteer with us. Check out our volunteer vacancies for more information.