Talent Lived Experience, Wellbeing & Work Lived Experience

From isolation to community through learning and food

London Borough of Lambeth
April 27, 2026

Learning often begins with confidence, not qualifications. For many adults with low English levels, the first step is building the ability to communicate, connect with others and take part in everyday life.

Key points:

Language learning builds confidence and connection
Participation reduces isolation and supports wellbeing
Practical experience creates pathways into further opportunities

Evidence content

For many learners, the starting point is not employment, but confidence, communication and connection.

Deka began her learning journey at the Baytree Centre with very low levels of English and limited confidence. She initially joined an ESOL Entry 1 Reading course, supported by a conversation club that helped her practise using English in everyday situations.

This combination of structured learning and informal practice helped her begin to build confidence in speaking and engaging with others.

As her confidence grew, Deka started to explore wider opportunities at the centre, particularly activities focused on health and wellbeing. These provided a supportive space to connect with other women and reduce isolation.

A key part of her progression was taking part in the Healthy Living Platform Food Ambassador Programme. This enabled her to develop practical skills in a real-world setting, including food preparation, food hygiene and working in a professional kitchen environment.

Through the programme, she gained a recognised Food Hygiene certification and developed skills in preparing safe, nutritious meals while learning about reducing food waste.

Learning was also applied beyond the classroom. As part of the programme, Deka helped plan and deliver a community food event at Baytree’s Exam Celebration, working collaboratively to design recipe boxes and share them with attendees.

This experience allowed her to:

apply her skills in a live setting
build confidence working with others
contribute to her local community

At the same time, she continued her ESOL journey, progressing from Entry 1 Reading to Entry 1 Writing, further strengthening her communication skills.

The combined impact has been significant. Deka reports feeling more confident, less isolated and more connected to those around her.

She now feels able to make friends, engage with her community and continue volunteering as a Food Ambassador while developing her language skills.

This case highlights how adult learning can support progression in stages. By combining language learning, wellbeing support and practical experience, it enables learners to move from isolation to participation, and from participation towards future opportunities in work and community roles.

London Borough of Lambeth

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