In this episode of Creating Communities: The Educafe Podcast, host Jamie Adam explores how Chatty Corner, one of Educafe’s most established community projects, supports refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants to build English language skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging in West Berkshire.

Jamie is joined by Margaret Neville, Chatty Corner Manager, and Samera Abdas-Majid, Lead Caseworker at Reading Refugees, alongside service user and volunteer Ning, who shares her journey from newcomer to community contributor.

Together, they discuss how informal language practice, trusted community spaces, and dedicated volunteers help people navigate life in the UK, overcome isolation, and challenge negative public perceptions of refugees.

In this episode, we explore:

• How Chatty Corner provides free, informal English conversation practice for non-native speakers
• Why spoken English and listening skills are key to confidence and community navigation
• The role of volunteers in creating welcoming, flexible, and supportive learning environments
• How refugee families and asylum seekers benefit from safe community spaces
• The importance of social integration alongside formal ESOL classes
• How community groups help people understand UK systems, culture, and everyday life
• Volunteering pathways that allow service users to give back and share their skills
• How spaces like Educafe help counter negative public narratives around refugees

Ning shares how discovering Educafe through the local library helped her improve her English, understand life in the UK, and rebuild her confidence after moving from China to Newbury. With support from volunteers, she went on to use her experience as a yoga instructor to lead seated wellbeing sessions - illustrating how community support can nurture talent and provide purpose.

Margaret reflects on the dedication of its volunteers, while Samera explains why Educafe is often the first place newly arrived families are referred; offering immediate connection, accurate information, and reassurance during a difficult transition.

Together, they show how conversation, kindness, and consistency can transform lives and strengthen communities.

If you are inspired by what you hear you can find out more about Educafe and how you can set one up in your area using our Toolkit or How to Support Us. If you’re feeling generous, you can buy us a coffee.

This is a Research Podcasts production.

Credits:

Presenter: Jamie Adam, Research Podcasts

Guests: Margaret Neville, Educafe and Samera Abdas-Majid from Reading Refugees

Producer: Jamie Adam, Research Podcasts

You can read a transcript of this conversation here.

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