Empowering Women Through Language

ESOL Programme Success at First Steps Women's Centre 

First Steps Women’s Centre in Dungannon recently celebrated the success of its ESOL Entry Level 2 course, supported by Radius Housing through the ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme. The course ran from April 2024 to March 2025, with support services continuing to the present day. 

The ESOL programme was delivered as part of First Steps Women’s Centre’s wider Education and Training Support. With dedicated funding the initiative not only covered the cost of a qualified tutor but also provided essential services – including onsite childcare through the Centre’s crèche and transportation via its dedicated minibus. 

These practical supports were instrumental in enabling many participants, who might otherwise have faced significant barriers, to access the programme and attend regularly.  

"We see firsthand the difference that access to childcare and transport makes. Without Radius Housing’s support, many of these women simply wouldn’t have been able to attend.” – Michael McGoldrick, CEO, First Steps Women’s Centre 

From September 2024 to the present, the course has seen: 

• 26 students enrolled 
• Current attendees: 10 (class capacity: 15) 
• 16 students who left but were successfully replaced 
• Attendance rate: 70% 

Exam outcomes to date have been exceptional: 

• Reading: 11/11 passed (100%) 
• Speaking and Listening: 11/11 passed (100%) 
• Writing: 10 students are registered to sit the exam in May 2025

Earl’s Court came onto the ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme in 2017/18 and over the last 8 years we have worked with numerous stakeholders and residents to develop and deliver the 5-year Good Relations Plan for the area. 

Over this time, we have engaged with the local community through initial promotion and engagement to develop our Good Relations Plan, bonding within the new development and bridging to support good relations for tenants and the wider community. 

"This course has given me the confidence to speak more freely in English, which helps me at work, with my children’s school, and in daily life." - Programme Participant

‘Bridging’ with the wider community has encouraged a range of good relations outcomes which include health and wellbeing, education and training and a celebration of diversity in arts and culture. 

As Radius Housing come to the end of delivery of the Earl’s Court 5 Year Good Relations Plan, we look forward to supporting colleagues in Apex and Choice Housing Associations as they continue to develop and deliver Good Relations Support through the Dungannon Merged Advisory Group.  

This programme is supported by the Department for Communities and the Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme. The Programme has its origins in the NI Executive Together: Building a United Community Strategy, which reflects the Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society. 

"We’re proud to work with First Steps Women’s Centre on a project that strengthens individuals, families, and communities. Supporting real inclusion means addressing practical barriers, and that’s what this project has achieved." – Blánaid Bruce, Radius Housing 

A total of £3.1M has been invested in the Earls Court Shared Housing development and associated five-year Good Relations Plan. 

First Steps Women’s Centre would like to express its deep gratitude to Radius Housing for their support and ongoing partnership, their support has been instrumental in delivering this impactful project. 

Further Information can be found at First Steps Women’s Centre 
www.firststepswomenscentre.org