Author Archives: Anne Smith

Standing at a bus stop recently, the lights in the studio flats in the block opposite were on. As a result, I could see inside a number of the tiny apartments.  In each there was a lone individual and every single one was sat alone, […]

Our updated infographic below shows the success of Creative English learners who have participated in the programme under the MHCLG funded Community-based English Language programme from November 2013 to March 2019. While over 10,000 people have participated in the Creative English programme over all, 8,500+ […]

“My son says speaking English is my superpower!  Now I can make everything ok!” This child viewed his mum’s newfound ability to speak English as her breakthrough talent, but in talking to her it was the willingness to ‘have a go’ that had made the […]

“And I have a sharp pain here,” I say, pointing to my shoulder. I’m mid-explanation of my symptoms to the woman in the white coat in front of me. I’m taking part in a role play with a learner, modelling how a conversation with a […]

The video below is a ‘found poem’ by FaithAction’s very own Dr Anne Smith, taken from an automated transcript of a very important meeting. Now are you what you are A you you you you you you you Using a house in my face You […]

I am hugely proud and privileged to have the opportunity to work with amazing volunteers across the country who are delivering the Creative English programme in their communities. In this role, I’ve been lucky enough to travel round the country, seeing the amazing work that […]

This week, we witnessed Mamoudou Gassama, a migrant from Mali, hit the headlines – with an extraordinary video of him scaling four stories up the side of a building in Paris to rescue a four-year-old child dangling from a balcony. This remarkable feat of resourcefulness […]

All human beings need a sense of belonging. It is integral to our well-being. A lack of belonging underpins the divisions in UK society that the Casey Review has identified. Segregation, deprivation and social exclusion are both the source and the consequence of failing to feel that we belong.

Speaking of her visits to the Calais Jungle, Sharon Kanolik from The Old Vic/The Young Vic said, “I felt more welcomed than I have anywhere else. People invited me into their tents and offered me food. There were lots of moments of hope and humour, meeting bright resilient people.”