Reading Community Learning Centre

Reading Community Learning Centre (RCLC) exists to help marginalised women from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds to achieve their individual potential. The majority of the women we support are migrants or asylum seekers who speak little or no English, and often have limited outside of the home. No matter what barriers a woman faces we work alongside her as she overcomes obstacles to realising her aspirations. For many women, this includes improving their English, volunteering locally, gaining qualifications or securing a job.

Based in central Reading, we offer a programme of outreach activities, training classes, workshops and social opportunities at our Centre which are designed to build confidence, increase skills and reduce the social isolation of local BAME women; Many of whom are amongst the most isolated, deprived and vulnerable in our community. In 2017, we supported over 350 women from 30 different countries. Our model encourages community cohesion, breaking down barriers between cultures and fosters mutual respect amongst the women. No other service in Reading reaches such a diverse group of women, giving us a unique insight into the needs of local BAME communities.