Support and help for adults

Redbridge Institute of Adult Education (RIAE) hold ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes at various locations around the Borough. They also skill training to boost someone's employability (e.g., childcare and business & accounting), English, Maths, digital skills and personal development courses (for example, creative and visual arts).

RIAE also offer courses for support staff in school. This includes courses around childcare and working with children with special needs.

The Open University (OU) is the United Kingdom's only university dedicated to distance learning. They have around 150,000 undergraduate and more than 30,000 postgraduate students, 10,000 of whom are students with disabilities. Nearly all students study part-time, making it an ideal option for people who have other commitments or who are in employment. 

Galop works directly with thousands of LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse and violence every year. They specialise in supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime, and other forms of abuse including honour-based abuse, forced marriage, and so-called conversion therapies. 

You can apply for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) if you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work.

ESA gives you:

• money to help with living costs if you’re unable to work
• support to get back into work if you’re able to

You can apply if you’re employed, self-employed or unemployed.