Shalina Hussain, East End Life, 16th - 22nd November 2009

IMAGINE having moved to a new country where you know-no-one, can't get a job or be part of social groups to pass your time.

This is the reality for many women immigrants who come to east London in the hope of a better life.

Many are highly skilled and qualified professionals while others have little or no grasp of English. Trying to bridge the gap and providing a service, which meets their needs is the difficult task of City Gateway.

The charity, based in Tower Hamlets, has been pioneering schemes to empower young people and families to be a part of their community, learn valuable skills by building their confidence and equipping them with vocational qualifications to get jobs.

City Gateway established the Women's Project at Lansbury Lodge in Ricardo  Street, Poplar, in 2005. Since its inception it has been a runaway success with more than 500 people now on the waiting list.

The centre offers ESOL (English as a second or other language) classes, fitness, childcare and catering classes, has a creche, volunteer-run cafe and a garden where you can grow your own vegetables.

Outreach worker Moshoda Khatun said: "I joined the project out of curiosity and was overwhelmed with the range of activities it offered. I told all my friends about it and then eventually joined the project as a member of staff."

For 25-year-old Vandana Kumar the project has provided a lifeline.

"I came to London in August 2008 and missed my friends and family," she said. "I had a baby and felt very lonely and bored at home. Then I heard about Lansbury Lodge and registered.

"The staff have helped me regain the confidence. They value my talents and give me opportunities to use them. I just love the centre. It's my first home in the UK."

Mum-of-five Laila Islam, 32, who has lived in the borough for 15 years, rates the project as second to none.

She said: " I really like it because all the staff and teachers are very good and I have been studying there. I feel very proud of myself because I've passed some exams in ESOL and one from the Royal Society of Public Health. My involvement at City Gateway has given me a lot of confidence, experience and has improved my spoken English."

To find out more call 020 7515 7878 or visit www.citygateway.org.uk/women