Confronting hostility towards migrants: resources for the ESOL classroom
In December 2025 and January 2026 MESH facilitated two Lunchtime Showcases on the topic of countering the far right – ‘Delivering ESOL in a migrant-hostile environment’. This was in response to requests from ESOL providers in the Yorkshire and Humber region, who had witnessed trauma and distress in their learners due to physical and social media violence from far right actors.
The aim of this ‘Confronting hostility towards migrants: resources for the ESOL classroom’ MESH resource is to inspire experienced teachers, newly qualified teachers and volunteer ESOL teachers with a range of locally referenced teaching and learning activities to use in the classroom. The resource has a selection of ideas to suit various ESOL levels. When developing this resource, we consulted with colleagues from St Augustine’s Centre in Halifax and This Way 4 English in Huddersfield.
Trigger warning. Many of the lessons suggested here might invoke traumatic feelings for learners, and so should be approached with care and sensitivity for the learners, and also for yourself as a teacher. This LINK details support for teachers. Please read this before delivering these activities
Further Information
Educate Against Hate
Discussing Fundamental British values of mutual respect and tolerance in classrooms.
West Yorkshire Police
Find out what a Hate Crime is, and how to report it.
Victim Support
Support for those affected by the violence and disorder in parts of the UK which has included racist and Islamophobic attacks on individuals and communities.
British Muslim Trust – Report Hate Crime
The British Muslim Trust supports victims of anti-Muslim hate and is a public service which also measures and monitors anti-Muslim incidents
Colleges of Sanctuary
If you are interested in becoming an FE College of Sanctuary, this resource pack will inspire and guide you.
Hope not Hate
Guidance about what to do if so-called ‘auditors’ (far right-activists seeking to document activities involving migrants) forcefully enter a classroom or other building.