International Welcome
Our International Welcome drop-in sessions offer free advice and practical support to refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, and those with lived experience of migration into Norfolk.
These sessions give an opportunity for people, along with those who support them, to meet each other, to get to know their local community, and access a wide range of help and support with professional partners.
What we offer at each of these drop-in sessions will be different, but will include a wide range of advice and support, including:
- Free activities and groups in the library
- Help with getting online with free wifi in the library, and other digital support such as sim cards and laptop loan
- Access to library services, books in many languages and translations, and children's library
- Help with housing, employment, and health
- Support for children - education and family life
- Learning English and conversation groups
- Meeting people and local support groups
All our support is free, non-judgemental and inclusive for all who need it. We will assist within library guidelines and signpost to other professionals if needed.
We offer help across Norfolk if you can't get to an International Welcome session - email migrantsupport@norfolk.gov.uk with questions, or if you would like to see a session at your library.
International Welcome - dates and times
Monday
- Fakenham Library - second and fourth Mondays, 11am to 1pm
- Loddon Library - every week, 10.45am to 11.45am
Tuesday
- Gorleston Library - last Tuesday in the month, 11am to 1pm (starting 30 April 2024)
- Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library (ground floor) - every week, 2.30pm to 5pm
- Poringland Library - every week, 10.45am to 11.45am
Wednesday
- Attleborough Library - every week, 1pm to 3pm
- Diss Library - first, third and fifth Wednesday, 10am to 12pm
- Diss United Reformed Church - second and fourth Wednesday, 10am to 12pm
- Great Yarmouth Library - every week, 10am to 12pm
Thursday
- Aylsham Library - every week ,11.30am to 1.30pm
- Kings Lynn Library - every week, 2.30pm to 4.30pm
- Wroxham Library - every week, 10.30am to 12.30pm
Friday
- Dereham Aid Centre - every week, 1pm to 3pm
- North Walsham Library - first and third Friday, 12pm to 2pm
English Exchange
English Exchange is a free, friendly conversation group for those learning English as a second language. Come along and practise your spoken English with one of the volunteers. No need to book, just drop in.
Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library
- Mondays, 2pm to 3pm
- Thursdays, 10.30am to 11.30am
Costessey Library - International Read Out Loud Group
- Tuesdays, 2pm to 3pm
Great Yarmouth Library
- Tuesdays, 12.30pm to 1.30pm
King's Lynn Library
- Thursdays, 2.30pm - 3.30pm
Downham Market Library
- Thursdays, 10.45am to 11.45am - free English classes for beginners and improvers. No need to book, just drop in and begin to build your confidence with speaking, listening, reading or writing
International Just a Cuppa Sessions
These International Just a Cuppa sessions give people from all over the world the chance to come together, have a chat and practice their English with free refreshments. Everybody welcome!
Great Yarmouth Library
Fridays, 11am to 12pm
Dereham Library
Tuesdays, 3pm to 5pm
Costessey Library
- Mondays, 10am to 12pm
Downham Market Library
- Downham Market Library International Club, second Tuesday of each month, 5.30pm to 7pm