About Us
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Speak and Belong CIC is a non-profit community organisation committed to helping people feel connected, supported, and empowered through language, learning, and community engagement. We provide welcoming and inclusive spaces where migrants, refugees, women, and local residents can improve their English, develop confidence, gain essential life and digital skills, and build meaningful social connections. Our sessions are designed not only to support learning, but also to reduce isolation and promote wellbeing, belonging, and active participation in the community. Founded by experienced education and community professionals, Speak and Belong CIC believes that everyone deserves access to opportunities, support, and a sense of belonging. Through free courses, workshops, wellbeing projects, and community activities, we aim to strengthen individuals, families, and communities across Greater Manchester.
Our Story
Speak and Belong CIC was founded by Monika Sulowska, the founder of WhatSay? English Language Centre in Worsley, Greater Manchester. After several years of working closely with migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, EAL learners, and local families, Monika recognised that language education, wellbeing support, and community connection should not be a privilege, but something accessible to everyone.
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Through her experience teaching English and supporting diverse communities, she saw how learning English, feeling included, building confidence, and accessing support can transform lives and empower people in everyday situations. She also recognised that many individuals and families faced barriers to education, wellbeing services, social inclusion, and opportunities due to cost, isolation, or lack of accessible support.
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This inspired the creation of Speak and Belong CIC in August 2025 — a non-profit community organisation dedicated to providing inclusive, welcoming, and accessible programmes that help people feel confident, connected, valued, and empowered within their communities.
Our Team
Monika Sulowska – Founder and CEO
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Monika Sulowska is the Founder and Director of Speak and Belong CIC, bringing over 18 years of experience in education, language teaching, inclusion, and community engagement across the UK and Poland. She holds a Master’s degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language and has extensive experience across primary, secondary, adult education, ESOL, EAL, and community-based learning, supporting people from diverse cultural, linguistic, and social backgrounds. Monika is currently the Leader and Teacher of EAL at The Lowry Academy, where she leads the development of the EAL Department and supports over 300 multilingual learners. Her expertise includes curriculum development, assessment, intervention planning, staff training, parental engagement, safeguarding, and promoting equal access to education. She is also the founder of WhatSay? English Language Centre, established in 2019, providing accessible language education for children, adults, migrants, and international learners. Passionate about inclusion and community empowerment, Monika specialises in programme development, partnership working, and creating opportunities that help people overcome barriers, build confidence, and feel connected through education and community engagement.
Paul Whitelegg – DirectorÂ
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Paul Whitelegg is a Director of Speak and Belong CIC and co-founder of Walkden in Bloom. He is passionate about supporting people to achieve their goals by creating welcoming, inclusive, and supportive spaces where individuals can grow, contribute, and thrive. As a Director, Paul provides valuable support in developing projects that promote social inclusion, community cohesion, education, wellbeing, and personal development. He works closely with volunteers, local residents, community groups, and partners to help create opportunities that build confidence, develop skills, and strengthen connections. Through Walkden in Bloom, Paul is also committed to improving local green spaces, encouraging volunteering, and bringing communities together through positive action. His approach is centred on kindness, respect, and collaboration, with a strong belief that everyone should feel valued, included, and empowered to contribute to their community. Paul’s dedication to community-led initiatives helps strengthen relationships, encourage participation, and create a lasting positive impact for local people.
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Sarra Smith – DirectorÂ
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Sarra Smith brings valuable experience in education and community engagement to Speak and Belong CIC, with expertise in transition support, family engagement, partnership working, and community events. As the Transition and Community Lead at The Lowry Academy in Salford, she works closely with young people, families, schools, community groups, and local organisations to create opportunities that support confidence, connection, and personal growth. Sarra’s warm and inclusive approach, combined with her skills in programme delivery, relationship building, and community outreach, makes her a valuable member of the Speak and Belong team. She is passionate about creating welcoming spaces where people feel supported, valued, and empowered to overcome barriers and thrive within their community. Through her work with schools, families, and community partners, Sarra understands the importance of listening to people’s needs and creating meaningful opportunities for participation. She is committed to helping build stronger, more connected communities where everyone has the opportunity to belong and succeed.
Our Volunteers and Staff
Bibiana – Classroom Support Volunteer
Bibiana is a passionate volunteer and creative artist who enjoys bringing people together through community work and creativity. With over eight years of volunteering experience, she has supported a range of charities and community projects, contributing her time, skills, and enthusiasm to help others. Outside of volunteering, Bibiana enjoys textile arts, including weaving, crochet, embroidery, and painting. Her background in university athletics has shaped her values of teamwork, dedication, and supporting others — qualities she proudly brings to her role as a volunteer with Speak and Belong. Bibiana is committed to helping create a welcoming, inclusive community where people can connect, learn, and thrive together. Through her creativity, kindness, and passion for bringing people together, she helps strengthen the sense of belonging at the heart of Speak and Belong. Bibiana's kindness, compassion, and positive attitude make her a valued member of the Speak and Belong volunteer team.
Donna - Early Years TeacherÂ
Donna is a highly experienced Early Years teacher and SEND specialist with over 30 years of experience supporting children, families, and communities. Throughout her career, she has held senior leadership roles, including Deputy Head, SENDCo, and Head of School at a local nursery school, as well as leadership roles across a network of Sure Start centres. Donna has also worked as a Curriculum, Early Years, and SEND Advisor with the Teach Manchester group, supporting educational settings to improve outcomes for children. Her expertise in early language development, school readiness, and inclusive practice brings invaluable knowledge and passion to Speak and Belong’s Early Years programme. As both a staff member and volunteer, Donna is dedicated to creating welcoming, inclusive spaces where every child and family can thrive. Donna's kindness, expertise, and commitment make her a valued member of the Speak and Belong team.
Christian – Digital Skills TeacherÂ
Christian is a passionate Digital Skills teacher with a Master’s degree in Digital Marketing. He volunteers with Speak and Belong CIC to share his knowledge and help people develop essential digital skills, confidence, and independence in today’s digital world. He is committed to supporting vulnerable communities, creating positive change, and using his skills to make a meaningful impact. Through volunteering, Christian enjoys connecting with people, learning from their experiences, and contributing to a more inclusive and supportive society. Christian is also continuing to develop his expertise by starting a new degree in Managing Innovation and Information Technology at the University of Salford, where he will further expand his knowledge of technology, leadership, and digital transformation. He is passionate about lifelong learning and using his growing skills to support individuals and communities in an ever-changing digital world.
Saghi – Early Years Volunteer
Saghi is a dedicated volunteer with over 23 years of experience in education. Holding a Master’s degree in Educational Planning and a Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, she has worked as a lecturer, teacher, and educational professional in universities and schools, as well as training early years and nursery practitioners. Passionate about supporting children, families, and lifelong learning, Saghi has also volunteered as a social worker helping vulnerable and disadvantaged children. She enjoys volunteering with Speak and Belong because it gives her the opportunity to support learners, connect with people from diverse backgrounds, and contribute to a welcoming, inclusive community. Her kindness, patience, and wealth of experience make her a valued member of our volunteer team. She is committed to empowering others through education, encouragement, and creating positive opportunities for everyone she supports.
At Speak and Belong CIC, our mission is to empower individuals and strengthen communities through inclusive education, wellbeing support, creativity, and meaningful social connection. We are committed to creating safe, welcoming, and accessible spaces where migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, EAL learners, families, women, young people, and local residents can build confidence, develop skills, improve wellbeing, and feel a true sense of belonging. Through English language education, digital inclusion, arts and creativity, early years learning, health and wellbeing programmes, community engagement, and empowerment initiatives, we aim to reduce barriers, promote equality, celebrate diversity, and help people thrive within their communities. We believe that every person deserves the opportunity to speak freely, belong fully, and reach their full potential, regardless of background, language, culture, or circumstance.
Mission
Our Values
What we stand for
Inclusion
We welcome people of all backgrounds, cultures, languages, ages, and abilities, creating safe and supportive spaces where everyone feels respected and valued.
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Empowerment
We believe education, wellbeing, creativity, and community support empower individuals to build confidence, independence, and brighter futures.
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Belonging
We are committed to helping people feel connected to their communities, reducing isolation and promoting meaningful social connections.
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Accessibility
We strive to make our programmes affordable, inclusive, community-based, and accessible for those who face barriers to participation.
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Diversity & Respect
We celebrate cultural diversity and encourage understanding, kindness, equality, and respect between communities.
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Wellbeing
We promote positive mental health, resilience, confidence, and self-care through supportive and trauma-informed approaches.
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Community Collaboration
We work in partnership with schools, libraries, local organisations, volunteers, and community members to maximise positive impact.
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Lifelong Learning
We believe learning should be available to everyone at every stage of life, supporting personal growth, communication, creativity, and opportunity.
