A Salford community group has secured £20,000 from the National Lottery to help migrants, refugees and local families learn English and build community connections.
Speak and Belong CIC provides free English classes, conversation sessions, employability workshops and wellbeing activities for migrants and refugees who struggle to find quality access to support.
Monila Sulowska, the CEO of Speak and Belong, said: “We will be able to continue providing safe, welcoming spaces where people can learn English, build confidence and feel part of their community. This is important because language learning is often the first step towards employment, wellbeing and stronger connections with local schools and services.”
The move is part of the National Lottery’s ‘it starts with community’ scheme to provide at least £4 billion of National Lottery funding. The project will now enable Speak and Belong to expand its provision and secure two years of continuous learning and community support.
The community group has also been endorsed by one of its learners, praising the help they have received.
“Before joining the classes I was nervous to speak English. Now I can talk to my child’s school and feel more confident in daily life,” one learner said.
The community-based learning sessions are supporting 60 adults, teenagers and children across Salford, including Walkden, Little Hulton, Worsley and surrounding areas.
More information about Speak and Belong can be found here, while information on the National Lottery’s scheme can be found here.
