Press Release

Nottingham City Council funds Refugee Roots and Belong partnership to provide ESOL for asylum seekers and refugees

Charity Refugee Roots, who provide a place to belong through a range of empowerment initiatives, support and learning opportunities, have been awarded £35,000 towards their Access project and English conversation classes. 

The project, which offers both in-person and online language classes to refugees, is expected to support more than 400 participants. 

Refugee Roots' Charity Director said, "this funding will enable us to reach more participants and offer much-needed conversational English classes to those who need it most". The charity is enthusiastic about working even more closely with Belong, who were also awarded funding for providing accredited ESOL courses to asylum seekers and newly recognised refugees. 

The weekly language classes, which will take place in several locations in Nottingham, will be accessible to asylum seekers and newly recognised refugees. Details of the project can be found on the charity’s website. Volunteers will help to provide language support using a variety of interactive talking, listening and speaking exercises that promote learning. With more than 40 volunteers active in the project since the beginning of the year, including people with lived experience of migration, retired and employed people, students and placement and work experience students, the project is set to be a success. Volunteers make Access a safe and welcoming environment for participants. 

The funding will also help to establish an evening project which will meet a gap in service provision. 

In addition to this funding, Refugee Roots has also been awarded funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund’s Essential Skills Grant, which will meet shortfalls in the overall cost of the project and enable learners to access other learning opportunities, digital skills courses, and education with the support of dedicated Essential Skills Coordinators.

It is anticipated that up to 200 more participants could be supported with the additional funding. 

Refugee Roots has also just hit a milestone in their £100k campaign, reaching a third of the way towards the goal and is looking for more people, businesses, faith communities and supporters to join them on their journey, which will help those seeking refuge and protection find friendship and a place to call home. More information is available on the website. 

ENDS

Media contact: Adam Baker 07462092732  / [email protected]

Adam Baker is available for interview.

Images available upon request

     

Background Notes

Refugee Roots welcomes all, helping those in need find friendship and a place to call home

Refugee Roots helps asylum seekers and refugees build relationships and navigate the complexities of building a new life in the UK.

Launched in 2001 as The Rainbow Project, based on the vision of St. Stephen's Church in Hyson Green, Refugee Roots continues to be motivated and inspired by Christian faith. 

Refugee Roots welcomes everyone, valuing each person and their culture, embracing equality and diversity while empowering and supporting those that need it most.

Based in Nottingham, our range of empowerment initiatives include befriending, accompanying asylum seekers to appointments, information, advice and guidance, as well as supportive groups and activities, such as free English conversation classes.

To find out more about Refugee Roots visit www.refugeeroots.org.uk