Education and training (outside London)
Education and training (outside London)
This section provides information on opportunities for learning and education, including English classes, in areas outside of London. Where available, we’ve also included information on child care facilities and cost. It’s only intended an introduction, so you’ll need to contact the individual organisations for full details. Finally, if we’ve missed out a great organisation that you’ve found useful, please email us at info@testimonyproject.org and we’ll make sure we include it.
This section covers the following areas:
National
Manchester
Nottingham
Birmingham
Leeds
Scotland
National
Public libraries
Most public libraries provide information on educational opportunities in the area as well as free internet access to members. Joining a library is usually free of charge. Some libraries hold free educational events that are open to the public and also stock books in a variety of different languages. This website provides a list of all public libraries in the UK and is complete with contact details and links for each.
Refugee Council
The Refugee Council’s Learning and Integration Unit provides information on educational opportunities for asylum seekers and refugees throughout the UK. Whilst the unit itself no longer operates due to funding restrictions, it still provides information on training opportunities through other organisations.
240-250 Ferndale Road, Brixton, London SW9 8BB (head office)
Tel: 02073 466 700 Fax: 02073 466 701
Multikulti
This website provides general information on educational opportunities for asylum seekers and refugees in the UK. It provides advice on how to overcome some of the obstacles to education that asylum seekers face.
Email enquiries can be sent through the ‘Contact’ section of the website.
Right to a Voice (NIACE)
This organisation supports and promotes the education of asylum seekers in the UK and is currently setting up weekly group meetings all over the country to assist asylum seekers in their endeavours to learn English and get to know the area in which they live. Contact the email address below for a group in your area.
20 Princess Road West, Leicester LE1 6TP
Tel: 01162 044 200/201 Fax: 01162 854 514
Email: voicecampaign@niace.org.uk
Refugee Action
Visit this website’s regional office sites for more information on training and education opportunities for asylum seekers and refugees.
The Old Fire Station, 150 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8SB
Tel: 02076 547 700 Fax: 02074 013 699
Manchester
Manchester Refugee Support Network
This organisation is run by and for refugees. It aims to strengthen community-based refugee organisations in Greater Manchester. They provide information on educational opportunities for adults and children and help refugees access these services.
129 Princess Road, Moss Side, Manchester, M14 4TH
Tel: 01612 327 420 Fax: 01612 329 117
Nottingham
Nottingham City Council
The city council in Nottingham offers an array of services and advice for asylum seekers, including educational opportunities for children and adults. They have a dedicated asylum seeker and refugee support team.
The Sandfield Centre, Sandfield Road, Nottingham NG7 1QH
Tel: 01159 150 787
Notts Refugee Forum
This organisation provides advice on many issues, including education and learning opportunities. Dedicated ‘One Stop Shop Advisors’ help asylum seekers with accessing local services.
The Square Centre, Alfred Street North, St Ann’s, Nottingham, NG3 1AA
Tel: 01159 415 599 Fax: 01159 475 358
Birmingham
Community Integration Partnership
This organisation provides training opportunities for women asylum seekers and refugees. Courses offered include IT and English as a second language, and child care facilities are available. The website is currently under construction, so please call or email for further information.
9 George Road, Edgbaston, B15 1NP
Tel: 01214 549 000
Email: s.akhtar@cip-uk.org.uk
Leeds
Leeds Asylum Seekers’ Support Network
The director below provides information on English language classes in the Leeds area. Some organisations provide childcare, free meals, or internet access; contact the individual organisations for full details and operating times.
233 Roundhay Road, Harehills, Leeds LS8 4HS
Tel: 01133 805 690 Fax: 01133 805 691
Emails can be submitted through the ‘Contacts’ section on the website
Refugee Education & Training Advisory Service (RETAS)
This organisations provides one-on-one advice to asylum seekers on how to make the most of educational opportunities available to them, including ESOL courses. They also assist asylum seekers with funding applications for education and provide assistance with employment for refugees. Although the main office is in Leeds, the organisation also operates in Bradford, Halifax, and Wakefield.
233-237 Roundhay Road, Harehills, Leeds LS8 4HS
Tel: 01133 805 630 Fax: 01133 805 631
Email: info@retasleeds.org.uk
Scotland
ESOL Scotland
This website allows you to search for English classes all over Scotland. Please contact the relevant provider organisation for details on class times, dates, and cost.
Email: info@esolscotland.com
Emails can also be sent through the ‘Contact’ section on the website.