A FUNDING pot is now available in Warwickshire to support conversational English language courses.
Voluntary and community organisations are encouraged to put in their bids for a slice of cash from Warwickshire County Council’s Community Provision of Conversational English Language Grant.
The funding is available to support small-scale projects that aim to increase and sustain the capacity of volunteer ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) provision.
Groups are able to apply for funding of up to £500 with the total grant fund worth £10,000. The launch of the grant aims to support the development of English language skills of people newly arrived in Warwickshire, including refugees, asylum seekers and migrants.
It is hoped that formal ESOL provision will be able to increase to match the increased demand but in the interim period, the community and voluntary sector has a vital role to play in offering English language support to newly arrived communities. It is envisaged that this support would be in addition to formal, accredited ESOL being accessed elsewhere.
WCC culture spokeswoman Coun Heather Timms said: “Through the launch of this grant fund we are aiming to increase ESOL provision offered across Warwickshire, in response to the growth of new communities in the county.
“We recognise that local voluntary and community groups have a vital role to play in supplementing formal classes, providing additional language support and offering an opportunity for those who may otherwise face barriers in accessing this type of course.
“We are very pleased to be able to offer this grant as a way to support groups in their vital work with migrant communities. Applications can be made online and support is available to help them to do this before the application deadline of 15 January 2023.”
