Bedford council receives £188k funding for English language classes

The Government has awarded £188,663.28 to Bedford Borough Council to help deliver services for ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) through 2020/21.

The funding is part of a nationwide initiative by MHCLG (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government).

This successful funding bid will facilitate 345 free community based classes in speaking, listening, reading and writing. There will be community based social mixing ESOL clubs and activities, such as conversation clubs and language cafes.

The council will work with charities including the Polish British Integration Centre, the Kings Arms Project, ACCM UK, 1MPACT, and NOAH Academy, alongside Bedford College in delivering ESOL courses.

Mayor of Bedford, Dave Hodgson said: “Everyone in Bedford borough should have access to be able to learn and develop their English language skills and this funding will support us in delivering just that. The classes and clubs provided by these organisations will open up more opportunities in work, education and support further integration in life for many people in Bedford.”

Sat Paul, a sessional worker at ACCM (UK), said: “We are delighted with the funding received from MHCLG which will enable us to provide resources and facilities for the delivery of ESOL teaching programme with the aim of reducing inequalities faced by the hard to reach community groups.”

Head of training and employment at NOAH Academy, Warren Edwards said: “The MHCLG ESOL for Integration funding that we will receive through our partnership with Bedford Borough Council and other partners, will allow NOAH to provide life changing and enhancing opportunities for those we serve, we are extremely grateful for this opportunity.”

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