ADULT learning provider, ACL Essex, is supporting refugees across the county with a wide range of courses to equip them for life in a new country and wants to hear from anyone wishing to access their services.

Over the past few months, hundreds of refugees from Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong, have gained support from ACL Essex helping them with essential language skills and advice on how to get to grips with everyday life in the UK.

ACL Essex has created specialist language courses, which are constantly being developed to support refugees. Many refugees from Ukraine have good English skills, but still require support to improve their communication skills to get their foot on the career ladder. More in-depth support has been provided by the learning provider to refugees from Afghanistan, where English is not widely taught in schools, helping refugees learn a new language and improve their skill base to enter the workplace.

Lisa Jarentowski, ACL Essex, Principal, is proud of her team and the support they offer. She said: “It’s been really inspiring to see how hard the refugees have been working on their courses, our specialist teams have given a wide range of support, not just language skills but also advice on how to register with a local doctor, enrol children into a school etc.”

She continued: “It has also been amazing to see learners completing their courses and many are now stepping into new career pathways, one has now become a bus driver, another has set-up their own textile business! We would like to wish them all the very best.”

Cllr Tony Ball Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Skills and Employability adds: “We’re delighted to offer help to refugees at such a critical time in their lives. The people of Essex have opened their homes to refugees from across the world and it is only right we offer the best support too.”

Courses for refugees are available across Essex and are starting on a rolling basis. If you are interesting or know someone who would benefit from enrolling on a course, please visit your local ACL Essex centre, or call 0345 603 7635.

To discover more visit, visit www.aclessex.com.