Language & Learning provides free English lessons and employability skills to people seeking asylum, refugees, and other migrants.
We offer tuition, guidance and advice in safe learning spaces for people aged 18+
This includes:
- Language classes providing free unaccredited English tuition and other wider learning opportunities
- Employability guidance in small groups and one-to-one advice around training, education and work
- Digital workshops for those in Language classes and Employability classes
Watch our video about English classes
Language Classes
We provide free English lessons for those who are not eligible or find it difficult to attend college classes in Newcastle and Sunderland. Classes are for over-18s. If you are under 18, you can visit our Young Lives page here.
Newcastle classes are two times a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays at The CastleGate, Newcastle.
Registration for our classes beginning on September 24th 2024 will open in the first week of September. Come to CastleGate to register on the following dates:
Tuesday 03/09/24 10am to 1pm
Thursday 05/09/24 10am to 1pm
Tuesday 10/09/24 10am to 1pm
Thursday 12/09/24 10am to 1pm
You can walk to our classes easily if you live near the city centre or to the east of the city. We have very limited funds for reimbursing bus fares and these will be used to help people most in need. Please ask for more information when you register at our offices. You can find a map on this page.
Sunderland classes are two times a week on Monday and Wednesday mornings. They take place at Bede Tower, Burdon Road, SR2 7ES.
Registration for Sunderland classes are on the following dates at Bede Tower:
Monday 16/09/24 9.30am to 11.30am
Wednesday 18/09/24 9.30am to 11.30am
If you just want to practise your English, please come to our InterAction Drop-in every Thursday at our Newcastle HQ from 11am-1pm. You can visit our language table, talk to teachers, make friends and get help and advice.
All our free classes are taught by qualified ESOL volunteer teachers and supported by enthusiastic and motivated volunteer assistants. For information about volunteering with Language & Learning visit our volunteering page.
Contact Language & Learning
Employability Advice and Guidance
We want to prepare people to access education, training and work. We offer:
- Employability classes with one-to-one guidance and advice
- Support to access courses that will prepare people for the world of work, via our network of partners You can register for employability support at CastleGate, Melbourne Street, NE1 2JQ on Tuesday June 18th between 1pm-4pm.
Digital Workshops
All our learners can access workshops using digital platforms to improve their English and confidence. Clients can use these workshops to learn independently – for example they may write their CVs, research the job market, create a portfolio of qualifications or do an online course.
Laptops, tablets, WiFi access and in-person support is available to anyone registered on our language or employability programmes.
In addition, a digital cafe usually operates at our Thursday InterAction Drop-In, which is open to everyone, registered or non-registered.
Language & Learning is grateful for the support of
“The class has been a positive chance for me. The class atmosphere is very energetic and vibrant. It is full of different people with different cultures, beliefs, backgrounds.”