English For All currently provides free online and in person English classes for asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants in Newcastle. We're seeking your support for our digital access project to provide tablets/laptops for our students which will enable them to access our classes online and 1 to 1 support sessions within the classroom. Your contribution will not only benefit our learning community but also create further opportunities for students to study, connect with others and help establish themselves in a new city. The project will maximise the benefits of digital connectivity - breaking isolation and improving mental health as they will have access to digital health and social care services. Students can access 1-1 online support to improve employment prospects and IT skills. They can also benefit from wider community support like communication from their Solicitors, Job Centre, College courses and staying in touch with friends and family.

What we'll deliver:

• Provide tablets / refurbished laptops
• Enhance student engagement and interaction

Why it's a great idea:

Opportunities for further study Enhanced literacy and digital literacy Space for socialising and integration A sense of community and belonging A holistic learning environment in which to work towards achieving their goals This project is especially important when living on £9 a week in asylum accommodation and vital to enable access to education. Asylum seekers can be moved without notice - having a tablet or laptop can help people maintain their connection with us and others within their community. It will further increase the resilience of students by providing opportunities for interaction and exposure to opportunities they may not aware of or access to, thus, widening social networks, creating connections, and supporting emotional well-being. During the pandemic, we helped students access our online classes by providing them a tablet and we would love to continue and expand this offer!

Steps to get it done:

• Classroom will be fully equipped and functional digitally
• Buying the digital devices

The difference English for All makes is best expressed by those in our learning community: “I am shy but with your lessons I can speak easily” (I feel comfortable to speak). (NU) "When I first came I thought lessons would be ordinary...but not ordinary lessons. I learn wisdom - lots of things - it is more close to me. Your opinions are very important for me. I feel your wisdom and appreciate your efforts. I find this more useful than other courses because very open-minded - not just text. You start something (topic) but at the end of the lesson - branches. I feel you are my English family." (EC) “Thank you very much. I am very happy (to receive the tablet). My teacher thank you. It's good that you are here. Thank you with all my heart.” (MA) “Thank you very much surely you've been a blessing to me. I just wanted to say thank you both so much for thinking about me and offering me support.” (SAZ)