About Language & Learning
Language & Learning provides free English lessons, digital workshops, and employability skills to asylum seekers, refugees, and other migrants aged 18 and over. We offer tuition, guidance, and advice in safe and welcoming learning spaces.
What We Offer:
- English Language Classes: Free, unaccredited English lessons for adults.
- Employability Support: Small group sessions and one-to-one advice on training, education, and work.
- Digital Workshops: Learn how to use a computer and improve your digital skills.
English Language Classes
We offer free English lessons for those who are not eligible or cannot attend college classes in Newcastle. Classes are for adults aged 18 and over. If you are under 18, please visit our Young Lives page here.
Our classes run on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at The CastleGate, Melbourne Street, Newcastle between 9:30am – 3:30pm. Our classes are currently full.
You can also practise your English on Thursdays 11am to 1pm at the InterAction Drop-in in the Turbine Hall, CastleGate, NE1 2JQ by visiting our English conversation table. You can talk to teachers, make friends and find out more about our English classes. There is also a conversation table at our women-only Drop-in on Wednesdays 11am-1pm at CastleGate. For further information, email [email protected].
Travel Information
We are able to refund some travel fares but because of limited funds, we cannot reimburse your fare if you live within walking distance of CastleGate. A map is available here.
Contact Language & Learning
How to book an English Language Test for Visa and Citizenship
Language & Learning has teamed up with Trinity College London to support learners with booking an English test for UK visas and citizenship. Click on the button to get started, and follow the instructions to make a booking.
Employability Advice and Guidance
We aim to help people access education, training, and work. We place a particular focus on supporting displaced care workers. This happens through our:
- Employability workshops: One-to-one guidance and advice to help you on your journey
- Drop-in sessions
- Links with employers and support with CVs and job searches
How to Register
- Visit us at CastleGate, Melbourne Street, NE1 2JQ, every Tuesday from 12 to 1pm.
- Alternatively, register your interest by clicking this link, and we’ll get in touch with more information.
Digital Workshops
- All our learners can join digital workshops to practise their digital skills and learn to use a computer, from switching on and off to using Excel spreadsheets. You can also work on employability goals, practise your language and meet new friends.
- We provide laptops, tablets, WiFi access, and in-person support for anyone registered in our language or employability programmes.
Volunteering with the Language & Learning team
All our free English classes are taught by qualified ESOL volunteer teachers and supported by enthusiastic and motivated volunteer assistants. We also need Kindness Champions to help with the set up of our classrooms; volunteers to help with our registration sessions and people to assist in our digital support workshops.
If you are interested in supporting our employability sessions or digital workshops and for information about volunteering with Language & Learning, visit our volunteering page or email [email protected].
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.”