Since Spring 2022, Cumbria has housed a small number of asylum seekers.

 

People who arrive in the UK from Ukraine, or from Syria or Afghanistan on the resettlement programme, are provided with formal English classes that are recognised by government as essential to making a new life here. However, asylum seekers are excluded from all statutory provision of education until they have been in the UK for 6 months. 

In response to this situation, we set up English language classes for the Carlisle-based asylum seekers. These are volunteer-led and take place twice a week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Please click here to contact us if you would like to find out more. You do not need to book a place to attend – you can just turn up.

 

Asylum seekers in the hotel are on destitute support and are not permitted to work. As well as learning, the English classes provide a place to be welcome, which enhances well-being. We are also helping to develop activities asylum seekers can be involved in such as sports days and trips to local beauty spots. In addition, volunteers help with practical and administrative problems faced by asylum seekers.