Latest News
Good Food Pantry is now OPEN at ELSH
We are delighted to announce the launch of our Good Food Pantry sponsored by Barnsley Council where our students can access groceries at discounted rates! We understand the importance of affordable, nutritious meals, especially for our community members. Whether it’s fresh produce, pantry staples, or household essentials, our pantry ensures access to quality items to support families who are struggling.
Visit ELSH Good Food Pantry today at 8-10 Market Street, Barnsley, S70 1SL and stock up on your groceries, donated from Food AWARE CIC.
ELSH is also providing Warm Place where people in the community are welcome to share hot meals, games, activities and learning free of charge to meet new friends and integrate in our community. This has been helping to reduce isolation and is making an impact in the mental health crisis.
ELSH has partnered with a scheme called Barnsley Safe Places, involving the police and local businesses. If you are lost, feel unsafe, somebody is harassing you, or you feel worried for another reason, you are welcome to use our environment. We are happy to help and support you further.
ELSH Effective Event Working with Migration Partnership Supporting the Community in Barnsley
https://youtu.be/tuLRHdeqHvo
Who We Are & What We Do
ELSH, established in March 2013 and officially registered as a charity in 2019, operates under the guiding motto of “Bringing Communities Together through English.” Committed to facilitating entry-level education, ELSH offers comprehensive English language instruction encompassing speaking, reading, listening, and writing, all provided free of charge. Our collaborative efforts extend beyond the classroom as we partner with local agencies and community organisations dedicated to supporting asylum-seekers, refugees, EU migrants, women, children, and families. Together, we strive to dismantle linguistic barriers and foster seamless integration into the local community.
We take great pride in cultivating an exceptional, secure, and nurturing learning environment tailored to the needs of our local vulnerable people. Within this space, we extend unwavering support to empower them, fostering confidence, nurturing self-esteem, and equipping them with the essential learning skills and knowledge pivotal for their progression into higher studies.
In addition to our English, Mathematics, and IT courses, we provide invaluable opportunities for work experience, placements, and training. These immersive experiences are seamlessly integrated into our curriculum, offering our students practical skills and real-world insights to enhance their employability or pursue advanced studies upon completion of their journey with ELSH.
In response to the valuable feedback from our cohorts, we have expanded our offerings to include a range of health and wellbeing initiatives aimed at fostering community cohesion and enhancing mental wellness. Through tailored programs, such as morning fitness sessions, we provide a platform for individuals to come together, forge meaningful connections, and combat feelings of isolation. These initiatives not only address loneliness but also contribute to the improvement of mental health and overall wellbeing within our community.
We warmly invite you to explore our website to discover how we can support your educational journey and community engagement activities. We look forward to welcoming you and facilitating your exploration of our resources.
Case Study
Arsham, a 24-year-old refugee from Pakistan, arrived in the UK with his family seeking asylum. Upon settling in Barnsley, Arsham faced numerous challenges, including language barriers and difficulty navigating the local community. Determined to rebuild his life and support his mother and younger brother. Arsham sought assistance from ELSH.
Upon enrolling in ELSH’s English language classes, Arsham was warmly welcomed by the volunteer tutor and other students. Through immersive language teaching, learning interactive activities, and personalised support, Arsham began to build his English proficiency and gain confidence in his communication skills.
Beyond language learning, Ahmed also participated in ELSH’s vocational training programs, where he acquired valuable skills in computer literacy and job readiness. With the guidance of ELSH staff and volunteers, Arsham was provided with one-to-one support and completed a work placement at a local business, gaining practical experience and building professional connections.
As Arsham’s confidence grew, he became an active volunteer in ELSH’s community events and workshops, where he shared his experiences and insights with other newcomers. Inspired by his journey, Arsham volunteered to mentor new arrivals, providing them with guidance and support as they adjusted to life in the UK.
Today, Arsham is employed full-time in a local supermarket providing IT support, where he utilises the skills and knowledge gained through ELSH’s programs following his IT background. He continues to be an active member of the community, volunteering his time to support other refugees and migrants on their journey to integration.
Arsham’s story exemplifies the transformative impact of ELSH’s programs in empowering individuals like him to overcome adversity, build meaningful connections, and achieve their full potential in their new homes. Through holistic support, personalised guidance, and a nurturing community environment, ELSH continues to make a difference in the lives of refugees and asylum-seekers in the Barnsley community.