New Skillspeak course

It will start in the New Year in Hastings. The course is free and open to women aged 19 to 65 whose second language is English.

Participants are required to have a good understanding of the English language, be prepared to study towards accreditation and have recourse to public funds. The course runs twice a week over a ten-week period and takes place in Hastings town centre easily accessible by public transport.

The course covers Speaking and Listening and Reading and Writing as well as Citizenship so that participants can study towards becoming British citizens.

Skillspeak says professional and friendly staff will be on-hand to provide one-to-one support as well as practical help and advice in CV-writing.

In addition, Skillspeak will cover childcare and travel costs.

Set-up in 2005, Skillspeak offers accredited and non-accredited courses in English for Speakers of Other Languages.

The courses are held in community venues for people unable to gain access to mainstream educational facilities.

The project currently supports 120 participants with 35 of these going on to further accredited training. Skillspeak is delivered by the People for Action team as part of the Regeneration Directorate of the AmicusHorizon Group. The project is funded by the Learning and Skills Council and the European Social Fund with support from the AmicusHorizon Group.

AmicusHorizon Group have recently been assessed by the Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI). The ALI evaluated three projects one of which was Skillspeak. They were praised for delivering 'good' quality services to learners across Sussex, Surrey and South London.

William Miller, AmicusHorizon Group Regeneration Director, said: "AmicusHorizon Group are committed to delivering additional services to tenants as part of our comprehensive approach to neighbourhoods and communities and we are very aware of the need for quality and service excellence. Skillspeak is a successful project that delivers a wide range of high-quality ESOL courses, at times and venues to suit participants. We at AmicusHorizon Group are committed to delivering quality learning projects for residents to help create excellent neighbourhoods and benefit the wider community as a whole."

Members of the public should please contact Lauren Kenny at AmicusHorizon Group on 01323 413193 or email [email protected] to register interest or to find out more.