Digital skills support for people with English as an additional language
Channel: Citizens Online
Date: 2020-05-14

On Thursday 14th May we discussd how we can ensure people with English as an additional langauge are able to access online services during the Covid19 (coronavirus) pandemic. We were joined by Aliya Yule from Migrants Organise, and Andrew McCarthy from Bristol Refugee Rights.

Migrants Organise is an award-winning, grassroots platform where migrants and refugees connect, build common ground, and organise for dignity and justice for all.

Bristol Refugee Rights provides direct support for people going through the asylum system, and campaigns for the human rights of refugees and asylum seekers in the UK.

As well as talking about providing support with digital skills during the pandemic, this session covers challenges faced by migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers during the pandemic beyond digital skills and English as an additional language.

The Questions and Answers sections, and pointers to resources are also included.

We know that people who are most at risk for Covid-19 are also most likely to be digitally excluded: people on lower incomes, and people who are older and/or disabled are less likely to be online, they are also less likely to have devices to access the internet, and they are also more likely to have low digital skills or no digital capability at all. These problems are faced by people with English as an additional language - who also face additional barriers.

We've also seen a huge number of support initiatives emerge. And we know that Digital Champions who were working in libraries and other support locations are no longer able to - but are probably desperate to put their skills and experience to good use at this time.

Please join our weekly free video call sessions on Thursdays at 11am and get involved in supporting people. Full details and registration via: https://www.citizensonline.org.uk/events