THOUSANDS of speakers not fluent in English are set to benefit from the government’s new Integrated Communities English Language Programme that aims to help those who may be isolated by their inability to speak the language.
Announcing the winners of the £4.5 million Integrated Communities English Language Programme, communities minister Lord Bourne said on Thursday (28) that this new plan will help in better integration “by making good use of local services, becoming part of community life and mixing and making friendships with people from different backgrounds.”
“Speaking English is so crucial in our day-to-day lives – whether we’re helping our children with their homework or traveling on a bus to do the shopping,” he said.
A further £1.2 million will be given to successful winners of the English Language Coordination Fund to develop new co-ordination models, Lord Bourne announced.
Starting in April, the programme, will fund over 19,000 learner places that aim to improve proficiency in English, boost confidence and encourage integration.
It will replace the existing community-based English language programme that has helped more than 73,000 people improve their language skills over the last five years.
“We are very excited to be part of this much needed innovative programme which will take English Language teaching into the heart of our communities,” said Joni Cunningham, principal of Redbridge Institute. “Supporting people informally to take their first steps in learning English will break down barriers, raise ambitions to carry on learning and help people make more of their lives.”
Redbridge Institute of Adult Education, FaithAction, Manchester Adult Education and TimeBank are among the organisations that will receive funding under the Integrated Communities English Language Programme.
Catherine West MP, Labour appears on BBC TV's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg in London, Britain, May 10, 2026. Jeff Overs/BBC/Handout via REUTERS
