PEOPLE who speak English as their second language can now have free lessons, thanks to £21,000 of new funding.

Trafford residents can access sessions at the Leaf Language Library in Altrincham and Sale, which aim to reduce isolation, increase social interaction and provide the opportunity for communities to better connect.

A £21,000 grant has been awarded to the libraries by housing group, Trafford Housing Trust.

The courses are for adults aged 16 or over, from English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Skills for Life series. Classes are from entry level to Level 2 and are designed for those who need English language skills for everyday life, study and employment.

Sol Diaz, director at the Leaf Language Library, said: “We are delighted as a community group to be funded by Trafford Housing Trust to deliver ESOL Skills for Life on five different levels.

“ESOL qualifications are designed to help students into education, employment and to learn English language skills for everyday life while living in the UK.

“Thank you to Trafford Housing Trust for the opportunity and the trust in our community group to deliver a prestigious qualification in the community.”

Zoe Taylor, support manager at Trafford Housing Trust, said: “Learning English is essential to anyone looking for work, and for many people it is vital for meeting new people and forming friendships.

“The Covid pandemic has for some people increased feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can be made worse if they are struggling with English, and we are confident that these courses will really help to tackle those issues.”

To find out more, contact Altrincham and Sale libraries.

You can contact Altrincham Library via email on altrincham.library@trafford.gov.uk or telephone on 0161 912 3189.

Sale Library is contactable via email on sale.library@trafford.gov.uk or telephone on 0161 912 3189.