ESOL Courses: Learning English
Learning English is a site which allows you to find English classes close to your postcode, including free classes. To use the site please click to following link: Learning English
At Kirklees Employment Service we believe in inclusivity. Our staff work with a wide range of communities to ensure that we are following culturally sensitive advice, working in ways that make each individual feel comfortable, and can signpost to a wide range of external support within the Kirklees Area.
Below are links to services we network with so that you can access further support if needed:
KABWWA
Kirklees Asian and Black Women’s Welfare Association (KABWWA) is a service specializing in supporting women and children from black, Asian and minority ethnic communities who are affected by domestic violence, providing support, advice, information and safe temporary accommodation.
Black Asian Minority Ethnic NHS Staff Network
If you are working in Southwest Yorkshire Foundation Trust (SWFT) then you can access the BAME staff network by contacting: BAMEstaffnetwork@swyt.nhs.uk.
The network offers the opportunity to support and work with others, ask questions, and have opportunities for learning as well as helping to the development of an inclusive Trust.
BAME Peer Support Group
A monthly peer support group at CLEAR Huddersfield. A safe supportive space for people from GEM backgrounds to share experiences and open discussion.
Taleem Centre, Dewsbury
A Community Centre at the heart of Saville Town which provides courses, groups and lots more to the communities of the area
Indian Muslim Welfare Society (IMWS) - Al Hikmah Centre
The Indian Muslim Welfare Society (IMWS) was established in 1957, with the express aim of supporting the wellbeing and development of the local Muslim and wider community in and around Batley and the surrounding areas.
The IMWS offers a range of support, community groups, and events. There is information about affiliated Majid’s within the area, and access to their Trilingual Newsletter, Paigaam. IMWS also offer a wide range of adult learning courses within the Indian Muslim Community, including ESOL, Sewing, Mendhi, and Digital Skills, along with having volunteering opportunities
DASH
Help for Asylum Seekers who are going through the legal process of seeking asylum, support with general wellbeing, and support around integration into a new community.
New Service in Kirklees: Here for You
If you, or somebody you know, are struggling and not sure where to go for help Here For You have local teams available every night of the year from 6pm until midnight across Leeds, Kirklees, and Wakefield.
We offer 45minute 1-to-1 support, which can be face to face, or over the phone if you struggle to leave your home. We also offer a safe space where you can be around other people and have access to free food, refreshments, and signposting to other support locally if you need it.
To access support, call your local team on the night that you would like support.
- Kirklees area: 07741900395
- Wakefield and 5 Towns: 07776962815
- Leeds: 07760173476
If you don’t have credit or feel worried about calling, you can also text our Kirklees and Wakefield Teams and they will call you back to ask a few questions to better understand how we can support you.
The Here for You Leaflet is available on this link: Here for You Flyer
National Support Networks for Cultural Groups
Black Minds Matter UK
With the vision of making mental health topics more relevant and accessible for all Black people in the UK, removing stigma, and creating inclusive and relevant services, Black Minds Matter has a range of resources, signposting and support it can offer.
Rethink Mental Illness
This support at Rethink is for people affected by mental illness from a GEM background in England who are 18 or over. It’s also for their carers, friends and relatives and anyone interested in this subject.
The Empowerment Group
The Empowerment Group aims to support the Black adult community with culturally appropriate therapy to improve their mental health. The group says:
‘We know both the need and importance of having a therapist who understands your challenges through the eyes of culture and the trauma it can cause. We are here to help.’
The ultimate goal of TEG is seeing an inclusive mental health system which meets the needs of the Black community.
Taraki
Taraki work with Punjabi communities to improve access to mental health awareness, education, social supports, and research through culturally safe activities to benefit individual and community-level care.
They have some really useful mental health resources and toolkits in their ‘resources’ section.
Online events are also offered including Punjabi Women’s Forum, Punjabi Men’s forum and Punjabi LGBTQ+ Forum
Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS)
The Helpline advises and assists individuals on issues relating to equality and human rights, across England, Scotland and Wales.
Resources and Additional Information
The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network (BAATN)
the UK’s largest independent organisation to specialise in working psychologically, informed by an understanding of intersectionality, with people who identify as Black, African, South Asian and Caribbean. This is a directory of support Therapeutic Support available in the UK
Melanin and Mental Health
Although this is an American Site there are interesting podcasts and reading materials which relate to mental health in culturally diverse groups.
**Please note, the helplines will not work on this site due to them being based in the USA
Open Minds Project
Information and discussions exploring the topic of Creating Hopeful Spaces for LGBTQ+ People with Punjabi or South Asian Heritage
South Asian Hangouts (LGBT Hero)
South Asian HangOuts is a twice monthly online group on Zoom for gay, bi and trans men who live in the UK and who have South Asian heritage.
You can also access lots more support, information, forums and advice on the website
Brown Girl Magazine
Born out of the lack of minority representation in mainstream media,
Brown Girl was created by and for South Asian womxn,
who believe in the power of storytelling as a vehicle for community
building and empowerment.
Lots of articles and discussions relating to mental health within the South Asian Culture including ‘Eating Disorders from a South Asian Perspective, Pregnancy and Infant Loss in South Asian Communities, How Model Minority myths fails Neurodivergent South Asians, Home: A complicated Issue for Children of Diaspora…and many more!!
Muslim Youth Helpline
A service for Muslim Youths who would like support/advice for any challenges they are facing. Phone, email, and online chat support is available