New community project aims to help city women find their voice

Monday, 8 March 2021 19:04

A community project aimed at empowering Birmingham women, helping them find their voice and play an active role in their communities, is being launched on International Women’s Day (8 March 2021).

Get Families Talking – a pilot scheme commissioned by Birmingham City Council’s equalities and cohesion team, and run by Smartlyte, a training provider based in Balsall Heath – will initially deliver free conversational English language sessions, online for women in Balsall Heath, Sparkbrook, Sparkhill and Highgate.

Supporting women from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, the project also aims to help local women grow in confidence, build friendships and encourage them to get involved in their local communities.

By developing their English skills and increasing their confidence to engage in community activities, it is hoped participants will continue their learning and seek employment or volunteering opportunities.

Cllr John Cotton, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Social Inclusion and Equalities, said: “Social isolation has become a real issue during this pandemic, so initiatives like this which will help empower women while they learn, by building confidence and friendships can help bring communities together.”

As Covid-19 restrictions remain in place, the six-week pilot scheme will be run via Zoom sessions, but women can get involved at any stage.

To find out more and sign up for sessions starting week commencing 29 March 2021, visit the Get Families Talking website.

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