Trio of community visits show funding in action

AESSEAL is a key part of our South Yorkshire’s Giving Network (SYGN) – a collective of like-minded individuals, businesses and philanthropists who come together to create lasting impact where it’s needed most.

Premier Learning

At Premier Learning, we saw how this small educational charity has been supporting local residents including refugees and asylum seekers. Thanks to recent SYCF funding from AESSEAL, two new English classes have launched, focusing on the vital language skills needed for everyday life in the UK.

In one class, a group of women were learning how to understand receipts, identify shopping items, and engage in real-life English conversations.

Rhiannon said:

People come into class and they are maybe a bit nervous, but it helps give them confidence and they become friends and some meet socially.

They are learning about food and clothes shopping today, but they also learn maths, how to arrange doctors’ appointments and tell the receptionist what is wrong with them. If you can learn the set phrases it is really helpful.

 

AESSEAL director Martin McKervey said:

We are very pleased to support Premier Learning, a small South Yorkshire based educational charity specialising in teaching local residents who have limited knowledge of the English Language.

Outside the classroom, they also organise various social activities to reduce social isolation, improve an individuals’ English skills and promote community cohesion. Whilst open to all, the majority of students are refugees, asylum seekers and individuals from ethnic minorities. We applaud and thank them for the important work they do.   

 

Thurcroft Welfare Brass Band

Another visit took us to Thurcroft Welfare Brass Band, a group that’s been bringing brass music to the community since the 1940s. Still going strong after the colliery’s closure in 1991, the band recently achieved 2nd place in the Yorkshire Area Brass Band Championships and proudly represented South Yorkshire at the national finals in Cheltenham.

Funding helped cover competition costs, supporting this group of 27 members between the ages of 12 and 80. The band’s commitment to developing new talent through their Training Band is helping to keep the spirit of brass music alive for future generations.

Martin McKervey said:

We are a business with a strong sense of wanting to be a good corporate citizen, recognising the importance of community support and charitable giving. It is important to help and support the communities in which we work.

It’s just wonderful to witness the strong sense of community, to understand how our support really does add value and benefit, and how it does make a difference.

 

Se Habla Español

At Se Habla Español Sheffield (SHES), we learnt how children of Spanish-speaking families are preserving their heritage and language through storytelling, games and song. The group provides language sessions for preschool and school-age children and a valuable support network for their families.

Thanks to funding, SHES has been able to cover the costs of its community centre, materials and promotional work to expand their reach.

Rachael Farrell, Philanthropy Coordinator, SYCF, said:

It was truly wonderful to witness the incredible work being done by Se Habla Español in Sheffield. From the moment you step inside, the air is alive with laughter, conversation, and singing.

This group is devoted to sharing their culture and language with younger generations, offering them a fantastic opportunity to learn and enjoy themselves. What a remarkable experience, filled with a fantastic group of dedicated volunteers!