I’m getting in touch as part of my role as CRF Lead at Burnley Council, where I’m looking at the wider support available to residents through the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) and how we can best support people to access the services they need.
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I’m keen to build a better understanding of the ESOL provision currently available in Burnley, including the level of demand and whether there are any gaps in provision or capacity.

It would be helpful to understand:

• What ESOL courses or informal English language sessions you currently offer in Burnley, including levels, locations and frequency.
• Who the courses are aimed at and whether there are any eligibility criteria or costs.
• Current demand for courses, including waiting lists or any difficulties residents face accessing provision.
• Your current capacity and whether you have scope to accommodate additional learners.
• Whether you have identified any gaps in provision, unmet need or barriers for residents wanting to improve their English.
• Any plans to develop or expand your provision in the future.

The aim is to build a clearer picture of what is available locally, where demand is greatest and whether there are opportunities for services to work together to improve access and support residents.
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From a CRF perspective, I’m particularly interested in understanding how language barriers may affect residents’ ability to access financial support, advice, employment opportunities and other essential services, and whether there are opportunities to strengthen the support available.

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I appreciate you may not have all this information readily available, but any insight you can share would be really useful. I’d also be happy to arrange a conversation if that would be easier.

CSwift@burnley.gov.uk

​What do you think of community life here in Burnley?

All your answers to this survey will be treated in the strictest confidence, with all your answers going directly to us.

And in case you’re wondering who we are? We are an independent social enterprise called Civil Society Together CIC. We have been working locally with faith and civil society organisations for over 15 years.

I just wanted to reach out as we are currently developing a new employment support scheme aimed at helping individuals to overcome the barriers they face when looking for training and employment. We were wondering if you have any upcoming events or the availability for us to use your space for a drop-in where we can meet new people and offer our support.
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The project is still in its early stages, but the idea is to provide friendly, personalised support to individuals who may need a bit of extra help to move towards employment, training, volunteering, or other opportunities.

​This will be a completely free service available for anyone aged16 years plus. We want to meet people, really talk to them and hear what support they need, then build plans tailored to them.

While we have a particular interest in supporting neurodiverse individuals, the scheme isn't exclusive to any one group. We aim to support anyone who may be struggling with challenges or barriers that are making employment feel difficult or out of reach.
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As we develop the project, we want to connect with local organisations, charities, family hubs and community groups to understand what's already available and where we might be able to add value.

We are aiming to offer

• Informal pop-up sessions in community venues where people can drop in for a chat about employment and any barriers they're facing.
• One-to-one support tailored to an individual's circumstances.
• Small group sessions focused on building confidence, developing skills, and helping individuals to take their next steps.
• Build strong links with local organisations so we can work together to provide the best support possible.

If this sounds like something you might be interested in supporting or have a possible venue to host from, we'd love to hear from you and explore how we might work together.

A session for partners and event organisers involved in Burnley 2027 Year of Culture planning.
Registration and refreshments available from 9.30am. Session commences promptly at 10.00am

This session is for current and potential partners involved in the delivery of Burnley 2027 Year of Culture activity.
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Join us at Burnley Mechanics Theatre for this in-person event, where we will be providing strategic updates on Year of Culture and inviting groups and organisations to share their own updates on plans and progress towards activity to be built into the programme for 2027.

​The Burnley Together Christmas Gift Appeal is back! 
We’re launching this year’s appeal on Monday 19 October, and we’d love your business or organisation to get involved.
Last year, thanks to the incredible support of local businesses, schools and organisations, more than 1,100 children received gifts at Christmas. We’d love to do it all over again this year and help make Christmas special for even more local children and young people.

There are two ways your organisation can be part of our network this winter: apply for funding to become a Winter Resilience Hub or register as a Warm Space. Take a look below to find the right option for you.

Winter Resilience Hubs grant scheme Opening date: Monday 28 September 2026

Closing date: Friday 9 October 2026, 11:59pm
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This year we’re strengthening our Warm Spaces, as we have funding available for those choosing to become a Winter Resilience Hub. Community organisations can apply for funding of up to £1,000 to deliver one weekly Hub session between 2nd November 2026 and 26th February 2027. The aim of these Hubs is to connect residents with information, advice, and support at an early stage as part of our joined-up, “no wrong door” network.

Sharing Warm Spaces for Burnley

If you’re not applying to become a funded Winter Resilience Hub this year, you can still be part of our network as a Warm Space. We know that many of our partners across Burnley are already offering warm, welcoming spaces – and we’d love to include you in our network. By registering your facilities or services with us, you’ll help ensure residents know exactly where they can go to find warmth, comfort, and connection.

Register Now