Information day for non-English speakers.

People for whom English is not their first language are being invited to an Information Day at the National Hotel, Dingwall on Thursday 24th May for free information and advice about their local community.

The event is aimed at people whose level of English language skills might mean that they find some information about the local community difficult to access. Organisations and groups at the event will display the services and provision they have to offer to people who are new to the area.

The emphasis will be on English language provision for adults and children. Other information useful for living in the community will also be available, such as information on banks, police, housing, Citizens’ Advice, health, ethnic community groups, sport and leisure, entertainment, Job Centre, Fair Trade, Careers Scotland, Post Office, places of worship, libraries and the fire service.

A leaflet promoting the information day has been distributed among known contacts in the Highlands. The leaflet extends a Highland welcome in the following languages: Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, Russian, Chinese, Bengali, Arabic, Pharsee, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Tagalog.

Mary Rhind, Highland Council’s Adult Literacies Co-ordinator for the Highland Community Learning and Development Partnership said:” In view of the increasing numbers of people coming to the area to support the economy making access to information on local facilities is vital  to help new comers integrate more readily into their local community.

“Following the success of an information day held in Inverness last year we are expanding the event to Dingwall as we are aware that lack of these English language skills often makes it hard for people to find out how things operate in their new community. Representatives from the participating organisations will be on hand throughout the day to provide advice and assistance. Interpreters will be available to support Polish and Bengali speakers if necessary.“

The day will run from 12noon to 7pm to allow people to drop in at a convenient time for them.

This event is run by Highland Adult Literacies in partnership with WEA, ABE and Inverness College as part of the Hi Hopes Project for the EQUAL in Scotland Initiative, funded by ESF, which aims to provide equal opportunities to all for living in Scotland.