resources and toolkits
quick links
TOOLKIT
energy and sustainability
Resources to help communities reduce energy use, lower carbon emissions, and explore renewable energy options.
downloads
DIY Energy Check (SWAY)
DIY Energy Check training (You Tube)
Carbon Reduction Plan (SWAY)
Carbon Reduction Plan Training (YouTube)
NEW Carbon Reduction Plan with On Your Bike (YouTube)
An Introduction to Renewables (PDF)
Writing a Funding Application (PDF)
Eco Halls – Waste Management (PDF)
Housekeeping and Quick Wins to Save Energy (YouTube)
Key Energy Funders (PDF)
Evidencing Need – Applying to Reduce Energy (PDF)
Energy Saving Tips with Inspired Efficiency (YouTube)
Volunteering (PDF)
case studies
Case Studies of buildings that have reduced their energy and carbon footprint.
Charltons – Nature (PDF)
Merriott Village Hall – Heat Pump and Solar (PDF)
TOOLKIT
community reviews and engagement
Step-by-step guidance and templates for conducting community reviews and engaging local residents.
Free templates are available upon request: Marketing and Communication Plan, Evaluation Form, Project Plan, Community Groups and Engagement guide, and the Funders Document Checklist.
downloads
What is a Community Review? (PDF)
Establish a Steering Group (PDF)
Research / Understanding Your Community (PDF)
Top Tips for Consulting Your Community (PDF)
Top Tips for Promoting Your Survey (PDF)
Writing a Funding Application (PDF)
Fundraising Ideas (PDF)
Fundraising Training (YouTube)
Community Consultation Training (YouTube)
TOOLKIT
community spaces and buildings
Resources for managing, improving, and fundraising for community buildings.
downloads
TOOLKIT
affordable rural housing
Guides and design resources for developing affordable housing in rural areas.
TOOLKIT
learning english
Free tools, apps, videos, and podcasts to support English language learners.
apps
online courses
- BBC Learning English: Courses and resources for all skill levels.
- British Council – Learn English: Free courses in communication skills, grammar, and vocabulary.
- Open Learn: Free online courses for refugees: A range of free courses in English, maths, and digital skills from the Open University.
- Excellence Gateway: Learning materials covering grammar, vocabulary, UK life, and English for work.
- Gateway, Activities to Do On Your Own: Self-guided activities for beginner and intermediate levels.
- Spotlight English: Improve listening skills by hearing native English speakers.
learning platforms
- BBC Learning English: Grammar, vocabulary, listening, punctuation, study tips and much more.
- Learn English with Cambridge: Covers all aspects of English language learning.
- Oxford Online English: Lessons in spoken English, business English, study skills, pronunciation and more.
- English Like A Native: Practical tips and lessons to improve everyday English.
- Go English: Clear video lessons on grammar and vocabulary.
podcasts
TOOLKIT
teaching english
A curated list of free platforms offering high-quality teaching and learning materials for all levels. Provided by South West Councils and Devon County Council.
adult learners and refugees
BBC Skillswise : Free downloadable lessons, fact sheets and videos covering English and maths from Entry Level to Level 2.
Topics: Literacy, numeracy, spelling, grammar, punctuation, speaking and listening.
Skills Workshop: A wide range of free resources for adult literacy, numeracy and Functional Skills.
Levels: Entry 1 to Level 2 and GCSE.
Council of Europe – Language Support: Free toolkit for organisations and volunteers supporting refugees and asylum seekers.
Includes: 57 tools, planning guides, activity ideas, leaflet and webinar.
Access: Toolkit (pdf)
Webinar: Watch here
Good Things Foundation – National Inclusion Network: Supports digital inclusion and community learning across the UK.
Resources: Videos and guides on using digital access to support language and life skills.
online resources
ESOL courses
ESOL Courses: Free online English courses for learners at all levels, including reading, writing, listening and vocabulary practice.
Topics: Everyday English, travel, work, health, and more.
guide to dyslexia and ESOL education
Dyslexia Support for Adults – Advice from South West LAs and the British Dyslexia Association (word doc)
ESOL networks
The Somerset ESOL Network brings together tutors, course providers, other ESOL practitioners and support workers to share skills, resources, training and news. To join email: programmes@somersetrcc.org.uk
The South West ESOL Network offers a range of training and funding opportunities for tutors and learners, as well as a regular ESOL bulletin and online meetings. Run by the South West Strategic Migration Partnership, contact info@swcouncils.gov.uk for more information.
NATECLA is the National Association for Teaching English and Community Languages to Adults, now running a South West NATECLA branch.
