New Land, New Tech: Bridging Stoke’s Digital Divide for Refugees and Asylum Seekers

May 8
Navigating life in a new country is tough; doing it without reliable internet access or confident English can feel impossible.

That’s why our Wavemaker Ben leapt at the chance to partner once again with ASHA - the Hanley-based community organisation supporting refugees and asylum seekers across Stoke-on-Trent.


A Bigger, Bolder Workshop

Our previous sessions with ASHA centred on basic computer literacy. This time we raised the bar, inviting participants to experience the creative and practical power of artificial intelligence.

On a lively Tuesday afternoon, 65 attendees filled the room, proof of both the community’s enthusiasm and the urgency of closing the digital gap.

What We Covered

Focus

Real-Time Translation

Why It Matters 

 Clear communication can mean the difference between isolation and independence.

Highlights

Using ChatGPT to translate doctor’s letters and official documents on the spot showed immediate, life-changing potential.

Focus

AI-Powered Images 

Why It Matters 

Visual storytelling transcends language barriers.

Highlights

Hands flew up as we used Sora and Midjourney to turn simple prompts into vivid artwork.

Focus

Music with Suno

Why It Matters 

 Creativity sparks confidence - and laughter.

Highlights

 Hearing their own AI-generated tracks had the room cheering and dancing.

Impact You Could Feel

Questions flowed as fast as the demos:

  • “Can I translate a school email for my child?”

  • “Will this work on my phone?”

  • “Can we practise more next time?”

That energy has already shaped our next step: beginning smaller, monthly deep-dive sessions so participants can build skills at their own pace.

Looking Ahead

Our afternoon with ASHA reminded us that technology is most powerful when it’s accessible, hands-on, and joyful. By demystifying AI and putting creative tools directly in people’s hands, we help newcomers turn daunting digital barriers into gateways of possibility.

We’re excited to return to Hanley soon - and even more excited to see what this resilient community creates next.

Interested in volunteering, partnering, or learning more about our digital inclusion work?

Get in touch - together we can keep bridging the divide.