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.
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.
Write your awesome label here.
Write your awesome label here.
Write your awesome label here.
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.
Get in touch - together we can keep bridging the divide.
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