An award-winning council service which helps residents learn English is on the hunt for volunteers.
The Talk English project, which marked its 10-year anniversary last year, helps people take their first steps in learning English and gets them ready for their more formal learning in a college setting.
It has helped almost 5,000 people from 85 different countries learn English since it was set up in 2014 and plays a vital role in helping people to integrate into the wider community and, in many cases, secure paid employment. The team has been showered with praise over the years, winning the Diversity in Education Award at the Rochdale Diversity Awards in 2015, as well as Group of Volunteers Award in 2017.
Talk English is delivered by the council with support from key partners including Hopwood Hall College, who provide most of the funding for the courses, and, while formal tutors lead the sessions, volunteers are also vital to the running of this cherished local service.
There are currently 36 Talk English volunteers, who range in age from 19 to 90, but around 20 more are needed. There are no special requirements, other than good interpersonal skills, particularly enthusiasm and patience. Volunteers need to have a good grasp of English, but don’t need to know any other languages.
They would also need to be able to commit to around 2 hours a week during term time and be able to get to a variety of different locations across the borough, where the classes are delivered. Full training will be provided to people who are selected for the roles.
‘It’s really satisfying to do something which has such a positive impact on people’s lives’
Existing Talk English volunteer, Theresa Davis, said:
“It’s really satisfying to do something which has such a positive impact on people’s lives. It gives me real joy to see the learners progress and grow in confidence. At the beginning, many are just saying single words, but by the end of the course, they’re speaking in full sentences and it’s wonderful to see.”
Ken Bamber, the longest serving volunteer for the Talk English project, said:
“The learners are a wonderful bunch of people who have a great attitude. For me, the best days of my week are Mondays and Tuesdays when I volunteer at Talk English.”
‘This service would not have stood the test of time without the volunteers’
Councillor Danny Meredith, cabinet member for regeneration and housing, said:
“Talk English is a vital local service, which gives people the tools to transform their lives. Our volunteers are a crucial part of it and without them, the project simply would not have stood the test of time and helped so many people. They do an incredible job supporting the learners and class tutors and we are keen to bring more into this fantastic role. It’s a great opportunity to learn new skills, connect with others and make new friends.”
Anyone who would like to find out more about volunteering for Talk English can email: TalkEnglishProject@rochdale.gov.uk and somebody from the team will be in touch to discuss further.