TimeBank are searching for volunteers to teach basic English

An exciting new project from the volunteering charity TimeBank is encouraging people in Birmingham – mainly from the Bangladeshi, Somali and Pakistani communities – to learn everyday English.

4.6% of the city’s population has poor or no English (source: DCLG).  Dave Conroy, programme manager at TimeBank’s Birmingham office, says: “Language skills are vital to build strong, united communities and without them, people can feel marginalised. Our Talking Together project aims to develop individuals’ life-skills and confidence, particularly for women who may find it difficult to do vital, everyday things like talk to their children’s schools or visit the doctor.”

The charity is now appealing for volunteers aged 18 and over who live in Birmingham or are willing to travel there, and would like a unique opportunity to lead small, informal English classes.

Volunteers will receive full training before being matched with a class in a local community setting. No special skills or experience are required, just patience, commitment and enthusiasm.

Dave Conroy adds: “The training and experience will provide volunteers with real skills in teaching, English language learning and classroom management. This would be an ideal opportunity for anyone wanting to pursue a career in adult education, ESOL, or community work.”

For more information take a look at www.timebank.org.uk/talking-together  or call 0121 236 2531.

Notes to Editors:

• TimeBank is a national volunteering charity, started in 2000. It recruits and trains volunteers to deliver mentoring projects to tackle complex social problems and also works with businesses to engage their staff in volunteering.
• TimeBank believe that great volunteering can transform the lives of both volunteers and beneficiaries by building stronger, happier and more inclusive communities.
• TimeBank’s Talking Together project is one of six creative ideas to have won a share of £6m from the Department for Communities and Local Government to launch new projects to bring English language learning into the heart of the community.

For media information, email julias@timebank.org.uk or tel 020 3111 0721. Visit their website at http://timebank.org.uk/.