Volunteers wanted to teach English

A charity has issued a call to Londoners who might be willing to volunteer their time to teach English.

TimeBank, the national volunteering charity, has lauched its “Talking Together” project in London boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Brent, Greenwich, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Lewisham, Southwark and Wandsworth.

Helen Walker, chief executive of TimeBank, said: “Not speaking the language can lead to isolation and make it hard for people to take a full part in British life. Our Talking Together project shows the vital role that volunteers can play in building strong, united communities.”

TimeBank said it would like to hear from people who can spare around two hours, two times a week, for a total six week period in order to provide informal language training.

The charity said the classes are practical and locally based, covering basic skills such as taking public transport or going to the doctor.

It continued: “No special skills are needed – just time, patience, good English skills and an understanding of the issues these learners may be facing. TimeBank offers full training and support.”

The charity will work with local organisations and community groups to deliver the programme.

To find out more, visit timebank.org.uk/talking-together or call 020 3111 0724.