English Exchange Volunteer - Tuckswood Library

Get InVOLved Norfolk; Norwich; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local volunteer organization is seeking volunteers for English Exchange sessions at Tuckswood Library in Norwich, offering an opportunity to support individuals learning English as a Second Language. Volunteers will lead informal discussions, provide resources, and help create a welcoming environment for participants. This role is ideal for those with an interest in language and culture, aiming to enhance their community connections while gaining valuable experience. The commitment is 1-2 hours per week.

Benefits

Reimbursement of costs

Qualifications

• Interest in guiding conversations for English skill improvement.
• Ability to direct participants to relevant library resources.

Responsibilities

• Help lead informal discussion groups to practice spoken English.
• Use conversation starter cards to facilitate discussions.
• Signpost to library staff for assistance.
• Promote library resources to attendees.

Skills

An open and friendly manner

An interest in helping others learn

Ability to lead group discussion

Openness to learning about other cultures

Job description

Norfolk Library and Information Service is nationally recognised as being one of the best library services in the country. We're an integral part of the public service offer in Norfolk. Our vision is ...

Organisation role · 1—2 hrs/Week · Starting from 13 Jan 2026

Hosting Translation Assistance Advice & Mentoring Social contact Other English Arabic Polish Portuguese Turkish Hindi Persian Romanian Russian Slovak Tigrinya Dari Pashto

Summary

We are looking to start English Exchange sessions on Tuesdays at Tuckswood Library to support local people who have English as a Second Language.

Detailed description

English Exchange sessions offer people the opportunity to improve their spoken English skills by having conversations with other people. Running them in libraries ensures they are free and accessible to everyone. They are great for people attending ESOL (English as a second language) classes although anyone can attend. The skills gained through these sessions help people to connect with others, gain employment, access health and housing services.

The group meets weekly. You will be working with other library volunteers with support from the library manager and library assistants to:

• Help lead an informal discussion group, to support anyone who wishes to practice their spoken English skills
• Use resources like conversation starter cards to lead discussions on topics chosen by those taking part
• Direct people to library staff to set up a library account
• Promote the resources available in the library to support learning and build vocabulary; language books, CDs, basic books in English such as Easy readers and electronic resources such as eBooks, eAudio books and Press Reader (online access to newspapers & magazines)
• Signpost to organisations offering more specialist support (job seeking, housing and translation services for documents)

Key Behaviours and Skills:

• An open and friendly manner
• An interest in helping others learn
• Able to attend regular weekly group meetings
• Ability to lead group discussion or one to one discussion using resources such as conversation starter cards and focus on specific areas of vocabulary
• An openness to learning about other cultures and people

What we will provide to volunteers

Reimbursement of costs

About Norfolk Library and Information Service

Norfolk Library and Information Service is nationally recognised as being one of the best library services in the country. We're an integral part of the public service offer in Norfolk. Our vision is for everyone in Norfolk to use their inspirational, safe and welcoming libraries. Our volunteers support and add value to our Library services. We have roles to suit all needs and we welcome volunteers of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.