Our team of volunteers plays a key role in supporting asylum seekers as they settle in their new country. We do this by helping them to learn English, familiarising them with Norwich and Norfolk, and helping to engage them with the wider community. With the team’s and your support, they are able to rebuild their lives in the UK.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Volunteer

Being able to read and write English is central to successfully building a new life here, as this will be essential for employment opportunities and generally engaging with the wider community. For this reason, all asylum seeking adults who come to Norwich have the opportunity to attend English language lessons. This is provided in an informal setting by volunteers along with the team's volunteer coordinator. ESOL volunteers don’t need to have a background in teaching or ESOL, they just need to by sympathetic to the needs of the learners, flexible and willing to learn. Being sensitive to each adult's different abilities and finding new ways to explain things in a positive, fun and encouraging way is more important than being able to conjugate a verb!

How We Support Volunteers

We really appreciate the contribution our volunteers make which ensures the success of the resettlement scheme. In return for your time and commitment, we provide ongoing support to volunteers including the following:

Volunteer Connect

Each month, you will receive an e-newsletter which has updates from Simon and the team about the project. It also covers any new developments, news on events, as well as additional volunteering opportunities or one-off requests for help.

Volunteer Forums

We also hold monthly volunteer forums. This is an opportunity to get together and talk about upcoming events and to network with other volunteers doing similar things.

Volunteer Hub

There is a Volunteer Hub which provides a digital online platform for volunteers to connect with the team, share resources and get the latest news.

Thank you for reading this information – we look forward to meeting you.

Gardening Volunteer, Kelling Hospital

Volunteering with asylum seekers - teaching English

Parent Champions with Great Yarmouth Family Hub