Please have a look at the overview of the two roles we offer, followed by the dates for the next training courses, and the next steps in the process to become a SAVTE volunteer.

If you are interested in volunteering, please fill in this form, and we will be in touch with you. 

 

 

The Volunteer Roles

 

Language Support Volunteer

You will be paired one-to-one with a learner who is unable to attend a Conversation Group or ESOL class due to their level of English and other barriers such as health issues, low confidence, or caring responsibilities. You will help them practise the specific, practical English they need for their everyday life. Placements will usually be based at the learner’s home.

Conversation Group Volunteer

You will help run weekly Conversation Group sessions at a community venue. Your role will be to plan helpful topics, introduce new vocabulary, lead discussions, and encourage quieter learners to practise their speaking and listening.

Training & Commitment Requirements

This much needed support from volunteers requires commitment. All volunteers must complete a training course first. After the training course, we ask you to commit to a minimum of 6 months of around 3 hours per week.

You must be able to attend all sessions for your chosen training course. If you are not able to attend all the sessions, please let us know at the phone call with our Link Worker so we can place you on the waiting list for a future course.

1:1 Language Support Training

  • Format: 6 sessions (3 hours each)
  • Time: Wednesday mornings, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
  • Location: SAVTE, Snowdrop Building, 7 Castle Street, S3 8LT
  • Dates (2026): 7, 14, 21 October and 4, 11, 18 November

Conversation Group Training

  • Format: 5 sessions (2.5 hours each)
  • Time: Thursday mornings, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
  • Location: Sheffield Cathedral, Church Street, S1 1HA
  • Dates (2026): 17, 24 September and 1, 8, 22 October

What Happens Next?

  1. The Phone Call: When places on our training courses become available, a Link Worker will call you to briefly discuss the role and training requirements. If you and we are happy to proceed, we will invite you to book an informal interview.
  2. The Interview: You will attend an informal interview.
  3. The Offer: If successful, we will invite you to join the training course.

 

Questions? If you would like more information before we contact you, please call us on 0114 212 3050 or email info@savte.org.uk.