Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, learn new skills, gain confidence and experience, and provide much-needed support to people who are feeling isolated because of their English language ability.

Through supporting learners either in their homes or in community groups, they will grow in confidence to engage with services, attend social activities and connect with make new friends and networks.

We particularly welcome volunteers from the communities where our learners are based.

Local volunteers are essential for us to deliver such an amazing service to so many people in Sheffield. Connecting volunteers and learners from the same community aids integration and serves as an ideal vehicle for cohesion.

All volunteers will be given free training, receive ongoing advice and support, and will be able to access a extensive range of resources and equipment to help them to volunteer.

Please get in touch, even if you are not sure and would like to talk it through we will be only too pleased to hear from you.

There are different volunteer roles which suit different interests and time availability.

Language Volunteers support people to learn and practice English 1:1 usually in their home or in community settings.

This role involves a few hours each week to prepare, travel, and support a learner for at least 6 months. Language volunteers either are placed with beginners or those who are progressing with learning.

Conversation Group Volunteers facilitate informal conversation and activity groups to share skills and practice speaking English.
This role involves a weekly commitment at a regular time to support a group for 90 minutes (term time only)  and volunteers work in pairs to run the groups. This helps spread the load, and keep the group going throughout the term.

Community Ambassadors raise awareness about learning English in the community.

This role involves talking to people in the community to encourage or accompany them to join a class or group or start a community group themselves.

This is a fantastic volunteering opportunity for someone who is new to volunteering and wants to volunteer in their community, to meet new people, and get experience and training.

How to Apply

We are looking for volunteers to support an individual or a conversation group and who can commit weekly for a whole year (public holidays apply). We encourage applications from those who have barriers to volunteering, are new to volunteering or are new to the UK. If you have any questions please email savte@savte.org.uk or call us on 0114 212 3050

To apply as a volunteer, please complete this form and we will be in touch with you about the next available course.

If you experience any issues completing the volunteer application form, please contact savte@savte.org.uk or call SAVTE on 0114 212 3050

We will contact you directly before our next training course and invite you to an information event so that you can find out more and have an informal chat about what is involved and what you would like to get out of volunteering.