ESOL Engagement Volunteer

at Bury VCFA Volunteering

Role Description

As an Engagement Volunteer, you will play an important role in supporting people whose first
language is not English to feel welcomed and confident when accessing local services and
activities. Many people joining the Refugee Welcome Programme (RWP) may be unfamiliar with
how local services work and may need additional support to feel comfortable taking part.
This role focuses on providing a friendly, approachable presence at classes and community
drop-ins, helping participants understand what support is available and assisting them to
complete enrolment information where needed. By offering encouragement and practical help,
you will support individuals to feel more confident, included, and able to take positive steps
within their local community.
You will work closely with the RWP Coordinator and partner organisations to ensure participants
feel supported in a respectful and inclusive environment

Main Tasks and Responsibilities
Your key responsibilities will include:
• Attending RWP classes and community drop-in sessions as agreed with the coordinator
• Welcoming participants and helping create a supportive and inclusive environment
• Supporting individuals to complete enrolment forms sensitively and accurately
• Providing basic information about the programme and available support
• Engaging positively with participants to build confidence and trust
• Sharing feedback and updates with the RWP Coordinator following sessions
• Promoting awareness of activities and encouraging participation where appropriate
• Maintaining appropriate boundaries and confidentiality at all times

Type of Activity: Ongoing, Suitable for individuals to apply, In person volunteering

Suitability: Suitable for 16 and 17 year olds, Suitable for 18 year olds and over

Time commitment

• Commit approximately 2–3 hours per week • Usually be available during weekdays (not weekends)

Availability: Monday Morning, Monday Afternoon, Tuesday Morning, Tuesday Afternoon, Wednesday Morning, Wednesday Afternoon, Thursday Morning, Thursday Afternoon, Friday Morning, Friday Afternoon
Is this role available at multiple locations? Yes
Role Location: Depending on drop in centres
Ward: Bury East/Central (Elton, Moorside, Redvales), Bury North (Ramsbottom, North Manor, Tottington), Bury West (Radcliffe), Whitefield, Prestwich, Boroughwide

Benefit to the volunteer

You will receive

Induction and training, Volunteer policy

Volunteers are asked to complete or provide: ID Check, Reference(s), Informal discussion (may include an interview)
Activities: Administration, Befriending, Buddying and Mentoring, Community Hub/work
Skills: Admin, Language Skills, Qualifications and Skills
To succeed in this role, you should:
• Be friendly, approachable, and supportive
• Have good communication and listening skills
• Be patient and sensitive to cultural differences and language barriers
• Show empathy and the ability to build trust with individuals
• Have basic literacy skills to support with forms where required
• Be able to work independently while also being part of a team
• Demonstrate a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Be willing to undertake training in safeguarding and trauma-informed approached

It would be particularly helpful if you:
• Are bilingual in Arabic, Farsi, Kurdish, Tigrinya, or another relevant language
• Have lived experience of migration or supporting diverse communitie

 

Express an interest in this role

 

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