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FAQs for volunteers

Q. Why do you need volunteers?

LEAH is one of the main charities supporting ethnically diverse adults in Kingston, Richmond and Hounslow who do not have English as a first language. Many people living here are unable to communicate in everyday situations which often leads to extreme isolation, low confidence, health issues and marginalisation. Not only can this have a devastating impact on the individual but also on their whole family.

We help to improve their English language skills and enable them to access local services, education, volunteering and employment. To reach our aims and objectives we require volunteer tutors to teach our clients on a 1:1 basis and in a class. During the pandemic all LEAH services are being delivered remotely.

Q. What do volunteers do?

Volunteers are paired with a client to teach them English on a 1:1 basis. The focus is on the English language skills that the client will need in their everyday life. Our co-ordinators support volunteers and teaching resources are provided. Volunteers support their client on a weekly basis up to an hour.

Q. What will I get out of volunteering?

Volunteering at LEAH is extremely rewarding. Our volunteers receive comprehensive training which has had very positive feedback. Volunteers comment on feeling extremely happy that they can make a huge difference on not just one person’s life but on a whole family. Enhanced confidence, new friends and job opportunities are other benefits volunteers attribute to LEAH.

Q. Who can volunteer?

Anyone who is interested in helping others to learn and enjoys finding out about different cultures. You need to flexible, non judgemental, available during the working week and over 18. Your own spoken and written English must be of a high enough standard to teach others. 

Q. What is the application process?

We ask you to fill our online application form. Once we have received your form we will invite you in for an online interview. If you are successful you will be sent information about the forthcoming course. During the course we ask you to fill in a DBS form and we request your references.

Q. Do I have to volunteer as a tutor?

No. we do have some other opportunities including volunteering in our office. Please contact us directly about these.

Q. Will training be provided?

Yes - we offer a six week online training course. We run this course approximately six times a year - normally in February, June, September and November. This includes an introduction session, 4 sessions with an ESOL tutor and an induction session. The courses covers teaching speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. You will also be expected to complete an online Adult Safeguarding training course which takes around 2 hours and an online Diversity and Inclusion course which takes about an hour.  

Q. Do I require a DBS?

Yes. We ask you to complete a DBS check .

Q. How much time do I need to give?

We expect you to volunteer on a weekly basis - each lesson takes around an hour along with some planning and preparation time, so a maximum of two hours a week. 

We ask for a minimum commitment of six months once you are paired with a client, but most of our clients work with their tutor for a year so ideally you would be able to offer 12 months commitment. 

Q. When/ what times can I volunteer?

Once you are paired with a client, you can volunteer anytime between Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, although most clients prefer their lessons to be in school hours. 

Q. What support will I receive?

You are very well supported during your journey with LEAH. You will be supported on the course by our ESOL tutor and Volunteer Co-Ordinator. Once you are paired with a client, your nominated 1:1 coordinator will support you during the whole relationship. Support is given by email, phone and we also run regular volunteer get togethers over Zoom. 

 All tutor-client pairs have a six month review as well as end of year review. 

Q. Can I claim travel expenses?

Yes.

 

As a volunteer working with vulnerable adults, you will be required to have a DBS disclosure.  This is organised by LEAH and there is no cost to the volunteer. The volunteer tutor role description is here if you want to know a bit more of what is expected.   

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