Training and support for community ESOL conversation clubs
Helping communities practise English together
Conversation Plus supports faith and community groups, libraries and local authorities to create welcoming English conversation clubs for ESOL learners.
Conversation clubs give learners a place to practise speaking, build confidence and connect with others in their community.
We train volunteers and staff to run conversation clubs that are friendly, practical and effective for language learning.
Why conversation clubs matter
Many people learning English attend classes, but they often lack opportunities to practise speaking informally.
Conversation clubs help learners:
• practise the English they already know
• build confidence speaking with others
• improve vocabulary and grammar
• meet people in their community
When run well, conversation clubs become an important bridge between learning English and using English in everyday life.
What Conversation Plus provides
Training for volunteers and facilitators
Practical training for people running conversation clubs in community settings.
Materials for conversation sessions
Simple digital and paper-based resources designed for informal language learning.
Ongoing advice and support
Guidance for organisations developing and improving their conversation clubs.
The training programme
Training is delivered in five two-hour sessions.
Session 1
Setting up a conversation club: purpose, structure and organisation.
Session 2
Planning sessions that are informal but structured.
Session 3
Facilitating conversations that encourage participation.
Session 4
Understanding learner needs and levels of English.
Session 5
Developing and using conversation materials.
Who we work with
Conversation Plus works with:
• local authorities
• churches and faith organisations
• mosques
• libraries
• community groups
• volunteers and teachers
About the trainer
Conversation Plus is led by an experienced teacher who has worked in East London for over forty years.
He has taught ESOL to adults for over fifteen years and has run conversation clubs in churches, libraries and cafés across East London.
Start a conversation club in your community
Conversation Plus can help your organisation create or improve a conversation club for ESOL learners.
Contact us to discuss training for your team.
Our vision
Find out what makes us tick.
