Cardiff Volunteer Centre @C3SC has been working in collaboration with REACH+ to run regular drop-in sessions in Cardiff and Vale College since 2022! This month, we look at the positive impact the sessions have had for people accessing the service.
Cardiff and Vale College and Adult Learning Wales, REACH+ ESOL Hub was established in 2017 to address the growing demand for English language provision for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). The hub aims to help people to feel more settled, connected and integrated in the community. C3SC provides regular drop-in sessions, recognising that volunteering offers a welcome opportunity for many people to practice their language skills in a workplace context, and the chance to meet new people.
The team @C3SC have welcomed the chance to see how we can tailor advice and develop information in a range of community languages to assist people to overcome barriers – such as low confidence or not being aware of volunteering or other options – so they can access their preferred pathways, whether to employment, further education or other opportunities. The REACH Team told us, ‘The collaboration with C3SC has empowered our participants, building their confidence and skills through volunteering. It has created stronger community connections, including for members of our asylum seeker and refugee community, offering a sense of belonging and pathways into wider opportunities.’
The sessions run twice a month – on the first and third Monday of the month from 2-4pm. Email us at volunteer@c3sc.org.uk or call 02920 485722 to find out more, or to chat if you’d like us to set up a drop-in service at your office or centre.
