Join a walk
For women who speak English as an additional language and want to practise in a friendly, informal way.
Volunteer
Give one hour a week to walk, listen and support conversation. No teaching qualification needed.
Partner or refer
For charities, community organisations, schools and services with people who would benefit.
Join Walk and Talk
A friendly weekly walk for women who want to practise everyday English. We meet in Albert Park for gentle walking, relaxed conversation and practical prompts. Children welcome.
- It is freeThere is nothing to pay, ever.
- Wednesdays, 1:30–2:30pmMeet at the main gates of Albert Park, Middlesbrough.
- Bring your childrenBuggies and little ones are part of the group.
- Any level of EnglishIf you can say hello, you can come. Really.
Not sure yet?
That is completely normal. Most people feel nervous before the first walk.
You can come and just listen. You can bring a friend. You can leave after ten minutes if you want to. Nobody will ask you to read aloud, sit a test, or explain why you’re there.
The only thing we ask is that you come back the following week if you enjoyed it.
Can you give one hour a week?
Walk and Talk is looking for patient, welcoming volunteers to walk, listen and support confidence.
You are not being asked to teach. You are being asked to be good company: to walk slowly, ask friendly questions, wait while someone finds their words, and treat the person beside you as an equal.
- What you’d doWalk with two or three participants, use the week’s prompts if conversation needs a nudge, and help everyone feel comfortable.
- What you’d getA short induction, a practical volunteer guide, the week’s prompts in advance, and ongoing support from the project team.
- What you’d gainTime outdoors, new friendships across the community, and a genuinely useful hour in your week.
A simple, replicable route into English practice
Walk and Talk offers a low-pressure route into English practice for women who may not currently access formal ESOL. It complements existing provision rather than competing with it.
Charities and community organisations
Please share Walk and Talk with anyone who would benefit from an informal, child-friendly setting. We can supply flyers and a short referral note.
Schools, GPs and services
If you meet women who are isolated by language, a friendly walk in the park is often an easier first suggestion than a college enrolment form.
Universities and funders
The pilot is evaluated throughout, with attendance data, participant feedback, ethical consent processes and digital stories supporting a replicable framework.
Before you come
Do I need to book?
No. Just come to the main gates of Albert Park on a Wednesday at 1:30pm. If you’d rather tell us first, send a message and we’ll look out for you.
What if my English is very low?
That is exactly who this is for. Volunteers are used to slow, patient conversation, and other participants are in the same position.
Is it only for women?
The walks are for women. This is deliberate — for many participants it is what makes attending possible.
What if it rains?
We walk in most weather. Bring a coat. If conditions are unsafe we’ll post in the WhatsApp group.
Will I be filmed or photographed?
Only with your explicit consent, and you can say no at any time without it affecting anything.
Can I bring a friend?
Please do. Most people find the first walk much easier with someone they know.
Ready when you are
Wednesdays, 1:30pm, Albert Park main gates. Free, friendly, and children welcome.