SHOPKEEPERS and supermarket staff are being asked to help non-English speakers practice the language in daily real-life situations.

The initiative is part of Talk English, a national scheme aimed at helping people learn language skills and integrate into the wider community.

Colleges, training providers and community centres across the Bradford district involved in the project, in a partnership led by Shipley College, and volunteers are being sought to take classes and befriend people learning English.

Organisations taking part include Bradford College, Craven College, Forster College, Manningham Sports and Community Association, Manningham Library, Touchstone, Tetley Street Baptist Church, Princeville Children's Centre and the Millan Centre, which provides facilities for woman and children in the Manningham and Heaton areas.

Talk English sees non-English speakers learning the language away from a classroom environment, with the emphasis on their day-to-day lives. Businesses are urged to get involved, making staff more aware of the needs of those who have difficulty with English.

The project, based in Yorkshire, Manchester and Lancashire was one of six awarded a share of £6million by Communities Secretary Eric Pickles to encourage communities to adopt English as a first language. Government funding lasts until June, 2015. Mr Pickles, a former Bradford Council leader, believes the project will lead to longterm savings on English tuition and interpreter services. He said speaking English was "crucial" to allow people to unite as part of British society, and those unable to do so are "condemned to a limited life".

Talk English sessions are aimed at all non-English speaking people, including people from Asian communities and Eastern Europeans. What sets Talk English apart from other English tuition projects is that is volunteer-led. Volunteers, known as Talk English Friends, are being recruited from within the community to act as teachers and mentors, and to befriend participants. They are helping people develop language skills and confidence and encouraging them to attend English classes and social get-togethers supported by the project. And businesses are getting involved by having members of staff clearly identifiable as "sympathetic listeners" to encourage people to speak English when out shopping or visiting public places such as doctor's surgeries.

The Millan Centre is running 'Chai and Chat' sessions where women can find out more about Talk English.

"It's a safe, supportive environment, which helps to make the project more accessible to women," says Uzma Kazi, Talk English project worker. Asian women taking part in the project include recent arrivals to Britain and older women who have been here a long time but have not had access to English lessons.

"Some women fell through the net," says Uzma. "They have spent a long time bringing up families in the home, living in closeknit communities where their own languages are spoken. We are trying to help women raise their confidence. Chai and Chat groups are informal, giving people chance to meet up and speak in public.

"Next week we are watching a Bollywood film about a woman who goes to English classes in secret. We'll use it as a tool for discussion afterwards."

The scheme is also aimed at women who have pre-entry or basic English skills. "Once women go home after classes they get into a cycle of life with their husbands and children, and they don't always practice their English," says Uzma. "We are urging businesses in the area to get involved with the scheme, so people struggling with English feel more confident when going to the shops or the doctor's or their children's school. These are things a lot of women lack confidence in, because they struggle with English."

She adds: "Just coming to a class is a big thing for a lot of women. Talk English helps them take that first step, then develop their skills. The 'buddying' or befriending scheme places a volunteer with three people, supporting them and encouraging people with their English.

"We encourage women to read with their children at bedtime, it all helps with practice. It's very rewarding when women who come along to English classes say they have enjoyed reading with their children at home."

The next training courses for volunteer teachers - lasting six and 12 weeks - begin this month. "It's good experience for anyone thinking of going into teaching as a career. They learn about all aspects of teaching, including planning lessons," says Uzma.

A total of 122 volunteer teachers and 248 befrienders are required overall in the district. Volunteers must be over 19.

* For more information about opportunities at the Millan Centre call Uzma Kazi or Surji Cair on (01274) 480691 or email talkenglish.millancentre@gmail.com