to ask if anyone knows where I can volunteer to help others with confidence building and/or public speaking

[AndreaWeston]

Just that really - live in the West Midlands - and have the time and enthusiasm to do this. Any ideas?

Would like to run groups, rather than it be a one to one mentoring role.

I have skills/experience etc

Do you work? Could you offer it as a workshop to people at your work? Secondary schools would probably love to have someone come in and do a session on that - or even do an after school debating club to teach public speaking etc.

I did this for a bit when I gave up work. I got in touch with the tenants welfare team at a couple of local housing associations and got to give lectures on this and interview technique at their careers days.

What kind of things would you be thinking of doing? I'm a head of year 12 and would love something like this for some of our students! I'm in Solihull btw

Set up or join a Toastmasters group.

Who is your target group? I'd imagine that job clubs would bite your hand off if you approached them.

Find an existing charity or organisation that already has the group infrastructure and see if you can partner with them?

I work for a charity and would absolutely have existing groups etc that would really benefit from this, I am too far from you though. I have done it with lots of other things where people have particular skills they are happy to help others with though and it usually works really well, as we already have contact with people we know would benefit and can sort out the 'organising' side of things, whilst the person gets to share their skills and help others.

I'm thinking target group would be adults (probably women) who, for whatever reason, are lacking confidence, self esteem, a voice, etc.

Was thinking of some exercises that build to eventually enable individuals to speak with more confidence, which may be saying a few words to a small group or doing some sort of mini presentation - whatever fits the bill really.

Do you think I should write/email charities etc and tell them what I have in mind and see if there's any takers?

Try your local criminal justice / drug and alcohol service. I'd be interested if you were nearer.

Local Girlguiding groups might be interested. Especially Senior Section (14-25 year-olds) or Trefoil Guild (adults).

Oh god, I'd love some help with this. Had some real disasters in the past.

Could you approach the WI, or professional bodies such as CIMA or CIPD?

I'm West Midlands!

< hopeful >

young farmers federation has a huge membership and they do speaking competitions including after dinner speeches, monologues and debating. I bet your county would jump at the chance for some training for their members, just email them.

Yes I would contact charities and organisations that serve those kinds of people - perhaps things like mental health charities especially those that have support groups for things like anxiety and PND, HomeStart, Sure Start, Probation Service, Guides etc.

Secondary schools and sixth form colleges might be a good idea too, most universities also have student supports services that may be supporting young women with confidence or anxiety issues.

Some great ideas - thanks all.