Nothing speaks to the spirit of community quite like helping people speak more with one another.
Run by Werribee Church of Christ at 10am every Saturday morning, Let’s Talk is a free way to help practise conversational English.
For the last decade, Bronwyn Hickman has spearheaded the initiative to help members of the community who don’t speak English as a first language better navigate everyday life.
“I don’t think you have real power in a society if you can’t communicate well with people,” Ms Hickman said.
“You are really on the sidelines having to listen to what others are saying.
“That is part of what I like to do in a group is giving each person the time to contribute to a topic we are all talking about.
“When they are in a group, they can encourage each other no matter how much they stumble.
Pastor Garry Cowley said that people of all ages have used the group as a way to deepen their communal ties.
“Being a multicultural area where we live in Werribee, we have a lot of people who want to learn how to communicate with each other,” Mr Cowley said.
“We found that, especially among middle-aged people, they look after their families and want to be able to do something on the weekend.
“There are a variety of people who come depending on their needs and ability– people even share food sometimes.”
The program is open to everyone of all ages and abilities.
For more information, call the church on 9741 6051
