Anna’s Experience with Sophie Hayes Foundation
The following is a first-hand account of one of our Programme Participants’ experiences with Sophie Hayes Foundation. Anna* is now working, thriving, and continuing her journey to achieve and maintain sustainable freedom whilst helping others on the same path. This is her story.
“Before joining the Sophie Hayes Foundation Employability Programme, I was frustrated, extremely anxious, and had lost all confidence in myself. I was unemployed, focusing on healing, and struggling with anxiety. It felt like I would never find work in the UK, and I didn’t even know where to begin. The idea of employment felt overwhelming to me.
I was introduced to the programme by my support worker, who encouraged me to attend an online information session. From the moment I joined, I knew it was the right decision. I started the programme in May 2025 and graduated in November 2025, attending weekly sessions every Tuesday. I can honestly say I have never regretted joining. It became one of the most important and life-changing experiences of my recovery journey.
From the very beginning, the programme felt safe, supportive, and deeply respectful. My mentors, Ana and Angela, were absolutely wonderful and supportive throughout. I also had the opportunity to connect with many other amazing women at SHF through webinars and sessions, including Maeve, Victoria, Josephine, and others. Knowing there was a whole team of women rooting for me made an enormous difference.
At the start of each Module, we would complete a “work star” to reflect on our skills, motivation, and wellbeing. When I look back at my journal now, I can see how my scores grew from 2s and 3s to 8s and 9s over time. What initially felt like it would be a long and difficult process actually passed quickly, because I was supported every step of the way. We started out shy and quiet, but by the end of the programme we had built trust, confidence, and genuine connections. I even made a good friend through the course, and we hope to meet in person despite living in different cities.
When I began the programme, I had no clarity about what I wanted or where to start. Employment felt like an unbearable burden. During Module 1, I was able to identify my strengths and understand my purpose, which gave me direction for the first time. I realised what truly mattered to me in a job and chose to focus on the charity sector, as I am empathetic and deeply motivated by helping others. I created two clear plans for myself. One in web design and one in the charity sector, which helped me approach my job search with structure rather than fear.
One of the most powerful moments for me was learning how to write a CV. A couple of weeks before the programme started, I sat in front of my computer staring at a blank Word document and cried. I didn’t know how to describe my experiences, especially after years of exploitation. I felt worthless and convinced no one would ever hire me. Through the support of Ana and Angela, I learned how to identify my skills, both soft and hard, and how volunteering is a valid and valuable experience. I learned practical things I had never known before, like how long a CV should be, how to structure it, and how to present myself professionally without shame.
I also learned about interview techniques, including the STAR method, which completely changed how I approach interviews. I always felt prepared, with examples ready for potential questions. Writing cover letters was another key skill, something I had never encountered before in my home country, but which I now understand is essential in the UK. These tools gave me confidence and clarity.
During the programme, I began applying for part-time roles in the charity sector. In August 2025, I was invited to my first interview. That was my first interview in almost 20 years. I was excited and terrified. Angela kindly supported me with interview practice, which helped me feel calm and capable. Although I didn’t get that job, it was a gigantic step forward for me. The ice was broken, and employment no longer felt impossible.
As the programme continued, we practised interviews together, refined CVs and cover letters, and covered topics such as financial literacy. Recently, I received my first payslip, and I actually knew how to read it, thanks to the programme. Module 3 was particularly practical, with guest speakers and webinars on campaigning and advocacy, interview techniques, working in a law firm, and an incredibly helpful session with someone from the DWP.
Although I couldn’t attend the graduation in person due to personal circumstances, I received my certificate and a knitted penguin that I treasure as a reminder of this life-changing experience.
The long-term impact of the programme has been profound. Because of the knowledge, skills, and confidence I gained, I was able to take real steps towards employment. I learned how to speak about my experiences with confidence, to see my value, and to believe that I deserve better.
In April 2025, I was crying over a blank CV.
In January 2026, I am employed part-time as a Project Officer at a charity supporting refugees and migrants with employment, and I am also a lived-experience advisor on two projects focused on modern slavery.The support from SHF did not end when the programme finished. When I needed references, multiple staff members immediately offered help. Every interaction was trauma-informed, respectful of boundaries and pace, and grounded in empathy. I will be forever grateful for that.
I would highly recommend this programme to other survivors. It offers practical employability skills alongside a genuine support network that listens, believes, and helps. One suggestion I would make is allowing self-referrals, as some survivors may still be exploited and not yet connected to a support worker.
This programme helped me change my life for the better. I am still in recovery and continuing therapy, but for the first time in a long time, I am no longer anxious about my employability. I have work, purpose, and hope for my future.
I will always be thankful to every person who contributed to this programme and helped me feel seen, supported, and empowered.”
*Name changed for anonymity