Logo for CEFI with speech bubbles and text, 'CONVERSATIONAL ENGLISH FOR INDEPENDENCE'

CEFI - An English course focused on realising your confidence through conversational practice.  

Our Conversational English course started in 2024 from the desire to meet survivors where they are and the need to support women in rebuilding their independence. Through the power of a supportive environment and a focus on wellbeing, empowerment, and self-advocacy, we unlock the confidence of each participant. The 12-session programme runs over 6 weeks and combines taught and conversational practice. This course is designed for women survivors of modern slavery with a basic level and understanding of English.

View our Programmes Factsheet below for more information about CEFI:

Women sitting and talking at an in-person CEFI session.
PROGRAMMES FACTSHEET

COURSE FAQS

    • Gaining confidence in conversational English  

    • Connecting with other women  

    • Learning about how to prioritise your wellbeing and advocating for yourself  

    • This course is not focussed on Grammar or vocabulary  

    • 6 weeks of online sessions, with twice weekly classes 

    • 1 x Taught 90 minute online session each week  

    • 1 x 60 minute Conversational Practice online session  

    • Occasional optional In-Person CEFI Café session (travel reimbursed)  

    • Me – introducing yourself and your hobbies and passions  

    • My Life – talking about daily and weekly routines  

    • My Skills - identifying what your skills and qualities are  

    • My Wellbeing – how to take care of your physical, mental and environmental wellbeing and advocating for your health  

    • My Plans – talking about short and long term plans  

    • My Next Steps- setting out goals and affirmations  

    • Once a caseworker refers participants, we will call them a few weeks before the course starts to introduce the course and check their connectivity needs.

    • Every participant will get a journal workbook to complete the course.

    • We can provide data and a device to access the course – this is provided on the basis of the course being completed with a minimum attendance of 50% expected.

    • There are twice-weekly online sessions, so a basic level of digital skills is vital to make the most of the course.

PARTICIPANT CRITERIA

Please note that we do not accept self-referrals.

Essential

  • Female Survivor of Modern Slavery​​

  • Age 18+ (no upper age limit)​​

  • Basic level of English comprehension and speaking (this course isn’t suited for participants with no English)  

  • Happy to participate in a group and 121 session  

  • Basic digital literacy (eg. Able to check and respond to emails)  

Non-essential

  • To be in the NRM or have a positive Conclusive grounds decision  

  • Right to Work​​

  • Commitment to any other Sophie Hayes Foundation programmes
    (we hope CEFI is a helpful stepping-stone to CREW and/or the Employability Programme but there is no requirement to join either of these on completion)​

PROGRAMME REFERRAL FORM

HOW TO GET REFERRED

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Self-referrals are not accepted. Please speak with your caseworker or support worker about submitting a referral on your behalf.

I am proud of my English!

My English is very good now. I didn't have confidence before - I couldn't speak in public, go into a shop, or go to the GP without help - and now I can do it all myself. My confidence is so high! 

— CEFI Graduate

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To support more women on their journey to recovery.

Your sister.

Your Daughter.

Your Friend.

Your neighbour.

Sophie could be you.

Your sister. Your Daughter. Your Friend. Your neighbour. Sophie could be you.

Sophie could be anyone.

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