In January we welcomed a new cohort of women onto our Employability Programme, over 70 survivors from across the UK joined Sophie Hayes Foundation for support on their journey to sustainable freedom.
Survivors in our 3 regions came together for the first session of the programme, with one participant sharing: “The session was my first time being around so many women for so long. Honestly, I’m so grateful for this course. You guys have saved my life.” Another participant reiterated the impact our Employability Programme can bring to survivors: “I came in so nervous and now I have so much hope, after this session, I'm excited for this course.”
The modules have been designed to support women by sharing essential life skills that will help with confidence building and wellbeing, followed by skills development for future employment and education. All of which are important for living independently, finding work and remaining free. Over a 12-month period, our programmes help survivors to develop various skills through in-person and remote group workshops, one-to-one sessions, remote learning, peer support, work/volunteer placements, access to training, and formal education. We aim to equip survivors with the tools they need to be empowered to set goals and achieve them.
CREW have been busy organising a full year of events and we are looking forward to sharing what they have planned. This month CREW have organised an online event with, Laura Haynes, who will be delivering training on public speaking. It’s set to be a great session for all of us at Sophie Hayes Foundation!
We also have some updates from the Sophie Hayes Foundation Team as two new members of staff joined us this year. We’re going to catch up with the whole team next month ahead of International Women’s Day so keep an eye out for that!
Thank you to everyone who supported our winter appeal by donating or purchasing Liberty Fabric. As a small charity that receives no government funding we rely on the support of our friends and donors and we are so grateful! Sales of Liberty Fabric will reopen very soon with the addition of Lasenby fabric available to buy whilst stocks last, 100% of proceeds continue to go directly to supporting survivors.
There is still chance to see the Freedom Quilts in the International Slavery Museum and hopefully, we’ll have more exciting Liberty Fabrics related news to share later this year!
2023 will offer challenges as the number of survivors needing support will continue to grow against the backdrop of a more difficult time for all of us. Take good care and if you can please consider donating to support more survivors of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking towards sustainable freedom.
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