English for Women
About Us
English for Women is an exciting and vibrant project that makes a real difference to those in our communities who encounter language barriers in their everyday lives.The first sessions took place in 2015 and were started by Heike Prentice, an Ordinand at Chelmsford Cathedral, with just three Afghan Women. The project has now grown to support women, and men, from all over the world who live in our communities.
English for Women’s sessions provide a friendly and welcoming environment for women who speak little or no English where they can improve their communication skills, make friends, learn about British culture, integrate into their local communities and feel less isolated. All sessions are free, are supported by volunteers and a play area is provided for pre-school children. Learning is topic-based so learners can come to as many or as few sessions as they are able, without feeling that they have missed something.
English for All is a new session which is being tried in Chelmsford. English for All welcomes men and women in our communities who encounter language barriers. English for All sessions are run by both male and female volunteers.
English for Women and English for All sessions provide a safe and welcoming environment for all who speak little or no English, regardless of language, culture, religion or nationality.
Comments from our learners
“EFW is a welcoming place, [it] is an opportunity to improve my English, to understand English culture. I like to come here, to talk with people. EFW is a very friendly place.”
“EFW is a very friendly and helpful community. I learnt a lot about British traditions and everyday life, and also discovered many interesting facts. I met new people and made new friends, we often go out for a coffee and it’s very interesting to learn traditions of different countries.
I would like to say thank you to all our wonderful teachers and volunteers for your time and interesting lessons. Every time when I come home after my classes I have some new interesting information about England to share with my husband.”
Our Locations
We offer a number of different sessions for learners at various locations across Essex alongside an online session which is accessible to all.
Sessions take place at different locations on different days of the week:-
English for Women Chelmsford – 10am Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during term time (women only)
English for Women Goodmayes – 10am Thursdays during term time (women only)
EfW Online – Everyone welcome am Wednesdays during term time
English for All Chelmsford – welcoming men and women 9:30 am Mondays during term time
Our groups are split into beginner, intermediate and advanced learners so there will be a group that will be at the right level for you.
English for Women does not run formal English classes but community groups where you will find a warm welcome and a safe space where you can make friends, build networks and become part of your local community.
We also support the learning of every day English with small topic-led discussion groups which are aimed at starting conversations, building confidence and understanding British culture. We talk about a different topic each session so you can come to whichever day(s) work for you.
English for Women sessions are women and pre-school children only. English for All sessions welcome men and women.
Donate
We are so grateful for the generosity of individual donors who enable us to continue combating isolation within our local communities. If you would like to make a donation, please email us for our bank details. Or, by cheque, made payable to Chelmsford Diocesan Mothers’ Union (writing English for Women on the back).to: English for Women, 53 New Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1TY
To find out more, have a look at our website https://www.englishforwomen.org/
or email: admin@englishforwomen. org
or find us on (20+) English for Women | Facebook
