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Community as a superpower: celebrating Refugee Week with English for Women
For displaced people and refugees, community is more than just a group of people who live in proximity - it’s a lifeline. It’s a space of welcome, belonging and shared connection. More than anything, it’s a living example of God’s love in action, a place where every person is seen, valued, and supported.
This Refugee Week (16–22 June), we’re celebrating the theme “Community as a Superpower” by highlighting the inspiring work of English for Women (EFW), a Mothers’ Union-supported project based in the Diocese of Chelmsford.
Founded by Heike Prentice, an Ordinand at Chelmsford Cathedral, EFW was later gifted to the community and embraced by Mothers’ Union, continuing a legacy of empowering women. The project is about connection and community. It aims to reduce loneliness for women experiencing language barriers, many of whom are refugees or asylum seekers rebuilding their lives after conflict or trauma. Through welcoming, inclusive sessions, EFW helps women build friendships, gain confidence, and communicate in a new culture.
Chelmsford diocese is rich in diversity, with women from countries including Turkey, Latvia, Russia, Afghanistan, Moldova, Italy and Portugal involved in the project. “The sessions build confidence in conversational English skills and help participants understand British culture so they can develop a sense of belonging,” says project assistant Kirsten Esden.
Volunteer Judy Halls sees EFW as a powerful extension of MU’s roots. “Mothers’ Union was created when women lacked equality, confidence and opportunity. We’ve stayed true to those principles. Often participants will start off hesitant, but over time, they grow in confidence. Our greatest success is when, after attending the sessions, they have the skills and knowledge to thrive in the UK.”
The true power of this community lies not just in what is taught, but in what is shared. Volunteer Alison reflects, “I go in to help the learners, but I often find I learn a lot myself. It’s a great community. We are different ages, nationalities, religions, and ethnicities, but we are also very much the same.”
One participant puts it simply: “EFW is a very friendly and helpful community. I have learnt a lot about British culture and everyday life. I have met new people and made new friends.”
EFW is proof that community is a superpower, capable of breaking down walls and transforming lives. It's more than language learning; it's the creation of a space where dignity is restored, and hope is rekindled.
Through projects like EFW, Mothers’ Union members are living out Christ’s call to love our neighbour (Matthew 25:35), standing alongside the vulnerable and turning compassion into action.
Earlier this year, EFW received a special visit from MU’s royal patron, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh, recognising the impact of this vital work. Read more about the visit here.