The Furnival

What we do

We support migrant and newly-arrived women to build confidence in their English skills and integrate socially and culturally, so that they may reach their potential and support their families to thrive.

Creative English  This innovative programme covering a wide range of topics, that we all need in our daily lives, really impacts confidence in spoken English so that our learners are equipped to navigate life in a new country. Creative English is a research-based English language programme which draws on the theory that informal drama-based sessions increase participants’ sense of belonging and confidence, helping them to learn at a quicker pace. 

We know that women can be particularly disadvantaged by migration so we create a safe, accessible and welcoming space where women, who are often the last ones in the community to learn and integrate, may learn and build connection.

Our learners are from a wide range of community groups: Sudanese, Yemeni, Eritrean, Ethiopian, Pakistani, Syrian, Afghan and others. All are made welcome, build friendships and support each other

Through our weekly craft groups we encourage both creative and English language skills; for those with little language the creative process can support self-esteem and wellbeing as the women make something they are proud of. We are currently working with Sheffield Theatres on a textiles project to create a wall hanging depicting hope, spring and new beginnings to hang in the Crucible Theatre foyer. 

Cook and Share

Sharing food and hospitality is key to cultural integration and a really positive way to to support English language skills - through the language of food. We hold weekly cook and share sessions in our community kitchen where the women in the community share their own recipes and we cook and eat together.

Our Community Garden where we grow fruit and vegetables has been a source of learning and joy for our families. We built and created the raised bed together then planted carrots, chard, spinach, strawberries and more. As we came out of the winter lockdown and our community wanted to get together safely outside, we painted two beautiful murals on the walls of The Furnival Community Hub, our charity's base in Burngreave. 

We also have a Toy Library of educational toys and books to support families in reading and learning together, this provides good quality resources for learning through play. Mums and Dads borrow picture books for their little ones and one eight year old has just read all the Narnia books, coming back each week for the next one.

In providing this range of resources and activities we respond to the hopes and needs of our wonderful families as we fulfil our aim of:

                          Building Community - Learning Together