Breaking Barriers celebrates volunteers week 2019

Every year, volunteers’ week (1-7 June) is a chance to reflect on the impact volunteers have. This year it is amazing to reflect on the size of the Breaking Barriers volunteer programme which, after the opening of a third delivery centre and the addition of more corporate partners, only continues to grow. This year 452 individual volunteers supported our work – this includes volunteers at one-off events and regular volunteers. Together, they have donated a total of 4783.7 hours of volunteering.

Every day we get applications from more people wanting to volunteer. To me, it demonstrates that people in London are motivated and committed to the rights of refugees. They believe in our clients and their right to fulfilling and stable jobs. And they wish to do something practical to help clients achieve their goals.

Volunteers bring knowledge, emotional intelligence, and inspiration to the clients they support. Invariably, however, they also find huge reward from their involvement. As one volunteer described their experience:

“You learn so much from the people you work with – their experience, their drive and motivation, the challenges they overcome. It’s very inspiring and humbling.”

Thank you to all our volunteers for their commitment and contribution to Breaking Barriers. I hope the programme can continue to grow!