10 years of impact - the next chapter begins
On 22 April 2015, Breaking Barriers’ constitution was signed. Our founder, Matt Powell, was joined by a small, brave and visionary group of donors. United by a mission to help refugees gain meaningful employment and build new lives.
Ten years on, our staff, volunteers and partners have supported 3560 people on their employment journeys. We’ve celebrated 3054 times as our clients have entered volunteering placements, education opportunities and jobs. But, with demand for our services growing, our work is not done.
To mark our 10th anniversary, we’re asking all those who share the belief in a better future for refugees to join our 10-week Breaking Barriers, Building Futures campaign.
Together, we can begin the next 10 years as we mean to continue. Helping more refugees achieve meaningful employment. Transforming the lives of those who’ve faced the unimaginable. And making our workplaces, our communities and our society more inclusive and equitable places to be.
Breaking Barriers has really hit a psychological nail on the head in terms of identifying work as the principal way that people rebuild shattered lives. They can do so with dignity and respect. There is nothing like work to give you a sense of place, of purpose, of belonging.
Juliet Stevenson, Breaking Barriers ambassador
Get involved
Give £10 a month
For a refugee, it takes resilience, determination, and strength to build a new life in the UK. It also takes time. And the right support.
For 10 years, Breaking Barriers has offered refugees advice, training and opportunities to access meaningful employment. But our next 10 years depend upon people like you.
Help refugees to break down barriers, and build new futures, by starting a monthly donation of £10 today.
Donate £10 a month
Sponsor our 10k challenge
On 10th May, 10 Breaking Barriers staff members - plus valiant friends and family - completed an epic Inflatable Run to help our fantastic refugee clients.
Please show your support for our intrepid team, who ran, clambered and (occasionally) face-planted their way to the finish line. Your sponsorship will mean so much to them, and you'll be helping refugees find independence, dignity and hope through work.
Sponsor us
Choose your own '10'
Could you mark Breaking Barriers' 10th anniversary by taking on your own '10' challenge?
You could run or walk 10k, take on a 10-hour sponsored silence, or even organise a 10-question office quiz!
Whatever you do, you'll be raising awareness of the importance of breaking down barriers for refugees. And you'll be raising money to help build new lives.
Take on a challenge
Take 10 to read and share
Throughout the Breaking Barriers, Building Futures campaign, we'll be sharing inspiring stories from the past 10 years.
You'll hear from refugees who've overcome the odds to find meaningful work. From companies and funders who've supported our clients. And from individuals who have a unique place in Breaking Barriers' DNA.
Please take 10 minutes to read and share these stories. Why not aim to tell at least 10 people over 10 weeks? Your impact will last far beyond the campaign, as you kick-start the next decade of support, encouragement and hope for refugees.
We see every day the positive contribution that refugees make to the communities around us. Throughout our 10-week campaign, we will be sharing the stories of our incredible clients and the people who support our work.
The Clothworkers’ Foundation has played a fundamental role in the growth of Breaking Barriers’ scale and impact over recent years. Nelly Koko-Konan, the foundation’s Proactive Programmes Manager, reflects on the relationship between the two organisations.
Marsha, a former member of our Lived Experience Panel, reflects on how Breaking Barriers’ support led her to gain confidence and essential employability skills.
How one long-standing partnership has helped nurture Breaking Barriers' entrepreneurial spirit during our first decade.
Through our Breaking Barriers, Building Futures campaign, Mona shares how the right support is helping her work towards her long-term career goals.
Breaking Barriers’ first Chair of Trustees, Sue Corbett, joined the organisation in 2016. Here she reflects on its growth, and her commitment to supporting refugees into meaningful employment long into the future.
From job market uncertainty to a meaningful career in housing management, Andrew shares his journey in his own words, showing how far the right support can go.
The Breaking Barriers' Ambassador discusses the importance of meaningful employment and the positive impact that the refugee community has had on her life. Watch her interview now.
To kick off the Breaking Barriers, Building Futures campaign, Pam shares her journey from aspiring student to a career in advertising.
