Two images side by side, on the left are the two-woman cast of Drink Rum with Expats in costume and on the right is a Breaking Barriers client, seated in an office, smiling at a person off camera.

Support refugees by drinking rum with expats!

Sh!t Theatre invite their audience to help refugees find meaningful employment

Donate

Thank you for visiting the ‘Drink Rum with Expats’ fundraising page in aid of Breaking Barriers.

Refugees flee war, persecution or violence. They leave behind homes, families, livelihoods. Often they face the barriers to starting again alone.

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.

Your donation to Breaking Barriers will help provide one-to-one advice, training, education and workplace opportunities, to help refugees in the UK find meaningful employment and build a new life. It’ll show that you’re standing with refugees, across the UK, as they overcome huge challenges to gaining work.

Thank you for your support – and enjoy the Sh!t Theatre show!

What does Breaking Barriers do?

Our expert advisors and volunteers offer support for refugees on everything from writing a first CV to preparing for that daunting job interview. From the subtleties of UK work culture to the different routes into a profession.

We also offer English language classes – from beginner to professional – and IT and digital skills training. Meanwhile, through our corporate partners, refugees can gain advice, paid work placements, and fulfilling job opportunities.

Our mission is to ensure every refugee can access employment that is meaningful for them. And, together, we’re working resolutely towards that goal.

Why this matters

Refugees living in the UK face many barriers to employment. From language differences to gaps in their CVs due to the lengthy asylum process. From a lack of UK work experience to non-recognition of their qualifications. From cultural differences to discrimination.

As a result, refugees in the UK are four times more likely to be unemployed than people born here, and on average earn about half the amount per week that UK nationals do. This is despite high levels of qualifications and skills.

But, research by Breaking Barriers shows that just 8 hours of our support could triple a refugee's chances of finding a job. Our advisors, volunteers and corporate partners really can help refugees begin to build a new life.