Marsha’s story

Marsha was introduced to our team in 2018 after being referred by another charity. Here she shares her experience of the support and opportunities she gained through Breaking Barriers, her role on our Lived Experience Panel, and her hopes for the future.

Where are you originally from and when did you first come to the UK?  

I’m Marsha and I’m originally from Bangladesh. I came to the UK in 2012. Returning home became permanently dangerous for me and my family due to the politically hostile situation, which lasted more than a decade.  

How did you first learn about Breaking Barriers?  

I was a client of Freedom from Torture. When I expressed my desire to work in the UK professional sector my case worker recommended reaching out to Breaking Barriers. In 2018, I self-referred to find out about its services to support refugees and into meaningful employment.  

Tell us about the support you got from Breaking Barriers.   

Breaking Barriers knew from the beginning that helping a refugee with employment needs a holistic approach. Individual well-being concerns come in different shapes and forms, even after securing a legal status in the UK. During my appointments with case workers at Breaking Barriers, I felt I was heard. I felt supported in overcoming my hesitations and challenges over making decisions.   

The team helped me to create a transferrable skill-based CV rather than an experience-focused one. I learned about how to write a standout cover letter, which is a life lesson as I see it. With proper coaching, I started to believe that I needed to apply for 100 jobs from various sectors until I would be invited to my first interview. I was lucky enough to secure a job after my first interview with one of BB’s former corporate partners. Breaking Barriers helped me with interview preparation and office wardrobe. My case worker kept checking on me until the probation period was completed. 

Breaking Barriers also explored what made me feel better, my passions and skills that could help me to grow. I attended business language workshops, women’s support groups and other networking events. I had the opportunity to be part of the refugee journalism project 2018-2019 and learnt from the best in the UK media industry. 

What skills and opportunities did you gain through Breaking Barriers?  

Breaking Barriers gave me many opportunities as I gradually rebuilt my lost confidence. I was an Ambassador Council member in Breaking Barriers’ early days. I chaired meetings and actively took part in the decision-making and strategic planning process of a fast-growing and effective charity. I contributed and shared my story on several occasions as well as assisting other clients to share their stories through annual storytelling projects. 

As a Lived Experience Panel member for the first two terms, I represented the organisation and participated in developing effective policies, programmes, and services that were responsive to the needs of the community and the issues that they faced. I learnt about the power of collaboration and the importance of the client/user feedback process, I sat on the other side of different interview panels to find the best people who would continue supporting refugees in the UK. Now, I’m comfortable in public speaking and all credit goes to the coaching provided by the Breaking Barriers team.   

Where are you working now and what do you do?  

I’m a partially qualified accountant in the UK. Last year, I decided to work in the non-profit finance sector. The transition from a fintech corporate job wasn’t straightforward or quick. I found myself reaching out to Breaking Barrier again for guidance. They actively helped to find my current job in an established charity organisation that supports displaced populations around the world.

What does meaningful employment mean to you and why is it so important?  

As a former asylum seeker, meaningful employment means to me, to dare to dream, overcome legal and systemic obstacles, challenge personal limitations and be one step closer to having a normal life.  

What are your goals for the future?  

Professionally, I would like to keep learning new skills and maintain personal development. I would like to continue my contribution to the non-profit sector using my knowledge, skills and experience. 

As a human being, I would like to feel like most of the people I commute with in the morning, and most of the shoppers in the supermarket I walk into. My future will be freed from my past’s shadow.