The Big Give 2025

Why we need your help 

Refugees flee their homes in fear, from war, persecution, and violence. Many leave behind not just their belongings but their families and their livelihoods. To start again, to build a new life, they need extraordinary strength. And the right support.

Refugees are around three times more likely to be unemployed than people born in the UK. Without strong English, even highly qualified individuals are locked out of work and education.

They face a several barriers, including:

• The language barrier: This is the first and highest hurdle. Without strong English or evidence of their skills, the door to employment is locked.
• Systemic failures: Refugees face cuts in government funding for language classes, long waiting lists for support, and digital exclusion that makes accessing online help impossible.
• CV gaps: Lengthy and complex asylum processes leave huge gaps in their work history.
• Unrecognised qualifications: Degrees and professional experience from their home country are often not recognised in the UK.
• No networks: They lack the professional networks and understanding of the UK job market that many of us take for granted.

How will your donation be used?

Your donation to the Big Give Christmas Challenge will directly fund Breaking Barriers’ specialist Language Programme, which provides a direct pathway to employment.

Your gift will help us provide:

• Access to free, tailored classes through our network of over 160 education partners.
• Funding to cover the fees for essential English qualifications required by professional bodies, employers, and universities.
• One-to-one guidance from dedicated caseworkers who ensure refugees are connected directly to future employment pathways.

Donate today