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Gulsom, smiling, wearing an orange coat and purple headscarf, standing in front of an icecream van in a park and handing an icecream to her husband

You’re unique, and we need you

Join the movement that's Breaking Barriers for refugees like Gulsom

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You’re unique. Nobody else on earth has exactly your skills, experience, knowledge and talents. No one else has the same goals, hopes and dreams as you.

The same is true of every refugee in the UK. And, by bringing your unique perspective to Breaking Barriers, you could help someone who’s faced the unimaginable to build a new life.

It only takes a minute to share your email address (another thing that’s unique about you!) And we’ll keep you up-to-date with all the ways you can help refugees find meaningful employment.

Who we are

Breaking Barriers is a community of staff, volunteers, and people of refugee background from dozens of countries. In just eight years, we’ve grown from a spark of an idea to a team working, in five UK cities, with over 1,100 refugees a year.

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What we do

Our expert advisors and volunteers offer support 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 flee from war, persecution, and violence. Many, like Gulsom, are forced to leave with just the clothes on their back. When you’ve faced all this, how do you start again?

And, sadly, yet more hardship may be waiting in the UK. A new country. Often a new language. An unfamiliar work culture. Refugees are four times more likely to be unemployed, and they may face these overwhelming challenges alone.

That’s why Breaking Barriers exists. In Afghanistan, Gulsom was a top lawyer, prosecuting violence against women. With our support, her own skills and determination, she’s now secured a legal role in the UK. But thousands of refugees still need guidance to help their true potential shine through.

How you can help

Perhaps you’d like to volunteer to offer one-to-one career advice? Or maybe you could help create job opportunities for refugees?

You might want to fund life-changing employment guidance and English classes? Or perhaps you’d like to spread the word that refugees deserve the chance to fulfil their potential?

Whatever your interests. Whatever your own goals. We’d love to welcome you to the movement that’s Breaking Barriers for refugees across the UK.

Join Breaking Barriers today

If you believe everyone deserves a fair chance, please help more refugees like Gulsom prove what they can really do.

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