Breadwinners is a remarkable social enterprise and charity with a dual mission: to provide meaningful employment and work experience to refugees and young people seeking asylum, and to sell high-quality, organic artisan bread to the public. The organization’s innovative model addresses a critical societal issue—the significant barriers to employment and social integration that asylum seekers and refugees face upon arriving in the UK—by leveraging the simple, universally appealing product of bread.
It's an organization that doesn't just offer charity; it builds capacity, fosters independence, and creates a vibrant, interconnected community.
The challenge that Breadwinners tackles is multifaceted. For many refugees, the journey to the UK is fraught with peril and uncertainty. Upon arrival, they often face a complex and lengthy asylum process, which can prohibit them from working for a considerable period. Even after gaining refugee status, which grants them the right to work, they encounter immense hurdles. Their foreign qualifications may not be recognized, they may lack a professional network, and they often struggle with a lack of UK work experience and language proficiency, despite a strong desire to contribute to society.
A lack of stable employment can lead to social isolation, mental health issues, and a reliance on social support systems. This is an issue that is often overlooked and requires a compassionate and effective solution. Breadwinners steps in to fill this gap, offering a structured and supportive pathway back into the workforce.
The core of the Breadwinners model is its three distinct yet interconnected programs, each designed to address a different stage of a refugee’s journey towards employment.
The first is the Risers program, which serves as an early intervention initiative. It is specifically tailored for young people seeking asylum, aged between 16 and 24, who are currently unable to work due to their asylum status. Risers provides a crucial first step by offering comprehensive work experience, training, and a sense of community. Participants are not paid but are given expenses, and the program focuses on developing essential employability skills, such as time management, teamwork, and communication.
They learn the logistics of running a market stall, from setting it up and handling sales to engaging with customers. This program is vital because it ensures that once these young people gain the right to work, they have a solid foundation of skills and confidence, making them far more competitive in the job market. It also combats the demoralizing effects of unemployment by providing a positive, goal-oriented activity.
The second and flagship program is Breadwinners, which is aimed at refugees who have already been granted refugee status. These individuals are employed by the organization as "Breadwinners" and are responsible for managing their own market stalls. This is not simply a job; it is a full-time, salaried position that provides a living wage, professional training, and genuine career development. The roles are dynamic and entrepreneurial. Each Breadwinner is responsible for managing stock, handling sales, managing customer relationships, and reporting on their progress.
This hands-on experience allows them to quickly develop a wide range of transferable skills, from financial management to customer service. The program also includes a strong mentorship component, where experienced volunteers and staff provide ongoing support, helping the participants build their confidence and prepare for their next career move. The goal is not to keep them within the organization indefinitely but to use the Breadwinners job as a stepping stone to securing employment in their desired field. The evidence of this model's success is clear, with a high percentage of participants successfully moving on to permanent jobs, university education, or starting their own businesses.
The third program, Proofers, demonstrates the organization’s adaptability and foresight. It is an e-commerce platform that was developed to complement the market stalls, providing an additional sales channel while also serving as a digital skills training ground. Participants in the Proofers program are trained in essential modern business skills, including online order processing, digital marketing, inventory management, and customer service.
This program ensures that the skills being taught are relevant to the evolving job market, where a significant portion of commerce is now conducted online. It also provides a valuable alternative for those who may prefer a more behind-the-scenes role or who are looking to specialize in digital skills. By integrating physical market stalls with an online delivery service, Breadwinners creates a holistic business that offers diverse training opportunities and a resilient revenue stream.
The success of Breadwinners extends beyond its formal programs to the broader community it cultivates. The organization operates on a collaborative model that involves not only the participants but also a dedicated network of volunteers, partnering bakeries, and, crucially, its customers. The organic artisan bread sold at the stalls and online is sourced from high-quality, local bakeries that share the organization’s values. This partnership ensures a premium product while supporting other small businesses. The customers who buy the bread are not just making a purchase; they are actively supporting a social mission.
They are part of the solution, helping to create jobs and opportunities with every loaf they buy. The market stalls become more than just points of sale; they are hubs of social interaction, where the Breadwinners can connect directly with the public, share their stories, and build a sense of belonging in their new community. This human connection is a powerful antidote to the isolation that many refugees experience.
Looking ahead, Breadwinners has a clear vision for growth, aiming to expand its reach to help more people and have a greater societal impact. The organization faces the typical challenges of a growing non-profit, including the need for sustainable funding, careful management of its scale, and the continuous adaptation to economic and social changes. However, its proven model, the tangible results it achieves, and the passionate community that supports it suggest a bright and impactful future. By proving that a business can be both profitable and purpose-driven, Breadwinners.org.uk stands as a leading example of how social enterprise can create lasting, positive change.
