From the very beginning Breadwinners felt different.
It wasn’t just a programme or a training course. It was people. People who welcomed me with smiles, kindness and encouragement. That welcome helped me slowly feel like myself again.
I didn’t just learn skills here. I felt seen and supported.
We are grateful to London Youth for this award and for their continued support. We also thank the young people, mentors, partners, customers and donors who make Breadwinners a strong and inclusive community!
Read MoreThis week is one of the most important moments of the year for Breadwinners. Our Big Give Christmas Challenge is live, and every donation is doubled until midday on 9 December. At a time when political hostility towards refugees is growing, this is a tangible way to support young people seeking safety — helping them access their first UK work experience, training, and mentoring. No amount is too small, and every contribution truly makes a difference.
Read MorePeople & Planet First Week 2025 reminds us that caring for each other and caring for the earth must go hand in hand. As our Chair John Lister says, “Britain is a country of migrants… and bread is a central part of community life in any culture; it’s what we all share.” At Breadwinners, we live these values by supporting young refugees into meaningful work, building community cohesion at farmers’ markets, and sourcing organic baked goods that respect people and the planet. This is what People & Planet First looks like in action: hope, sustainability, and communities built on dignity and belonging.
Read MoreWe’re honoured to be recognised by PwC as winners of the “Impact in Social Enterprise” 2025 Award. This award celebrates the incredible work of our team, the voices of young refugees who co-lead our work — using AI-powered research, creativity, and collaboration to shape a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Read MoreWhen Joel first met Alaa, he was nervous. The moment could go either way. Alaa was polite, a little distant, unsure of what this new relationship might mean. They were strangers standing at the edge of something that neither of them could quite define yet.
Read MoreWhen the final lap ended, we lingered to celebrate. Honestly, who won didn’t matter, the real victory was in being together, sharing the moment, and creating memories.
We wrapped up our adventure at the photo booth, pulling silly poses and capturing spontaneous snaps to remember the day. Reflecting on it, Kwiz summed it up perfectly:
“Celebrating my birthday at the racetrack was next level! After the race, I can honestly say I had the time of my life — surrounded by speed, thrill, and pure joy with friends.”
This won’t be our last outing, because at Breadwinners, the community always finds a way to come together, to laugh, to share, and to turn little moments into meaningful memories.
Read MoreI had to learn some of these things on my own like
finding charities that can support me. I am grateful to charities like Breadwinners who
gave me my first working experience and trained me to gain some sort of skills
especially customer service.
Read MoreAt Breadwinners, we believe that creating opportunity for young refugees and protecting the planet go hand in hand. This year, we produced our 5th Participatory Action Research, and for the first time measured our Environmental Impact! We’re proud to share how we've deepened our commitment to both—growing sustainably while listening, learning, and acting on the voices of our community.
Read MoreWe’re proud to share that Breadwinners has been recognised as one of the Top 100 UK Social Enterprises in the SE100 2025, and named a finalist in the Impact Management Pioneer category by Pioneers Post and NatWest Social & Community Capital. This honour reflects not only the impact we’re making with and for young refugees, but also how we measure, manage and continuously improve that impact – with young people leading the way through Participatory Action Research.
Read MoreAlex takes a reflective approach to mentoring. With some mentees, he shares short videos ahead of their meetups on topics like confidence or communication. “It helps spark conversations, and sometimes they challenge what’s in the video — which is great. It becomes an exchange.” He also described visiting a mosque for the first time with one mentee and how the time he has spent mentoring has been a learning experience for him, and window into different ways of seeing the world. One of his mentees even once told him how to catch a pigeon with his bare hands…but that’s a tale for another day…
Read MoreThis Refugee Week, we’re excited to invite you to a very special event close to our hearts — Hey Salam Hola Bwakeye, an immersive audio-visual exhibition created by young refugees, for the community.
Read MoreSo I was called to cover BTS for day one. We started of at a nail salon for the first location on the first day. This was Shanzay's place in London, a very colourful spot where I imagine beauty sparking conversations. The playlist, impeccable! Shanzay is a natural storyteller and when I see the photos I can see beauty and power, all of it makes sense!
Read MoreThis year we partnered with On Purpose – a career change programme that guides organisations towards a healthy and more sustainable economic system. Their Associate Maria Fletcher spent 6 months with us looking at our supply chain, measuring our carbon footprint, and helping us create a vision for the future where we can become net zero.
Read MoreOur loaves aren’t just made with organic flour — they’re made with purpose. Thanks to Shipton Mill, we’re baking a better future, one slice at a time.
Read MoreWe’re so happy to introduce the newest member of our core team, Emma! Her warmth, passion, and dedication have already made a great impact on us, and we can't wait for you to get to know her a little better. Sara, our comms assistant did a cool photoshoot and captured Emma’s endearing smile!
Read MoreThe energy was next level it wasn’t just about outfits it was about self expression, empowering and community.
For Breadwinners it was an absolute honour to be invited again to an event that celebrates creativity and opportunity.
Here’s to more moments like this where fashion meets the purpose and everyone gets a chance to shine.
Read MoreAbdi’s story is one of courage, growth, and the power of mentorship. In August 2023, Abdi, a young man from Somalia, arrived in the UK via Morocco, hoping for a fresh start. As an asylum seeker, adjusting to a new country was overwhelming, but Abdi was determined to build a new life. In February 2024, he heard about Breadwinners from a fellow asylum seeker and decided to apply to become a "Riser" in the program. He was eager to get experience, gain confidence, and, of course, learn about bread.
Read MoreBreadwinners celebrates another milestone, winning the Prove It: Social Impact Award 2024 from Social Enterprise UK, alongside being named a Top 7 #CommunityBased Social Enterprise. With over 604 young refugees empowered, Breadwinners continues to lead through innovation like Participatory Action Research and responsible AI integration. Learn how every loaf of bread sold supports jobs and transformative impact in the UK.
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