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Photo Credit: Xavi Buendia
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# **Building Futures, Nurturing Hope and Belonging**
**Annual Report and Impact Summary 2024**
## **Contents**
|p.3-7|Welcome|
|---|---|
|p.8-10|The Need|
|p.11|Our Vision|
|p.12-13|Our Impact|
|p.14-15|Our Clients|
|p.16-27|Our Programmes|
|p.28-29|Our Employer|
||Support|
|p.30-33|Our Welcome Mat|
|p.34-35|Our Team|
|p.36|Our Refections|
|p.38-39|Our Finances|
|p.40-41|Looking Ahead|
|p.42-47|Our Community|
## **2024 A Year of Impact**
## **Registered Charity Status**
Moved from CIC to charity status.
## **Expanding Opportunities**
632 refugees supported, 43 jobs secured,
68 entrepreneurs trained.
## **Welcome Mat Campaign**
United communities to challenge division and promote belonging.
## **Extended Our Reach**
Expanded our partnership network and grew our outreach - connecting with more communities and unlocking new pathways to impact.
p. 2
THE LAUNCHPAD COLLECTIVE
## **Dear Friends**
This year has been one of transformation, resilience, and growth at The Launchpad Collective. We’ve deepened our commitment to helping refugees rebuild their lives through employment and education - restoring stability, belonging, and hope.
The far-right race riots of August 2024 exposed the fragility of social cohesion, intensifying hostility towards refugees and other racially minoritised communities. The need for a sense of belonging, inclusion and opportunity has never felt more urgent.
In the face of this adversity, we continue to lead from a place of optimism and remain steadfast. The resilience of refugee job seekers and the communities we support remains a beacon of inspiration. Even in the face of hostile rhetoric and systemic barriers, they persevere - holding onto imagination and hope for brighter futures. This enduring hope drives our work, and it is something we must protect and nurture.
## “
**At TLC, we believe that when refugees thrive, communities thrive. And this year, we have been reminded - both in inspiring and difficult ways - why this matters more than ever. At a time of deep uncertainty for refugees in the UK, the collaborative work by our sector has never been more vital**
## **Looking Ahead**
This impact report is testament to the power of collective action.
As we look to 2025 and beyond, we remain unwavering in our commitment to long-term systemic change. We envision a future where refugees are not only welcomed but recognised for their strengths, resilience and contributions. We will continue to advocate boldly and act with hope, working tirelessly towards a society where dignity, opportunity and belonging are afforded to all.
Thank you for being part of this movement. Together, we are building futures and strengthening communities.
With love,
## Jane & Summerly
Joint CEOs and Co-Founders, The Launchpad Collective
p. 3
OUR IMPACT 2024
## **A Message From Our Trustees**
We are honoured to step into the role of Co-Chairs at such a pivotal moment for The Launchpad Collective. Having transitioned from a CIC to a CIO, this first year as a charity marks a new chapter and an exciting time to join!
As The Launchpad Collective approaches its fifth year, its journey of extraordinary growth, resilience and impact is both remarkable and impressive.
For both of us, this mission is deeply personal. Mariam, having pioneered our Work Ready English programme, and now our Work Ready lead, brings lived experience and an unwavering dedication to ensuring refugee voices shape our work and that our services are client-centered and needs driven. Raj, with decades of experience and expertise in social impact and refugee advocacy, has seen firsthand how employment unlocks dignity, confidence and opportunity.
Looking ahead, we are excited to build on TLC’s momentum by creating an Advisory Panel ensuring all stakeholders are represented to inform and act on board decision-making. At the end of 2024, we also welcomed four new Board members, a new Chair of the Advisory Council and an Advisory Council member. While they are still early in post, we are excited about the fresh perspectives and expertise they bring to help shape TLC’s next chapter. We look forward to seeing TLC’s vision and strategy for the coming year unfold. Working with the existing committed team, volunteers, partners, and supporters, we are not just placing people into jobs - we are transforming lives, workplaces and communities.
**We are delighted to lead The Launchpad Collective into its next chapter and invite you to be part of this movement for change.**
## Mariam & Raj
Co-Chairs, Board of Trustees
## **Our Trustees**
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Hope
Trustee
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Jane
Trustee and Signatory
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Jumara Mariam Naomi
Trustee Trustee Co-Chair Trustee
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p. 4
THE LAUNCHPAD COLLECTIVE
## **Our Vision, Mission and Values**
## **Vision**
**A society where belonging and opportunity empower us all to thrive.**
## **Values**
- **Dignity**
- **Empowerment**
- **Community**
- **Collaboration**
- **Creativity**
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Mission
Steered by lived experience, we
empower refugees to become
work-ready. We open doors to
opportunity through collaboration
and use employment as a vehicle
for social change.
Behaviours
• We welcome everyone
• We value lived experience
• We trust each other
• We are resourceful
• We embrace new ideas
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Nora Raj
Trustee Trustee Co-Chair
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Richard Summerly
Trustee Trustee and Signatory
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OUR IMPACT 2024
p. 5
## “
**Lived experience is not just valued - it’s the driving force behind everything we do.**
## **Lived Experience at the Heart of Our Work**
Our founding ethos is simple: lived experience should lead. From the outset, TLC was built to be steered by those with direct experience of displacement. We don’t just advise employers - we are an employer, modelling the inclusive practices we champion. Our team leads by example, and some of our staff began their journeys as clients. This approach not only builds trust, but also shows what’s possible - creating a cycle of inspiration, leadership, and impact.
## **Our Team by the Numbers**
**82% 22% Of staff Of Board and For many, TLC is a have lived Advisory stepping stone - their experience Council first work opportunity, of forced members supporting staff to migration have lived rebuild careers with experience confidence**
## **Team members bring expertise from**
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Iran
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Pakistan
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Syria Sudan Ukraine Yemen Afghanistan
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**And beyond, speaking 14 languages.**
p. 6
THE LAUNCHPAD COLLECTIVE
## **Meet TLC**
**Ahmed**
Digital Project Co-ordinator
**Fareeha** Client Services Manager
**Kotaiba**
Projects Manager
**Medya** Safeguarding Lead
**Ardavan**
Client Co-ordinator
**Hengi** Fundraising and Development Lead
**Mahnoor**
Communications and Events Co-ordinator
**Meelad**
Client Co-ordinator
**Daria**
Community and Corporate Outreach Co-ordinator
**Khrystyna**
Volunteer Co-ordinator
**Mariam**
Work Ready Lead
**Rabab**
Work Ready English Manager
OUR IMPACT 2024
p. 7
## **The Need**
## **A New Start Shouldn’t Be This Hard**
**Refugees are still othered, marginalised, undervalued and excluded in the UK. Despite bringing diverse skills, qualifications and global experience, they are often seen through a lens of burden rather than contribution. And nowhere is this exclusion more stark than in employment. Belonging isn’t just about having a place to live - it’s about being a valued and active participant in society, forging relationships, enriching communities and workplaces.**
## **The Power of Employment**
**Securing work isn’t just about earning a wage - it’s about rebuilding dignity, stability, integration and a future. Additionally, the UK is failing to harness this untapped pool of talent.**
**Employment sits at the heart of this challenge.**
**Work is a gateway to dignity, stability, and belonging - but it remains out of reach for many refugees, cutting them off from economic security and the chance to thrive.**
## “
**Refugees have significant potential to strengthen the UK economy, whether by using their existing skills or developing new ones. Tapping into this potential would not only boost local economies but also support stronger integration.**
**Rossella Pagliuchi-Lor, UNHCR Representative to the UK**
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p. 8
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THE LAUNCHPAD COLLECTIVE
## ~~**L**~~ **ost Potential in the UK Workforce**
**In 2024, there were around**
**500,000 refugees living in the UK**
**Only 51%**
**of asylum migrants are employed, compared to 88% of UK-born individuals**
_(Sources: UK Government 2010, Refugees and the UK Labour Market 2019, European Commission 2016)_
## “
**I had a senior role in Afghanistan with extensive high-level experience. I wanted to start working as soon as I could but didn’t know where to begin. I was starting from zero in a new country, I had no knowledge about how to apply for work, how to get a job or how to communicate with potential employers.**
**Yaseen, TLC Client, Afghanistan**
p. 9
OUR IMPACT 2024
## **Refugees: Barriers Why refugees struggle to secure employment:**
**1. The System Doesn’t See Their Value**
**Public narratives and biases mean refugees are seen as burdens, not assets. Negative media representation impacts public narratives and biases. Refugees are seen as burdens, not assets.**
**2. Structural Failures Lock Skilled People Out**
**Costly qualification conversions, missing documents, gaps from long asylum processes, cuts to English language support, and legal instability block access to work.**
**3.**
**Discrimination and Employer Hesitation**
**Bias and misunderstanding about hiring refugees keeps skilled professionals shut out.**
## **Employers: Benefits Recognising and Valuing Refugee Talent**
**These individuals bring enormous value to their new communities, and when given opportunities to work, they contribute in powerful ways:**
**3** . **Multilingual and Culturally Fluent**
**Refugees bring language skills and global understanding.**
**1** . **Strong Commitment and Retention**
**Once employed, refugees often stay longer and contribute deeply.**
**4** . **Resilience and Innovation**
**Having rebuilt their lives, refugees bring adaptability, problem-solving and drive.**
**2** . **Skilled, Educated and Globally Experienced**
**5** .
**Diverse Teams Perform Better**
**Many arrive with professional backgrounds, higher education, and international experience.**
**Workplaces that embrace diversity outperform those that don’t.**
p. 10
THE LAUNCHPAD COLLECTIVE
## **Solution - Our Vision for Change Our vision is a society where belonging and opportunity empower us all to thrive**
**At The Launchpad Collective we believe that refugees should be welcomed, valued and included as integral members of society. Our Theory of Change focuses on removing barriers, creating opportunities, and building longterm success - so that refugees can thrive in work, in communities, and in society at large.**
**2.**
**1. 2. Equip Refugees with Skills and Confidence Work-ready English, digital literacy, interview training, understanding UK employment systems, building networks, and recognising personal value. 3. 4. Create Build Social Pathways and and Cultural Opportunities Belonging Employer Strengthening partnerships, inclusive community hiring practices, connections, entrepreneurship breaking down support and direct social barriers, job placements. and creating a Support accessing strong sense of further education and belonging and vocational training. contribution.**
**Remove Barriers to Employment**
**CV and career support, qualification recognition, mentoring, and tackling legal, language and systemic barriers.**
**5. Enable LongTerm Success and Drive Change**
**Build Social and Cultural Belonging**
**Supporting job retention, career progression, and advocating for systemic change to shift public perception and influence policy.**
## “
**Through this work, we enable work-readiness, belonging, dignity, financial stability and long-term career progression.**
OUR IMPACT 2024 Photo Credit: Xavi Buendia
p. 11
## **Our Impact**
## **October 2023 - December 2024**
**In 2024, we continued to build lasting pathways for refugees to access work, rebuild confidence and improve their sense of belonging.**
**We expanded and built new employer partnerships with organisations including** City & Guilds, IKEA, Capital Group, Brighton Chamber of Commerce, University of Sussex and others **- helping us create wider opportunities and more sustainable employment pathways.**
**Through collaboration with employers, volunteers and partners, we have supported hundreds of refugees to take meaningful steps towards stable employment and inclusion in their new communities.**
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Photo Credit: Xavi Buendia
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## **Our Impact Over Time**
**Since we started in 2020, we have seen significant growth in our reach, capacity and impact:**
**300% 3,085% More Staff with More Refugees Lived Experience Supported**
p. 12
THE LAUNCHPAD COLLECTIVE
## **Creating Lasting Change**
**632**
**£297,082 In funding 52%**
**Refugee job seekers** supported to access employment opportunities
Increase on last year
**70**
**17**
**4**
**Volunteers New staff** engaged to **members** provide direct with lived support to job experience seekers recruited to strengthen our team
**Individuals** gained work experience or volunteering roles to build professional networks
**742% More Funding Secured**
**1,067% More Refugees Secured Employment**
**32**
**Permanent jobs** secured
**11**
**Temporary job placements** facilitated, providing valuable short-term employment
p. 13
OUR IMPACT 2024
## **Client Profile**
Our clients bring valuable skills, qualifications and resilience. Many were highly skilled professionals before arriving in the UK and are rebuilding their lives through work and opportunity.
## **Gender**
**38.1% 61.7%** Male Female
**Education Level**
**78% Held a degree, master’s or PhD**
**Employment Background**
**85% Had worked before arriving in the UK**
## **Nationality**
**40.1% 18.1%** Ukrainian Syrian
## **10**
**Average number of services accessed**
**11% 5.4%** Afghan Iranian
**3.3% 22.1%** Sudanese Other nationalities
**Our Indicators of Success Agency and Dignity Independence Digital Sense of Competence Connection Understanding Getting UK Employment Back on Systems Track**
## **Location**
**57% 43%**
**Based in Based the South elsewhere East in the UK**
p. 14
**THE LAUNCHPAD COLLECTIVE**
## **Yana**
## Client Story
## **Rebuilding Confidence and Overcoming Barriers**
Arriving from Ukraine as a refugee, everything felt unfamiliar - from not knowing anyone to navigating daily life in a completely different system. It was overwhelming at first.
Through TLC, my confidence began to return. I gained practical knowledge about the UK, including how HMRC and tax systems work. The interview training was especially helpful - I had been confident back home, but understanding how interviews work here, what questions to ask, and how to prepare made a big difference.
## “
**Thanks to the support, care and attention I received from the team at TLC, I’m now working full time. If my visa allows, I hope to continue with my professional studies and keep building a new future in the UK.**
**Yana, Tailored Support Client, Ukraine**
TLC also helped relieve financial pressure and stress by arranging free translation of my certificates and supporting me to secure a bursary for a Leadership and Management course. These steps removed barriers and helped me get back on track with my career goals.
## **Moving Forward with Hope**
TLC also helped relieve financial pressure and stress by arranging free translation of my certificates and supporting me to secure a bursary for a Leadership and Management course. These steps removed barriers and helped me get back on track with my career goals.
OUR IMPACT 2024
p. 15
## **Our Programmes**
Our Work Ready Services are designed to meet people where they are - whether that’s a one-hour drop-in, a long-term programme, help getting a job, or support to start a business.
Through practical training, personalised guidance and community connection, we help refugees build confidence and take the next step in their careers.
## **Our Work Ready Programmes**
**Work Ready Tailored Pathways Conversations Starting English Employment to About Work Your Own** (Flagship Service) **Support Interview Business**
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(Pilot)
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## **Impact at a Glance**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
75%
**----- End of picture text -----**
**Feel more positive about themselves**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
75%
**----- End of picture text -----**
**Better understand UK employment systems and laws**
**80% Have increased confidence**
**80% Feel more connected to their community**
**85% Feel more comfortable working online**
**75% Feel on the right path in the UK and have a clear direction for their future**
p. 16
THE LAUNCHPAD COLLECTIVE
## **Weaam** Client Story
## **Facing Barriers to a Dream**
When I arrived, I had hoped to continue my studies and pursue a Master’s in Architecture, but it turned out to be far more complicated than I had imagined. I had big ambitions, but I didn’t know where to start. I had no understanding of the pathway I needed to follow to achieve my dream of working as an architect. Everything felt confusing and overwhelming.
## **Finding Practical Support**
The Pathways to Interview course at The Launchpad Collective (TLC) provided me with practical, invaluable information and guidance. It taught me how to prepare myself professionally, how to organise my documents, and how to present myself with confidence.
## “
**This support has given me hope, clarity and direction. I truly believe my future is much brighter now.**
**Weaam, Pathways to Interview and Tailored Support Client, Syria**
Thanks to the support I received, I now feel much more capable. What once seemed out of reach now feels achievable - and I have realised that I am well-qualified and already making strong progress in my career as a Sales Representative.
## **A Clearer Future Ahead**
Through TLC, I have gained the confidence to navigate future interviews and advocate for myself, with a much clearer understanding of my rights. This support has given me hope, clarity and direction.
Today, I truly believe that my future is much brighter - and that my dream of becoming an architect is no longer a distant hope, but a real possibility.
OUR IMPACT 2024
p. 17
## **Work Ready English**
## **Language, Confidence and a New Start**
Work Ready English is more than a language course - it’s a stepping stone to employment, confidence and independence. Over 20 weeks, participants build workplace English, digital skills, CVs, interview skills and understanding of the UK job market, with one-to-one weekly online sessions.
## **What We Offer**
**Format: Online, one-to-one, 90 minute weekly sessions.**
**Participants: 32 clients supported during this reporting period.**
**1,500+ tuition 1,000th lesson Milestone: hours completed. milestone.** _November 2024_
## **Our Impact 6-12 months after completing the course**
**100% 14% Would recommend Engaged in the course voluntary work**
**50% 21% Secured a job Completed within 12 Months vocational training**
**99% Client satisfaction**
**up from 95%**
## **What’s Next**
Ensuring content remains relevant to today’s job market, including AI and digital work skills so that participants are ready for the future of work.
p. 18
THE LAUNCHPAD COLLECTIVE
## **Bella** Client Story
## **Feeling Isolated**
Before I met TLC, I would watch people chatting in English and wonder if I’d ever be able to join in and feel a part of this new society. In the beginning, learning the language felt like an overwhelming challenge, and there was so much more I needed to understand about my new home - on top of the language.
## **Finding My UK Family**
Meeting the TLC team changed everything. Their Work-Ready course was just what I needed!
My mentor was incredibly helpful, guiding me with the personal support I needed. I absolutely love TLC - it’s truly magnificent! Every member of the team is kind and supportive, and they’ve given me countless incredible opportunities. I’m now studying for my Maths and English GCSEs, as well as taking additional language courses at university.
## “
**My dream is to pursue a Master’s degree in Human Rights when my English is strong enough. The biggest gift TLC has given me is a sense of self-confidence and happiness. I know I’ve taken the hardest steps, and now I’m on my way. I’m enjoying life again, with a clear direction and pathway ahead. I’m deeply grateful to my friends at TLC for helping me get here.**
**Bella, Work Ready English Client, Afghanistan**
## **Having a Clear Direction**
My dream is to pursue a Master’s degree in Human Rights when my English is strong enough. I know I’ve taken the hardest steps, and now I’m on my way. I’m enjoying life again, with a clear direction and pathway ahead. I’m deeply grateful to my friends at TLC for helping me get here.
p. 19
OUR IMPACT 2024
## **Tailored Employment Support A Personalised Pathway to Success**
Everyone’s employment journey is different. Our Tailored Employment Support provides personalised, one-to-one online mentoring to help individuals to move forward with confidence - wherever they are starting from.
Through flexible, needs-led support, we offer practical help such as CV writing, mock interviews, job searching and qualification translation - alongside encouragement, guidance and access to real opportunities.
## **What We Offer**
**Format:**
**Online, one-to-one, drop-in sessions.**
**Focus:**
**Bespoke, practical support tailored to individual needs at every stage of the employment journey.**
**Key Services:**
**CV writing, interview preparation, qualification translation, job search support, career guidance.**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Photo Credit: Xavi Buendia
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“
**I wouldn’t have been able to apply for this job and get shortlisted for an interview if it wasn’t for TLC. You guys are amazing and TLC is amazing.**
**Mariia, TLC Client, Ukraine**
p. 20
THE LAUNCHPAD COLLECTIVE
## **Our Impact**
**57 Qualification certificates translated and verified**
**32 Clients secured permanent jobs**
**55 Clients accessed additional language learning to strengthen their employability**
**11**
**167 Clients received personalised employment support**
**Clients secured temporary roles**
**20 Clients gained volunteering or work experience**
**(Surpassing our target of 100)**
**20 25 Clients Enrolled received in further bursaries for education vocational or skills training development courses**
## **What’s Next**
We are expanding our network of refugee support groups across the UK, to ensure personalised employment support reaches even more individuals facing barriers to work.
OUR IMPACT 2024
p. 21
## **Abdul** Client Story
## **Starting from Scratch**
## “
Back home, I had a great life - a degree in Computer Science, a career in Software Engineering, and a future I was proud of. Leaving it all behind - my job, my friends, everything I had built - was one of the hardest decisions of my life.
When I arrived in the UK, I felt completely lost. I wasn’t allowed to work full-time, and I found out my qualifications weren’t recognised. It felt like starting from zero. The frustration, loneliness and uncertainty became overwhelming. I fell into depression, and every door seemed to close.
## **Finding Support, Finding Hope**
Meeting TLC changed everything. Every person I met brought positivity, hope and guidance into my life - like angels. No doctor could have healed my mental and physical health the way TLC did.
The team gave me more than just advice. They helped me rebuild my confidence, gave me practical tools to move forward, and reignited my belief that I could still have a future here. TLC’s unique mix of skills, care and encouragement was exactly what I needed to get back on track.
## **A New Future Within Reach**
With TLC’s support, I secured a bursary to retrain as an Electrical Engineer. I have now completed my Level 2 qualification and enrolled in Level 3. For the first time in years, I feel proud and excited about what lies ahead.
Now, I want to give back by helping others who are just starting their journey. I am honoured to serve as an Ambassador for TLC, sharing the hope and opportunity that changed my life.
**Thank you, I will never forget the care and support you gave me. You changed my life - and together, we can change so many more.**
**Abdul, Tailored Support Client, Afghanistan**
p. 22
THE LAUNCHPAD COLLECTIVE
## **Pathways to Interview**
## **Building Confidence, One Step at a Time**
**For many refugees, the challenge isn’t just finding job opportunities - it’s having the confidence and tools to apply successfully.**
**Format:**
**10 week, online, one-to-one training programme.**
**Focus:**
**Supports participants to understand their strengths, craft applications and prepare for interviews.**
**CV writing, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles and Key Services: interview techniques.**
## **Pilot Impact**
**Participants built essential skills in CV 100% writing, applications and Rated the course as interview preparation excellent**
**Clients reported a major 8 boost in confidence Participants completed when applying for jobs the programme**
## **What’s Next**
We are expanding the programme and integrating it more closely with TLC’s wider employment support services to reach more clients.
Photo Credit: Mila Zburgzhynska
p. 23
OUR IMPACT 2024
## **Conversations About Work**
## **Knowledge, Confidence and Community**
**Navigating employment in the UK can feel overwhelming and isolating. Conversations About Work was created to provide expert-led insights, peer support and practical knowledge in an accessible, interactive format. These online talks build confidence through shared learning.**
**A series of expert-led online talks, plus a YouTube library of recorded talks.**
**Format:**
**Group activities bringing refugees, industry professionals and employment experts together Focus: offering an opportunity to meet experts and learn together.**
## **Our Impact**
**445 1,797 Unique YouTube views, with 158 attendees joined subscribers accessing 30 live talks recorded content**
**97% Rated sessions as excellent or very good**
**96% Said sessions improved their knowledge of employment systems**
**89% Gained confidence navigating employment**
p. 24
THE LAUNCHPAD COLLECTIVE
## **Our Online Library**
**Our YouTube channel extends the reach of Conversations About Work, making employment support accessible beyond live sessions. It offers free, on-demand content that builds confidence, deepens understanding, and supports people to take their next step towards employment - in their own time and at their own pace.**
**Watch here**
## **What’s Next**
We aim to increase participation by 30% over the next year through expanded outreach, growing our YouTube Library - making employment knowledge even more accessible.
OUR IMPACT 2024
p. 25
## **Afina**
## Client Story
## “
## **Starting Over**
**TLC are all incredibly friendly and supportive, they have connected me with people and given me so much knowledge. Without this I couldn’t do anything. Through their entrepreneurial network I met people I could trust and I started making steps in this new life**
My skills were the only things I had when I arrived but due to my lack of language and cultural knowledge, it was hard to use these. I decided to set up as a tailor and I attended extremely helpful entrepreneurial workshops with TLC. I had no idea about how things works here so I learnt so much about intellectual property, financial management, business plans, tax etc.
## **Finding Community**
I connected with people like me and we shared our challenges and motivated each other. Most of us felt isolated so we thank TLC for the chance to connect as we try to make a new life for ourselves.
## **A Space of Healing and Hope**
**Afina, TLC Client, Ukraine**
Sewing is like meditation for me, people come and we chat, we all know what we have been through and we share stories, problems and hopes for our lives in the UK.
p. 26
THE LAUNCHPAD COLLECTIVE
## **Starting Your Own Business**
Entrepreneurship is more than just a way to earn a living - it’s a path to independence, purpose and a future they shape for themselves.
We support aspiring entrepreneurs to overcome barriers, develop their ideas into viable businesses, and build networks that sustain long-term success
## **What We Offer**
**Format: In-person group workshops and community mentoring. 94 clients attended 15 workshops during this Participants:**
**94 clients attended 15 workshops during this reporting period.**
## **Our Impact**
**8 99% 98% Participants Rated the Reported increased programme have officially confidence launched their as excellent or to pursue own businesses very good self-employment**
**100%**
**Found the programme useful for business planning, UK regulations and client outreach**
## **What’s Next**
We are partnering with a specialist entrepreneurial support organisation to offer ongoing business development support and ensure long-term success.
OUR IMPACT 2024
p. 27
## **Employers**
## **Unlocking Opportunities, Driving Change**
We support businesses to confidently recruit work-ready refugee talent, filling critical skills gaps, enriching workplaces, and creating meaningful social change.
## **Our Impact**
**51**
**Employers completed our Inclusive Recruitment Toolkit and earned digital accreditation**
**1,350 Employees engaged through refugee-led events and training**
**43 Vacancies filled with skilled refugee candidates**
**Partnerships with employers including**
## **Partnering with IKEA**
This year, we developed a new partnership with IKEA as part of their global commitment to supporting refugees. We are proud to be working with them to provide staffing and employment training opportunities at their new Brighton store opening soon.
## “
**We are delighted to partner with TLC. Their track record in supporting refugees to become work-ready aligns perfectly with IKEA’s values.**
Hilary Jenkins, Sustainability Business Partner, IKEA UK & Ireland
p. 28
THE LAUNCHPAD COLLECTIVE
## **Inclusive Recruitment Toolkit**
(Developed with City & Guilds Foundation)
**Helping employers recruit and retain refugee talent with confidence.**
**Learners earn a digital accreditation**
**45 Minute**
**Free e-learning guided by lived experience**
**97%**
**User satisfaction, highlighting relevance, clarity and real-world insights**
**Scan here to access**
## **What’s Next**
**Expand promotion and digital accreditation**
**Deepen partnerships with employers to create lasting change**
p. 29
OUR IMPACT 2024
## **The Welcome Mat**
## **Weaving Communities Together**
**In a year marked by tension and division, The Welcome Mat became our answer to hostility: a simple yet powerful symbol of belonging, resilience and community spirit.**
**What began as a 3-metre textile artwork created by 250+ individuals has grown into a nationwide movement - a conversation starter, a call to action, and a statement of shared humanity.**
## **A Symbol of Unity and Hope**
**250+ 10 480+ Individuals Nationwide People contributed locations engaged to its hosted in creative, creation the map healing spaces**
**New community projects inspired by the Welcome Mat, continuing the theme of welcome**
“
**It is a difficult time in this country. My sense of welcome and belonging was recently challenged, this Welcome Mat gives me hope and energises me. It is a lovely human story of a shared humanity bounded in love, care, compassion and hope for a better future.**
**Fidelis Chebe, CEO, Migrant Action**
p. 30
THE LAUNCHPAD COLLECTIVE
## **The Need**
## **Mapping Solidarity**
**3.**
## “
**We hope to build on this project and provide more opportunities for people to share stories, songs and celebrate what we have in common.**
**Nicola Doyle, Community Engagement Manager, Cast Theatre, Doncaster**
**4 venues in Yorkshire (Community groups and theatres in Doncaster)**
**2.**
**4 venues in Lewisham (Libraries)**
**1.**
**Launched during Refugee Week 2024 in Brighton**
**2 venues in Brighton (Theatre and library)**
**Next Page: The Welcome Mat Gallery**
p. 31
OUR IMPACT 2024
## **The Welcome Mat Gallery**
**A creative celebration of welcome, identity, and belonging - crafted by clients, staff, and the wider community. This gallery showcases the powerful messages and beautiful designs created through TLC’s Welcome Mat campaign.**
_Craft box sent to newly arrived Afghan asylum seekers at a hotel in Doncaster_
_Manor House library in Lewisham hosting the Welcome Mat_
_Clare O Leary Art Facilitator overseeing the project_
_Doncaster Welcome Mat inspired by our mat, created by Doncaster community groups_
_One of many community workshops around the country_
p. 32
THE LAUNCHPAD COLLECTIVE
_Participants wove wool around lids and CDs_
_The Tide Mills Choir sings songs of welcome at the launch of our artwork_
_The Welcome Mat sections are sewn together by professional seamstresses_
_Wool, lids and CDs - collected by communities_
## **Get Involved**
**Host**
the Welcome Mat in your community and spark local conversations.
## **Support**
the project through donations or advocacy.
## **Follow**
its journey and spread the message of welcome.
_Working on the mat together in the sunshine_
p. 33
OUR IMPACT 2024
## **Lived Experience Development**
**1.**
## **Invested in Leadership Growth and Wellbeing**
**• Delivered LinkedIn professional development training**
- **Created access to vocational pathways and leadership development training courses**
# **• Ran bespoke training in:**
- **Safeguarding**
- **HR Operations**
- **Data Analysis**
- **Public Speaking and Plain-English Communication**
- **Fundraising and Grant Writing**
- **AI Prompt Engineering**
- **Video Production and Database Management**
- **Leadership Decision-Making**
## **2.**
## **Team Impact**
- **Restructured the management team to improve service delivery.**
- **Embedded trauma-informed practices and safeguarding protocols.**
- **Introduced wellbeing initiatives and team-building activities to support emotional resilience.**
## **What’s Next**
## **Expanding Leadership and Opportunity**
- **Developing new leadership roles across the organisation.**
- **Increasing refugee representation at Board and Advisory Council level.**
- **Extending long-term career pathways beyond the organisation.**
p. 34
THE LAUNCHPAD COLLECTIVE
## **Team Impact Growth, Belonging and Purpose**
**At TLC, being part of the team means more than having a job. For many, it’s a pathway to confidence, connection, and a renewed sense of direction.**
“ **Through TLC I received a bursary for an Accountancy course, it’s been life changing, combined with my recent Masters this has paved the way for my future career in Finance.**
**Meelad, Client Co-ordinator**
## “
**TLC has given me a sense of purpose, and I take pride in helping other refugees in the same position I once was. Through TLC, I completed leadership training, which has further empowered me to guide and support others. I feel like I’ve regained my life in the UK. I now feel settled and confident in my new life here.**
## “
**Since I started working at TLC, it has been more than just a job, it’s a place where I learn, grow, and develop my knowledge. TLC has given me invaluable experience, shaped me into the person I aspire to be, and filled me with self-confidence.**
**Kotaiba, Projects Manager**
## “
**I am so happy to have found not just colleagues, but a new family with TLC. This helped me understand my new surroundings and, most importantly, helped me regain my sense of worth.**
**Ardavan, Client Co-ordinator**
**Rabab, Work Ready English Manager**
p. 35
OUR IMPACT 2024
**1.**
## **Reflections on 2024 Learning and Expanding Our Impact**
2024 was a year of growth, resilience and new learning. We expanded our reach, strengthened our foundations and deepened our commitment to building a future where everyone belongs.
## **Key Lessons from 2024**
## **Growing Fast Showed Us What Was Missing**
- **Rapid growth stretched our capacity.**
- **We learned that scaling impact needs strong internal systems, not just more activity.**
## **Action Taken:**
- **Enhanced safeguarding, service delivery processes and operations.**
## **2.**
## **Becoming a Charity Was a Learning Curve**
- **Charity registration brought major structural changes.**
- **We learned that good governance underpins long-term impact.**
## **Action Taken:**
- **Embedded new governance frameworks and accountability systems.**
## **Focus on Belonging**
- **The far-right riots showed that employment support must go hand-in-hand with building community and belonging.**
## **Action Taken:**
- **Took our Welcome Mat on tour, strengthened our internal wellbeing resources, signposted additional supportive resources for staff and clients following riots.**
**3.**
p. 36
THE LAUNCHPAD COLLECTIVE
## **Oksana, Baker and Entrepreneur**
**Now thriving at a bakery in the South East, Oksana is also growing her own business sharing the flavours of home through traditional Ukrainian honey cakes. She first connected with TLC after arriving from Ukraine.**
p. 37
OUR IMPACT 2024
## **Financial Overview**
## **A Challenging Funding Landscape**
The ongoing hostile environment, combined with dominant negative media narratives and public debate around asylum seekers, has led to increasingly limited funding opportunities for refugee support initiatives. With hundreds of organisations working tirelessly to provide essential services, competition for funding is more intense than ever. Despite this, we remain committed to advocating for sustainable funding streams, building strong partnerships, and exploring new, innovative ways to secure the resources needed to continue our vital work.
## **Funding Allocation**
**85.2% Charitable Activities**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
5.7%
Raising Funds
**----- End of picture text -----**
**9.1% Development & Marketing**
In addition we have a reserve policy equivalent to five months operating costs in 2025 to provide a buffer against fluctuations in income and to manage the potential impact of funding gaps or delays.
p. 38
THE LAUNCHPAD COLLECTIVE
## **Major Funders**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
6.1%
Business 1%
Personal
donations
**----- End of picture text -----**
**92.9% Grants & foundations**
**We successfully strengthened our financial position by growing alternative sources of funding and securing multi year funders.**
## **Secured commitments of**
## **£297,082**
## **in funding**
(increase of 52% since last report)
## **Significant growth of alternative funding source**
(contributions from business grew from 3% last year to 6.1% this year as a proportion of total income)
## **Building financial stability**
we secured three multi-year funders
p. 39
OUR IMPACT 2024
~~“~~
## **Looking Ahead**
## **2025 and Beyond**
In 2025, we will focus on strengthening our foundations, expanding opportunity and deepening our long-term impact.
## **1. Consolidate Internal Strength**
- **Focus on embedding robust systems, safeguarding practices and operational resilience to support sustainable future growth**
## **2.**
## **Develop Leadership and Sustainability**
- **Launch an Advisory Council, ensuring staff and lived experience voices help shape decisions**
- **Continue to diversify funding through multi-year partnerships and new income streams to secure long-term sustainability**
## **3.**
## **4.**
## **Deepen Employer Engagement**
- **Grow partnerships with employers to expand job opportunities, mentorships, internships and pathways into work**
- **Increase participation in our Inclusive Recruitment Toolkit to tackle biases and create more inclusive workplaces**
## **Amplify Community, Advocacy and Policy Change**
- **Expand advocacy and community initiatives to shift perceptions, spotlight refugee talent and uplift communities**
- **Drive policy advocacy for more inclusive hiring practices and long-term employment solutions for refugees**
p. 40
THE LAUNCHPAD COLLECTIVE
## “
**As we move forward, we want to understand better where people are and what employment support is currently available so we can better target our outreach and focus our resources where the need is greatest.**
**Hengi, Fundraising and Development Lead**
## **A New Chapter for Our Brand**
In 2025, we will launch a refreshed brand and a new website to reflect our growth, values and impact.
This will elevate our storytelling, helping us reach even more communities, employers and supporters.
OUR IMPACT 2024
p. 41
## **Celebrating Our Community**
Our work is made possible by a powerful community that includes partners, funders, volunteers and a network of support groups all over the UK.
## **Our Partners**
## **Our Funders**
We extend our deepest gratitude to the funders who believe and invest in our mission.
p. 42
THE LAUNCHPAD COLLECTIVE
## **Our Volunteers**
## **“**
**To everyone who has contributed to TLC’s journey - thank you for being part of this movement for dignity, connection, inclusion and opportunity.**
**Khrystyna, TLC Volunteer Co-ordinator**
To our dedicated volunteers, mentors, and supporters - thank you. Your commitment, time, and expertise create real change in the lives of those we serve.
Our impact is made possible through a powerful network of 140+ refugee support groups, funders, and community partners working together. By sharing knowledge, resources, and opportunities, we ensure that refugees across the UK have access to the support they need.
## **Our Network**
p. 43
OUR IMPACT 2024
## **A Community of Belonging**
Our community is more than just a support network - it’s a place where job seekers, volunteers and supporters come together to connect, celebrate and build friendships. Whether sharing meals, learning new skills or creating moments of joy, these experiences help to create a sense of belonging and confidence in a new home.
_TLC Presents… Supper Clubs with Gilly Smith, spotlighting refugee chefs_
We’ve really enjoyed bringing communities together over the last few years. Here’s a glimpse into life at TLC, where we come together to support, uplift, and empower one another.
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Clients enjoying work experience
at a community cinema
**----- End of picture text -----**
_Connecting with young people through Wandsworth Youth Council_
_Coming together to celebrate our 4th birthday_
p. 44
THE LAUNCHPAD COLLECTIVE
_TLC Presents… spotlight on refugee musicians and artists_
_Ukrainian fundraising event_
_Staff upskilling day at LinkedIn Head Office_
_Local businesses sharing their experiences_
_Brighton 10k fundraiser_
_Staff and client trip to Glyndebourne_
OUR IMPACT 2024
p. 45
“ **Volunteering with TLC has given me a profound sense of purpose. I’ve always believed that everyone deserves an equal opportunity to pursue their career goals, regardless of their background. Being able to offer tangible support, through a platform as accessible as LinkedIn, has made it easier to contribute in a meaningful way.**
## **Finn, Volunteer**
## Dear TLC
_I would like to express my heartfelt thanks for your time, passion, and patience in guiding and teaching me, this has made a lasting impact on my life. Thank you for believing in and recognising my potential and for making quality education accessible and mentorship available to all._
_I am deeply grateful to TLC for investing in my growth and helping me find the right path. I am now excited about the future, knowing that the foundation you provided will serve as a springboard for my aspirations._
## Yours sincerely
_**Daniiar, TLC Client, Kyrgyzstan**_
p. 46
THE LAUNCHPAD COLLECTIVE
## **Together We Are Stronger.**
## **Thank You For Reading**
Here’s how you can support our work:
## **Employers**
Offer work experience, internships and professional volunteer days.
Unlock a waiting workforce by hiring refugees.
## **Funders & Donors**
Your support fuels life - changing opportunities.
## **Volunteers**
Give the gift of your time and expertise while building community from the comfort of your own home!
Join our incredible team to support refugees.
**Find Out More**
Get in touch: **contact@thelaunchpadcollective.org**
OUR IMPACT 2024
p. 47
## **contact@thelaunchpadcollective.org**
**Charity Number: 1206789**