Breaking (down) Barriers: the power of English and partnership

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At Perfectly Spoken, we believe that learning English is more than acquiring a language — it’s about unlocking opportunity, confidence, and connection. Nowhere is this more powerfully shown than in the Breaking Barriers Impact Report 2024–25, which highlights the incredible work being done to support refugees and asylum seekers across the UK.

Since its merger with RefuAid in December 2024, Breaking Barriers has continued to expand its reach and impact. Nearly 180 learners have completed its Language Programme and are now progressing to university, entering the workforce, or requalifying in their professional fields.

As Ilaria Tarulli, Head of the Language Programme, notes:

“Your support has been a key part of this success, and it belongs to you as much as it does to us.”

Perfectly Spoken is proud to have played a small role in this achievement by providing free online English courses to Breaking Barriers’ clients. English is a cornerstone of integration, employability, and independence — it’s often the first, and most vital, step towards rebuilding a career and a new life in the UK.

The impact report paints a vivid picture of resilience and determination. In 2024–25, 1,450 refugees and asylum seekers were supported by Breaking Barriers — the highest number in its ten-year history. Behind every statistic is a story of personal progress, courage, and community.

Real stories

Take Mika, from Azerbaijan, who arrived in the UK facing language barriers, homelessness, and caring responsibilities. With guidance and encouragement from Breaking Barriers, she found stability, earned a degree, and began working as an adviser helping others in similar situations. “It’s been an amazing journey,” she says. “Meaningful employment is about being in a place where I feel I truly belong.”

Or consider Aldo, who came to the UK from El Salvador with his wife and daughters in search of safety and a better life. Settling in Glasgow brought new challenges — from adapting to the weather to learning a new language and way of life. “The language was a barrier,” he explains, “especially with the local accent — sometimes it’s difficult to understand.”

Through Breaking Barriers’ Employability Programme, Aldo received one-to-one guidance to improve his CV, practise interview skills, and learn how to apply for jobs online. With the help of his adviser and partner organisation Only A Pavement Away, he secured a job as a kitchen porter — a role that’s brought stability and renewed confidence. “I wouldn’t have got the job without Breaking Barriers,” he says. “Now I feel respected, my colleagues treat me well, and I enjoy going to work.”

Aldo’s English continues to improve through daily conversations and study. He’s now learning web development, with hopes to progress to university and into a new, less physical career. His message to others is simple: “Never give up on your dreams. Keep learning, stay positive, and be strong — because with the right support, anything is possible.”

These are just two of the many stories that show how English, education, and tailored employment support can transform lives. The integration of RefuAid’s Language and Re-accreditation Programmes into Breaking Barriers’ work has extended opportunities for thousands of people, supported by an extensive network of language institutions across the UK and online.

Learning English is not just an academic exercise — it’s the key that opens doors to education, employment, and inclusion. It’s also a bridge to belonging: to communicating with neighbours, participating in communities, and expressing one’s identity with confidence.

At Perfectly Spoken, we are committed to helping make that bridge accessible to everyone. Through partnerships like this, we provide subsidised access to structured English tuition to refugees and asylum seekers who might otherwise face financial and practical barriers to study. We are continually inspired by their motivation and success.

We would like to thank Breaking Barriers — and Ilaria and her dedicated team — for their continued collaboration and for the life-changing work they do every day. Their impact reminds us that when education, compassion, and partnership come together, true change happens.

 

To all NGOs and community organisations working with displaced people or vulnerable learners: if you would like to explore providing English language through Perfectly Spoken, please visit our  Third Sector English Training Courses page for more information.

Together, we can help more learners find their voices — and their futures.

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