The Maximus Local Impact Fund has awarded £10,000 to Breaking Barriers which will contribute towards the salaries of their specialist Employment and Integration Advisers, who work to help refugees secure meaningful employment.
Established in 2015, their mission is to help refugees in London to develop the knowledge, confidence and experience to secure stable and fulfilling employment. Through one-to-one employment advice and guidance, the charity has supported more than 2,500 refugees in London, Birmingham and Manchester, and is set to expand their support to Liverpool and Glasgow in September 2023.
Launched in March as part of our delivery of the Restart Scheme, the Local Impact Fund will provide grants to charities and community organisations across South and East London, offering direct benefit to the local community whilst investing in the region’s economic recovery.
The Local Impact Fund is designed to support organisations aiming to make a real difference within their communities, with nominated projects ranging from those that facilitate access to jobs and support people during the ongoing Cost of Living crisis, to those that support community development and offer specialist training for disadvantaged groups.
So far, Maximus has invested £38,500 in five community projects and initiatives across London during the first round of funding, helping to transform lives for thousands.
Emily Paul, Senior Philanthropy Manager at Breaking Barriers, said: “We are so grateful to have been awarded this grant at this very challenging time for our refugee clients. Thank you to all at Maximus for your generous support.”
Fatima Iqbal, Social Value Manager at Maximus, said: “We are excited to support local charities as part of the Local Impact Fund. These charities have a better understanding of what’s needed in the local community and can allocate grant funds to meet these needs. Also, these grants allow Maximus to make an impact beyond the Restart Scheme. People of refugee backgrounds face multiple barriers to education and employment, so we want to support Breaking Barriers, as they get to know people of refugee backgrounds and can then offer individualised support.”
Sean Talbot, Head of Community Partnerships at Maximus, said: ““Our community partners are a vital part of our mission to enhance the communities we serve, and ultimately, transform lives. It is a pleasure to help local community-based organisations through these projects and initiatives, which will be able to deliver a positive impact within a number of London boroughs. I’m looking forward to seeing the work of these organisations in action and witnessing the difference these projects make to the lives of local people.”
