The Launchpad Collective

Enriching society by opening doors to refugee talent.

Redefining “Refugee” 

/refj??d?i?/

noun

A neighbour or colleague who is rebuilding a life in which they feel respected, valued and at home.

Synonyms: colleague; neighbour; friend; university graduate; talent; asset; skilled employee; qualified professional

Driving change for refugees by connecting their skills and talents with employers of sanctuary.

Away from their own land, and often with an arduous journey behind them, many refugees are building their homes in the UK, yet still don’t feel at home. The Launchpad Collective was established in Spring 2020 to challenge the systems and inequalities that lead to refugee talent being obstructed and overlooked.

TLC recognises refugee employment as a cornerstone of social change. Being able to work allows our refugee neighbours to contribute to their community; it fosters purpose and creates value. TLC works collaboratively and builds networks to drive this change.  

We support local businesses to become employers of sanctuary by making workplaces accessible, safe and welcoming for refugees. And we design and deliver training packages to empower our job seekers to unlock their full potential. By connecting employers with this talent, TLC opens doors to refugee dignity. 

We know that the real experts are those who have already forged a path, and TLC programmes are steered by refugees, for refugees. For it is they who have the real and lived experience to shape the future. They are the pioneers, the changemakers with whom we can build a world in which every refugee feels respected, valued and at home. 

* Teaching work ready English

* Working with Employers to overcome barriers

The Launchpad Collective (TLC) is a new initiative working to improve life chances of refugees and tackling inequality in the workplace. They provide a needs-driven, not-for-profit employment support programme tackling root causes to employment barriers. Co-created by people with refugee backgrounds, they offer long-term solutions and pathways to self-sufficiency. TLC has 42 volunteers with multiple courses created to tackle the barriers to employment that currently exist for refugees.