On the Rise: Brighton update
Preparing the starter
Back in September 2021, we launched our first pilot scheme in Brighton. It was an incredibly exciting time for us as a small grassroots organisation. Expanding into a new city meant that for the first time, we were able to provide more opportunities for young refugees living in Brighton and Hove.
Working closely with local partner organisations was fundamental to developing a successful programme. Thank you to Pathways to Independence, The Hummingbird Project, One Church Brighton, The Launchpad Collective, The Brighthelm Centre, Sussex University and the Brighton Open Market for your time and energy that made it all happen!
Mixing & stirring
Mirroring our London model, we combined our key ingredients of work, training and mentoring, to develop our Brighton employability programme.
Fast forward eight months and we have supported eight young refugees to gain their first ever job in the UK, and two young people seeking asylum to gain work experience at our market stalls. We've also trained 14 volunteer mentors to support the personal and professional of each participant.
Shaping & proving
Our expansion has not been without its challenges. Dough can be sticky at times and hard to control. But like a talented baker, we’ve learnt to be flexible and patient, and trust in the process. We’ve carefully shaped and moulded the programme like dough, creating the right environment needed for it to grow and expand.
“The best thing [about the programme] is that I can have a lot of conversations with customers. My English has improved and I have more experience in business now which will help me in the future. The training sessions were great! I learnt a lot.”
We now have three regular markets operating on a weekly basis, supported by two local bakeries - The Flour Pot and Flint Owl. This means that we are able to offer regular employment to our market managers.
Baked to perfection
Quick staff turnover is usually a worrying sign for most businesses. But for us, seeing participants move on means we’re doing something right. Our employability programmes are designed to provide participants with the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to gain further employment. So, when Rabab moved on from her weekly market to become a full-time teacher and carer, we were over the moon.
Four of our participants have progressed into further employment or studies and we can’t wait to see where everyone else will be headed. One thing’s for sure, more successes are on the (Brighton) horizon.
Support our work in Brighton by visiting our markets, volunteering, donating or joining our London-Brighton bike ride fundraiser! All profits raised will go towards launching a Risers work experience programme for young people seeking asylum in Brighton & Hove.