Our Impact

Real stories.

Lasting impact.

Bridging Barriers is an award-winning UK charity helping ambitious young people from underrepresented backgrounds become work-ready through structured mentoring, employer access and professional networks.

“The programme has been pivotal for my confidence in the working world and has been

instrumental in my current and future success”

-Alliah Rust

Why this matters

Potential

is everywhere

opportunity

isn’t

The issue is often not talent or ambition. It is access, networks and proximity to opportunities

The Challenge

Career confusion

Limited networks

Low confidence

Limited employer exposure

How we help

Structured mentoring

Employer insight days

Networking opportunities

Career workshops

The Outcome

Career clarity

Professional confidence

Stronger networks

Employment opportunities

Impact since 2020

Turning potential into progress

Our programmes are designed to create measurable outcomes. Since 2020, the results demonstrate the power of combining mentoring, employer access and structured support.

2,000+

2,000+

2,000+

Young people supported

81%

81%

81%

Gained a positive role model

87%

87%

87%

More confident

securing a role

More confident securing a role

93%

93%

93%

Improved their employability skills

94%

94%

94%

Improved career knowledge

43%

43%

43%

Secured employment during the programme

Nationwide reach

Supporting young people Across The UK

Our programmes are delivered nationwide, primarily online, with in-person events hosted in major cities, ensuring young people can access support regardless of location.

Alumni community

More Than A Programme. A Lifelong Community.

Many alumni return as mentors, advocates, volunteers and supporters, helping create opportunities for the next generation.

One Community.

Endless Impact.

Advocate

Use your voice and platform to open doors for other.

Future leaders

Lead change, inspire others and shape the future.

Graduate

Achieve your goals and step into your next chapter.

Mentee

Receive guidance, build confidence and access opportunities.

Mentor

Share your experiences, create opportunities and support others.

One Community.

Endless Impact.

Advocate

Use your voice and platform to open doors for other.

Future leaders

Lead change, inspire others and shape the future.

Graduate

Achieve your goals and step into your next chapter.

Mentee

Receive guidance, build confidence and access opportunities.

Mentor

Share your experiences, create opportunities and support others.

Real stories. Real progression.

Behind every statistic is a young person who has gained clarity, confidence and opportunity.

Key:

Mentee stories

Mentor stories

Partner stories

Mentee

Yusra Isse

Intern

“When I joined the Turning Point Programme, I was at one of the lowest points in my life. After underperforming in my A-levels, I felt lost and unsure of where to go next. The programme (and my mentor in particular) changed everything. She saw potential in me when I couldn’t see it myself and through her openness in sharing her journey as a female leader, she gave me the confidence to lead and step into spaces I once thought were out of reach. The programme also gave me a real sense of community and opportunities to gain insight into different companies so I could broaden my horizons. It taught me that setbacks aren’t the end, but the beginning of something new.”

Read Story

→

Mentee

Oluferanmi Balogun

Founder of Room Too

I believe my mentor was the first I’d ever had. She was kind and understanding. At the time I remember feeling uncertain about the path I wanted to take in the future but she offered me holistic advice and support which I really appreciated’ . ‘I would definitely recommend the Bridging Barriers Mentee program. I especially liked that I was given the autonomy to match with a mentor I felt closely aligned with. Having a variety of options was pretty exciting and being able to choose myself was not something I’d gotten to do before!

Read Story

→

Mentor

Zareen Carew

Associate, Learning & Development

“Being a part of the Bridging Barriers programme was an excellent experience, as it not only connected me with a mentor, but a friend for life. On top of the many insights events that gave me a glimpse into different companies and expanded my network, the mentoring aspect of the programme gave me the confidence, knowledge and guidance that allowed me to finally break into my chosen career path. The support I have received as a result of this programme, especially from my mentor, has been immeasurable and I truly believe that this experience has expedited both my personal and professional development. A massive thank you to Kevin and the staff at Bridging Barriers for creating a programme that helps underrepresented youth achieve their fullest potential. And the biggest thank you to my mentor, Ashley, for being one of my greatest supports when I needed it most, helping me shift to more productive perspectives with a blend of humour and honesty. I hope, in time, I can continue the cycle and recreate this positive impact on another young person's life, as you have on mine.”

Read Story

→

Mentor

Nneka Orji

Cheif Operating Officer

I really enjoyed meeting and building a mentoring relationship with each of my 3 Bridging Barriers mentees last year. I continue to learn a lot and enhance my leadership skills through mentoring, whilst also giving back. I would encourage anyone thinking about supporting the next generation to engage with Bridging Barriers.

Read Story

→

Mentor

Nyla Efiom

Senior Project Manger

“Mentoring through Turning Point has been a highlight of my year. The structure, community and accountability helped my mentees turn intent into momentum, watching their confidence grow from tentative to proactive has been brilliant.”

Read Story

→

Partner

Simon Kenyon

Senior Advisor at BCG

If you’re looking for young talent, you need to meet Kevin Osei and Bridging Barriers. Kevin’s aim is to break down obstacles to professional advancement for disadvantaged groups through mentoring, networking and education. Make sure you meet Kevin. A young man doing something special.

Read Story

→

Mentee

Yusra Isse

Intern

“When I joined the Turning Point Programme, I was at one of the lowest points in my life. After underperforming in my A-levels, I felt lost and unsure of where to go next. The programme (and my mentor in particular) changed everything. She saw potential in me when I couldn’t see it myself and through her openness in sharing her journey as a female leader, she gave me the confidence to lead and step into spaces I once thought were out of reach. The programme also gave me a real sense of community and opportunities to gain insight into different companies so I could broaden my horizons. It taught me that setbacks aren’t the end, but the beginning of something new.”

Read Story

→

Mentee

Oluferanmi Balogun

Founder of Room Too

I believe my mentor was the first I’d ever had. She was kind and understanding. At the time I remember feeling uncertain about the path I wanted to take in the future but she offered me holistic advice and support which I really appreciated’ . ‘I would definitely recommend the Bridging Barriers Mentee program. I especially liked that I was given the autonomy to match with a mentor I felt closely aligned with. Having a variety of options was pretty exciting and being able to choose myself was not something I’d gotten to do before!

Read Story

→

Mentor

Zareen Carew

Associate, Learning & Development

“Being a part of the Bridging Barriers programme was an excellent experience, as it not only connected me with a mentor, but a friend for life. On top of the many insights events that gave me a glimpse into different companies and expanded my network, the mentoring aspect of the programme gave me the confidence, knowledge and guidance that allowed me to finally break into my chosen career path. The support I have received as a result of this programme, especially from my mentor, has been immeasurable and I truly believe that this experience has expedited both my personal and professional development. A massive thank you to Kevin and the staff at Bridging Barriers for creating a programme that helps underrepresented youth achieve their fullest potential. And the biggest thank you to my mentor, Ashley, for being one of my greatest supports when I needed it most, helping me shift to more productive perspectives with a blend of humour and honesty. I hope, in time, I can continue the cycle and recreate this positive impact on another young person's life, as you have on mine.”

Read Story

→

Mentor

Nneka Orji

Cheif Operating Officer

I really enjoyed meeting and building a mentoring relationship with each of my 3 Bridging Barriers mentees last year. I continue to learn a lot and enhance my leadership skills through mentoring, whilst also giving back. I would encourage anyone thinking about supporting the next generation to engage with Bridging Barriers.

Read Story

→

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