conversation over borders
We bridge borders through conversation.
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Everyone has a voice, but not everyone is listened to equally. We support forcibly displaced people to share their experiences with the wider public in order to campaign for a fairer UK.
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We offer one-to-one online befriending, English classes, mental health support, digital access and inclusion to people fleeing war and persecution who are seeking safety in the UK.
By bringing people together, we spark cross-cultural conversations.
We have more in common than we do dividing us.
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our vision
We want to see inclusive communities across the UK, where forcibly displaced people can thrive.
This means equal rights, voices and opportunities.​​​
We want to ensure that everyone has equal opportunities to thrive in their new lives in the UK.
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“The main point that I volunteered with Conversation Over Borders is that I'm a refugee, so I know how refugees feel. That's why I think we have something in common; that we know how maybe some people will look at us or will see us as luckiest people, but that's not true.
For me, I want to change this perception about refugees. Because a lot of refugees are educated. They are lawyers, they are doctors. I'm looking forward to doing more volunteering, as much as I can.”
Through connecting with someone whose life is so different to my own I have gained insight into how challenging life as a refugee can be in the UK.
It may sound ignorant but I've also learnt that refugees are just normal people like anyone else, perhaps I have only truly understood this now because they are so dehumanised in the media.
Overall the experience has broadened my perspective and given me a new friend.
“It is hard to be in a new place and not speak the language and have no phone. It is so helpful for me regarding internet and the freedom to access it at any time. I can now do things at any time and do not have to wait to always have my husband's phone.
I now do not have to share a device and can have online English classes with Conversation Over Borders more easy that will help me improve my English for my life in the UK. It makes me feel independent and free. ”
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our values
anti racist
courageous
collaborative
person centred
positive
We actively commit to being an inclusive, diverse and anti-racist organisation, fighting to dismantle systems of oppression internally and through our work.
We are stronger when acting together. Working with others - our community, external stakeholders and partners - is core to the development and delivery of our work.
Everyone’s experiences and needs are different. We are person-centred and re-humanising in our approach to supporting individuals in our community.
We stand against injustice where and when we see it. We are courageous in imagining a better future. We're not afraid to disrupt the mold.
We build hope for a better future for all by working with people’s strengths, starting with what is strong, not what is wrong. Social change is possible when all of us can stand in our power.