we began with a simple idea: conversations can change things.
Conversation Over Borders began in 2020, at a time of growing isolation, hostility and division.
What started in a bedroom with a messy spreadsheet and a small group of volunteers quickly grew into a national community supporting refugees and people seeking asylum across the UK through connection, conversation and solidarity.
We began as a simple English language programme, matching volunteers with people seeking safety in the UK for one-to-one conversation practice. Over time, we saw that these conversations were about much more than language. They became spaces for friendship, confidence, mutual learning and community.
Now, more than 30,000 conversations later, our work has grown far beyond English classes.
Today, we run wellbeing programmes, digital inclusion projects, refugee-led language courses and campaigns for a fairer and more welcoming society.
At every stage, one thing has remained the same: our belief that real change happens when people meet as equals, listen to one another and build community across borders.
join our national community.
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