Refugees and asylum seekers face a multitude of barriers to social and economic inclusion in the UK, and in an increasingly polarised political climate, prejudice, racism and hostility towards migrants continue to heighten these hurdles. When trying to access employment, refugees and asylum seekers experience uncertainty, insecurity, discrimination and exploitation - refugees are five times more likely to be unemployed than the national average.

Plateful Cafe is a charity that offers training and employment to refugees and asylum seekers in the hospitality industry, with an overall aim to combat the exacerbated socio-economic inequality these groups often face by helping them into mainstream employment. We are a refugee-led and volunteer-run charity with one paid staff. Along with providing certified upskilling and paid employment, we aim to tackle social barriers improve cultural cohesion, and reduce feelings of otherness.