Bridging Barriers

Still feeling the excitement from our Turning Point Celebration Event a few weeks ago 🤩 The networking reception was the real highlight of the evening - it was great to see all the new connections being formed and we can’t wait to see where these new relationships will lead. We look forward to continue hosting more events like these and building a more connected community! 🚀🤝 #bridgingbarriers #celebrationevent #networking #mentoring

Bridging Barriers x Lloyds Banking Group! 🤩 On Friday, we had a CV and Interview Workshop in partnership with Lloyds Banking Group. 50 mentees were invited to take part in this fantastic, interactive workshop and we were joined by some amazing Lloyds volunteers who were facilitating the workshops. We also had the chance to hear a panel discussion from senior leaders at Lloyds which included their career journeys thus far, how they have overcome adversities faced in the workplace, and the importance of having a mentor. This was then followed by networking and taking pictures on the amazing balcony at the Lloyds head office, where all of our mentees had the opportunity to take new headshots for LinkedIn! We’d like to give a massive thank you to all the Lloyds volunteers who took their time to spend the day with us facilitating discussions, hosting the workshop, and being on the panel!

We had a full house for our first ever event 🤩🥳 On Saturday, we hosted a networking event to give young people the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and professionals that work in their field of interest. We had professionals in a range of different industries including Banking, Tech, Law, Creative and Policy/Public Sector! The event was hosted by our very own Founder and CEO Kevin who shared his personal journey and motivations behind starting Bridging Barriers, and this was followed by a powerful all-female panel discussion as we celebrated our sisters with this year’s Black History Month theme. Thank you to everyone that was in attendance, the feedback has been truly amazing. We look forward to welcoming you all at future events! #BBNE23

🚀 A few weeks ago, we partnered with Snapchat to deliver an incredible Insight Day for young people interested in careers across tech, creative industries, and emerging technology. Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to:
✨ Learn how Snap operates as a business
🎤 Hear directly from employees during a “Day in the Life” panel
🤝 Take part in speed networking with Snap professionals and alumni
🧠 Explore the Snap Lens Lab programme and creative tech opportunities
💼 Receive CV, LinkedIn, and personal branding advice
🔥 Join a fireside chat with the Talent Partnerships team The room was full of energy, curiosity, ambition, and meaningful conversations throughout the day. A huge thank you to the entire Snap team for their time, honesty, generosity, and commitment to creating opportunities and increasing access for young people. #BridgingBarriers #Snapchat #SocialMobility #EarlyCareers #Technology

A few weeks ago, we partnered with Microsoft to deliver an incredible Insight Day 🚀 Young people had the chance to: Explore Microsoft’s offices and innovation hub 🏢 Learn about careers and early talent pathways 💼 Build their LinkedIn and personal brand 📱 Take part in a real-world team challenge 🧠 Network with Microsoft professionals 🤝 This is what real access looks like. Not just hearing about opportunities - but stepping into them, building confidence, and seeing what’s possible firsthand. A huge thank you to the Microsoft team and all the volunteers who gave their time, shared their journeys, and made the day so impactful! 💙

A HUGE thank you to everyone who attended our Careers Connections Night last Thursday! 💙 It was an evening dedicated to one simple premise: real opportunity often starts with a good conversation. We were fortunate to be joined by the brilliant Lauretta Asak, Hiring Leader at Monzo, who generously shared with us her insights on the soft skills that truly influence hiring decisions, and how networking can accelerate a career at any stage. Thank you, Lauretta! Our founder and CEO, Kevin, also reminded us of how connection sits at the heart of everything we do: not as a transaction, but as a way of fostering a community where everyone can rise. The night also featured: ⚡️ Speed networking that worked to turn nerves into new contacts 🤩 A reception filled with introductions and laughter The energy in that room was palpable and a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we show up for one another. If you were there, what was your biggest takeaway? Let us know in the comments! 👇💬

Bridging Barriers x Kingsley Napley Black Men in Law Insight Day ⚖️ We recently partnered with Kingsley Napley to deliver a Black Men in Law Insight Day - creating a space for honest conversations, real exposure and meaningful connection within the legal industry. Representation matters. Access matters. And for many of the young men in the room, this was more than just an event - it was an opportunity to see what’s possible and hear directly from those who have navigated the path before them. Together, we explored:
⚖️ Real insight into careers in law at a leading firm
📄 Practical interview guidance and recruitment tips to stand out
🤝 How to build a strong LinkedIn presence and personal brand
🎤 Honest, unfiltered conversations with lawyers about their journeys, challenges and lessons learned The focus wasn’t just on information - it was about building confidence, clarity and belief. A huge thank you to the incredible team at Kingsley Napley for creating such a powerful and welcoming space. Your openness and commitment to supporting the next generation is what drives real impact. #BridgingBarriers #InsightDay #BlackMenInLaw #LegalCareers #socialmobility

🚀 Finding Your Career Direction – Virtual Masterclass Last Thursday we brought together ambitious young people for an interactive masterclass focused on one big question: how do you actually figure out the right career path? So many people feel stuck, overwhelmed by options, or unsure what steps to take next. This session was designed to change that - giving practical tools, honest insights and a space for open conversation. Together we explored:
✨ How to identify your core strengths and natural advantages
🧠 How to spot the skill gaps holding you back
🗺 How to map career paths that genuinely align with your interests
🎯 Practical steps you can take towards the right opportunities A huge thank you to our incredible speakers Christina, Mady, Alex and Rumbi for sharing their experiences so openly and helping guide our young people through this conversation. Your honesty, advice and encouragement made a real impact! #BridgingBarriers #CareerDirection #EarlyCareers #Mentoring #SocialMobility

We’re proud to share that we recently partnered with Weil, Gotshal & Manges to deliver an inspiring Employability Boot Camp for our young people ⚖️✨ Across two action-packed days at Weil’s London office, participants gained first-hand insight into careers in law while developing the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the profession. Here’s what the boot camp included: 🔹 Interactive debates exploring real legal topics 🔹 Speed networking with lawyers across different practice groups 🔹 Insights into legal and business services career pathways 🔹 A live negotiation exercise – stepping into the role of a lawyer 🔹 Public speaking and LinkedIn profile development sessions 🔹 Honest conversations with trainees and apprentices about life at the firm From building professional networks to strengthening their communication and critical thinking skills, our young people left feeling more confident, more informed, and more prepared for their future careers. A huge thank you to the entire team at Weil for opening their doors, sharing their expertise, and investing their time in the next generation of talent.💙 #BridgingBarriers #EarlyCareers #SocialMobility #FutureLawyers NextGenTalent

Thank you to our incredible alumni and mentors who poured into our February 2026 cohort during onboarding 💙✨ There’s something powerful about learning from those who’ve walked the journey before you. Here are just some of the reflections shared: 💬 “Mentoring helped me build confidence and gain clarity on my career path. My mentor didn’t just advise - they helped me build the technical skills employers in finance are looking for. I came in wanting an internship… I left with a placement and multiple internships.” – Nigel 💬 “Before mentoring, I wasn’t sure what direction I wanted. My mentor supported me with industry connections, interview prep and applications. The year before I faced rejections. Last year, I received three offers.” – Cara 💬 “I didn’t come from a family that went to university. Having access to a mentor who was already a software engineer was invaluable.” – Shaj 💬 “I used to struggle with self doubt. Mentoring helped me build confidence and believe I could apply.” – Denice 💬 “I could see parts of myself in other people. Mentoring is also about self reflection.” – Gillian Our mentors also reminded the cohort what strong mentorship looks like: 🔹 “Set clear goals. Know what you want to get from the relationship.” – Tariq 🔹 “Tell me who you are. Why do you think you need a mentor? That shapes how I support you.” – Larry 🔹 “Listen. As a mentor, you have to truly understand your mentee.” – Larry 🔹 “Be open. You won’t always have all the answers - and that’s okay.” – Carolyn And the advice that stood out most: ✨ Keep the relationship alive even after the programme ends.
✨ Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
✨ Take the opportunity and run with it.
✨ Not everyone has access to 1-1 support like this - make the most of it. This is what peer-powered growth looks like. Real stories.
Real progress.
Real access. February 2026 is officially underway - and we can’t wait to see what this cohort achieves 🚀💙 #BridgingBarriers #TurningPoint #MentorshipMatters #SocialMobility #NextGenTalent

We’re proud to celebrate the launch of our February 2026 Turning Point cohort 💙 Last week, we welcomed 100 ambitious young people and 50 dedicated mentors into the Bridging Barriers community - all united by a shared commitment to growth, accountability and opportunity. Turning Point exists to create space where potential is recognised and experience is shared with intention. When mentoring is done well, it changes trajectories. Our mentors give their time, insight and encouragement. Our young people show up ready to learn, stretch themselves and take ownership of their future. That combination is powerful. A huge thank you to every mentor who has committed to walking alongside this cohort. Your leadership matters more than you know. If your organisation believes in investing in diverse, high potential early careers talent - whilst providing meaningful, skills-based volunteering opportunities for your employees - we’d love to explore how you can be part of this journey. Here’s to a cohort ready to make 2026 count 🚀 #BridgingBarriers #TurningPoint #MentorshipMatters #SocialMobility #NextGenTalent 💙

A few weeks ago, we partnered with BBC Studios to deliver an inspiring Insight Day for our young people 🎬✨ Here’s what the day included: 🔹 An exclusive office tour of BBC Studios
🔹 Speed networking with professionals across media, business and technology
🔹 1-1 CV reviews with the BBC Studios Talent Team
🔹 A panel discussion with early careers professionals sharing honest insights and advice From learning how the commercial arm of the BBC operates globally, to gaining practical interview tips and industry insight, our young people left feeling more informed, more confident, and more prepared to take their next steps. A huge thank you to the entire team at BBC Studios for hosting us so generously, and to everyone who gave their time, advice and energy to support the next generation of talent. We’re incredibly grateful. 💙 #BridgingBarriers #BBCStudios #EarlyCareers #SocialMobility #NextGenTalent