Nestled in Camden Passage, surrounded by a variety of shops stands Trampoline, a social enterprise café with a mission to increase employment for refugees living in the UK – oh and they make good coffee and serve delicious food too!

Conflict is unfortunately a global issue which has meant each year thousands of people have to flee their homes to survive, sometimes even risking their lives in order to make a better life for themselves. But although their physical journey to reach safety may end when they arrive in their new home, another struggle has only just begun.

When refugees arrive in new countries, often they don’t speak the language. This means that they are forced to adjust. Adjust to the new language, the new currency, new way of life and of course they have to find new jobs. Unfortunately, although many refugees who arrive in the UK are highly skilled it is difficult for them to find jobs: the unemployment rate amongst refugees living in the UK is five times that of the UK born population.

Earlier this year Pranav Chopra, a tea entrepreneur known for his brand, ‘Nemi Teas’ decided he wanted to do something about refugee employment in the UK. He worked alongside Antonio Orria, a coffee connoisseur, to make his dream come to life. Consequently, in February 2022, they launched ‘Trampoline’ a social enterprise café based in Islington, London.

The business helps refugees to train, integrate and become independent citizens in Brutish society, the cafe’s goal is to help refugees find meaningful employment. Although their goal is noble, achieving it will be no easy task, nearly one fifth of refugees in the UK are currently unemployed, but with hopes to branch out and make the café a UK- wide chain, I have no doubts that Chopra and Orria will succeed in their mission.