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What is it about?
Twist won a three-year contract from the London Development Agency to help refugees find work. Delivery of the Refugee Enterprise in Action (CREATE) project began in September 2007, with more than 80 refugees taking part in the programme at three different centres across London. Two more centres begin the programme in January.
 CREATE has already shown success in its aims: to inspire participants about the contribution refugees can make to Britain, to help participants build their confidence and business contacts, and to open their eyes to the wide range of opportunities available. All participants negotiate personal pathways that reflect their abilities and potential. These include taking responsibility for enterprise projects that contribute to the economy or to the good of the community.
 The projects are careful chosen and developed according to each participant’s existing skills and aspirations. The participants visit employers and entrepreneurs in relevant sectors to talk about their ideas, which are further developed with the help of business advisers and mentors.
Visit hosts have included:
 Participants have also attended conferences as delegates, including 'Open Doors for Refugee Teachers', hosted by the Employability Forum and the Department for Children and Families, and 'Building and Enterprise Framework' hosted by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform with Minister for Enterprise Stephen Timms.
Ongoing enterprise projects being developed by current participants include:
Some participants have already found work, including hospitality and community work. Others are exploring training pathways as teachers, counsellors, fitness instructors, community police officers and child carers.
 What are the benefits?
Before starting the programme, some participants are experienced and qualified yet unable to find appropriate work. Others are economically inactive or returning to work after bringing up a family. All those currently on the course have taken on an enterprise activity that has boosted their confidence and expanded their horizons. Some have turned their project plans into reality. Others are finding employment or training routes to help them achieve their goals.
All participants also take a 'Skills for Life' qualification in speaking and listening. The Twist delivery team imbeds basic skills development into the programme's employment and enterprise support. Cohorts of students from different centres are entered into monthly external examinations. The first cohort in December 2007 had candidates for Entry Levels 1, 2 and 3 and Level 1 and Level 2. That cohort achieved a 100% pass rate.
  Comments
“It is so amazing to hear from employers how the skills and talents of refugees are welcomed and valued, how they really need you for jobs.”
“It is hard to keep going when you get turned down so often for not having the right experience. But when you meet employers face to face, they tell you they just want the right person and they can be flexible if you are flexible. I have learnt that what you need to succeed is the right contacts but also that I can do a lot more things than I thought I could.”
“I have learnt that it’s no use going along to someone and asking 'What can you do for me and my business plan?' But if you say to them 'How can I help you solve your problems?' they have a different attitude."
“Refugees are real survivors. It’s like being thrown into water. You know you have to find a way to swim, otherwise you will sink.”
“My confidence has grown so much. I used to think my English wasn’t good enough. Now I have talked to employers, even to people at a conference. I think I can make an important contribution especially to help other refugee women and I have started training as a counsellor.”
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