Barbara Rowe short listed for National Diversity Awards 2016.

12 years ago Barbara Rowe was subjected to a series of hate crimes when she moved to Sussex from London. Barbara’s experiences led Sussex Police to invite her to share her life stories as part of their Diversity training programme to help those involved in policing to get a better understanding of the victim’s perspective. The success of this approach led to the creation of Breaking Down Barriers. In 2007, Barbara started operating as a sole trader enterprise, growing her team from 1 to 20 and becoming a Community Interest Company in 2015.

Barbara draws on her personal experiences to help break the barriers of race, culture, assumptions and stereotypes. Through discussion she tackles the issue of subtle racism that has to be dealt with on a daily basis by ethnic minority groups. The hidden bias and racist overtones in people’s attitudes.

Barbara gives people the opportunity to develop their own cultural awareness and to give an honest assessment of their biases and stereotypes.

Breaking Down Barriers provide guest speakers and a variety of of creative and interactive courses in the areas of Diversity and Inclusion, Conflict Management and Wellbeing. Outstanding feedback showcases the phenomenal impact Barbara has had over the past decade.