Refugee Week 2024 – Guest blog from Hei Chow at UK Welcomes Refugees, member of our Refugee Support Network, to mark and celebrate Refugee Week 2024 (17-23 June) and World Refugee Day (20 June)
UK Welcomes Refugees: Our Work and New Initiatives in Milton Keynes
Dear all,
We are UK Welcomes Refugees, a charity dedicated to serving refugees from around the world. In our ongoing effort to provide support and build communities, we have been actively welcoming Hong Kongers through our specialized projects. Since 2020, our services have extended to London, Birmingham, and Cambridge, and we are excited to announce the launch of our new organization in Milton Keynes.
Supporting Hong Kongers in the UK
The political, legal, and educational turmoil in Hong Kong has driven many families to seek a safer and more stable life in the UK. Over 190,000 Hong Kongers have already settled here since 2021, with Milton Keynes becoming a prominent hub for this community. Recognizing the urgent need for support, we are committed to building a mutual support network for Hong Kongers in this region.
Building a Supportive Community in Milton Keynes
Thanks to the generous support of the MK Community Foundation and Community Action: MK, we have initiated a pilot project to host monthly meet-ups at the Bletchley Youth Center. These events include well-being workshops, informational sessions, and networking opportunities designed to help Hong Kongers integrate and thrive in their new environment. Our goal is to identify and empower talented individuals within the community to contribute and serve.
Encouraging Local Support and Participation
We understand the challenges of leaving one’s hometown and starting anew. Thus, we aim to foster strong local support. We invite you to connect with us, participate in our activities, and share in the journey of these resilient individuals. Your involvement can make a significant difference in creating a welcoming and supportive community.
Showcasing Local Talent and Expertise
The Hong Kong community brings a wealth of knowledge and skills. For example, we have practitioners of Chinese Medicine and Cranio-Sacral Therapy who are eager to share their expertise through workshops and individual sessions. These talents enrich the diversity and cultural fabric of our community.
Supporting Social Workers from Hong Kong
Many Hong Kong social workers have relocated to the UK. UK Welcomes Refugees acts as a contact point, assisting overseas social workers in transferring their licenses and integrating into the UK system, as a solution of the long term shortage of Social Workers in UK. With more than 2,000 overseas social workers in the UK, we are currently organizing and supporting 500 of them.
We believe in the power of community and mutual support. If you share our vision and would like to collaborate, please do not hesitate to reach out. Together, we can create a welcoming environment for all.
Warm regards,
Hei Chow, Programme Manager & Senior Community Organizer
Email: hei@ukwelcomesrefugees.org
See the special message from Hei to mark Refugee Week 2024: