Background

The Refugee Support Network builds on work that began in 2023, bringing together local VCSE organisations and other partners supporting refugees and people seeking sanctuary in Milton Keynes.

Research from the Denny Review into health inequalities across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes identified refugees and asylum seekers as one of the communities experiencing some of the greatest health inequalities locally, highlighting the importance of coordinated support.

An initial scoping meeting in March 2023 brought together organisations supporting different refugee communities, including people from Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine. This helped identify key needs and opportunities for both community members and the organisations supporting them.

Since then, the network has continued to grow through regular online meetings, a dedicated newsletter and community events. We also help connect organisations and individuals with relevant local services, support and opportunities, while strengthening collaboration across the sector.

Refugee Networking Event June 2023

Where are we now?

In 2024, we began the next phase of developing the Refugee Support Network, with support from The National Lottery Community Fund.

The network meets regularly, currently on a quarterly basis, with additional meetings arranged as needed to respond to emerging issues, opportunities and local developments.

Members stay connected through a dedicated email group, where updates, resources, funding opportunities, events and other relevant information are shared. The network also provides opportunities for organisations to collaborate, share expertise, and explore joint funding and project opportunities.

Alongside regular meetings, network members come together at key events throughout the year, including Refugee Week and activities organised by local organisations and community groups. These provide valuable opportunities to connect, collaborate, share learning and celebrate the contributions of refugees and people seeking sanctuary in Milton Keynes.

Local VCSE organisations and groups can become members of the network by joining meetings, contributing to discussions and activities, or simply staying connected through the network’s communications and events. Whether you would like to actively contribute, share your expertise, or stay informed about local developments and opportunities, we would love to hear from you.

See The Refugee Support Network Terms of Reference

Next steps

While there is still a significant need for greater coordination of support for refugees, people seeking asylum and migrant communities in Milton Keynes, the Refugee Support Network provides a valuable space for organisations to connect, share information, identify needs and work together.

As the network develops, we are keen to strengthen links with other local networks and partnerships, including the Mental Health Alliance , helping to address wider issues affecting local communities.

We also encourage network members to engage with the Voluntary Sector Alliance, ensuring that the experiences and needs of refugees and people seeking asylum are represented in wider sector discussions and shared with local decision-makers, service providers and partners.

By building connections, sharing knowledge and amplifying local voices, we hope to support a more joined-up approach to supporting refugees, people seeking asylum and migrant communities in Milton Keynes.

Join the Refugee Support Network Mailing List

Members:

  • SMK Gateway
  • Healthwatch Milton Keynes
  • Milton Keynes Talking Therapies for Depression and Anxiety
  • Q:alliance
  • UK Welcomes Refugees
  • Calmscape Yoga Therapy & Mindfulness
  • Sexual Assault and Abuse Support Service Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes
  • Ukraine Appeal
  • MK Islamic Arts and Culture

A range of other organisations actively participate in the Network’s meeting, including Ukraine Apppeal, UK Welcomes Refugees, MK Fawcett Society Group, Arts for Health Milton Keynes, the regional team at British Red Cross, Works for Us, The Mead Centre, MK Islamic Arts and Culture, and Middle Eastern Cultural Group. These local organisations have been fantastic allies, playing a crucial role in supporting people and amplifying their needs and ideas, fostering collaboration and ensuring diverse voices are heard and valued within the community.

Regular attendees include the Resettlement Team and the Ethnic Minority Achievement team, which provides a valuable link to supplementary schools and families from a wide range of ethnic minority communities across Milton Keynes.

Become a Member of the Refugee Support Network

Meetings & How To Get Invoved

You can view the schedule of the Network’s meetings here.

All local VCSE organisations, community groups and projects in Milton Keynes are encouraged to join the network. Whether you work directly with refugees and people seeking asylum, or support local communities more broadly, your knowledge, experience and connections can make a valuable contribution.

You can access resources, including agendas and meetings notes shared as part of the network here.

To find out more, join the network or attend a future meeting, please contact us at networks@communityactionmk.org.

The next meeting is on Thursday 24th September 10am (online)

Book your spot at the next meeting here

Refugee Support Directory

Our online directory includes a dedicated Refugee Support category, featuring local and national organisations, services and resources. You’ll also find information on health and wellbeing, education, advice services, community support and other useful signposting resources. Access it here

Support Palestinian Students in Milton Keynes

MK ANSARS project is dedicated to empowering Palestinian students and graduates in the UK by offering support such as mentoring, accommodation, financial aid, and childcare. The initiative helps students overcome barriers and build a strong foundation for their future in Milton Keynes. With growing demand for housing and childcare, additional support is urgently needed. To get involved and support the project, visit the Local Giving page here.

Refugee Week 2025

During Refugee Week 2025, we worked alongside local organisations to celebrate and support people seeking sanctuary in Milton Keynes. Find out more about last year’s activities in our dedicated Refugee Week 2025 blog. here.

Refugee Week 2026 (15-21 June) – Courage

During Refugee Week 2026, the Milton Keynes Refugee Support Network joined local organisations and communities in celebrating this year’s theme, Courage.

Earlier this month, network members came together at the annual Art in the Park Festival, organised by MK Islamic Arts and Culture (MKIAC). The event provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with local residents, celebrate the diversity of our city and highlight the work of organisations supporting refugees and people seeking sanctuary in Milton Keynes. You can view photos from Art in the Park here:

A diverse group of people interacting at a community market inside a tent. A woman in a headscarf is engaged in conversation with an older woman, while others browse stalls in the background.
Three women wearing pink shirts pose together at a table with community action materials and banners in a tent.
A community action booth in a tent at an event in Milton Keynes, featuring banners and tables with information about volunteering, community engagement, and local support services, along with handmade crafts displayed in an organized manner.
A group of people engaging at a Community Action stall in a tent. One woman in a pink shirt shakes hands with another while two others look on, surrounded by a banner promoting volunteer opportunities in Milton Keynes.
People interacting at a booth for Community Action: MK, with a banner promoting local support services in Milton Keynes.
Exhibition display titled 'Building Bonds: Fathers & Sons' featuring images of fathers and sons engaging in various activities, with informational text and pamphlets on a table in front.
Informative display board for the 'Stories Among Women' project titled 'Nur: Illuminating Our Stories,' featuring text and images related to women's storytelling initiatives. The board includes photographs of participants engaged in creative activities, surrounded by decorative patterns.
A gathering at a community event featuring women engaging in conversation at a booth displaying information about local organizations and support networks in Milton Keynes.
A community event inside a large tent featuring various vendor tables. Participants are interacting, with displays of crafts and merchandise. Banners for local organizations, including a Fawcett banner promoting equality, are visible.
A vibrant market scene inside a tent featuring various stalls. In the foreground, an elderly couple sits at a table adorned with colorful textiles and food products, while a man in sunglasses and a scarf converses with them. In the background, people browse through merchandise and decorative accents, creating a lively atmosphere.

Look out for updates on our social media channels and for our dedicated Refugee Week newsletter, coming later this week. We’ll be sharing inspiring stories, community projects and updates from organisations and groups across Milton Keynes.