Our Approach - MiFriendly Cities

The West Midlands is the 2nd most diverse region in Europe

With over 100 languages spoken daily within its borders, the West Midlands is the most diverse region in the UK outside of London – and the 2nd most diverse region in Europe –and this diversity brings with it an untapped resource of skills and ideas.

Most critically to our vision, refugees and migrants were involved at every step of project development, and by taking this bottom-up approach we were able to build a programme of activities which considered what each city must do in order to achieve MiFriendly status.

We believe in a two-way integration process, which is multi-faceted, multi-layered and which takes into account the whole community. From the grassroots upwards, we aimed to encourage citizens across the community work with local businesses, government, and voluntary organisations to build a Migration Friendly region together.

While some activities were tailored to specific groups, our overall programme involved a broad range of residents in the region, including a wide range of people who define themselves as ‘migrant’.

A MiFriendly City should be underpinned by the voices, skills and passion of refugees and migrants, so that all branches of the community are fully invested in its future, and the social and economic fabric of the region is strengthened.

Our 3-year project was shaped and developed as it progressed by the communities involved, to create a culture of inclusion and friendliness, with the West Midlands becoming a region in which all of its citizens feel a true sense of belonging

In a MiFriendly City, everyone is encouraged to become an active citizen, training and employment opportunities are created, and the contributions of refugees and migrants are supported, enhanced and recognised.

The foundations of the project focused on jobs, skills, citizenship, start-ups, and long-term community investment. By working in these areas we can empower our communities to come together and drive change at both city and regional levels.

Create

Create a region built upon a spirit  of solidarity.

Empower

Empower citizens to take the lead in unlocking their city’s assets.

Inspire

Inspire people across the West Midlands – migrant or not – to want to live and belong in a MiFriendly City.

The Project - Our Approach

The West Midlands is the 2nd most diverse region in Europe

With over 100 languages spoken daily within its borders, the West Midlands is the most diverse region in the UK outside of London – and the 2nd most diverse region in Europe –and this diversity brings with it an untapped resource of skills and ideas.

A MiFriendly City should be underpinned by the voices, skills and passion of refugees and migrants, so that all branches of the community are fully invested in its future, and the social and economic fabric of the region is strengthened.