Newly arrived communities

MiFriendly Cities

Creating 'Migration Friendly' Cities in the West Midlands

The Coventry City Council Migration Team is proudly working with partners from across the West Midlands to deliver this innovative project, which aims to reduce the impact of migration on the region and to create more opportunities for newcomers. 

This project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund through the Urban Innovative Actions Initiative.

About the project

MiFriendly Cities is a 3-year initiative to support refugees and migrants in the West Midlands. It aims to develop innovative, community-led and sustainable approaches to enhancing the contribution of refugees and migrants in the region. 

The project is made up of a partnership of 11 organisations. These include three city councils, a multinational company, a university, a law centre, a consultancy and three migrant-run charities.  

Migrants and refugees have helped to develop this project and to decide what makes a city ‘Migration Friendly’. This has created a project which we hope will encourage a spirit of solidarity, with the West Midlands becoming a place in which everyone feels a true sense of belonging.

“I’m delighted to see the launch of the MiFriendly Cities project in Coventry, a city with a proud history of recognising and celebrating cultural diversity. I am excited that this funding will enhance opportunities to strengthen the economic and social fabric of the entire region.’’ 

Cllr Abdul Khan, Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Policing and Equalities

Get involved

Our exciting programme of activities has been designed to create opportunities for newly-arrived communities, and to build a long-term network of support in Coventry, Birmingham and Wolverhampton. The project focuses on jobs, skills training, active citizenship, new ideas, and long-term community investment.

You can:

• Join free English classes;
• Get employment advice and support;
• Learn how to start a business or project which helps your community;
• Learn D.I.Y or manufacturing skills;
• Get help to better understand your rights;
• Become a community health champion or researcher;
• Learn media skills so that you can share your story.

For more information visit www.mifriendlycities.co.uk or contact: [email protected]

Opportunities for organisations

• Become a MiFriendly Employer and create sustainable work placements and apprenticeships;
• Learn more about the skills refugees and migrants bring to the region;
• Help young people on their path to citizenship (schools and youth organisations)
• Support our community health champions to share important health messages.

For more information visit www.mifriendlycities.co.uk or contact: [email protected]

The Project Partnership

11 organisations from across the public, private and voluntary sector will be working together to deliver the MiFriendly Cities project.

• Coventry City Council
• Birmingham City Council
• City of Wolverhampton Council
• Central England Law Centre
• Coventry Refugee and Migrant Centre
• Coventry University
• CU Social Enterprise
• Interserve
• Migrant Voice
• Migration Work
• The Refugee and Migrant Centre – Birmingham and the Black Country