Bosnia & Herzegovina UK Network (BHN)

The Bosnia & Herzegovina UK Network is an umbrella organisation established in 1996 and based in Sparkhill in Birmingham.

They have 23 affiliated member groups. Their core services include counselling, advocacy, advice, supplementary schools, training, signposting and organisational development to member organisations and local community groups who are working with asylum seekers, refugees and migrants from all backgrounds.

BHN have a strong track record of delivering projects successfully both individually and in partnership with local voluntary and statutory agencies such as Birmingham City Council, Birmingham Voluntary Service Council, Job Centreplus and Working Links. A previous project established an Employment Forum which acted as a link between refugees, migrants and local employers to tackle employment issues and develop a practical understanding of current legislation. The Trust is now supporting BHN to develop this project further as in the current economic climate; refugees are likely to be disproportionately disadvantaged.

The Trust is also supporting BHN to expand their work with young refugees, many of whom are experiencing conflicts with family members as they grow up in a culture different to the one of their parents. BHN are working to empower young adults and encourage the formation of friendships across different ethnic and refugee communities focusing on their common experience and tackling the issues they face together.