Olivia

I chose to do my placement at Maryhill Integration Network because I was once a volunteer and a member of the Board with the organisation.
I was studying BA Community Development, which is a 4 year degree course. My placement with MIN (from September 2018 – April 2019), was with the women’s group.
The majority of my time on placement was spent on networking, and outreach work to promote community engagement for New Scots, as well as researching information to promote learning within and influencing integration for the women, linking up the organisation to partner with other agencies, organisations in their local community.
The reason for doing this, was to provide information which was helpful to support the women to make better decisions and access the right resources.
The most interesting journey with the placement, was about building friendships, and empowering women to use their voice – as learning from my own experiences – to push for social justice. 
I am still overwhelmed with the emotions that I could have done a lot with women’s group, looking back now, with more time and more funding. However, by encouraging self-esteem for members of the group, I helped them to continue to build confidence, this was my highest priority to see them stand independently for themselves and support others to challenge issues that affect them or demoralise their strength. 

Maryhill Integration Network has always been a place or home to me, meaning that my confidence to participate and learn from all the project which I’d taken part in, had been done with a grateful human soul; working positively without feeling different. My future goals within my academic career, involve learning more about the ways we can challenge the policies that racially discriminate, disempower women voices. As Martin Lurther King wrote, “the bank of justice is bankrupt”, I believe with a collective voice and taking action, the bank of justice can be saved.”


Maryhill Integration Network is a registered charity (SC037300),

our aim is to create positive social change by providing a welcoming space and opportunities for connection and collaboration across communities.

Our work depends on the support of people like you who share our belief that refugees should be welcomed into society and shown respect and kindness from the moment they arrive.

Donors help us to continue to provide the essential work we deliver which enables healing from trauma and supports people to thrive in our community.

Show your support in resisting the hostile environment and be part of our local movement of solidarity demonstrating that Glasgow welcomes refugees.

“Every city, every country, everywhere needs an organisation like MIN so that people can start a new life in the best possible way” - Ehsan (MIN group participant).

Please see some of our testimonies for details of the impact we make. 

Or sign up with easyfundraising!

Help raise funds for Maryhill Integration Network - simply by shopping online. easyfundraising turns your everyday online shopping into FREE donations when you use them to shop with over 7,000 brands
Brands then make a small donation to say ‘thank you’ and easyfundraising gives those free funds to the cause.

Please register using this link – just click sign up!
There’s no catch or hidden charges and MIN will be really grateful for your donations.
If you're happy to sign up, please remember to install the donation reminder.