BAME HUB-UK NETWORK C.I.C

Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) a Platform to discuss issues related to BAME communities. We are a one-stop shop united under one umbrella in the UK.

[BAME HUB-UK NETWORK C.I.C @BameHub]

What a wonderful and memorable day our young people had at Ufton Court!

Uftons outdoor programme is designed for Children to experience the freedom to flourish.
The programme aims to spark curiosity, build confidence, support personal development and create lasting memories.
It was wonderful to witness the children flourishing in so many different ways throughout the day.

The children enjoyed a full day immersed in the outdoor learning experiences from archery, woodland exploration, teamwork challenges and meaningful interaction with farm animals in a beautiful natural environment.

They had the opportunity to feed the pigs, goats, chickens and rabbits. One of the most exciting moments was discovering freshly laid eggs and carefully collecting them. Their curiosity was wonderful to see; they asked many thoughtful questions, and the knowledgeable Ufton Court staff took time to answer them, explain the activities and encourage everyone to participate.

A particularly valuable activity involved working in teams to build woodland shelters. The children were told that "rain" would arrive within one hour, so they had to communicate, share ideas, divide responsibilities, solve problems and complete their shelters within the time available. This practical challenge helped them discover their individual strengths while learning the importance of listening to one another and working towards a shared goal.

During the feedback and reflection session, the children spoke honestly about their experiences. They recognised the positive aspects of working together while also reflecting on moments when differing opinions posed challenges. Importantly, they identified ways to improve their communication, patience, listening, and cooperation during future team activities.

The experience showed them that teamwork does not always mean agreeing on everything; it means respecting different perspectives, finding solutions together and learning from both the positive and challenging moments. Their willingness to reflect demonstrated maturity, self-awareness and a genuine desire to improve.

Their energy and enthusiasm matched every activity! The photographs capture their smiles, curiosity, courage and excitement as they explored the woodland, interacted with animals, tried unfamiliar activities and supported one another. Throughout the day, they built new friendships, strengthened existing relationships and gained confidence in expressing their ideas and asking questions.

The children told us that they had a very good time and that the activities boosted their confidence and self-esteem. They are already encouraging other children to visit Ufton Court and experience these wonderful learning opportunities. They are also looking forward to returning so they can continue exploring, learning and enjoying more outdoor adventures.

This trip demonstrated the powerful impact of learning beyond the classroom. It gave our young people space to connect with nature, develop practical skills, become more resilient and discover what they can achieve when they believe in themselves and work together.

A heartfelt thank you to the entire Ufton Court team for providing such a welcoming, safe, educational and engaging experience. We also sincerely thank the dedicated BAME HUB-UK NETWORK C.I.C. staff and volunteers who supported the children throughout the day, as well as the parents and guardians who entrusted us with their young people.

Most importantly, thank you to our amazing children and young people for participating so enthusiastically, sharing their reflections and making the day truly special. These are the experiences that build confidence, strengthen communities and create lasting memories.

#BAMEHUBUK #UftonCourt #YouthEmpowerment #OutdoorLearning #Teamwork
#BuildingConfidence #SelfEsteem #LearningThroughNature #YoungPeople
#CommunityEngagement

[BAME HUB-UK NETWORK C.I.C @BameHub]

On behalf of BAME HUB-UK Network C.I.C. and the Kenyan community in Milton Keynes, we extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who attended and supported the Kenyans and Friends in Milton Keynes Cultural Day, held on Saturday, 11 July 2026.

We were truly honoured that our distinguished guests accepted our official invitations and joined us for this important celebration of Kenyan and wider African culture, identity, achievements and community spirit.

Our sincere thanks go to Emily Darlington MP, Member of Parliament for Milton Keynes Central, for her presence, inspiring speech and warm engagement with families and community members. It was particularly meaningful for residents to meet their Member of Parliament and witness her commitment to celebrating and supporting Milton Keynes’ diverse communities.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to Mercy Osei-Poku, National Community Engagement Africa Lead at the Home Office, for attending and engaging directly with our community.

Our special thanks also go to Chief Superintendent Emma Baillie for supporting the event and arranging for Detective Chief Inspector James Horseman and Neelam to attend and represent Thames Valley Police. Their presence, speeches and warm engagement with children, families and community members were greatly appreciated.

Thames Valley Police’s participation, including the officers, police vehicles and interactive activities,gave children, parents and residents a valuable opportunity to engage positively with the police in a relaxed and welcoming environment. These interactions helped promote trust, accessibility, community safety and stronger relationships between the police and Milton Keynes’ diverse communities.

The collective presence of our invited dignitaries and partners demonstrated a shared commitment to inclusion, public safety, community cohesion, cultural understanding and meaningful partnership working.

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to every family, child, young person, community member, elder, cultural group, exhibitor, business, performer, organiser, volunteer, photographer and partner who attended, participated or contributed to making the day such a memorable success.

Your presence, support and enthusiasm created a wonderful atmosphere filled with culture, colour, unity, learning, laughter and meaningful connections.

Thank you all for standing with Kenyan community Milton Keynes, celebrating with us and helping us build stronger, safer, more inclusive and better-connected communities.

Together, we celebrate our culture. Together, we strengthen our community. Together, we make a difference. 🙏🏾🇰🇪🇬🇧

#BAMEHUBUK #KenyansInMiltonKeynes #MiltonKeynes #KenyanCommunity #AfricanDiaspora #CommunityEngagement #CommunityCohesion #CulturalCelebration #PartnershipWorking #ThamesValleyPolice

[BAME HUB-UK NETWORK C.I.C @BameHub]

BAME HUB–UK Network C.I.C. is proud to celebrate our Founder and CEO, Dr Alice Maina, who has officially graduated from the University of Essex with a PhD in Social Work. 🎓

Her doctoral research examined systemic inequalities within the UK child protection system and the challenges experienced by Sub-Saharan African BME families.

This outstanding achievement reflects years of resilience, dedication and commitment to social justice. Dr Maina will continue using her research, professional expertise and lived experience to strengthen advocacy, anti-racist safeguarding and support for families and communities across the UK.

Congratulations, Dr Alice Maina!

We Listen, We Care & We Act.

#DrAliceMaina #PhDGraduation #BAMEHubUK #SocialWork #SocialJustice #Safeguarding #AntiRacistPractice #UniversityOfEssex

[BAME HUB-UK NETWORK C.I.C @BameHub]

Free Summer Day Trip to Ufton Court! ☀️
We are pleased to invite children and young people in Slough and surrounding areas to a fully funded day trip to Ufton Court on *Tuesday, 18 August 2026, from 10:00am to 5:00pm.*

This exciting trip includes free transport, refreshments on arrival, lunch, dinner, team-building activities, outdoor experiences, and farm animal interaction.

Age groups: 8–13 years and 14–18 years
Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged.

To register your child’s interest, please complete the form here:
https://t.co/MlsxVbsSgV

For more information, please contact:
Monicah Kariuki
📞 07429 057418
📧 [email protected]

[BAME HUB-UK NETWORK C.I.C @BameHub]

Thank you @emily4MK for inviting BAME HUB-UK Network C.I.C. to your Great Get Together in Milton Keynes.

We truly appreciate your commitment to bringing communities together and creating space for unity, friendship, kindness and inclusion.

Our CEO Alice Maina, Director Joseph Mutonyi, Director Ian Shaw and senior caseworker Maureen Matata were pleased to attend and connect with the community.

#BAMEHubUK #MiltonKeynes #CommunityCohesion #CulturalDay

[BAME HUB-UK NETWORK C.I.C @BameHub]

We are proud to be represented by our Youth Engagement Officer, Brian Ngure, at the @YouthAPPG roundtable in Parliament on Youth Work in 2035, on May 18.

We sincerely thank the @YouthAPPG on Youth Affairs, Natasha Irons MP, Caroline Foster, Jack Chesterman and YMCA England & Wales for leading such an important and timely national conversation on the future of youth work and how services can better meet the needs of all young people.

The discussion explored how youth provision can better reach and support young people who are often underrepresented or face additional barriers, including BAME young people, refugees, young carers, disabled young people, care leavers, young people experiencing homelessness and other marginalised groups.

As an organisation working closely with diverse communities, BAME HUB-UK highlighted the realities facing many BAME young people and families, including poverty, digital exclusion, lack of awareness of available opportunities, immigration-related family pressures, trust in public services, and the gap between opportunity and access.

We also emphasised the importance of engaging parents, strengthening community-based support, and recognising youth centres and youth workers as trusted spaces and trusted adults for young people who may otherwise feel excluded, unheard or unseen.

We were encouraged by the depth of the discussion and the strong commitment shown by all contributors to building a future where youth work is accessible, inclusive, properly supported and reflective of the communities it serves.

BAME HUB-UK remains committed to contributing to national conversations that shape youth work, inclusion, wellbeing, community support and better outcomes for young people across the UK.

#YouthWork2035 #APPGYouthAffairs #YouthWork #BAMEHubUK #Inclusion #YouthVoice #CommunitySupport #Parliament

[BAME HUB-UK NETWORK C.I.C @BameHub]

Thank you to everyone who joined our immigration Update 2026 session in partnership with Laura Devine Immigration.

Senior Solicitor Brian Naumann delivered a clear and practical session on Skilled Worker changes, sponsor compliance and proposed earned settlement reforms.

The session covered key updates, including salary thresholds, occupation codes, right-to-work duties, sponsor responsibilities and proposed changes to settlement requirements.

We were pleased to see strong community engagement, with over 550 participants joining at various points during the session.

Thank you to Brian Naumann, Laura Devine Immigration, our team and everyone who attended and contributed to the Q&A.

For further updates or community support, contact: [email protected]

#BAMEHubUK #UKImmigration #SkilledWorkerVisa #SponsorLicence #CommunitySupport #ImmigrationUpdate #LauraDevineImmigration

[BAME HUB-UK NETWORK C.I.C @BameHub]

BAME HUB-UK NETWORK C.I.C. was honoured to be officially invited to attend the Mind the STEM Gap: Decoding Underemployment of BAME Graduates report launch at the Institute of Physics, London.

It was a powerful evening of insight, networking and action-focused discussion on tackling underemployment and creating fairer opportunities for BAME graduates in STEM.

Thank you to the University of Greenwich / Greenwich Business School project team, including Lead Investigator Dr Sterling Rauseo and Co-Investigators Dr Myrtle Emmanuel @DrMyrtleEmanuel, Dr Andrew Hansen-Addy, Raluca Marinciu @ruca9711, and Dr Kunle Oguntegbe, for leading such an important and timely conversation.

#MindTheSTEMGap #BAMEGraduates #STEM #EquityInSTEM #Underemployment #BAMEHubUK #UniversityOfGreenwich

[BAME HUB-UK NETWORK C.I.C @BameHub]

📢 UK Immigration Update 2026 | Expert Legal Briefing
Are you a worker, employer, sponsor, business owner, contractor, freelancer, community leader or someone supporting families affected by immigration changes?

This session is for you.
BAME HUB-UK NETWORK C.I.C is hosting an expert-led Zoom session with Brian Naumann, Senior Immigration Solicitor at Laura Devine Immigration, to explain key UK immigration updates for 2026.

🗓 Tuesday 05 May 2026
🕕 6 pm – 8 pm UK Time
💻 Zoom Meeting ID: 222 027 2824
🔐 Passcode: 123456789
✅ No registration required

Please attend, invite others and share with your networks.
Knowledge protects communities. Awareness prevents mistakes.
#UKImmigration #ImmigrationUpdate2026 #BAMEHubUK #LauraDevineImmigration #SkilledWorkerVisa #SponsorCompliance #RightToWorkChecks #CommunityAdvocacy #ImmigrationLaw #UKEmployers #WorkersRights #YouAreNotAlone

[BAME HUB-UK NETWORK C.I.C @BameHub]

@Jonatha72159532 Thank you for your ongoing support within our organisation. May her soul rest in peace🙏🙏. We shall miss her a lot🙏🙏.

[BAME HUB-UK NETWORK C.I.C @BameHub]

🕊️ In Loving Memory of Ms Siasweeka Sianyeuka

We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Ms Siasweeka Sianyeuka.

Siasweeka spoke clearly and consistently about the emotional and psychological toll of what she experienced. She raised concerns about racial abuse, her treatment at work, and how her case was handled.

She described feeling distressed, overwhelmed, and crucially unheard.

She also expressed deep disappointment with how her report was handled, including her interactions with authorities, in which she felt dismissed at a time when she needed protection and support.

These were not isolated feelings. They were repeated, documented, and known during the process.

Even as the case progressed and eventually concluded, the strain did not end. The outcome did not bring the closure or relief she had hoped for.

Her experience raises serious questions:
Are individuals who report harm truly being heard?
Are employers doing enough to protect their staff?
Are systems responding with the urgency and care people expect?
And what happens to individuals after the process ends?

Siasweeka’s story is a reminder that processes alone are not enough.
People need to feel safe, supported, and believed.

Behind every “case” is a human being and the impact does not disappear when a file is closed.

We remember her courage, her voice, and her determination to seek fairness.

Our deepest condolences go to her family and loved ones.

May she rest in peace. 🕊️

[BAME HUB-UK NETWORK C.I.C @BameHub]

We stood with Edna Ombakhoh’s family and the wider Kenyan community in the UK during the floral tribute and vigil held in her memory last Saturday.

Edna, a 31-year-old MSc student, had been reported missing in Wraysbury on 1 February 2026, prompting deep concern across the diaspora community and widespread appeals from authorities, family, and friends. Following weeks of searching and hoping for her safe return, her body was discovered in a river in Berkshire on 8 March 2026, bringing a heartbreaking end to the search.

The gathering was a moving moment of grief, remembrance, and solidarity, as flowers were laid and prayers offered in honour of Edna’s life. These photos reflect the strength of community and the importance of standing together with bereaved families in times of deep sorrow.

We send our heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones.

Rest in eternal peace, Edna.
#BAMEHUBUK #KenyanCommunityUK

[BAME HUB-UK NETWORK C.I.C @BameHub]

Community Statement from BAME HUB-UK
It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we acknowledge the tragic passing of Edna Mmbali Ombakho. On behalf of BAME HUB-UK, we extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and the entire Kenyan diaspora community, who have been deeply affected by this heartbreaking loss.

During the time Edna was reported missing, the community showed strong unity and solidarity. Representatives from BAME HUB-UK, together with members of the KCCC, The Kenya Diaspora Media (TKDM), Kenya High Commission Representative @KenyaMissionUK and family members, attended a briefing with @ThamesVP Thames Valley Police and visited the site of Edna’s last confirmed sighting as part of efforts to understand the ongoing investigation and support the family during a very distressing period. See more information here https://t.co/wUXtLRvYLj

We would like to acknowledge the support and engagement provided by Thames Valley Police, who maintained communication with the family and us while pursuing several lines of inquiry into Edna’s disappearance.

We also recognise the collective efforts and solidarity shown by the Kenya High Commission, members of the KCCC, community organisations, friends, and volunteers who stood with the family during the search and offered prayers and support.

This tragic loss has deeply touched many within our community. At this difficult time, we urge everyone to respect the family’s privacy and dignity, refrain from speculation, and allow the relevant authorities to continue their work.

BAME HUB-UK stands in solidarity with Edna’s family and the wider community as they mourn. We remain committed to supporting families facing crisis, trauma, and loss.

May Edna Mmbali Ombakho’s soul rest in eternal peace. 🕊️

[BAME HUB-UK NETWORK C.I.C @BameHub]

We had a productive meeting with the London School of Business & Computing (LSBC) at their CEME Business Campus in Rainham to explore potential areas of partnership.

Discussions focused on:
• British-accredited qualifications (Level 2–7)
• Higher education pathway programmes (HNC/HND progression routes)
• Online postgraduate programmes (MBA, LLM, MSc, MA)
• Employability-focused courses for immigrants
• Executive leadership and professional training

We are currently in constructive discussions to assess how this collaboration could support skills development, access to education, and progression opportunities within our communities.
#Education #CommunityDevelopment #SkillsForLife #StrategicPartnership #Education #SkillsDevelopment #CommunityEmpowerment #HigherEducation #BAMEHub #LSBC

[BAME HUB-UK NETWORK C.I.C @BameHub]

🚨 TONIGHT – 6PM (Online via Zoom) 🚨
Join us for our County Lines & Organised Criminal Networks Awareness Workshop with Child Exploitation Prevention Officer @AndriVNicolaou Androulla Nicolaou @ASPolice

Protecting young people. Building safer communities.
🔎 Understand how young people are targeted and groomed
⚠️ Learn the warning signs of exploitation
🛡️ Know how to report concerns and keep your child safe
💬 Gain confidence to have open safety conversations
📅 Tuesday 3rd March 2026
⏰ 6PM – 7:30PM
💻 Zoom ID: 222 027 2824
🔐 Passcode: 123456789
Open to parents, carers, young people & community members.
Let’s stand united to protect our children.Please share widely.
#CountyLines #ChildExploitation #Safeguarding #BAMEHubUK

[BAME HUB-UK NETWORK C.I.C @BameHub]

We were honoured to be invited on 19 February 2026 to the celebration held at the Kenya High Commission following H.E. Ambassador Maurice Makoloo’s formal presentation of his Letters of Credence to His Majesty King Charles III at St James's Palace.

We extend our warm congratulations to H.E. Ambassador Makoloo and wish him every success in advancing bilateral cooperation, trade, cultural exchange, etc and diaspora engagement.

It was also a pleasure to connect with fellow community leaders, students and business representatives, including valued sponsors, partners and key stakeholders with whom we continue to collaborate in strengthening our community impact.

#KenyaUK #Diplomacy #KenyaDiaspora

[BAME HUB-UK NETWORK C.I.C @BameHub]

Yesterday, BAME HUB-UK Network C.I.C. was pleased to be represented at a high-level engagement at the Kenya High Commission in London, where Kenyan community, business, and faith leaders met with His Excellency Ambassador Makoloo Maurice, the newly appointed Ambassador of Kenya to the UK and Deputy Amb. Dr Joseph Warui @AmbWarui.

Our organisation was represented by our CEO & Founder, accompanied by Derrick Kilori, our BAME HUB-UK Northwest of England Project Coordinator and Casework Manager (Manchester), reflecting our shared commitment to serving communities across regions.

The meeting reinforced the value of coordinated, cross-regional leadership in promoting community wellbeing, inclusion, and constructive partnership.

As an organisation that supports and works alongside thousands of Kenyan and wider BAME community members through social work-related activities such as casework, social welfare, advocacy, safeguarding, immigration, housing, and mental health support, as well as wellbeing activities, community programmes, and engagements, such events are important. They help strengthen relationships, improve understanding, and ensure that the experiences and needs of our communities are heard.

We remain committed to working collaboratively with community groups, partners, and institutions to continue building a stronger, safer, and more connected diaspora.

#BAMEHUBUK
#KenyanDiaspora
#CommunityLeadership
#DiasporaEngagement
#UKKenyanCommunity
#CommunityPartnership
#StrongerTogether