I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Mike Harle, the former Head of Advisory and Community Services at International Care Network (ICN) in Bournemouth. Having retired just three weeks ago, Harle reflected on his time at the organisation, sharing the challenges, successes, and personal motivation behind his work supporting refugees and asylum seekers.
Harle’s journey into this field was rooted in a passion for social justice. “I couldn’t think of a group that was more disadvantaged than asylum seekers in this country,” he shared. “The problems they face, dealing with a system that’s quite hostile to them. I wanted to do my bit to make sure they felt welcomed and accommodated and were able to integrate as well as possible in the UK.”
Running a charity that receives no government funding comes with its difficulties. “It’s really just a question of scale,” Harle said. “The funding coming in is limited, and the need is very diverse, very complex, and seemingly at times, quite overwhelming.” ICN works with nearly 2,000 refugees and asylum seekers, stretching resources thin. “That stretches our staff, volunteers, and all of our resources to do that.”
One particularly memorable initiative was arranging private swimming for Muslim women, a programme tailored to their cultural and privacy needs. “It was what they wanted to do above else because it would help them with their families,” Harle said. By collaborating with a local Muslim swimming teacher, ICN ensured the women could learn to swim in a space that respected their dignity. “They can learn to swim and be with their families at the beach.”
Collaboration with local authorities was also crucial. Harle emphasised ICN’s strong ties with Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP) Council. “We work very closely indeed on issues of housing and resettlement of Afghan families,” he said. Partnerships with organisations like the Department of Work and Pensions also ensured refugees received the financial and employment support they needed to rebuild their lives.
Reflecting on his most rewarding experiences, Harle highlighted the success stories of refugees who thrived after overcoming significant challenges. “Nothing gives us greater joy than when an asylum seeker gets refugee status and is allowed to remain in the country and begin work,” he said. Among these successes was a football player from Cameroon who now plays for a top local amateur team. “We’re delighted to see things where people can not only survive in this country but to thrive.”
When asked what advice he would give to refugees navigating life in the UK, Harle emphasised the importance of balancing integration with preserving one’s identity. “We want to see refugees and all types of migrants integrate into the UK without losing their sense of who they are and where they’re from,” he said. He advised, “Make every effort to learn the language at the earliest opportunity and to understand what your rights are in UK society, but also your responsibilities, how to be a good functioning member of that society.” Harle also encouraged refugees to embrace their cultural heritage. “Bring some of the diverse cultural and social backgrounds you’ve experienced in your home country. Don’t lose that, find ways to express it through art or other projects while making a future here in the UK.”
As Harle reflects on his time at ICN, his dedication to creating opportunities and fostering a sense of belonging for refugees and asylum seekers stands out. His efforts have significantly shaped the Bournemouth community, helping to make it a more inclusive and welcoming place for all.
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Find out more about International Care Network here: https://www.icn.org.uk
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