Leadership in arguing for and developing this infrastructure essentially fell by default to S.T.E.P., a local rural community organisation in Dungannon. Other community organisations followed this example at local level,  Ballymena Ethnic Forum were first to approach us, then Craigavon, Cookstown, and with our support, and that of each new link in the chain, new support groups have developed across N. Ireland with increasing pace.  

"In 2007 the landscape continues to change.  Partnership projects have been developed with statutory organisations and local government agencies. There is much to learn from and much more to learn and do.  This next step is designed to develop a regional structure allowing that to happen."

With organizations across Northern Ireland dealing on a regular basis with the issues of Migrant Workers, there is an increasing need for shared information on practices and issues. As deliverers of one of the pioneering Migrant Support projects, S.T.E.P. has acquired a wealth of knowledge and experience in this area. We are asked by organizations across Northern Ireland for advice on how to deal with Migrant Worker issues.

Through the M.W.S.N., it is hoped that there will be a sharing of information, best practice activity and resources so that all organizations proactively dealing with Migrant Worker issues have support to continue their good work. The Network will not be based on meetings of members as organizations working in the sector are already subject to countless internal and external meetings, instead MSWN will provide an opportunity for information transfer and knowledge sharing at limited inconvenience. 

“Shared Knowledge for a Shared vision” - to establish an information and knowledge network which will contribute to building an equitable and rights-based society which respects difference and celebrates diversity.