SCAN UK | The Syrian Charities and Associations Network in the UK

SCAN UK | The Syrian Charities and Associations Network in the UK was established in October 2015 by a group of Syrian organisations seeking to coordinate their efforts in support of the Syrian community in the United Kingdom. Based in Wembley, the network emerged from a practical need: Syrian charities and associations operating across the UK were working in isolation, often duplicating efforts or missing opportunities to collaborate. The founders recognised that a structured network could help these organisations pool resources, share knowledge, and present a unified voice on issues affecting Syrians in the UK. Since its founding, SCAN UK has grown to include ten member organisations spread across different parts of the country, each bringing its own sectoral expertise—humanitarian, medical, or social—while sharing a common commitment to assisting the Syrian community.

Current Focus and Activities

Today, SCAN UK | The Syrian Charities and Associations Network in the UK operates as an independent umbrella network, focusing on coordination, networking, and advocacy. The network does not deliver direct services itself but facilitates collaboration among its member organisations, helping them work more effectively. A central part of its work involves public relations and communications—ensuring that the needs, challenges, and contributions of the Syrian community in the UK are clearly communicated to relevant stakeholders, including local authorities, service providers, and the broader public. The network also engages in human rights advocacy, drawing attention to issues affecting Syrians both in the UK and in Syria. By maintaining a coordinating role, SCAN UK helps its members align their activities, avoid redundancy, and amplify their collective impact.

Services and Specialties

While SCAN UK does not publish a fixed list of services, its work as a network primarily involves the following capabilities:

• Coordination and networking among Syrian charities, associations, and regional groups across the UK
• Public relations and communications support, including media outreach and stakeholder engagement
• Advocacy on human rights issues affecting the Syrian community in the UK and Syria
• Information sharing and best practice dissemination among member organisations
• Facilitation of joint projects and campaigns that require cross-organisational collaboration
• Representation of the Syrian community’s interests to government agencies, local councils, and other bodies

These services are delivered through regular meetings, shared digital platforms, and coordinated communications efforts. The network’s strength lies in its ability to connect organisations that might otherwise operate in silos, enabling them to work together on common goals such as refugee integration, social support, and community development.

Who Benefits from SCAN UK

SCAN UK | The Syrian Charities and Associations Network in the UK is primarily a resource for its member organisations—the ten Syrian charities and associations based in different parts of the United Kingdom. These members benefit from improved coordination, reduced duplication of effort, and a stronger collective voice. Beyond the member organisations, the ultimate beneficiaries are members of the Syrian community in the UK, who receive more coherent and effective support as a result of the network’s work. The network is particularly well-suited for Syrian-led organisations seeking to collaborate with peers, share resources, and engage in advocacy. It may also be of interest to UK-based service providers, local authorities, and policymakers looking for a reliable point of contact for engaging with the Syrian community. For any organisation or individual wanting to understand the landscape of Syrian community support in the UK, SCAN UK serves as a central coordinating body that can provide context, connections, and a clear picture of ongoing efforts. Based in Wembley, the network continues to operate as a practical, community-driven initiative focused on helping Syrians in the UK lead safe, productive, and well-integrated lives.