skip to main content

MU to Donate to Two Refugee Charities

As part of the MU's work to support Afghan refugees and musicians, the EC has voted to donate to two nominated charities.

Published: 09 December 2021 | 5:45 PM Updated: 17 December 2021 | 4:25 PM
Close up of hand putting a red heart into the slit of a white donation box
Refugee Action supports refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK. Photo credit: Shutter Stock

As part of on-going work to support Afghan refugees and musicians, the MU's Executive Committee (EC) have asked its Equalities Committee to nominate two charities working directly with refugees so that they may make a donation on behalf of the Organisation.

The Campaign To Protect Afghanistan's Musicians (of which MU General Secretary, Horace Trubridge is an official signatory of) is an international coordination effort to protect all of Afghanistan's musicians in a time of crisis, along with their extraordinarily rich musical traditions, from the classical rabab to the latest pop music.

Nominated Charities 

Further to the announcement, the Committee are pleased to confirm that the charities nominated are as follows:

  • Rainbow Railroad - A global not-for-profit organization that helps LGTBQI+ people facing persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics. In a time when there are more displaced people than ever before, LGBTQI+ people are uniquely vulnerable due to systemic, state-enabled homophobia and transphobia. These factors either displace them in their own country or prevent them from escaping harm. 

For more infomation, please visit Rainbow Railroad's official website. 

  • Refugee Action - A charity supporting refuges and people seeking asylum in the UK by giving expert advice and guidance to those struggling to navigate the failing and unfair asylum system. They help those with refugee status to settle into their new homes and communities – everything from helping children into schools, to support booking doctors’ appointments, and ensuring they get a hot meal when they arrive.

For more information, please visit the Refugee Action's official website. 

Join the MU's work for equality in music

Be sure your voice is heard - and help make the music industry a better place for every musician. At the MU we stand for equal opportunities and inclusion for musicians, and aim for the industry to be more diverse and representative.

Be a changemaker 

Learn what we do to make the industry inclusive and diverse, and how you can get involved in making a change.

Get involved

Join the MU's work for equality in music

Continue reading

A black placard being held high in a crowd. The design is of a fist being raised powerfully in solidarity holding a piece of paper in bright blue and pink. The text says

MU to Join Together Alliance Northern Summit on the Role of Arts and Culture in Challenging the Far Right

The MU will be represented at a major anti-racism and community organising event in Manchester on 17 October. The Together Alliance North Summit will bring together trade unionists, activists and community leaders to develop practical strategies to challenge the growth of the far right.

Published: 08 October 2026

Read more about MU to Join Together Alliance Northern Summit on the Role of Arts and Culture in Challenging the Far Right
A woman sat on the floor playing acoustic guitar while a baby reaches out to her and the instrument.

New MU Survey Explores Free Childcare for Working Musicians

The MU is surveying musicians who are parents or carers of children under 18 to understand how current free childcare provision works for those in the industry and to explore alternative models better suited to their working patterns.

Published: 07 October 2026

Read more about New MU Survey Explores Free Childcare for Working Musicians
A musician sitting at a desk in a studio at a digital-audio workstation.

Music Growth Package: What Scotland-Based Applicants Need to Know

New guidance from the Scottish Music Industry Association clarifies how Scotland-based musicians, music creators and music businesses can access funding through the UK Government’s Music Growth Package, including support for international activity.

Published: 07 October 2026

Read more about Music Growth Package: What Scotland-Based Applicants Need to Know