We work with refugee-led community groups, local authorities and organisations in all parts of Scotland, to help people connect, collaborate and play active roles in their communities.
In regions like Lanarkshire, were helping to establish networks so communities can work together to support and welcome New Scots. Susan and Charlotte from the Lanarkshire New Scots Integration Network explain.
In the refugee sector, we’re often addressing urgent needs. Everyone is so busy, and it can be hard to find the time to make connections and reach out to others.
New Scots in the region often face a language barrier when English isn’t their first language. So, finding out about support and services can be tricky. It can be difficult for people to know how to access health and social care services, for example. Transport is also an issue in our region, and people can end up feeling alone and disconnected.
We set up this network so we can connect with and learn from others in Lanarkshire. We wanted to help groups and organisations feel less isolated.
We looked at what services were available locally, who was doing what and how we could best work together to support and welcome people who are resettled in the area. That’s how the New Scots Integration Network was born. We thought it would be a helpful way to share information and ideas.
Scottish Refugee Council provided advice on how to set up and run an integration network and chaired the group’s first meeting. Now, between 25 and 30 people attend regular meetings, sharing information, resources and updates. Lots more people receive updates via the network mailing list and new members are joining all the time.
Network meetings are a chance to discuss new ways to support New Scots in the area. We focus on the issues that matter to people, for example mental health or refugee rights. It’s also a chance to share good news stories, useful information and let each other know about upcoming events and opportunities.
Before each network meeting, Scottish Refugee Council helps provide insights and ideas, including useful learning and information from other parts of Scotland, and shares advice on how to develop and expand the network.
The network brings people together to talk about what’s worked well elsewhere. We don’t necessarily have to set up new services. Often, it’s about knowing what services are already out there and tweaking an existing service so it’s welcoming to people for whom English isn’t a first language.
It’s excellent to have a dedicated network and some dedicated time to come together. We all have the same intention – to improve services, improve access and reduce inequalities.
The meetings have been so well attended and it’s been absolutely heartening. You always walk out with a smile on your face. Just being in a room with people who have the same goals and level of motivation is so positive. There is a real willingness to share resources and ideas and a real interest in coming together to support people who have been resettled.
We hope this vibrant network will go from strength to strength.
Scottish Refugee Council currently supports five New Scots Integration Networks across the country. They are Highland, Tayside (covering Angus, Dundee and Perth and Kinross), Inverclyde, Lanarkshire, Forth Valley (covering Clackmannanshire, Falkirk, Stirling and West Lothian)
Find out more about our work connecting communities across Scotland and how you can get involved.
