When people in need of refugee protection reach Scotland, a new and difficult journey begins. We work with New Scots, partner organisations and grassroots groups across the country to help people thrive in their new communities.
Here are some of the ways we’re helping people seeking safety succeed.
Supporting new refugees
Between April ‘23 and March ‘24, we helped 1,483 people find their feet after being granted refugee status in Scotland.
We provide newly-granted refugees with move-on advice and support to help with everything from housing, healthcare and education to opening a bank account, applying for benefits, learning English and making social connections.
Helping refugees find work
Over 240 New Scots received information, training, mentoring and support to help them understand the UK job market and look for work in Scotland.
We partnered with Fair Deal, IKEA, Poundland and Starbucks to run employability courses for 83 refugees. As a result of this programme, 12 people were given paid work placements and 20 people were offered jobs.
Burhan (not his real name) received training mentoring and advice to help him make sense of the UK job market: “This support put me on the right track with working in the UK and how best to use my skills. It also helped with my confidence and relationships. Before I could only get part-time jobs. I am now working full time as a Data Analyst. You are having a great impact on people’s lives, and I am a living example.”
Read Annie’s story to find out more
Empowering community leaders
Big congratulations to the 16 people who graduated from our New Scots Leadership Programme, run in partnership with Social Enterprise Academy. The programme helps people to make connections, build on their existing experience, and gain confidence in their ability to lead change for themselves and others.
Eissa, a climate activist from Yemen, is one of our Leadership Programme graduates.
He described the course as “like opening a door for me to consider myself as a leader and develop my skills to move forward in my life and career.”
He added: “I have a lot of skills and this course showed me that I can use them. I have passion, I am capable and I can make family and friends proud of me.”
Find out more about our New Scots Leadership Programme
Supporting arts and culture
In countries where voicing opinions can place you in danger, artists, activists and writers are often at an especially high risk of censorship, imprisonment and persecution.
Our Cross Borders arts programme supports the creative and professional development of artists from refugee and other migrant backgrounds.
Iraqi artist Yamamah Salam was one of 10 artists and activists selected for our 23′-24′ mentoring programme which provides refugee artists with a grant to support their professional development and pairs them with an established mentor to provide guidance and support.
She said: “Pursuing a Fine Art degree wasn’t feasible in Iraq, but my move to Scotland allowed me to embark on this artistic path. Now, I’m devoted to expressing myself and telling important stories through my artwork.
“In a world that often demands conformity, I find solace in my role as an artist and storyteller who speaks for those whose voices may otherwise go unheard. I’ve witnessed the struggles women face first hand. Through my art, I strive to encapsulate the essence of women – their strength, resilience, and unyielding ambition for securing their rights.”
Since 2021 we have supported over 100 refugee artists, activists, creatives, journalists, and community organisers through mentoring, training, collaboration and commissions.
Find out more about Cross Borders
