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 rebuild their lives and thrive in their new communities.
Supporting new refugees
Last year we helped 1,972 people to put down roots and begin rebuilding their lives after getting refugee status in Scotland.
We provide new 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.
Gurinder is in his late 70s. He has serious health problems, can’t read or write and is partially deaf. When he first came to us for help, he was sofa surfing and totally dependent on the kindness of friends.
Now, Gurinder has a safe place to call home and is getting the support he so badly needs. Read his story here.
Help for asylum-seeking families
We also supported 280 families on their asylum journey, helping newly arrived pregnant women, and families with children aged 18 or under to make sense of the complex system, understand their rights and access the support they need.
Single parent Ibrahim and his three children were among those helped.
“[When we arrived in Scotland] I was in a hotel in Glasgow and it was a bit awkward, uncertain and new for me and my kids. It was like having furniture pieces without the catalogue that explains how to put them together. When we met our Scottish Refugee Council case manager, it felt like we had found the compass that was going to help us find our way and achieve our goals” – Ibrahim
Support for people in crisis
The UK asylum system is tough and leaves people at risk of falling through the cracks. We provide specialist support to help people who have received a negative asylum decision and are facing homelessness and destitution.
Last year, we helped 517 people to understand their rights and entitlements at this very difficult and vulnerable time.
We support clients to apply for emergency financial support, register for medical and mental health care, and find nearby charities offering food, clothing and homelessness support. We also link people with lawyers to help them fight eviction and support them to submit fresh asylum claims.
Hamid has been stuck in the UK asylum system for over a decade. He was destitute and sleeping in a friend’s car when he reached out to us for help.
“I was homeless for three months. Sometimes I was sleeping outside, and couldn’t find food or warm clothes. My wellbeing was very badly affected. I seriously thought about taking my own life. Scottish Refugee Council was there for me. My caseworker doesn’t just give me practical help; she also gives me emotional support. It’s really good to know there is somebody there who supports me.” – Hamid (name has been changed)
Help for children and young people
1,070 children and young people in every part of the country were helped to feel safe and supported by our Guardianship Scotland service, run in partnership with Aberlour Childcare Trust.
This specialist, statutory service provides all unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and young people at risk of trafficking with an Independent Child Trafficking Guardian.
