As Scotland’s national refugee charity, we’re committed to helping people in every part of the country feel safe and secure in their new communities. In 2024-25, we supported more than 10,700 people to rebuild their lives in safety in 30 out of Scotland’s 32 local council areas.
Here’s how we helped.
Free helpline
Our freephone national helpline offers a lifeline for people struggling to make sense of the complex refugee and asylum system.
Last year, our helpline advisors responded to 12,939 calls from people across Scotland. 88% of queries were from refugees and people seeking asylum. The other 12% came from charities, local authorities and members of the public looking for information to support people seeking safety.
Connecting communities
Our five Regional Integration Coordinators provide information, advice and tailored support to a wide network of groups and organisations across Scotland that are run by and for people seeking safety.
They coordinate six New Scots Integration Networks, and play an active role in five others. These networks bring refugee-led groups, charities, local councils, healthcare and services providers together to connect, share information and learn from each other.
We introduced a new and improved New Scots Connect Map, making it easier for people to find help in their local area. The map, which was first introduced in 2018, is an online directory of groups and organisations offering services and support to refugees and people seeking asylum.
This important resource, which lists more than 180 organisations across Scotland, has been redesigned to make it more user friendly. It is now quicker and easier for people to search for everything from ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) and befriending services to social activities and specialist support.
Fabulous fundraisers
Supporters from across Scotland held fundraisers and took part in a wide range of challenge events, from Kiltwalks and marathons to Zipslides across the Clyde.
We also teamed up with Glee Club and The Stand to hold No Borders comedy events in Glasgow and Edinburgh to reach new audiences and raise funds and awareness of our work.
Refugee Festival Scotland
More than 170 colourful events took place across Scotland as part of Refugee Festival Scotland 2024.
From the Borders to the Highlands and Islands an estimated 19,800+ people took part in our 10-day, nation-wide celebration of art, culture and community.
We also awarded small grants totalling £50,500 to 71 community groups and organisations across Scotland to help them run events as part of the Refugee Festival Scotland 2025.
