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 2023-24, we supported more than 7,800 people seeking safety in 30 out of Scotland’s 32 local council areas. Here’s how we helped.
National helpline
Our free helpline provides confidential information and advice on refugee and asylum issues. Our multilingual advisers answered over 11,000 queries, an increase of 12% on the previous year.
“My experience with the Scottish Refugee Council Helpline was excellent I’m so lucky that I got help from them. The staff were very nice and kind to me. I can’t thank you more!” – Najwa
“I felt confused about the system. Scottish Refugee Council explained to me really well on the phone what my rights are. Thank you to them and their kindness” – Salim
Connecting and consulting communities
Our five Regional Integration Coordinators provide information, advice and support to a network of groups and organisations across Scotland that are run by and for people seeking safety.
Last year, they helped to create and support eight New Scots Integration Networks bringing refugee-led groups, charities, local councils, healthcare and services providers together to connect, share information and learn from each other.
More than 2,180 people took part in community consultations to help shape the New Scots Integration Strategy. Meetings were held in Aberdeen, Clackmannanshire, Dundee, East Ayrshire, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Highlands, Moray, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, Perth and Kinross, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, Stirling, and West Dunbartonshire.
Supporting women across Scotland
Our New Scots Women’s Peer Support Network brings women who are new to Scotland together in a safe and welcoming environment where they can meet new people, talk about their problems and learn from each other.
We have launched Women’s Peer Support Groups in Aberdeen, Arbroath, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverclyde, Inverness and Perth & Kinross. Each group links asylum-seeking women from the local area so they can connect and support each together as they begin the process of rebuilding their lives.
In March, our Inverclyde Women’s Peer Support Group was awarded £140,000 by The National Lottery Community Fund Improving Lives Initiative. The money will be used to hep women seeking safety feel more at home in their new communities. It will also fund a Leadership Skills programme, offering training opportunities to help women build confidence and make connections.
“It’s really helpful since I joined the group and connected with other women in Inverclyde because I feel a little bit homesick.” – Zaafirah
Refugee Festival Scotland
More than 130 colourful events took place across Scotland as part of Refugee Festival Scotland 2023.
From the Borders to the Highlands and Islands people from different backgrounds came together for a 10-day celebration of art, culture and community.
We awarded small grants of £500 to 65 grassroots groups and organisations to help them host events as part of the festival programme, which featured everything from art exhibitions, concerts and film screenings to craft workshops, poetry readings, dance performances and community meals.
