What is the Reaching New Scots Fund?
In August 2021, 56 projects across Scotland were awarded funding by the EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF).
Many community groups we work with applied for this funding but were unsuccessful. In 2022, we spoke to the National Lottery Community Fund about other potential funding opportunities. The Reaching New Scots Fund was born.
About the assessment panel
It was important to us that representatives from new Scots communities were part of the assessment panel.
Four people from refugee backgrounds were selected from six applicants. They were paired with four representatives from the National Lottery.
One representative:
The good thing was our observations and decisions were quite similar. We explained our opinions and learned from each other. It was a friendly environment to talk and exchange views.
A National Lottery funding officer:
When we met in person, we got on so well and it really brought it home how important this sort of work is; he was able to point out parts of asylum/refugee legislation in the UK that I knew nothing about and it truly brought it home why this sort of participatory work matters.
About the funded projects
13 projects received a total of £661k of funding. These projects will take place across Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Edinburgh, Perth, Airdrie and Paisley from July 2022 – December 2023.
- Africa Delice will offer cooking classes.
- Africa Future will set up sewing workshops and continue their existing IT skills project.
- Bellshill and Mossend YMCA will offer a safe community space for a range of activities.
- Bield Christian Company Ltd. will lead a creative program for aspiring artists from refugee backgrounds, including residential weekends, workshops and mentoring.
- Bikes for Refugees SCIO will provide free bikes, volunteering opportunities, accredited bike mechanic training, bike repairs and group activities.
- Dumfries and Galloway Multicultural Association will provide a welcoming hub for their community.
- Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council will support English language learning, build cultural knowledge and improve access to public services.
- Heart of Africa will host intercultural events and free lunches for unemployed refugees and asylum seekers.
- Inclusive Homework Club will provide English language lessons and IT skills training.
- Sewing2gether All Nations will continue their existing sewing workshops which support mental health and social connection.
- Pachedu will develop a community mental health and well-being toolkit and map based on community consultations.
- The Welcoming Association will offer self-management and social intelligence classes, volunteering opportunities, and mentoring.
