Since the Russian invasion, over 20,000 people fleeing war in Ukraine have arrived in Scotland in search of safety.
We are helping to shape Scotland’s emergency response and expanding our services to offer information, advice and support to even more people at this crucial moment. Here are some of the ways we’re welcoming people from Ukraine.
Standing up for refugee rights
When the war broke out, seasonal workers from Ukraine who were in the UK on temporary visas were left in limbo. Unable to return to their war-torn homes, traumatised people were faced with the possibility of remaining in the UK with nowhere to live and no way of earning a living once their visas expired.
We successfully campaigned for the Home Office to give seasonal workers from Ukraine the right to live and work in the UK for up to three years.
Helpline
Between March and September, our helpline responded to more than 4,900 calls from people in need of urgent information and advice. Over a quarter of these calls were related to the war in Ukraine.
“Many thanks for the helpful tips. Thanks to them, I found a host in Glasgow 😊. I also received my free bus pass. Thank you for all your help. I love Scotland.”
– Petro*, a student from Ukraine
Welcoming people from Ukraine
We’ve recruited a team of 26 volunteers who are working alongside us to greet Ukrainians arriving at Glasgow airport. In just 6 months, we welcomed more than 970 people, including 314 children, providing them with essential information and accompanying them to the nearby hub run by the Renfrewshire Council Resettlement Team.
“Since I started volunteering at Meet and Greet [at Glasgow Airport] I have met so many kind, friendly and caring people. I do this for my sanity as I have family in Ukraine. This gives me reassurance that I am doing something to help. It can be very rewarding when you see people’s appreciation and the relief on their faces that someone is welcoming them, provide some guidance and reassurance that they are now in safe hands and everything is going to be fine.”
– Olga, meet and greet volunteer
Helping people to feel at home in Scotland
Between March and September, our integration team helped 174 Ukrainian households feel at home and adapt to life in Scotland. We are also delivering information sessions for people arriving from Ukraine and their hosts. More than 400 people attended our sessions in the first 6 months to find out about their rights in Scotland, housing options and how to access essential services like education and healthcare.
“I would like to thank you for your understanding, support and help. Moving to Scotland is a big challenge for each of us, but with your help we manage to integrate quickly.”
– Nastasiya*, a recent arrival from Ukraine*
Find out more about our Ukraine response and the support we’re providing
*Some names have been changed to protect people’s anonymity
