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 thrive in their new communities.
Here are some of the ways we’re helping people seeking safety to succeed.
Helping refugees find work
Our Refugee Employment programme offers New Scots one-to-one support to understand the UK job market, pinpoint existing skills, and identify career goals. Last year, we helped 121 refugees with career planning and jobseeking skills.
We teamed up with 9 employers – including Barclays, Wild Child Animation, I-Watchers and Care Concern Group – to offer information sessions, training, mentoring and job opportunities.
In partnership with IKEA we delivered 5 training sessions for refugees. As a result of these, 12 New Scots were offered paid work placements in IKEA stores and 9 people went on to secure jobs.
“After I got this job, I feel like a real human. I am very happy because I like the job. My life has really changed. I’m really confident now. I feel good.”
Find out more about our employment programme
Empowering community leaders
In partnership with Social Enterprise Academy, we supported 47 New Scots through 6 leadership and social enterprise programmes. Our New Scots Leadership Programme helps refugees harness their skills and experience, develop relationships with peers and become supportive community leaders working for social change.
“This course was an excellent opportunity to test my experiences against leadership theories and frameworks. Creating an environment in which people feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves is your responsibility as a leader. But before we stand out, we should be clear what we stand for.”
– Tandy Nicole Matikiti
Find out more about our New Scots Leadership Programme
Strengthening refugee voices
We held a series of media workshops and photography training sessions, empowering 35 people from refugee backgrounds to share their stories on their own terms.
We discussed consent, setting boundaries, shaping the narrative and coping with difficult questions. The group learned new skills, made valuable connections and gained greater confidence to engage with the media.
“Thank you for the course and keeping the space open, accessible, and safe.”
Meet some of our amazing storytellers
Nurturing creativity
In countries where voicing opinions can put you in danger, artists, activists and journalists risk censorship, imprisonment and persecution.
Our Cross Borders programme supports musicians, writers, film makers, artists and community activists from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Last year we awarded 10 people grants of £1,000 and matched them with dedicated mentors to help support and develop their work.
“For me, this grant is moral support before it is financial support. It will have a great impact to restore my confidence in creativity, despite all the circumstances that push us against what we desire.”
Find out more about our Cross Borders programme
Arts and cultureCommunitiesEmploymentNew ScotsOur impactThis post was originally published on Scottish Refugee Council.
