Every year, we support hundreds of people who have been granted refugee status, as they begin the difficult task of rebuilding their lives in Scotland.
The transition from asylum seeker, with very few choices about how and where you live, to refugee, with a raft of new rights and responsibilities, is not an easy one.
Our refugee integration service helps people who have been granted refugee status with everything from finding somewhere to live and a school for their children, to accessing social support, applying for travel documents and securing a place at college.
Last year, we helped 724 people from 48 countries to find their feet after being granted refugee status in Scotland.
Our team in Dundee worked alongside Dundee City Council to support 37 families, including 114 adults and 101 children.
Here’s how we helped New Scots:
- Worked with 479 households to help people plan out their new lives in Scotland
- Helped 181 people open bank accounts
- Gave 359 households advice to help them manage their finances
- Provided 389 people with housing advice, ensuring they understand their rights and options
- Helped 263 people to improve their English language skills
- Supported 32 families to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK
- Helped 27 people to register with a GP
Shani’s story
Shani* and her husband Ahmed* arrived in the UK with their two young children in 2019 after fleeing violence and persecution in their home country. We’re working alongside Shani and her family to help them build new lives in Scotland and feel more at home in their adopted community.
She told us: “When I came here [to Scotland] I didn’t know anyone and I didn’t know anything. Scottish Refugee Council helped me with everything – internet, doctors, schools, finding clothes and toys for my kids. If I get a letter and I don’t understand it, they explain it to me.”
“Gustavo [the family’s integration adviser] helps me with everything. He just like an angel who has come down from the sky. If I have any problems, he will always make time for me. He will stay on the phone until things are sorted. Words can’t describe how helpful he is.”
“Nobody likes to live outside their country without family. We all want to live a normal life, but it is not in my hands. We had to leave because it was not safe.”
“I can’t describe how I felt when I heard we had refugee status. I was worrying that we would be sent away. Now I felt safe. I took my kids and give them a big hug. They won’t see bad things. In my country I can’t feel safe. Here, I can protect them.”
“The first thing I would tell to someone who is new to Scotland is come to Scottish Refugee Council and someone will help you. When I came here, they helped me. No one has helped me like here.”
Find out more about the support available for new refugees
This post was originally published on Scottish Refugee Council.