More than 50 projects are set to receive funding
Major new funding for refugee projects in Scotland has been announced.
In total, 56 projects will receive funding to deliver initiatives designed to help new Scots settle in their adopted communities by promoting employability, education, health and social and cultural connections.
Initiatives that will benefit from the Scottish Government funding include £72,930 to help Arabic speakers in Dundee, Fife and Clackmannanshire access certification to work in the Scottish construction industry and £114,987 to improve mental health and reduce loneliness and social isolation of refugees and separated children in Edinburgh.
Social justice secretary Shona Robison said: “We are committed to supporting the integration of asylum seekers into our communities from day one, not just when leave to remain has been granted.
“The funding and development of these projects will support our aim to have cohesive, connected and multi-cultural communities where people can access services and be supported into employment and education.
“Scotland has a long history of welcoming asylum seekers and refugees from all over the world. In re-building their lives they help make the country stronger, more compassionate and more successful for everyone.”
This project is part funded by the EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and is part of the New Scots Refugee Integration Delivery Project. It is led by the Scottish Government in partnership with COSLA, Scottish Refugee Council and the UNESCO Chair at the University of Glasgow.
Scottish Refugee Council chief executive Sabir Zazai said: “There is such a strong will in Scotland to support newcomers and make people feel welcome. Equally strong is the desire from refugee-led groups to make a contribution and use their skills and expertise to create flourishing, well integrated communities.
“This funding will build on all of this and allow groups and organisations to strengthen and deepen their work with people seeking safety in Scotland.”
