Welcome!

Welcome to our Annual Review, covering the period from October 2017 to September 2018. We are looking back on an unforgettable year of welcoming, connecting and learning together. We have welcomed over 1300 participants from 80 countries, run more than 1500 classes and activities, and been supported by 180 volunteers and 60 partner organisations. As… Continue reading Welcome!

Impact

What difference did we make? Our participants told us that we helped with: Learning English 96%  felt they had improved their English 'Great teachers, great atmosphere, really useful and helpful lessons.' 'I am not shy to speak English with mistakes because people are very kind here, and I like how I can meet people from… Continue reading Impact

Activities

We offer a lively programme of classes and activities to help participants connect with the local know-how, skills and friendships needed for new lives in Edinburgh. This runs over 50 weeks of the year with almost all activities available on a free of charge, drop in basis. Our programme for 17-18 included: Feedback from participants… Continue reading Activities

Participants

Our participants come from a wide range of nationalities, cultures, beliefs and backgrounds. Between October 2017 and September 2018, we registered: 78 nationalities from Albanian to Zimbabwean. This mix of peoples and cultures makes the magic of the Welcoming! 'I learned a new skill and got new friends. I got new perceptions and could spend time… Continue reading Participants

Volunteers

Over 150 volunteers supported the Welcoming during 17/18. They were: English teachers Befrienders Interpreters Conversation Cafe volunteers Gardeners and food growers Playgroup helpers Board members Photographers Musicians Cycle leaders Event organisers Gym, swim and jog leaders Creative artists Lunch hosts. Here are some snapshots of our volunteers talking about their work at the Welcoming and… Continue reading Volunteers

Gallery

Being creative together is a great way to make connections and discover new possibilities. In this section we share a selection of beautiful things created at the Welcoming over the last year. Lines of washing A poem created by Syrian women and international volunteers at the Welcoming Wednesday group, May 2018. Special thanks to Esa… Continue reading Gallery

Learning

Learning runs through everything we do at the Welcoming as we are privileged to meet and work alongside many different people from many different places, sharing diverse perspectives and experiences of the world. In this section, our staff members reflect on some of the insights they have gained over the year. David Carpenter, ESOL Coordinator The… Continue reading Learning

Onwards

During summer 2018 we consulted Welcoming staff, volunteers and participants about our vision, mission, values and strategic priorities. Our Board of Directors is now fine-tuning our Business Plan for 2019 -22. Key themes include: being more accessible to those in most need meeting needs across a wider range of issues becoming more participant-led diversifying our… Continue reading Onwards