What does it take to feel at home in a new place?
For many New Scots, it’s built through everyday moments – learning English, finding work, meeting people and gaining confidence step by step.
As our CEO Tesfu Gessesse shared in our Spring Newsletter:
“Every day at The Welcoming Association, we see New Scots rebuilding their lives – learning new skills, making friendships, contributing to their communities, and supporting each other.”
This work doesn’t happen in isolation. Across the UK, changes to immigration policy and hostile rhetoric continue to shape people’s experiences. But here in Edinburgh, we also see something powerful – communities coming together, offering support, and creating spaces where people feel welcome.
Over the past few months, this has come to life through employability support, ESOL workshops and friendship activities. From building skills for work to sharing cultural experiences and exploring the city together, these moments help people move from isolation to connection.
This is how belonging grows – not through services alone, but through community.
As we look ahead to Refugee Week in June, there will be more opportunities to come together, reflect and celebrate the contributions of people seeking sanctuary.
🔗 Read the full Spring Newsletter here
