The Welcoming team and partner organisations provide free, confidential support to New Scots – refugees, asylum seekers and migrants – living in Edinburgh. Advisors can help you with practical issues around housing, debt, energy, and settling into your new community.
Home Energy Advice
Our advisor offers individual guidance to help you understand energy bills, manage costs, and keep your home warm and safe.
We can support you with:
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Understanding energy tariffs and bills
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Accessing discounts or grants for energy costs
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Learning simple ways to save energy at home
Holistic Casework Support
We offer independent advocacy and tailored information and guidance for New Scots through a drop-in advice surgery, one-to-one appointments and information workshops.
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Understanding and managing Council Tax and household bills (not energy bills)
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Registering with GPs, dentists, and other healthcare providers
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Completing forms and applications (for example blue badges, bus passes, or school places) and making referrals.
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Contacting council services, MPs/MSPs, or other organisations
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Accessing bank accounts, SIM cards, hardship funds, or benefit information
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Getting advice about household budgeting or housing-related issues (for those already housed).
Welfare Rights and Debt Advice Service
Get free, confidential advice about benefits, money, and debt from the Granton Information Centre.
What we offer:
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Benefit checks, applications and advice
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Debt and money advice
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Representation at benefit tribunals
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Help applying for charitable grants
Refugee Integration Service
Our Refugee Integration Service is delivered in partnership with the Scottish Refugee Council.
What we offer:
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Access to key services
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Support applying for benefits and securing housing
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Understanding your rights
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Advice on travel documents and biometric residence permits (BRP)