We are incredibly privileged to work with faith groups across Scotland who are supporting refugees and asylum seekers. If your faith group would like to explore this work we would love to support you.
Below are pages with ideas and advice you may wish to consider. If you have any questions please get in touch, we are here to help and we have lots of experience and ideas. We’d love to hear from you.
One of the challenges of supporting refugees is knowing where to get started. We have listed some steps your faith group can take to help turn your compassion into action! On every step of the way we want to support and encourage you.
As faith communities it is so important to find our voices and speak up for refugees and people seeking sanctuary. Getting involved in campaigning, lobbying or advocacy can be a way to help influence the future direction of policy, and state loudly that we are a welcoming society.
Building a culture of empathy and understanding across community and society will help build long term foundations for the future. This is a goal that is shared by many people, regardless of their religion or belief. The concept of ‘sanctuary’ however has its roots in religious tradition and practice as a place where strangers are offered safety and protection. Find out what you can do to support this work.
For those that are able, giving or fundraising can be the most effective way to help people in the most need. We work with on a number of projects and have a range of partners in Scotland and internationally and are happy to help explain this work to help you decide where to give.
Personal encounter and building friendships is often much more effective at teaching us new understanding, rather than just being aware of issues. As refugee numbers are increasing in Scotland, there are increasing opportunities to offer direct support and relationship with individuals. Or you might want to find out more about other organisations working to bring people together and promote good integration of New Scots.