Supporting refugees to access mental health support

‘In many ways, mental health is just like physical health: everybody has it and we need to take care of it.Good mental health means being generally able to think, feel and react in the ways that you need and want to live your life. But if you go through a period of poor mental health…

Understanding the emotional journey of refugees

It’s easy to assume that a refugee’s trauma has ended once they have been resettled in a new country. However, this isn’t always the case. Stages of trauma frequently include the following and need specific approaches and tailored support for each stage: Before migration: Persecution, possible torture and/or imprisonment, war, violence, economic hardship, loss.During migration:…

Understanding children and young peoples mental health

The children within the family that you will sponsor may have experienced distressing or traumatic events. Adapting to a new country, including a new culture, language and school, can be challenging. Understandably, some children may need support with their mental health. Support services may be available through local charities, the child’s school or the NHS….

Education in Scotland

All of the children in the family you welcome are entitled to access education when they arrive in Scotland. They are automatically entitled to the same provision as a Scottish child. The Local Authority will determine how to assess the support required for children who need language support and are 16 and over. There will be…

Safeguarding E-learning

Our Safeguarding Awareness E-Learning is available for all Community Sponsorship group members. This training course has been designed for Community Sponsorship groups preparing to welcome a refugee family. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. As a community sponsorship volunteer you must be alert to safeguarding concerns so that you are able to recognise, respond and report in a timely,…

In country cultural training

All refugees arriving through the Community Sponsorship programme will receive preparation training in their country of asylum prior to arriving in the UK. This training is run by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), takes place across 3 days and is delivered through a variety of methods. You will find it useful to understand what the family…

Supporting refugees to access higher education

Many refugees arriving to the UK may have had plans to study at University before their lives were upended and they were resettled.  They may also now see this as a remote or unlikely possibility, because of lost years of education, their age, or feeling that the language barrier is insurmountable. Getting a place at University…