The Welcoming Association
About The Welcoming Association
The Welcoming supports New Scots (refugees, asylum seekers and migrants) in Edinburgh by providing a range of services, including: English language classes, employability support, home energy advice, a community fridge, and a lot of social and cultural integration opportunities. Befriending makes a valuable contribution towards integration, enabling New Scots to meet and make connections with local people, share activities together and develop positive friendships.
Scotland, EH11 2TT
Service Eligibility
Our Befriending service support adult New Scots, including refugees, asylum seekers and migrants living in Edinburgh.
To make a referral to the service please contact our Services and Programme Lead Chiara Puppi at chiara@thewelcoming.org
For general information about our Befriending Porgramme please email info@thewelcoming.org or call the office at 0131 346 8577.
Information for Volunteers
The Welcoming’s Friendship Programme regularly seeks motivated and empathetic volunteers who can dedicate time and are willing to building positive and supportive relationships with New Scots. Volunteers are supported through an induction process, regular peer learning sessions, ongoing support and supervisions, and ad-hoc training opportunities. The Welcoming also runs a number of Group Befriending activities supported by volunteers – including conversation groups, community outing, and health and wellbeing activities. Anyone who is keen to explore volunteering to support group sessions would be most welcome to approach The Welcoming.
Age Groups
Young People (18-25), Adults (25-65)Themes
Ethnic Minority Communities, Refugees/Asylum SeekersRegions
Country: Scotland
Scottish Regions: Lothian
Other Information
Type of Befriending: Face to face befriending which takes place in the home or community
Who can refer: Self Referrals Accepted, Professional Referrals Accepted