City of Edinburgh Council’s Immigration & Asylum Support Team seeks to assist, advise and, in some cases, financially support individuals who have a broad range of immigration related and ‘no recourse to public funds’ issues. This may include asylum seekers, victims of human trafficking, foreign nationals who are victims of domestic violence, some EU nationals, visa overstayers, and other people subject to immigration control.
City of Sanctuary Edinburgh: City of Sanctuary is a movement aiming to create a network of towns and cities throughout the country which are places of safety for people seeking sanctuary and helping them integrate into their local communities.
Edinburgh Churches for Sanctuary is a network of churches seeking to develop Edinburgh as a welcoming city for refugees and asylum seekers.
Edinburgh Citizens’ Advice Bureau gives free, confidential, impartial and independent information and advice about money, benefits, immigration, employment, housing, consumer issues, family problems, health services and legal rights & responsibilities.
Edinburgh City Mission runs a Basics Bank in various locations in the city, providing food and toiletries (and a listening ear) to individuals, parents and children in need. Access to this scheme is by referral only, via partner agencies.
Edinburgh Clothing Store is a charity run by volunteers, offering clothing, bedding etc. for people in genuine need. It’s a free service, accessed on referral by a social care or health agency.
Edinburgh College offers a range of ESOL classes for work or further vocational study.
Edinburgh Direct Aid is an all-volunteer charity, delivering aid to people in desperate need in far away places. It accepts cash donations plus clothing, toiletries and school supplies.
Edinburgh Inter Faith Association promotes positive engagement between faith communities in Edinburgh. It has organised public talks, dialogues, panel events, film screenings, exhibitions, Inter Faith “pilgrimages” and conferences.
Edinburgh Women’s Inter Faith Group is a safe, organic, open and informal group, welcoming women of all faiths and none. They meet on the third Wednesday of the month from 7–9 pm.
LINKnet Mentoring provides free one-to-one mentoring and English classes for minority ethnic people looking for jobs, further and higher education opportunities or wanting to develop knowledge and skills.
Meal On Me (MOM) works with local support organisations to provide free meal vouchers for people in need of a hot meal. MOM distributes vouchers to their partners for beneficiaries to redeem at participating cafés / food outlets.
Re-Act Scotland is a group of volunteers working in Edinburgh, Fife and East Lothian working to help bring vital supplies and support to the displaced refugees across Europe. They accept donations of much needed items.
Saheliya supports and promotes positive mental health and well-being of BME, asylum seeker, refugee and migrant women and girls (12+) in the Edinburgh area by providing counselling, befriending, complementary therapies, support, learning opportunities and childcare.
Shakti Women’s Aid provides help for black minority ethnic (BME) women, children and young people who are experiencing, or who have experienced, domestic abuse.
The Welcoming supports migrants and refugees in Edinburgh, offering free classes and activities including opportunities to learn English, access advice and information, discover Scottish culture, make friends, and share ideas, skills and interests.
