There a number of Scottish charities who provide advice, support and information to refugees and asylum seekers. There are also charities which work across the UK to offer support, advice and information. Details of the charities and links to their websites can be found below.
If you are not living in Scotland, you can also find alternative advice, support and information services working in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Scotland
Scottish Refugee Council: Independant charity helping refugees and people seeking asylum in Scotland. The Scottish Refugee Council provides direct advice and information services and works on policy and research to improve the situation of refugees and asylum seekers living in Scotland. Contact the Scottish Refugee Council if you think you might be eligible for a RST grants.
Positive Action in Housing: Scottish charity offering advice, information and support to people from new migrant, refugee and minority ethnic communities. They run a free, confidential and casework service for those facing poverty, homelessness, racism or poor housing. PAIH run a Hardship Fund and provide emergency shelter destitute asylum seekers and their families.
Glasgow Destitution Network: A network of churches, community groups and individuals working to coordinate emergency housing, food, clothing, cash and other support for destitute people seeking asylum. They also provide a list of sources of free food across the city.
Amnesty International Scotland: Charity campaigning for protection of human rights across the world.
COSLA (Convention on Scottish Local Authorities): The Stategic Migration Partnership at COSLA work in partnership with key stakeholders to ensure foreign nationals living lawfully in Scotland have access to a range of support services and are empowered to contribute to the social, cultural and where possible, economic vitality of the nation.
BEMIS: Works with black and ethnic minority communities across Scotland to help build capacity, support and improve race relations.
ESOL Scotland: A website which provides details of all free English classes in Scotland.
Careers Scotland: Careers Scotland is part of Skills Development Scotland, Scotland's new skills body, offering career guidance about becoming more employable. It can give support and advice about career options, whether your looking for a job, a course at college or university or training.
Volunteer Scotland: Is an organisation helping people to access volunteering opportunities. You can talk to a volunteer advisor who will help you understand the benefits of volunteering and find a volunteer placement that suits you.
Ethnic Minority Law Centre: A Scottish charity providing face-to-face advice by appointment in Edinburgh or Glasgow, as well as a telephone helpline.
UK wide
NACCOM - a UK-wide informal network of agencies providing accommodation for migrants who have no recourse to public funds includes a map of projects across the UK.
The British Red Cross: The British Red Cross has a dedicated service for refugees and people seeking asylum, and can help with advice and limited emergency support if you are destitute. They can help with orientation, and run a family reunion and re-settlement service. The British Red Cross take refugee and asylum seeker volunteers who produce 'New Voices' magazine.
Home Office: Website for the UK Government's Home Office, which has responsibility for issues around immigration and asylum in Scotland.
United Kingdom Borders Agency (UKBA): The government agency that will make a decision on your asylum claim as well as issuing financial support and housing while you go through the process. This site also contains information on applying for travel documents if you have leave to remain, settlement and citizenship.
Asylum Support Appeals Project: Free legal representation and advice if you are having problems getting financial support.
Immigration Advisory Service: The UK's largest charity providing representation and advice in immigration and asylum law.
Council for Assisting Refugee Academics: Supports academics who can no longer work in their home countries.
England
Refugee Council: An independent charity which provides advice and information and campaigns on behalf of refugees and asylum seekers living in England.
Refugee Action: Provides advice and support to asylum seekers and refugees in the North West, the Midlands, London, South West and South Central.
Wales
Welsh Refugee Council: Information, advice and awareness-raising for refugees and asylum seekers living in Wales.
Northern Ireland
NICEM: Works To Promote Racial Equality and Human Rights in Northern Ireland
