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.

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.