Here you can find organisations, resources and information related to Ukrainians and host families in Edinburgh.
Let us know what resource works well for you. If you have any other suggestions, please send them to us at ithrive@health-in-mind.org.uk.
Sponsors and hosts
This is information for those who are hosting or sponsoring Ukrainians in Edinburgh.
The Scottish Government has created a Ukraine Psychological Wellbeing Advice Pack, which is full of guidance and support for host families. This pack gives a wide range of information and support including:
- Helplines.
- How to look after your own mental wellbeing.
- How to look after your children’s mental wellbeing.
- How to help those you are hosting.
Clear your head has wide range of information on ways to look after your mental wellbeing.
Citizens Advice Scotland has produced information and resources for those offering to let someone from Ukraine stay with them. This includes finance information, how you can support your guests, and more information about hosting.
Edinburgh City Council has information and guidance for hosts, including finance and how to help Ukrainians.
The Scottish Government offers a range of guidance to any Super Sponsor Scheme hosts including:
- Insurance worries
- Money worries
- Planning for Ukrainian refugees
- Language support
Information and resources
The Scottish Refugee Council offers support, information, and a listening ear to help refugees rebuild their lives. They are currently holding free Know your rights information sessions, for people who have recently arrived in Scotland through one of the Ukraine Schemes.
JustRight Scotland has launched a Ukraine Advice Line that provides free, confidential legal advice, and information to Ukrainians and their families. This service is staffed by qualified solicitors and legal caseworkers.
Ukraine Advice Project UK offers free UK immigration and asylum advice for Ukrainians and their families. This service is run by volunteer legal professionals with immigration and asylum expertise. They can help to give legal advice on immigration, visas, and asylum.
Citizen’s Advice Bureau offers free, confidential, impartial and independent information and advice about money, benefits, immigration, employment, housing, consumer issues, family difficulties, health services and legal rights and responsibilities.
Edinburgh City Council has produced a resource page for any Ukrainians now living in Edinburgh, including important contact information, health care, finances and more.
Education and career information
Here is a list of education and career information for Ukrainians living in Edinburgh.
The EIS has produced a educational packs to welcome young people from migrant and refugee families into Scottish Schools.
Edinburgh College offers a range of ESOL classes for work or further vocational study.
Open University has produced a list of free online resources for Ukrainians settling in the UK, this includes:
- English language courses.
- French and Germ language courses.
- Courses that focus on supporting study and work, such as how to write a CV.
- Free resources on mental health and wellbeing such as work and mental health, supporting children’s mental health and more.
Jobs for Ukraine is an online space full of academic, scientific, arts, professional and freelance opportunities that are currently available for Ukrainians looking for jobs.
Local and community support
Here you will find local and community support and services in Edinburgh.
Saheliya is a specialist mental health and wellbeing support organisation for black, minority ethnic, asylum seeker, refugee and migrant women and girls in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Ukrainian Club is a community hub in the heart of Edinburgh that promotes Ukrainian Culture.
Re-Act Scotland has weekly groups for refugee men, women and children of all ages year round in Edinburgh which provides much needed community support and engagement.
Ukrainian Catholic Church offers a number of events and activities within the Edinburgh community.
City of Sanctuary Edinburgh 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 City Mission runs Basics Banks 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.
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
Craigmillar Park Church has a number of groups and activities for the community, including: a craft group, a lunch club and coffee mornings.
Other organisations and support
The British Red Cross has resources and information for those from Ukraine who are in the UK and an emotional support line.
The Consulate of Ukraine in Edinburgh.
The consulate’s normal opening hours are
- Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 9am to 1pm
- Tuesday between 2pm to 6pm
- Thursday: only for people who are disabled, pregnant or seriously ill between 9am to 1pm
To contact, please phone: 0131 556 0023 or email: gc_gbe@mfa.gov.ua
A warm welcome from the First Minister and useful contacts to know.
Refugee Survival Trust offers news, resources and support to refugees and asylum seekers in Scotland.
Barnardo’s has set up a Ukrainian Support Helpline to provide a holistic support service. The helpline is available to anyone fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. All services include access to interpreters in Ukrainian and Russian.
Parentline offers support for parents and their families who are going through a difficult time.
Viral Kindness Scotland brings communities across Scotland together to spread kindness, helping anyone who is vulnerable and struggling with self-isolation. Call the free helpline on 0800 054 2282.
Positive Action in Housing is a independent, anti-racist homelessness and human rights charity dedicated to supporting refugees and migrants to rebuild their lives.