New to Scotland Partners and Useful Links

Local

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

Do you want to learn English?

Our Community Learning and Development (CLD) Inverclyde team offers a range of ESOL classes designed to teach English to speakers of other languages. ESOL plays a crucial role in the Scottish Government’s New Scots Integration Strategy. The available classes include family learning ESOL, workplace ESOL, and informal conversation groups. For more details, please refer to the 'CLD ESOL Flyer 2024' in the Documents section.

Your Voice

Your Voice is a voluntary community organisation dedicated to driving positive change for the people of Inverclyde. Their mission is to empower, connect, listen to, and inform communities while offering opportunities to improve health and wellbeing.

The New Scots Project has made significant progress in supporting the integration of individuals and families into the Inverclyde community. In 2023/24, Your Voice engaged with 1,713 individuals and families, guiding them through their integration process. This included helping people transition into full-time employment and education, encouraging community involvement through weekly peer groups, and creating a welcoming atmosphere at their Friday drop-in sessions.

Inverclyde Community Development Trust

The Inverclyde Community Development Trust – locally known as ‘The Trust’ – is dedicated to creating opportunities that empower communities and enhance lives and wellbeing. Their vision is a “healthy, wealthy and growing Inverclyde where everyone can prosper”.

The Supportive Communities project, funded by HSCP Inverclyde, offers one-to-one befriending by trained volunteers who help those who are New to Scotland to settle in Inverclyde. The befriending scheme aims to make and build connections between people in our community, reduce social isolation and improve wellbeing.

Circles Network Advocacy Inverclyde

Circles Network Advocacy was established in Inverclyde in 2012, offering a free and independent service that provides information and advocacy. The organisation is deeply committed to social justice and equality, working to ensure that everyone is included in society. They adopt an inclusive approach, supporting people from diverse backgrounds, including refugees, carers, parents, prisoners receiving healthcare, and individuals experiencing homelessness or struggling with drug or alcohol dependency. Their primary goal is to enhance people's quality of life, ensuring they have equal opportunities and choices at home, at work, and within the wider community.

National

Scottish Refugee Council

As Scotland’s national refugee charity, the Scottish Refugee Council supports thousands of men, women, and children each year as they rebuild their lives in Scotland. In 2023 alone, they helped over 7,800 people from 98 countries. The charity offers vital support and advice to those new to Scotland, promoting community integration, advocating for refugee rights, and campaigning for a fairer and more humane asylum system. The Scottish Refugee Council believes that everyone seeking safety, regardless of their background or how they arrived, deserves the same warm welcome and respect.

The British Red Cross

The British Red Cross is the UK’s largest independent provider of support and services for refugees and people seeking asylum. They offer guidance on the family reunion scheme, including details on the application process, access to immigration advisors, and information on how they or other organisations can help. The British Red Cross also supports those who have experienced human trafficking and modern slavery by offering impartial, neutral information to help individuals make informed decisions about their next steps.

Legal Aid

Legal Aid can assist with covering the costs of legal advice, family mediation, and representation in court or tribunal. When applying for legal aid, you must demonstrate that your case is eligible, that you cannot afford the legal costs, and that the issue is serious. Whether you qualify will depend on the nature of your case and your financial circumstances. If you are not eligible for legal aid, you may still be able to receive free advice from organisations such as the Law Centres Network, Citizens Advice, or AdviceNow. The nearest Legal Aid site to Inverclyde is the Govan Law Centre.