Borders Migrant Support Project
The Migrant Support Project covers the region of the Scottish Borders and its main aim is to address the needs of migrants by providing advice, information, and support to access a wide range of services.
The project was organised in four phases:
- Carry out research for the publication of an Information Pack
- Establish a service providing direct support to migrants
- Establish a mutual support network across the Borders
- Raise awareness of migrants’ needs with employers and agencies
The provision of direct support to migrants and their families can be divided in 3 main areas:
1. Providing information and advice in a one to one basis on the following areas:
- Employment
- Housing
- Financial matters
- Education
- Social issues
- Health and Welfare
- Other (legal status, etc.)
2. Referring clients to the relevant service providers3. Representing clients in other agencies when the client is not able and asks for assistance. We help them to overcome any barriers that prevent them to access the appropriate services
Some agencies that we work with: Welfare Benefits Service, Homeless Services, ESOL, Jobcentre Plus, Careers Scotland, Registered Social Landlords, NHS, HMC&R, Mediation Services Anti Social Behaviour, Citizens Advice Bureau, Business Gateway, SBC, etc.
We provide interpreting when required so that clients can express themselves openly in their own language
The support network across the Borders:
A Pilot group was established in Eyemouth formed by local people from a variety of countries, including the UK . They have a drop in every Thursday evening where they get together; provide information and signposting and English conversational classes. There is intention to roll out this model in other areas in the new year.
A small planning group involving project staff, a representative from NHS Borders and the Equality Forum planned and developed a programme to raise awareness for front line operational staff from a wide range of agencies. 6 events took place in the different location in the Borders involving 183 staff members. The events comprised a series of workshops and activities to raise awareness about migrants’ needs and issues when accessing support services.
As part of the raising awareness aim of the project, an Employers Forum was formed in February 2006; the focus of this Forum is to provide information on the support needs of migrants and promoting improved employment practices. 60 Employers attended the first event.
Contact: Rima Said – Migrants’ Support Worker
Eildon Housing Association Ltd.
Eildon House
Dingleton Road
Melrose
TD6 9QY
Phone: 01896 822121
Email: RimaS@eildon.org.uk
Welcome to the Scottish Borders
A guide to help people from overseas who want to live and work in the Scottish Borders. Click to download pdf:
Filed under: migrant support, projects | Tagged: projects, migrant support
