An innovative web site has been developed to help inform migrants and newcomers to the Borders about the services and agencies that can provide them with advice, information and support.
The website is being launched at a lunchtime event hosted by Waverley Housing at the Mansfield House Hotel in Hawick on 7 August 2008. Robert Johnson, Chief Executive of Waverley Housing said
“Our aim is to better inform migrants and newcomers to the Borders about what facilities and agencies exist in the Borders but also let individuals know about the ways in which they could be helped if they needed additional support. It builds on the work carried out by the Migrant Support Service, which has been in operation since October 2006. Our view is that the web site will offer newcomers to the Borders a unique opportunity to find out what services are available but also help provide better information on how they might access a range of local services.”
He said “the web site consists of a comprehensive range of information but over time additional and relevant information can be added as well as the facility to keep the site updated. We therefore aim to ensure this will provide quality information in a way that newcomers can understand”.
Andrew Lowe, Director of Social Work and Chairperson of the Social Justice, Diversity and Equalities Forum added “The web site will provide a vital additional element to the Scottish Borders Migrant Support Service. Anyone who has spent time in another country will know that good information is of crucial importance as it enables the most appropriate services to be accessed. This in turn assists Scottish Borders Council and other partners to most effectively deliver its services. ”
The website is a natural extension of the ‘Welcome to Scottish Borders’ information booklet that was published by Scottish Borders Council in 2007 but will now ensure that information is up-to-date and valuable to all newcomers to the Borders.
For more information contact Alun Evans: alune@eildon.org.uk

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