The Welcoming Edinburgh
@welcomingedinburgh.bsky.social
Supporting refugees and migrants in Edinburgh. We provide free English classes and social activities for New Scots. Email [email protected].
Pinned
Hello Bluesky! 👋 We’re The Welcoming Association, a charity supporting New Scots in Edinburgh with free English classes, social groups, job support and more.
We’ll be sharing updates from our community, celebrating New Scots’ voices, and standing for dignity, inclusion and connection in our city.
We’ll be sharing updates from our community, celebrating New Scots’ voices, and standing for dignity, inclusion and connection in our city.
Reposted by The Welcoming Edinburgh
Bridges to Success: free 8-week employability course for New Scots in Edinburgh (parents only), by @welcomingedinburgh.bsky.social. Click here to book your place👇
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bridges-to...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bridges-to...
Bridges to Success (free employability course for parents)
This is an 8-week employability course for New Scots in Edinburgh. This course is for parents.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
January 9, 2026 at 9:19 AM
Bridges to Success: free 8-week employability course for New Scots in Edinburgh (parents only), by @welcomingedinburgh.bsky.social. Click here to book your place👇
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bridges-to...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bridges-to...
In December, we celebrated our English learners who reached a huge milestone – 100 classes attended since January 2025. 🧡A brilliant achievement that reflects commitment, confidence and progress. Huge congratulations to everyone, and thank you to our volunteer teachers for your amazing work!
January 13, 2026 at 11:00 AM
In December, we celebrated our English learners who reached a huge milestone – 100 classes attended since January 2025. 🧡A brilliant achievement that reflects commitment, confidence and progress. Huge congratulations to everyone, and thank you to our volunteer teachers for your amazing work!
One year of Games and Chat 🧡What started as a simple weekly group has become a space for connection and welcome for people seeking asylum across Edinburgh. Huge thanks to our volunteers for showing up with kindness. Connection, week after week, really matters.
January 9, 2026 at 5:30 PM
One year of Games and Chat 🧡What started as a simple weekly group has become a space for connection and welcome for people seeking asylum across Edinburgh. Huge thanks to our volunteers for showing up with kindness. Connection, week after week, really matters.
Today we were delighted to welcome Giel Malual, John Kuei, Gulwali Passarlay and members of Edinburgh’s Sudanese community as part of the Long Walk of Freedom for Sudan.
#TheLongWalkOfFreedomForSudan
#TheLongWalkOfFreedomForSudan
January 7, 2026 at 8:20 PM
Today we were delighted to welcome Giel Malual, John Kuei, Gulwali Passarlay and members of Edinburgh’s Sudanese community as part of the Long Walk of Freedom for Sudan.
#TheLongWalkOfFreedomForSudan
#TheLongWalkOfFreedomForSudan
Proud of our Employment Support team and huge congratulations to parents who completed our Bridges to Success course last year. 🧡
Sign-ups are now open for the next free 8-week Employability Course for Parents, starting January.
🔗 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1975556691244
Sign-ups are now open for the next free 8-week Employability Course for Parents, starting January.
🔗 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1975556691244
January 7, 2026 at 4:01 PM
Proud of our Employment Support team and huge congratulations to parents who completed our Bridges to Success course last year. 🧡
Sign-ups are now open for the next free 8-week Employability Course for Parents, starting January.
🔗 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1975556691244
Sign-ups are now open for the next free 8-week Employability Course for Parents, starting January.
🔗 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1975556691244
Merry Christmas from The Welcoming. Today we’re thinking of New Scots celebrating far from home and hoping the day brings warmth and rest. Thank you to our volunteers, partners and community for your support this year. Wishing everyone peace this festive season.
December 25, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Merry Christmas from The Welcoming. Today we’re thinking of New Scots celebrating far from home and hoping the day brings warmth and rest. Thank you to our volunteers, partners and community for your support this year. Wishing everyone peace this festive season.
The Welcoming office will close for the festive holiday from 22 Dec to 5 Jan.
All classes and activities restart on 5 January.
Wishing everyone a lovely festive break!
All classes and activities restart on 5 January.
Wishing everyone a lovely festive break!
December 19, 2025 at 4:00 PM
The Welcoming office will close for the festive holiday from 22 Dec to 5 Jan.
All classes and activities restart on 5 January.
Wishing everyone a lovely festive break!
All classes and activities restart on 5 January.
Wishing everyone a lovely festive break!
Everyone deserves clear, accessible health information, and recently we helped make that possible for 48 New Scots at our community Conversation Cafe. Huge thanks to Ese Waverley Care for coordinating the event with us! 🧡
December 18, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Everyone deserves clear, accessible health information, and recently we helped make that possible for 48 New Scots at our community Conversation Cafe. Huge thanks to Ese Waverley Care for coordinating the event with us! 🧡
December at The Welcoming is all about togetherness. ❄️
From our Community Champions Winter Walk (17 Dec) to a Festive Conversation Café (19 Dec), plus art, cooking and seasonal activities, we’re creating moments of connection, belonging and warmth for our community. 🧡
From our Community Champions Winter Walk (17 Dec) to a Festive Conversation Café (19 Dec), plus art, cooking and seasonal activities, we’re creating moments of connection, belonging and warmth for our community. 🧡
December 16, 2025 at 10:00 AM
December at The Welcoming is all about togetherness. ❄️
From our Community Champions Winter Walk (17 Dec) to a Festive Conversation Café (19 Dec), plus art, cooking and seasonal activities, we’re creating moments of connection, belonging and warmth for our community. 🧡
From our Community Champions Winter Walk (17 Dec) to a Festive Conversation Café (19 Dec), plus art, cooking and seasonal activities, we’re creating moments of connection, belonging and warmth for our community. 🧡
A heartfelt THANK YOU to our recent community fundraisers. Edinburgh Community Bookshop raised £1,272.23 as their Charity of the Month, and a memorial event in honour of Rise Kagona contributed £150.
Find out how to support or fundraise: www.thewelcoming.org.uk/donate
Find out how to support or fundraise: www.thewelcoming.org.uk/donate
December 15, 2025 at 6:00 PM
A heartfelt THANK YOU to our recent community fundraisers. Edinburgh Community Bookshop raised £1,272.23 as their Charity of the Month, and a memorial event in honour of Rise Kagona contributed £150.
Find out how to support or fundraise: www.thewelcoming.org.uk/donate
Find out how to support or fundraise: www.thewelcoming.org.uk/donate
Recently, we were asked to contribute to this important article on @thirdforcenews.bsky.social - 'A Plea for Humanity, Not Fear' - a well needed conversation right now. 🧡
In the light of #UKGovernment’s attack on #RefugeeRights, this month's we hear from @justrightscotland.org.uk @positiveactionh.bsky.social @welcomingedinburgh.bsky.social and others about the new burdens on those seeking safety and voluntary groups who support them.
Read it here: buff.ly/eBDJ1k5
Read it here: buff.ly/eBDJ1k5
December 15, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Recently, we were asked to contribute to this important article on @thirdforcenews.bsky.social - 'A Plea for Humanity, Not Fear' - a well needed conversation right now. 🧡
Ready to take the next step towards work in 2026? Our free 8-week Bridges to Success Employability Course for parents starts 27 Jan at North Edinburgh Arts. Childcare and transport support available. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1975556691244
December 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Ready to take the next step towards work in 2026? Our free 8-week Bridges to Success Employability Course for parents starts 27 Jan at North Edinburgh Arts. Childcare and transport support available. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1975556691244
Today is #InternationalHumanRightsDay. This year’s theme, “Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials,” reminds us that rights aren’t abstract – they’re part of daily life. At The Welcoming, we see how safety, learning and community help New Scots build their lives in Edinburgh.
December 10, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Today is #InternationalHumanRightsDay. This year’s theme, “Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials,” reminds us that rights aren’t abstract – they’re part of daily life. At The Welcoming, we see how safety, learning and community help New Scots build their lives in Edinburgh.
What sparks someone to take a stand?
Our members visited Modern Two for a guided tour of Resistance with the National Galleries of Scotland. The exhibition opened up powerful conversations, and members created their own banners in response. A thoughtful and inspiring afternoon! 📢
Our members visited Modern Two for a guided tour of Resistance with the National Galleries of Scotland. The exhibition opened up powerful conversations, and members created their own banners in response. A thoughtful and inspiring afternoon! 📢
December 9, 2025 at 2:01 PM
What sparks someone to take a stand?
Our members visited Modern Two for a guided tour of Resistance with the National Galleries of Scotland. The exhibition opened up powerful conversations, and members created their own banners in response. A thoughtful and inspiring afternoon! 📢
Our members visited Modern Two for a guided tour of Resistance with the National Galleries of Scotland. The exhibition opened up powerful conversations, and members created their own banners in response. A thoughtful and inspiring afternoon! 📢
We need to let our Government know what we feel, in order for the message to get through! Community is key.
The Home Secretary’s sweeping new immigration plans have been praised by Tommy Robinson and Nigel Farage.
We can't accept a system that exposes people to hostility and hatred.
Please ask your MP to choose compassion, not cruelty and oppose these harsh proposals
scottishrefugeecounc...
We can't accept a system that exposes people to hostility and hatred.
Please ask your MP to choose compassion, not cruelty and oppose these harsh proposals
scottishrefugeecounc...
December 4, 2025 at 12:10 PM
We need to let our Government know what we feel, in order for the message to get through! Community is key.
We’ve put up our “We Stand Together With Refugees” posters at The Welcoming. Every day, we see how much New Scots bring to Edinburgh when they have safety and a place to belong. We’ll keep offering support, connection and community. Refugees are welcome here. #togetherwithrefugees
December 4, 2025 at 12:07 PM
We’ve put up our “We Stand Together With Refugees” posters at The Welcoming. Every day, we see how much New Scots bring to Edinburgh when they have safety and a place to belong. We’ll keep offering support, connection and community. Refugees are welcome here. #togetherwithrefugees
We’re looking for volunteer ESOL teachers to support New Scots learning English!
📅 Wed 2pm (St Martin's Resource Centre) – Beginners
📅 Wed 6–8pm (Edinburgh Uni) – Intermediate
📅 Thurs 2–4pm (The Welcoming) – Complete Beginners
Make a real impact in Edinburgh, email [email protected]
📅 Wed 2pm (St Martin's Resource Centre) – Beginners
📅 Wed 6–8pm (Edinburgh Uni) – Intermediate
📅 Thurs 2–4pm (The Welcoming) – Complete Beginners
Make a real impact in Edinburgh, email [email protected]
December 2, 2025 at 9:00 AM
We’re looking for volunteer ESOL teachers to support New Scots learning English!
📅 Wed 2pm (St Martin's Resource Centre) – Beginners
📅 Wed 6–8pm (Edinburgh Uni) – Intermediate
📅 Thurs 2–4pm (The Welcoming) – Complete Beginners
Make a real impact in Edinburgh, email [email protected]
📅 Wed 2pm (St Martin's Resource Centre) – Beginners
📅 Wed 6–8pm (Edinburgh Uni) – Intermediate
📅 Thurs 2–4pm (The Welcoming) – Complete Beginners
Make a real impact in Edinburgh, email [email protected]
Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. We hold in our hearts the millions of women who flee their homes in search of a place where they can feel safe, equal and free.🧡Find out more ➡️ https://www.un.org/en/observances/ending-violence-against-women-day
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women | United Nations
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women aims to create awareness of the fact that violence against women is a human rights violation that impedes progress in many areas, including poverty eradication, combating HIV/AIDS, and peace and security, and therefore must be confronted and eliminated.
www.un.org
November 25, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. We hold in our hearts the millions of women who flee their homes in search of a place where they can feel safe, equal and free.🧡Find out more ➡️ https://www.un.org/en/observances/ending-violence-against-women-day
Every Saturday, Scotland for Newcomers explores a new part of Edinburgh with support from local volunteers. A chance to connect, build confidence, and feel at home in the city. 😊#togetherwithrefugees
https://www.thewelcoming.org/services/friendship/friendship-groups/scotland-for-newcomers/
https://www.thewelcoming.org/services/friendship/friendship-groups/scotland-for-newcomers/
November 25, 2025 at 12:32 PM
Every Saturday, Scotland for Newcomers explores a new part of Edinburgh with support from local volunteers. A chance to connect, build confidence, and feel at home in the city. 😊#togetherwithrefugees
https://www.thewelcoming.org/services/friendship/friendship-groups/scotland-for-newcomers/
https://www.thewelcoming.org/services/friendship/friendship-groups/scotland-for-newcomers/
We stand with @scotrefugeecouncil.bsky.social in expressing our deep concern about this latest announcement.
It creates fear and uncertainty for the people we work with every day.
A fair asylum system must protect dignity and uphold rights for all. 🧡
It creates fear and uncertainty for the people we work with every day.
A fair asylum system must protect dignity and uphold rights for all. 🧡
November 18, 2025 at 11:02 AM
We stand with @scotrefugeecouncil.bsky.social in expressing our deep concern about this latest announcement.
It creates fear and uncertainty for the people we work with every day.
A fair asylum system must protect dignity and uphold rights for all. 🧡
It creates fear and uncertainty for the people we work with every day.
A fair asylum system must protect dignity and uphold rights for all. 🧡
An extremely important read! 🧡
Britain’s asylum system is broken - uncaring, chaotic & costly. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
On the day the Government announces plans to erode asylum rights, new research by us & @pcsunion.bsky.social by @lsepress.bsky.social shows a fairer system could help refugees & boost the economy
🧵
On the day the Government announces plans to erode asylum rights, new research by us & @pcsunion.bsky.social by @lsepress.bsky.social shows a fairer system could help refugees & boost the economy
🧵
November 17, 2025 at 10:03 AM
An extremely important read! 🧡
“We cannot remain idle while our shared values are under threat.”
In our latest Autumn Newsletter, our CEO Tesfu Gessesse shares a powerful message about unity, compassion, and standing up for Scotland’s welcoming spirit. Read his message and our latest updates here: https://bit.ly/49IWMva
In our latest Autumn Newsletter, our CEO Tesfu Gessesse shares a powerful message about unity, compassion, and standing up for Scotland’s welcoming spirit. Read his message and our latest updates here: https://bit.ly/49IWMva
November 12, 2025 at 12:45 PM
“We cannot remain idle while our shared values are under threat.”
In our latest Autumn Newsletter, our CEO Tesfu Gessesse shares a powerful message about unity, compassion, and standing up for Scotland’s welcoming spirit. Read his message and our latest updates here: https://bit.ly/49IWMva
In our latest Autumn Newsletter, our CEO Tesfu Gessesse shares a powerful message about unity, compassion, and standing up for Scotland’s welcoming spirit. Read his message and our latest updates here: https://bit.ly/49IWMva
Thanks to @edinburgh-uni.bsky.social Street Law team for leading our workshop on worker protections in Scotland, from maternity leave to safe workplaces to zero-hours contracts. Very helpful to the New Scots community navigating the labour market🧡
November 12, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Thanks to @edinburgh-uni.bsky.social Street Law team for leading our workshop on worker protections in Scotland, from maternity leave to safe workplaces to zero-hours contracts. Very helpful to the New Scots community navigating the labour market🧡
Friendship is life-changing 🧡 As #BefriendingWeek ends, we’re inviting new volunteers to join our 1:1 Befriending Programme. Meet weekly with a New Scot in Edinburgh, practise English, explore the city, and build confidence together. Apply here ➡️ https://bit.ly/43bv4Dp
November 10, 2025 at 9:32 AM
Friendship is life-changing 🧡 As #BefriendingWeek ends, we’re inviting new volunteers to join our 1:1 Befriending Programme. Meet weekly with a New Scot in Edinburgh, practise English, explore the city, and build confidence together. Apply here ➡️ https://bit.ly/43bv4Dp
We’re starting #BefriendingWeek with our first partnership highlight 🌻 Thanks to Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, New Scots have been learning, growing and finding peace in nature - gardening, journaling and even cooking meals with what they’ve grown. 💛
November 5, 2025 at 9:19 AM
We’re starting #BefriendingWeek with our first partnership highlight 🌻 Thanks to Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, New Scots have been learning, growing and finding peace in nature - gardening, journaling and even cooking meals with what they’ve grown. 💛