The Welcoming Edinburgh
@welcomingedinburgh.bsky.social
Supporting refugees and migrants in Edinburgh. We provide free English classes and social activities for New Scots. Email info@thewelcoming.org.
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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.
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 david@thewelcoming.org
📅 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 david@thewelcoming.org
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 david@thewelcoming.org
📅 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 david@thewelcoming.org
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. 💛
Communities grow stronger through collaboration! Next week we'll be celebrating partnerships and collaborations that help New Scots connect, share cultures and build community across Edinburgh. #BefriendingWeek
November 3, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Communities grow stronger through collaboration! Next week we'll be celebrating partnerships and collaborations that help New Scots connect, share cultures and build community across Edinburgh. #BefriendingWeek
It’s #BefriendingWeek! 🧡 We’re thrilled to receive a 3-year The National Lottery Community Fund: Fairer Life Chances programme, supporting our Friendship Project, helping New Scots feel valued, connected and at home in Edinburgh.
November 1, 2025 at 1:00 PM
It’s #BefriendingWeek! 🧡 We’re thrilled to receive a 3-year The National Lottery Community Fund: Fairer Life Chances programme, supporting our Friendship Project, helping New Scots feel valued, connected and at home in Edinburgh.
Autumn colours and new friendships in Edinburgh! 🍁
Our Scotland for Newcomers group explored the Hermitage of Braid, led by amazing volunteers helping New Scots discover Edinburgh and connect through nature. 💛
Find out more on our website ➡️http://bit.ly/42PCcoP
Our Scotland for Newcomers group explored the Hermitage of Braid, led by amazing volunteers helping New Scots discover Edinburgh and connect through nature. 💛
Find out more on our website ➡️http://bit.ly/42PCcoP
October 28, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Autumn colours and new friendships in Edinburgh! 🍁
Our Scotland for Newcomers group explored the Hermitage of Braid, led by amazing volunteers helping New Scots discover Edinburgh and connect through nature. 💛
Find out more on our website ➡️http://bit.ly/42PCcoP
Our Scotland for Newcomers group explored the Hermitage of Braid, led by amazing volunteers helping New Scots discover Edinburgh and connect through nature. 💛
Find out more on our website ➡️http://bit.ly/42PCcoP
Big congratulations to our Bridges to Success graduates! 🎓New Scots parents completed our 8-week course building confidence, skills and next steps towards work in Edinburgh. Thank you to Capital City Partnership for joining the celebration!
October 24, 2025 at 12:25 PM
Big congratulations to our Bridges to Success graduates! 🎓New Scots parents completed our 8-week course building confidence, skills and next steps towards work in Edinburgh. Thank you to Capital City Partnership for joining the celebration!
Parents and toddlers joined our latest community outing to explore art together at the National Galleries of Scotland. 🎨 While our volunteers helped keep the little ones curious and busy, parents had a chance to slow down, enjoy the exhibitions and create with others!
October 22, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Parents and toddlers joined our latest community outing to explore art together at the National Galleries of Scotland. 🎨 While our volunteers helped keep the little ones curious and busy, parents had a chance to slow down, enjoy the exhibitions and create with others!
Exploring Edinburgh, building confidence, and connecting through community. 🌿
Our Community Champions, trained through Ramblers Scotland initiative, have been leading walks across the city, helping New Scots discover new places and friendships along the way.
Our Community Champions, trained through Ramblers Scotland initiative, have been leading walks across the city, helping New Scots discover new places and friendships along the way.
October 16, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Exploring Edinburgh, building confidence, and connecting through community. 🌿
Our Community Champions, trained through Ramblers Scotland initiative, have been leading walks across the city, helping New Scots discover new places and friendships along the way.
Our Community Champions, trained through Ramblers Scotland initiative, have been leading walks across the city, helping New Scots discover new places and friendships along the way.
Change happens when we step up and demand it. Join the march for all of us. #Edinburgh #25Oct #ScotlandDemandsBetter scotland-demands-better.com
SCOTLAND DEMANDS BETTER
scotland-demands-better.com
October 15, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Change happens when we step up and demand it. Join the march for all of us. #Edinburgh #25Oct #ScotlandDemandsBetter scotland-demands-better.com
Division is rising, and community cohesion matters more than ever. We’re proud to share an article centering on our new policy: Strengthening Community Cohesion in Edinburgh and Scotland. Read more here➡️ www.thewelcoming.org/the-welcomin...
The Welcoming Urges Action to Strengthen Scotland’s Communities - The Welcoming
The Welcoming launches a new policy urging action from government and communities to strengthen cohesion, fairness, and inclusion in Scotland.
www.thewelcoming.org
October 13, 2025 at 8:51 AM
Division is rising, and community cohesion matters more than ever. We’re proud to share an article centering on our new policy: Strengthening Community Cohesion in Edinburgh and Scotland. Read more here➡️ www.thewelcoming.org/the-welcomin...
A very important read to demystify the reality of asylum hotels and work towards a better understanding of the asylum system across society 🧡
The reality of asylum hotels. Private companies are lining their pockets with huge profits while people seeking safety are forced to live in sub-standard conditions. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Asylum hotel provider makes £180m profit despite claims of inedible food and rationed loo paper
Asylum seekers and charities tell BBC of
www.bbc.co.uk
October 8, 2025 at 2:02 PM
A very important read to demystify the reality of asylum hotels and work towards a better understanding of the asylum system across society 🧡
Our AGM 2025 came at a critical time, with rising far-right rhetoric threatening cohesion. With speeches, community voices & showcasing our work, we affirmed our commitment to a welcoming #Edinburgh, alongside our partners, volunteers & members.
October 8, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Our AGM 2025 came at a critical time, with rising far-right rhetoric threatening cohesion. With speeches, community voices & showcasing our work, we affirmed our commitment to a welcoming #Edinburgh, alongside our partners, volunteers & members.
🎥 Our members joined a video workshop with the Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival, learning to film on their phones + share what makes Edinburgh feel like home. Huge thanks to Gustavo + Natalia for making it happen! 💛
#edinburghspanishfilmfestival
#edinburghspanishfilmfestival
October 2, 2025 at 7:00 AM
🎥 Our members joined a video workshop with the Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival, learning to film on their phones + share what makes Edinburgh feel like home. Huge thanks to Gustavo + Natalia for making it happen! 💛
#edinburghspanishfilmfestival
#edinburghspanishfilmfestival
Our next Bridges to Success employability course for New Scots parents starts 28 Oct at Hay Avenue Community Hub, Craigmillar. Free, with childcare & transport support. Spaces limited – register here 👉 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1709973650219
#edinburgh
#edinburgh
October 1, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Our next Bridges to Success employability course for New Scots parents starts 28 Oct at Hay Avenue Community Hub, Craigmillar. Free, with childcare & transport support. Spaces limited – register here 👉 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1709973650219
#edinburgh
#edinburgh
🧡Join our team! We’re seeking a Holistic Case Worker to support New Scots in Edinburgh. We welcome applications from BAME candidates & those with lived experience. Apply by 17 Oct 👉 https://www.thewelcoming.org/get-involved-the-welcoming-edinburgh/vacancies/ #edinburghjobs
September 29, 2025 at 6:01 PM
🧡Join our team! We’re seeking a Holistic Case Worker to support New Scots in Edinburgh. We welcome applications from BAME candidates & those with lived experience. Apply by 17 Oct 👉 https://www.thewelcoming.org/get-involved-the-welcoming-edinburgh/vacancies/ #edinburghjobs