Here you can find organisations, resources and information related to Ukrainians and host families living in Midlothian.
Let us know what resource works well for you. If you have any other suggestions, please email midspace@health-in-mind.org.uk.
Sponsors and hosts
This is information for those who are hosting or sponsoring refugees in Midlothian.
The Scottish Government has created a Ukraine Psychological Wellbeing Advice Pack, which is full of guidance and support for hosts. This pack gives a wide range of information and support including:
- Helplines.
- How to look after your own mental wellbeing.
- How to look after your children’s mental wellbeing.
- How to help those you are hosting.
Clear your head has wide range of information on ways to look after your mental wellbeing.
Citizens Advice Scotland has produced information and resources for those offering to let someone from Ukraine stay with them. This includes financial information, how you can support your guests, and more information about hosting.
The Scottish Government offers a range of guidance to any Super Sponsor Scheme hosts including:
- Insurance worries
- Money worries
- Planning for Ukrainian refugees
- Language support
Information and resources
Ukraine Advice Project UK offers free UK immigration and asylum advice for Ukrainians and their families. This service is run by volunteer legal professionals with immigration and asylum expertise. They can help to give legal advice on immigration, visas, and asylum.
The Scottish Refugee Council offers support, information, and a listening ear to help refugees rebuild their lives. They are currently holding free Know your rights information sessions, for people who have recently arrived in Scotland through one of the Ukraine Schemes.
Midlothian Council has produced resources and information to support Ukrainians who have arrived in Midlothian. This information includes:
- How to set up a bank account.
- Claiming benefits.
- Health care.
- Education.
- Help with communicating.
Citizen’s Advice Bureau offers free, confidential, impartial and independent information and advice about money, benefits, immigration, employment, housing, consumer issues, family difficulties, health services and legal rights and responsibilities.
JustRight Scotland has launched a Ukraine Advice Line that provides free, confidential legal advice and information to Ukrainians and their families. This service is staffed by qualified solicitors and legal caseworkers.
Education and career information
Here is a list of education and career information for Ukrainians living in Midlothian.
The EIS has produced educational packs to welcome young people from migrant and refugee families into Scottish Schools.
Open University has produced a list of free online resources for Ukrainians settling in the UK, this includes:
- English language courses.
- French and German language courses.
- Courses that focus on supporting study and work, such as how to write a CV.
- Free resources on mental health and wellbeing such as work and mental health, supporting children’s mental health and more.
Jobs for Ukraine is an online space full of academic, scientific, arts, professional and freelance opportunities that are currently available for Ukrainians looking for jobs.
Local and community support
Here you will find local and community support and services in Midlothian.
Danderhall Wellbeing Hub for children and families is open from 10.00 am – 2.00 pm, Monday to Friday, including over the summer, from Monday 16 May. Ukrainian families are encouraged to attend the hub, where staff and volunteers from a range of services including education, health and social care, and the third sector will assess and plan the educational and wellbeing needs of individual children. Parents/families will also be given wellbeing support, and help to access other activities and groups across Midlothian.
To register for a place, please email: pupil.placement@midlothian.gov.uk or phone: 0131 271 3733
Sweet Dignity Clothing Banks is a community recycling project that provides clothing for all ages, as well as home and baby goods.
Gorebridge Parish Church offers a range of different community groups and activities.
Danderhall Community Hub provides a range of different community activities and clubs for the whole family. For more information, please email: Danderhall-Leisure-Centre@midlothian.gov.uk
Hawthorn Children and Families Centre offers a wide range of free activities and groups for families and children. For more information, please email: HawthornFamilyLearningCentre@midlothian.gov.uk
St John’s and King’s Park Church provides a church community café on Monday mornings, where members of the community can come in for a coffee and a cake.
Midlothian Foodbank is a project founded by local churches and community groups, working together towards stopping hunger in local areas.
Edinburgh Ukrainian Club is a community hub in the heart of Edinburgh that promotes Ukrainian Culture.
Other organisations and support
The British Red Cross has resources and information for those from Ukraine who are in the UK, as well as, an Emotional Support Line.
The Consulate of Ukraine in Edinburgh.
The consulate’s normal opening hours are
- Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 9am to 1pm
- Tuesday between 2pm to 6pm
- Thursday: only for people who are disabled, pregnant or seriously ill between 9am to 1pm
To contact, please phone: 0131 556 0023 or email: gc_gbe@mfa.gov.ua
A warm welcome from the First Minister and useful contacts to know.
Re-Act Scotland runs weekly groups for refugee men, women and children in Edinburgh, which provides much needed community support and engagement.
Refugee Survival Trust offers news, resources and support to refugees and asylum seekers in Scotland.
Barnardo’s has set up a Ukrainian Support Helpline to provide a holistic support service. The helpline is available to anyone fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. All services include access to interpreters in Ukrainian and Russian.
Parentline offers support for parents and their families who are going through a difficult time.
Viral Kindness Scotland brings communities across Scotland together to spread kindness, helping anyone who is vulnerable and struggling with self-isolation. Call the free helpline on 0800 054 2282.
Positive Action in Housing is a independent, anti-racist homelessness and human rights charity dedicated to supporting refugees and migrants to rebuild their lives.