Tools and Resources

This page shares tools we use for New Scots community connections. We hope you find something helpful!

Moments of Freedom’s resources

Moments of Freedom poetry tips: how we use creative writing to get to know each other and share our stories.

Tips for welcoming new people to the community: how we’re welcoming new women from Afghanistan to our group.

Free bus travel scheme: how we’re helping New Scots learn more about the under 22 scheme.

Welcome video for community events: how the women welcomed community members to an in person event.

Tips for multilingual working: how to best support work with New Scots.

Scottish Democracy

Scottish Council elections: how we’re helping to explain what Scottish Councils do.

Useful words and phrases: how we’re helping to make politics more accessible.

MSPs and Councillors: how we’re helping to explain these roles.

After elections: how we’re explaining what you can do after elections.

Community Councils: how we’re explaining the role of Community Councils.

Scottish Schooling

Nursery provision in Scotland: how we’re helping other New Scots learn about Scotland.

Secondary schools in Scotland: how we’re helping New Scots understand Scottish high schools.

College Education in Scotland: how we’re helping New Scots find out more about college courses offered in Scotland.

University Education in Scotland: how we’re helping New Scots learn more about Scottish university education.

Resources in Arabic

Education in Scotland resources: Arabic translated resource

Free bus travel in Scotland resource: Arabic translated resource

Voting and political systems in Scotland resource: Arabic translated resource

Creating a welcoming space resource: Arabic translated resource

How we work together

Learn about the community-led development approaches we use:

  • The Learning Zone ⇨ This is a way to think about getting out of our comfort zones - avoiding ‘panic’ zone, but staying in a ‘learning zone’.

  • Boundaries ⇨ We think about the ‘personal, professional and private’, to share enough to build authentic relationships, with a clear purpose and boundaries to keep everyone safe.

  • ‘Common Third’ activities ⇨ Using practical, purposeful activities - like sports, arts and gardening - to get to know each other.

  • Asset-Based Community Development ⇨ This is about building on all our own skills and gifts (assets) to create community.

  • Intersectional Approach ⇨ We discuss our identity in different settings and how power imbalances can affect our ability to achieve goals and aspirations.

Other groups’ resources

The Scottish Refugee Council's New Scots Connect map is a great resource for people new to Scotland to find local support, friends, information and advice.

Scottish Refugee Council also has media and storytelling resources for sharing your voice.

Mental Health Foundation has educational films on mental health in refugee communities.

Govan Community Project’s website is updated with Glasgow opportunities, and here’s a list of organisations in Glasgow.