Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

The Welcoming Edinburgh

@welcomingedinburgh.bsky.social

87 followers 95 following 72 posts

Supporting refugees and migrants in Edinburgh. We provide free English classes and social activities for New Scots. Email [email protected].

Posts Media Videos Starter Packs

Pinned

The Welcoming Edinburgh @welcomingedinburgh.bsky.social · Jul 2

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.

Men and women in a colourful classroom looking and smiling at the camera at The Welcoming Association.

Men and women outside on Arthurs Seat looking and smiling at the camera with The Welcoming Association.

4 17

The Welcoming Edinburgh @welcomingedinburgh.bsky.social · 16h

A very important read to demystify the reality of asylum hotels and work towards a better understanding of the asylum system across society 🧡

Scottish Refugee Council @scotrefugeecouncil.bsky.social · 1d

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

The Welcoming Edinburgh @welcomingedinburgh.bsky.social · 17h

THANK YOU to everyone who came along - it was an amazing night and such a great turnout. There's so many people and orgs that we collaborate and partner with across the city and Scotland-wide, so we are grateful for that community. That's what will make a difference. 🧡 #togetherwithrefugees

The Welcoming Edinburgh @welcomingedinburgh.bsky.social · 17h

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.

The Welcoming Edinburgh @welcomingedinburgh.bsky.social · 6d

🎥 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

The Welcoming Edinburgh @welcomingedinburgh.bsky.social · 7d

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

The Welcoming Edinburgh @welcomingedinburgh.bsky.social · 9d

🧡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

Reposted by The Welcoming Edinburgh

goodmovesjobs.bsky.social @goodmovesjobs.bsky.social · 13d

Holistic Case Worker opportunity with @welcomingedinburgh.bsky.social supporting #NewScots in providing independent advocacy and tailored information, addressing social, economic, health, educational, and cultural needs
📍Edinburgh
💷 £29,361 – £32,930 pro-rata
📅21hpw
tinyurl.com/3698ety4

The Welcoming Edinburgh @welcomingedinburgh.bsky.social · 15d

Last year, we delivered 498 classes for over 1,000 service users – all thanks to our amazing volunteers who make every learner feel included and respected.

Yes, it's about building stronger English skills, but it's also about creating stronger connections across Edinburgh.

1 2

The Welcoming Edinburgh @welcomingedinburgh.bsky.social · 15d

📚 12 classes a week
🌍 86 nationalities
💛 20 dedicated volunteer teachers

Our ESOL programme is about more than learning English – it’s about connection, confidence, and belonging.

1 1

The Welcoming Edinburgh @welcomingedinburgh.bsky.social · 17d

On #InternationalDayOfPeace we celebrate everyday acts of welcome in Edinburgh. In times of division, empathy is our strongest response. By listening and connecting, we build a city where everyone belongs. 💛

The Welcoming Edinburgh @welcomingedinburgh.bsky.social · 22d

We’re hosting The Welcoming's AGM 2025 on Mon 6 Oct, 5.30 – 8 pm at the Cornerstone Centre, Princes St. Hear updates, meet our team, enjoy guest speakers & Q&A's. ✨ Spaces limited – book now 👉 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-welcom...

The Welcoming Association's Annual General Meeting 2025

Join us for an inspiring evening as we look back at last year achievements and share powerful stories from our community.

www.eventbrite.co.uk

The Welcoming Edinburgh @welcomingedinburgh.bsky.social · Sep 2

Our Scotland for Newcomers group spent the day at Lauriston Farm 🌱 learning about tree care. A brilliant way to connect with nature, meet new people & feel part of the community. Thanks to Edinburgh Agroecology Coop for hosting!

#NewScots #TogetherwithRefugees

The Welcoming Edinburgh @welcomingedinburgh.bsky.social · Aug 29

Do you want to advocate for inclusion, combat misinformation, and support communities to thrive?

We are hiring a Senior Community Engagement and Advocacy Coordinator to lead a new area of work at The Welcoming Association.

Apply now: www.thewelcoming.org...

#edinburghjobs

The Welcoming Edinburgh @welcomingedinburgh.bsky.social · Aug 26

We took New Scots to 6 Fringe shows this year – from circus to theatre and even a sensory show for mums & toddlers. Thanks to @edfringe.bsky.social & ECCAN for making it possible. Shared culture does equal a much stronger community. 🎭🧡

#edinburgh #ayewelcomerefugees

The Welcoming Edinburgh @welcomingedinburgh.bsky.social · Aug 25

🌿 Two of our members, Polly & Nataliia, have finished their training as walk leaders with @ramblersscotland.bsky.social! Their first walk is 27 Aug in South Queensferry – helping New Scots explore Scotland’s outdoors & feel at home here.

#explorescotland #ayewelcomerefugees

The Welcoming Edinburgh @welcomingedinburgh.bsky.social · Aug 22

We’ve launched our Bridges to Success – Employability Course for Parents! 🎉 One parent shared: “Very useful course with nice and knowledgeable instructors.” Thanks to our partners for making this possible - @joinedupforbus.bsky.social @edinburghcouncil.bsky.social and The Scottish Government!

The Welcoming Edinburgh @welcomingedinburgh.bsky.social · Aug 20

Come join our wee Edinburgh team and help us advocate for New Scots and bring local communities together! 🧡🙂

goodmovesjobs.bsky.social @goodmovesjobs.bsky.social · Aug 20

Senior Community Engagement & Advocacy Coordinator
@welcomingedinburgh.bsky.social - promoting social cohesion & advancing sustainable development by engaging with the local host community, New Scots, & partners.

💵£32,066 – £35,316 pro-rata
🕑21hrs pw
📍Edinburgh
🔗 tinyurl.com/3cckw9pz
#engagement

Goodmoves – charity and voluntary sector recruitment

goodmoves.org

1 1

The Welcoming Edinburgh @welcomingedinburgh.bsky.social · Aug 20

Thank you for your support @gordonhill.bsky.social - it's so important right now to advocate for empathy and kindness in our local communities across Scotland!

Dr Gordon Hill @gordonhill.bsky.social · Aug 19

Loving my new T-shirt #partofthebiggerpicture @scotrefugeecouncil.bsky.social @welcomingedinburgh.bsky.social

The Welcoming Edinburgh @welcomingedinburgh.bsky.social · Aug 20

Please share with your network! #EdinburghJobs

The Welcoming Edinburgh @welcomingedinburgh.bsky.social · Aug 20

Could you help strengthen connections between New Scots and local communities in Edinburgh?

The Welcoming are #hiring a Senior Community Engagement & Adovacy Coordinator. Apply by Sept 19th 📧

www.thewelcoming.org/get-involved...

#ayewelcomerefugees | work with refugees

Work with us - The Welcoming

Our small team offers direct support to asylum seekers, refugees and migrants in Edinburgh. Check out our latest job vacancies.

www.thewelcoming.org

The Welcoming Edinburgh @welcomingedinburgh.bsky.social · Aug 19

Brilliant! 🧡

The Welcoming Edinburgh @welcomingedinburgh.bsky.social · Aug 9

What does welcome mean to you? 🧡

This #WelcomeWeekend we asked our community at The Welcoming.

Answers like “a lovely chat with tea and biscuits” & “a home for new journeys” remind us: empathy is strength, and kindness is powerful.

@refugeestogether.bsky.social

1 2

The Welcoming Edinburgh @welcomingedinburgh.bsky.social · Aug 7

This summer, we're showing what welcome looks like. 🧡

We're proud to join the ‪@refugeestogether.bsky.social‬ #WelcomeWeekend (7–10 Aug) – a nationwide show of solidarity with refugees.

Sign up to hear about upcoming events or ways to take action in your area: actionnetwork.org/fo...

2 3

The Welcoming Edinburgh @welcomingedinburgh.bsky.social · Aug 6

Our first #Fringe2025 outing was a hit! 🎭 A group of New Scots joined us to see The Land of Beat – a high-energy Korean drumming show full of rhythm, movement and joy. Thanks @edfringe.bsky.social‬ for making this experience possible! #TheWelcomingEdinburgh #LandOfTheBeat

A group of people smiling and posing together outside a theatre venue, standing in front of posters for two shows: "Ben Pope: The Cut" and "The Land of Be-At." One person in the centre wears traditional Korean clothing and holds a large drum. The group appears diverse in age and background, suggesting a cultural or community outing.