Here you can find organisations, services, resources and information related to Ukrainians and host families living in East Lothian.
Let us know what resource works well for you. If you have any other suggestions, please send them to eastspace@health-in-mind.org.uk.
Sponsors and hosts
This is information for those who are hosting or sponsoring refugees in East Lothian.
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.
East Lothian council has set up a dedicated email address to deal with general enquiries, offers of accommodation and ongoing communication with registered hosts around Disclosure checks, property checks, financial payments and support. Please contact: ukraine@eastlothian.gov.uk
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.
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. You can also visit the Musselburgh and Haddington Advice Bureau websites.
East Lothian council has produced information for those who have just arrived in East Lothian including:
- Your first two weeks in East Lothian
- Financial information
- Education, health care and social care
- Other useful helplines and support
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 East Lothian
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 East Lothian.
East Lothian Council has put together a list of food resource services in East Lothian for those who need help to access free food and supplies.
Yester, Bolton and Saltoun Church will be offering drop in coffee mornings to anyone who would like to come in for a coffee and a chat.
Whitecraig Village Hub provides food, toiletries, baby supplies, pet food and face masks. They also have a range of community events for the whole family, including coffee mornings and a youth club.
The Pennypit Family and Learning Centre provides a wide range of community events and activities, including a Brew and Blether group, a cup of tea or coffee and a friendly chat with others in the community.
The Haddington Bridge Centre is a community centre that offers a range of different activities and groups for all the family.
Edinburgh Ukrainian Club is a community hub in the heart of Edinburgh to promote Ukrainian Culture.
Amisfield Walled Garden is a community walled garden just outside of Haddington. It is a a supportive community, also offering volunteering opportunities.
Other organisations and support
The British Red Cross has resources and information for Ukrainians who are now 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.
Refugee Survival Trust offers news, resources and support to refugees and asylum seekers in Scotland.
Barnardo’s has set up the 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.