The support service has been launched in Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire.
Funded by the Scottish Government New Scots Integration Fund, the new service, which launched in January, is being run by Barnardo’s Scotland in partnership with Renfrewshire Council and West Dunbartonshire Council. The focus will be on supporting the wellbeing and mental health of children and young people, who may often be here alone, as well as helping them integrate into the local community.
Through a blend of one-to-one support, group work and activities in the outdoors, children and young people up to the age of 26 will be supported by specialist project workers from Barnardo’s to overcome lived traumatic experiences they may have endured. They will also be helped to access opportunities to explore and enjoy their local area and activities, to promote a sense of belonging and connection to their community, reducing isolation and loneliness and improving wellbeing.
A key component of the service will also be to use Barnardo’s B-Wild approach, which offers children and young people the chance to benefit from outdoor learning and activities, outdoor play and therapeutic practice in nature.
Martin Crewe, Director for Barnardo’s Scotland, said: “We are proud to be working in Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire to be providing this essential service to help these children and young people settle in Scotland.
“We can’t imagine what some of these young people may have experienced in their journey to start a new life here. The aim of this service is not for them to forget what they have been through, but to provide a positive environment that celebrates their culture and makes them feel welcome and supported, whilst exploring with them what their local area has to offer.
“It is vital that these young people feel part of their new community and our staff will work alongside them to help them to look towards a positive future.”
Education Convener for Renfrewshire Council, Councillor Jim Paterson, said: “Renfrewshire has a proud history of supporting unaccompanied asylum seeking children. Our Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children Team work closely with partners to ensure that vulnerable children and young people are welcomed and provided with safe care and opportunities to settle in our community. We welcome the opportunity to work with Barnardo’s Scotland on this new initiative which will enhance the support and opportunities available for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.”
Bailie Denis Agnew, Chair of West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Barnardo’s and Renfrewshire Council in this new initiative. The opportunities to be involved in this shared area of work will add significant value to the support offered to unaccompanied young people who reside within our area. We are looking forward to the chance to shape a support that will help to close a gap in the provision around mental health.”
Guidance note: Please note this new service has launched in recent weeks and is not in direct response to the situation in Ukraine.