Poverty among young people is higher than any other age group. Many disadvantaged young people are not engaged in work or study after leaving school - they could face a life sentence of poverty and exclusion . It is particularly frustrating because we know the modern economy places a real premium on qualifications and skill. If they are unable to get work due to lack of appropriate skills, this will be a huge problem for them and also our economy as our population ages.

Job skills training

Employment support initiatives

Children from disadvantaged backgrounds and low income families have a greater risk of poor literacy, numeracy, educational progress, long-term social skills and adjustments. This can have lifelong impact. Study shows poorer children who fall behind in reading at an early age earn around 20% an hour less in later life.

Literacy ,Numeracy and Math classes for children from low income families.

Everyone understands that it is better to prevent a problem before it starts, rather than have to deal with the consequences after, prevention is always the preferable option. When young people become homeless, they often lose not only the roof over their head, but family, friends, important adults in their lives (like teachers) and their community. Once on the streets, most have to drop out of school, and many suffer trauma, malnutrition, and exploitation. Mental health deteriorates, some turn to drugs and alcohol to cope, and to crime for money, making it more and more difficult to escape the streets.

Increase young people’s awareness of the ‘harsh realities’ of homelessness and dispel myths about the availability of social housing.

Educate young people about the range of housing options available to them after leaving home and raise awareness of help available.

Teach conflict resolution skills that may be applied within and beyond the home and school.

Educating young people about the dangers of life on the streets , and also provides supports and interventions for young people who are at imminent risk of homeless

The Refugee Forum Justness (Edinburgh) , is a place of support, guidance, and empowerment for refugees in homeless situation or in a temporary accommodations  helping them building a new life. Our organization is driven by compassion and solidarity, and we are committed to providing a wide range of services to assist refugees. Here are the ways in which we can make a difference together:

1. Bank Accounts and Housing Assistance: Starting fresh in a new country requires essential services, such as opening a bank account and finding suitable housing. We are here to guide and support refugees  through these processes. These include help to find housing and emergency shelter, accessing housing benefits, applying for loans or grants to help with rent deposit
2. Access to English Classes: Language is a bridge to connect with others in a  new community. Our support includes helping refugees to access English language classes, tailored to their level and needs.
3. Support for Accessing Healthcare: Refugges well-being is essential to us. We provide support and information to ensure they can access the healthcare services they need.
4. Letter Understanding: Important letters and documents can be challenging to comprehend, especially in a new language. Our team is here to assist refugges in understanding and responding to such letters effectively.

5. Training for Successful Integration: We provide training sessions to equip refugees with essential knowledge and skills that will help them integrate into UK life more smoothly.
6. Promoting Self-Sufficiency: Our organization aims to empower refugees to become self-sufficient, fostering independence and confidence.
7. Building Employment Opportunities: We assist refugees in adapting and building on their skills and strengths, increasing their chances of finding suitable employment locally.
8. Interpreting Services: Communication should never be a barrier to accessing support. We offer interpreting services to facilitate smooth and effective communication.
9. Mental Health Counselling Support: We understand the importance of mental health and well-being during challenging times. Our organization provides counseling and mental health support to help refugees cope with emotional aspects and traumas that may arise.
10. Employment Support: We offer assistance in job-seeking, resume building, interview preparation, and skills development to increase refugees’ employment opportunities in the UK job market.
11. Welfare Benefit – Housing Advice Support: Our team can provide guidance and support on welfare benefits to ensure refugees receive the necessary assistance .
12. Immigration Advice : At Refugee Forum Justness, we provide essential immigration advice and support to refugees in Edinburgh. Our compassionate team is dedicated to assisting individuals with navigating the complexities of the immigration process, ensuring they have the knowledge and resources needed for a stable and secure future in their new home.

Now, let us share some inspiring stories of hope from refugees who found support and a sense of belonging through our organization:

Story a - Empowering Through Employment: Ahmed, a young refugee from Syria, arrived in Edinburgh seeking safety and a chance to rebuild his life. Through our  mentoring and employment support program, Ahmed was able to showcase his culinary skills and passion for cooking. Today, he works as a chef with a restaurant, sharing his cultural heritage through delightful Syrian dishes.

Story b - Rising Above Challenges: Rahim, a refugee from Afghanistan, faced immense challenges after arriving in the UK. With the support of our dedicated team, he not only learned English but also developed skills in IT web page development. Today, Rahim is employed and takes pride in contributing to his new community.

Story c - A Journey of Compassion and Empowerment: Olga, a young refugee from Ukraine, found solace in Edinburgh amidst the turmoil in her homeland. Through Refugee Forum Justness, she connected with a support group for fellow Ukrainian refugees, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding. Encouraged by her new friends, Olga pursued her passion for Health Care Skills and is now a skilled and compassionate Health Care Worker, making a difference in the lives of others.

These stories are just a glimpse of the incredible journeys and resilience of refugees who found hope and support through Refugee Forum Justness. Our commitment to empowering individuals, fostering community integration, and providing essential services remains steadfast.

At Refugee Forum Justness, we believe in the resilience and potential of every individual. Our goal is to empower refugees to become self-sufficient, adapt to their new life, and find a community that embraces diversity and inclusivity.
Together, we empower refugees to make informed decisions and build a brighter future in Edinburgh.