At Ámaxa, we believe in amplifying the work of organisations that uphold dignity, safety, and human rights. This list highlights a selection of charities and community groups across Scotland that play a vital role in supporting refugees, whether through advocacy, housing, mental health support, legal protection, or practical help with daily life. Together, they demonstrate the strength of Scotland's civil society response to forced migration and the importance of collective action rooted in compassion and solidarity.
Scotland is home to a wide network of organisations working to support refugees and people seeking asylum, offering everything from emergency assistance and legal advice to long-term integration and community connection. For individuals and families rebuilding their lives after displacement, knowing where to find trusted, specialist support can make a critical difference.
Here are 10 organisations in Scotland supporting refugees and their families:
1. Refugee Sanctuary Scotland
Founded in 1996, Refugee Sanctuary Scotland focuses on supporting individuals and families to rebuild their lives, particularly through community-based services. This can include help with settling in, accessing local services, and reducing social isolation. Their work is rooted in the idea that long-term wellbeing depends not only on meeting basic needs, but also on belonging and dignity. Recently the organisation has opened a new hub space at 49 Bath Street, Glasgow.
2. Edinburgh & Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC)
ELREC supports minority ethnic communities and promotes equality across Edinburgh and the Lothians. For refugees and people seeking asylum, this often translates into guidance on accessing services, support for tackling discrimination, and opportunities for community engagement. Organisations like ELREC play an important role in making sure people are not only supported but treated fairly.
3. Positive Action in Housing (PAiH)
Positive Action in Housing is known for its role in tackling homelessness among refugees and migrants. Its well-known "Room for Refugees" hosting scheme connects people with safe, temporary accommodation. Alongside housing support, PAiH also offers casework and advocacy, helping people facing precarious circumstances to find stability and safety.
4. JustRight Scotland
Legal support can be critical for refugees, especially when navigating asylum claims, family reunion, trafficking protections, or access to services. JustRight Scotland provides specialist legal advice and representation, often supporting people with complex cases and those facing significant barriers. Their work helps ensure that legal rights are meaningful in practice, not just on paper.
5. Maryhill Integration Network
Based in Glasgow, Maryhill Integration Network supports refugees and people seeking asylum through a range of community services. MIN is especially recognised for its practical approach: helping people with welfare advice, learning opportunities, and activities that build confidence and connection. Community hubs like MIN can be a lifeline for people who are new to Scotland and unsure where to start.
6. The British Red Cross
The British Red Cross supports refugees and people seeking asylum across the UK, including Scotland. Their services commonly include help with crisis support, connecting people to local resources, and assistance for those experiencing destitution. The Red Cross is also known for helping people stay in touch with family members separated by conflict or migration journeys — an often overlooked but deeply important form of support.
7. The Welcoming
The Welcoming is an organisation that helps refugees and people seeking asylum settle into life in Scotland. Its services often include English conversation practice, orientation support, wellbeing activities, and help accessing education or employability pathways. The Welcoming's approach reflects how small, consistent support — like someone explaining a bus route or helping with a form — can make a major difference for new Scots adapting to their new home.
8. Aberlour – Scottish Children's Charity (Guardianship Scotland)
Aberlour supports some of the most vulnerable refugees in Scotland through Guardianship Scotland, a national service for unaccompanied asylum-seeking and trafficked children. Delivered in partnership with the Scottish Refugee Council, the service provides Independent Child Trafficking Guardians who advocate for young people and help them navigate complex asylum, legal, and care systems. By offering consistent, trusted support at a critical time, Aberlour helps ensure children's rights, wellbeing, and best interests are protected as they begin rebuilding their lives in Scotland.
9. Feniks (Scotland)
Feniks is a refugee-led organisation supporting people from Central and Eastern Europe, particularly Polish-speaking communities. Its services include advice, mental health and wellbeing support, and help navigating housing, employment, and benefits systems. Feniks is especially valued for offering culturally and linguistically accessible support, helping people feel understood and empowered rather than marginalised.
10. International Organisation for Migration (IOM)
The International Organisation for Migration works globally on migration issues, but also supports refugees and migrants within Scotland through resettlement assistance, integration support, and policy collaboration. IOM often works alongside local authorities and charities to help newly arrived refugees settle into housing, education, and employment — bridging international humanitarian work with local delivery.