Key to the work of SFAR is supporting faith groups on the local level in order to help them to welcome refugees in their communities. SFAR is a multi-faith project and we work with communities from across Scotland’s faith traditions, and interfaith groups. This includes supporting communities not currently represented on our co-ordination group. We believe that faith communities of all traditions have a crucial role to play in welcome refugees and building communities that are integrated, cohesive, and flourishing.
Ways that we have supported faith groups have included:
- Delivering awareness raising talks to help inform and motivate people in faith communities to action. These can be held online or we can travel to you free of charge.
- Providing free advice and support to faith groups working with New Scots. We are happy to help with technical issues, finding support for individuals, or assistance overcoming challenges.
- Delivering training sessions for groups working with New Scots. Trainings we have run include introductions to the asylum system, volunteer training, and culture and trauma awareness sessions. These can be delivered in person on online.
- Together with Faith in Community Scotland we operate the Faithful Welcome Small Grants Fund. Grants of up to £500 are available to faith groups working with refugees and asylum seekers.
- Producing worship resources for congregations use, including new resources for Sanctuary Sunday each year.
- Through the year we host events, conferences, and gatherings that allow groups to meet one another, share and celebrate.
- Running as a pilot the New Scots Holidays project, enabling local faith communities to host refugee families or individuals in their homes for a short holiday. After a successful pilot we are now able to offer advice to faith groups to set up a programme like this locally.
To access any of these services, please do contact us.