Black, asian and minority ethnic communities
Learning English
English for Speakers of Other Languages classes (ESOL)
Edinburgh has a network of providers offering English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) classes. These classes can help people with limited or no English language to improve their skills. Some also offer an academic qualification.
Find information on all of the ESOL classes running in Edinburgh.
SCOREscotland Conversation Cafe for Arabic-Speaking Young People
The aim of this project is to develop young people’s communication and networking skills. The group is open to any Arabic-speaking young person aged 12 to 16 years. Groups run in blocks of weekly online workshops on themes of climate change, heritage, racism, and integration. Monthly outings and quarterly family social events are also run.
For more information contact
07398603969
Support for BAME Children, Young People and Families
Early Years’ Service - Multi-Cultural Family Base (MCFB)
MCFB Early Years Service offers holistic individual and group support to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic infants and their families, from pregnancy to three years old, with an emphasis on infant mental health and parental well-being.
The following parent and infant groups are currently running, a referral to access the groups is required:
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Katakeet group: pregnancy to 1-year-old at Duncan Place, Leith, EH6 8HW - Currently full. New referrals accepted after Summer 2024.
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Strawberry group: 1 to 3 years old at Leith Community Centre, EH6 6AD - Currently full. New referrals accepted after Summer 2024.
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Chinese Flower group: pregnancy to 3 years old at Leith Community Centre, EH6 6AD
For more information visit the MCFB Early Years Service Facebook page, and MCFB Early Years Service website or to make a referral contact
0131 467 7052
Muslim Women’s Association of Edinburgh Toddler group
This group takes place on Mondays between 10.30 am and 12.30 pm at
Exhibition Room
Edinburgh Central Mosque
EH8 9BT
Everyone is welcome to attend from any faith or background.
To register contact
07878 380 044.
SCOREscotland (Strengthening Communities for Race Equality Scotland)
SCOREScotland offers children and youth clubs and family support for Black and Minority Ethnic communities in Wester Hailes and South West Edinburgh. They offer support for children and young people in Wester Hailes which include Knots and Crosses children and youth clubs for 7 to 10-year-olds and 11 to 17-year-olds, Community Youth Voice’s Ambassador’s Project and Employability and Careers Guidance Project. They also run a bike library service for children and young people, cycle training and bike maintenance. A twice-weekly community fridge service, Digital inclusion service, a Women’s group and a Parents group also run.
SCOREscotland
30 Westburn Grove
EH14 2SA
For more information contact
0131 442 2341
CashBack for Communities - SCOREscotland
This project aims to divert local BME young people in Wester Hailes and South West Edinburgh from crime and anti-social behaviour. Improving learning through weekly sessions on leadership, financial literacy, team building and career options, creating opportunities for volunteering, addressing additional support needs, improving health and wellbeing through sports and events, signpost to counselling and therapeutic services, creating opportunities for mentoring and befriending. For more information email
07534145541
Passion4Fusion
Passion4Fusion aims to create support structures and safe spaces to meet the needs of the BME community in Edinburgh. Passion4Fusion offers health and wellbeing support for families (both children and adults), as well as creative arts, mental health and sports activities for young people. They also provide support on advocacy issues as requested.
For more information visit the Passion4Fusion website or request a support email
Mosaic project - Multi-Cultural Family Base (MCFB)
The Mosaic project offers support to BAME teenagers in S1 to S6 who identify with stress and anxiety as an issue.
For more information visit the Multi-Cultural Family Base (MCFB) Facebook page and Multi-Cultural Family Base (MCFB) website.
To make a referral contact
0131 467 7052.
4Corners Project - Multi-Cultural Family Base (MCFB)
The 4Corners Project offers support to children aged 8 to 14 years (mainly BAME) having difficulties due to experiences of loss, migration, language problems, racism, poverty / inadequate housing and social isolation. They also work with the parents to improve their relationships and communication with their children.
For more information visit the Multi-Cultural Family Base (MCFB) Facebook page and Multi-Cultural Family Base (MCFB) website.
To make a referral contact
0131 467 7052.
Intercultural Youth Scotland Counselling
Intercultural Youth Scotland offers counselling for young BAME people aged 12 to 25 years. Up to 12 confidential, free one-to-one sessions can be accessed through the counselling service online.
To register complete and submit a self-referral form on the website.
For more information visit the Intercultural Youth Scotland's Mental Health Service Website or email
MHS@interculturalyouthscotland.org
0131 563 6230
Support for BAME Families with a child with a disability
The Action group - BEMAS service
This service provides holistic advice and support for parents of disabled children from Black and Minority Ethnic communities who reside in Edinburgh.
Contact 0131 475 2315
Monday to Friday between 9 am and 5 pm and ask for a member of the carer Advice team or email
careRadvice@actiongroup.org.uk
Support for refugees or new families in Edinburgh
Salaam
This project run by City Mission aims to support refugees and asylum seekers from Syria and other parts of the world.
For more information visit the Edinburgh City Mission website.
The Welcoming Association
EH11 2TT
For more information please visit the Timetable of activities on the Welcoming website or contact
0131 346 8577
Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB)
The local branch organises various cultural, educational, social, and charitable events, and supports local youth and women’s organisations and cultural groups.
0131 560 6330
For more information visit the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain Website
For programme details visit the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain Facebook page
Safe Haven project - Multi-Cultural Family Base (MCFB)
The Safe Haven project supports refugee families holistically through individual or group work.
For more information visit the Multi-Cultural Family Base (MCFB) Facebook page and Multi-Cultural Family Base (MCFB) website.
To make a referral contact
0131 467 7052.
Wellbeing and individual support for BAME families
LINKnet Mentoring - Eat Well for Oral Health Services
Eat Well for Oral Health is a community-based oral health and nutrition awareness project delivered by LINKnet Mentoring and Edinburgh Community Food. They aim to deliver oral health practices and nutrition guidance in an accessible and fun way.
For more information on how to access this service, get information about when the groups are running or to register as a volunteer email volunteer3@linknetmentoring.com
Bright Choices project - Multi-Cultural Family Base (MCFB)
The Bright Choices project provides support for women, men, children and families who are experiencing difficult relationships. They are accepting new referrals.
For more information visit the Multi-Cultural Family Base (MCFB) Facebook page and Multi-Cultural Family Base (MCFB) website.
To make a referral contact
0131 467 7052.
Aditi
Aditi supports the safety and wellbeing of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) women who have experienced or are currently experiencing domestic abuse or ‘honour’ based violence. They offer counselling, complementary therapy, women’s only groups, one-to-one advice, advocacy and signposting. Advice is given on the telephone or in person on practical issues including health, safety and rights. Language support can be provided.
For more information visit the Aditi website or contact
0131 603 4865
Equal Access Anxiety Management
This free 4-week course aims to support people from ethnic minority backgrounds who are experiencing anxiety or excessive worry to manage their symptoms in a peer support setting. This course will support participants to learn about what anxiety is and to practise helpful coping strategies to help manage it.
For more information or to register for upcoming courses, visit the Health in Mind website,
complete an Enquiry form or call
0131 225 8508
Open Arms - ELREC
Open Arms provides free online courses and activities for women such as sewing, arts and crafts sessions, pain relief, English conversation, body maintenance exercises, and face yoga. They also offer regular face-to-face socializing events of various themes at different venues across the city.
For more information visit the ELREC Facebook page or email Mitra at
Sikh Sanjog
Sikh Sanjog provides one-to-one support to women and their families through phone, video calls and online groups, including help with accessing education, career advice and counselling.
For more information visit the Sikh Sanjog website, Sikh Sanjog Facebook page or contact
0131 553 4737
Saheliya
Saheliya offers learning sessions including counselling and support work to help with housing, finances, immigration, health care, abuse and hate crimes. The Education Centre provides training and courses to build skills and achieve qualifications. Courses include ESOL, IT, Child Care, Sewing etc. The language support provided is in Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, Chinese, Punjabi and Bengali.
Saheliya also offers groupwork training- Champions for Change enables girls and women to gain knowledge and skills to have their voices heard at conferences, and events, and experience one-to-one sessions with politicians and service providers. Champions for Well-being enables women to become sources of mental well-being advice in their families and communities and to actively challenge abusive cultural practices and other gender-based abuse.
Monday to Friday between 10 am and 4.30 pm or visit the Saheliya website for more details.
For more information contact info@saheliya.co.uk at 0131 556 9302
LINKNet Mentoring - No More Isolation, No More Tears
This befriending project is suitable for both ethnic minority men and women who live in Edinburgh and Lothians. It provides a variety of activities to address isolation and loneliness such as one-to-one befriending, community and educational events, cultural activities and English classes.
For more information visit the LINKNet website or contact
volunteer1@linknetmentoring.com
07447 228 686
Monthly Multi-Cultural Cafe -SCOREscotland
This monthly cafe brings together members of the Wester Hailes and South West Edinburgh community to socialise, meet new friends and enjoy delicious food. The cafe helps volunteers build confidence and learn new skills.
For more information email
0749 619 0752
Cycling Programme - SCOREscotland
A range of cycling activities are available to make cycling accessible to everyone in the Wester Hailes and South West community and encourage active travel and healthy living. Activities include cycle training for women, led rides for women, Dr Bike (free bike checks and repairs) and bike maintenance workshops.
For more information email
0749 619 0752
Mental Health Foundation project and Women’s Group- SCOREscotland
A programme of activities developed to improve the mental and physical well-being of women in South West Edinburgh. Sessions include weekly women’s Latin dance fitness classes, a weekly social sewing group and a weekly walking group. The project also offers a range of activities that promote well-being such as trips and outings.
For more information email
0749 619 1197
LINKNet Mentoring – Employment Support
This service helps minority ethnic communities with one-to-one volunteer support to pursue employment or education. Qualified, experienced and well-trained mentors help with job applications, develop CVs, prepare for interviews, advise on job seeking and raise awareness of other social and cultural skills required to secure employment. Help is also available for those wanting to improve their educational qualifications.
If you are looking for help please contact linknet2@linknetmentoring.com
Pilton Community Health Project Chat Café
The Chat Café is a welcoming and inclusive space for women, participants are welcome to bring their children. For new and settled migrants, Chat Cafe is an informal opportunity to improve English conversation skills. There will be a range of free activities as well as coffee, tea, and snacks every week. The group is open to women living in Muirhouse, Wester Drylaw, West Pilton, Granton, Royston and Wardieburn and meets on Mondays from 10 am – 11.30 am at
73 Boswall Parkway
EH5 2PL
For more information contact
0131 551 1671
Women’s Collective
A weekly social group run by SPACE and Broomhouse Hub for BAME women offering peer support and information. The group runs on Wednesdays from 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm. A1-1 support service is also available on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
07749496011
Health In Mind Wellbeing Toolkit
This 6-week 4 session wellbeing course is run by Health in Mind are suitable for anyone from minority ethnic communities who would like some help and peer support to manage their mental health and wellbeing. A variety of self-help techniques and broader topics related to general mental well-being are covered. Sessions offer a space for people to learn and practise tools and strategies for staying well.
For more information and dates visit the Health in Mind website,
complete an enquiry at Enquiry form or call
0131 225 8508
Ubuntu Connections - Passion4Fusion
Employability support for immigrants and parents with chronic health issues. Assistance with preparing for job interviews, family support, income maximisation support, aftercare support when you start your new job, opportunities that understand chronic illness, and onward referral to other support agencies. Bus fares can be provided if required.
For more information email
Justine.ehimen@passion4fusion.com
Men's Mental Health- Passion4Fusion
A safe culturally appropriate support group for African men in Edinburgh. Men can gain support from peers while enjoying sports, games and outdoor activities and exploring ways to improve their health and wellbeing.
For more information email
isaac.akhadelor@passion4fusion.com
Huruma Project-Passion4Fusion
Passion4Fusion provides culturally sensitive support to Africans with underlying health issues and concerns such as mental health, Hepatitis B, HIV, poor sexual health, cancer and diabetes. Support can be given to help individuals access services and develop the tools necessary to manage their long-term health conditions.
For more information email
MECOPP
Support for Black and Minority Ethnic carers who reside within Edinburgh and the Lothians and provide care for an adult or adults aged 16+.Multilingual advice and information (English, Urdu, Punjabi, Bengali, Hindi, Nepali, Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin), advocacy and casework support, education and training opportunities, recreational, social and therapeutic activities, healthy living programmes. Support can also be provided to carers to access health and social work services, housing and accommodation and welfare benefits.
Maritime House,
8 The Shore,
EH6 6QN
0131 467 2994
Minority Ethnic Health Inclusion Service (MEHIS)
The Minority Ethnic Health Inclusion Service is part of NHS Lothian and aims to improve the quality of and access to Primary Health Care services by the Black/Minority ethnic and refugee communities across Lothian. The service can provide free confidential advice and information. Link workers speak a variety of languages and can help individuals access health care services and provide advocacy where needed.
For more information contact
- Bangladeshi Linkworker: 0131 536 9543 / 07771 504 802;
- Chinese Linkworker: 0131 536 9547 / 07771 504 668
- Pakistani/Indian Linkworker: 0131 536 9542 / 07825 681 884
For more information contact
0131 536 9544.