The aim of the community integration fund is to support local organisations to promote and include Falkirk New Scots within their existing activities between February 2025 to January 2026.
The term 'New Scots' includes people who have been granted refugee status or another form of humanitarian protection, and their dependents; people seeking asylum and people seeking protection as a result of displacement, exploitation or political persecution; as well as those whose application for asylum has been refused, but who remain in Scotland. It also includes people who are or may become stateless and in need of international protection.
Why is it important that we support Falkirk New Scots to integrate into our communities?
Community members play a key role by building empathy and understanding for the experiences of New Scots, promoting social cohesion, and addressing issues like discrimination. By breaking down these barriers, Falkirk can create a more welcoming environment where newcomers can thrive and contribute to society.
Who is the funding intended to reach?
The funding should target the following priority groups who are our New Scots in our communities.
For clarification New Scots can be;
- Resettled Refugees through the Home Office resettlement Scheme
- Asylum seekers – Those in dispersal or contingency accommodation through the Home Office
- Refugees who have been granted leave to remain following an asylum application
- Displaced persons who are seeking refuge in the UK, e.g. Ukraine displaced persons
Our fund wholly focuses on supporting New Scots to integrate to their local communities and the sustainability of any activities that you intend to deliver. This may be in a variety of ways and a variety of benefits, but we are keen to hear activities that focus on the following key areas. Please note that you can tick multiple boxes
- Improving English
- Learn about local community
- Cultural
- Build relationships and intercultural bonds
- Pathways to employment
- Building and breaking down barriers for intercultural communities
- Improving health and mental wellbeing
- Sustainability
What are some of the barriers for New Scot integrating into our communities?
1. Lack of Public Understanding and Awareness
- Cultural Stereotypes and Misconceptions: There can be a lack of awareness about the diverse cultural backgrounds that New Scots bring with them. Misunderstandings, stereotypes, and sometimes even prejudice can hinder integration and create a sense of alienation for newcomers. In some cases, the general public may lack knowledge about the reasons behind immigration or the specific needs of immigrant groups.
- Community Awareness: The broader community may not fully understand the struggles that New Scots face, such as trauma from displacement or the challenges of resettlement. This lack of understanding can impact on everyday interactions that promote integration.
2. Cultural Needs (e.g., Halal Food, Religious Practices)
- Food and Dietary Restrictions: Many New Scots come from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds where specific food requirements, such as Halal, Kosher, or vegetarian diets, are essential. Access to food that meets these dietary needs can be a significant barrier in smaller or less diverse communities.
- Religious and Cultural Practices: New Scots may require spaces for religious worship, prayer, or cultural events (such as festivals or ceremonies). In many areas, these resources may be scarce or unavailable, making it harder for individuals to practice their faith or maintain cultural ties. The lack of culturally relevant services can lead to a sense of isolation.
3. Access and Funding for Transport
- Limited Transport Options: Many New Scots, have low incomes, may not have access to personal transportation. Public transport options may be limited, especially in rural areas, making it harder to access community activities.
4. Language Barriers
- Communication Challenges: Language is one of the most common barriers to integration. Many New Scots may not speak English fluently, and even those who do may struggle with specific vocabulary or regional dialects. Language barriers can make it difficult to access essential services, find employment, and build relationships with locals.
- Language Support Services: While some communities provide free language classes and interpretation services, these are often insufficient or difficult to access, particularly in smaller towns. Additionally, language is a key factor in employment opportunities, and without the ability to communicate effectively, many immigrants are excluded from the job market.
5. Grief and Isolation
- Trauma and Loss: Many New Scots, especially refugees, have experienced significant trauma, such as violence, war, or displacement. The grief from losing family members, friends, and homes can be profound, and the stress of adjusting to a new life in a foreign country can exacerbate these feelings.
- Social Isolation: The combination of language barriers, lack of community support, and cultural differences can lead to profound isolation. New Scots may feel disconnected from the larger society and struggle to form meaningful relationships or support networks. Isolation can also worsen mental health challenges like depression or anxiety.
- Separation from Family: Many New Scots experience ongoing stress due to the separation from loved ones who are still in their home countries. Limited access to communication or the inability to reunite with family members can add to the emotional strain and sense of displacement.
Funding Criteria
- Funding will be available for project costs up to £20,000 for new or existing projects
- To qualify, a minimum of 25 sessions of activities is required and at least 25% of attendees must be Falkirk New Scots
- At least once in the period allow Falkirk Council to attend and observe your activity
Groups who can apply for the Resettlement Fund include:
- Constituted groups or clubs
- Registered charities
- Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisations (SCIO's)
- Not for profit companies
- Community Interest companies (CIC's) with no private benefit.
Private businesses and individuals are not eligible to apply. While faith-based organisations may apply, we cannot fund the practice of religion, or any activities that actively promote religion or belief systems. We cannot fund activities that are exclusive to only those who practice that religion.
We believe that communities know what's best for themselves – and what they need to improve the quality of life for residents where they live. The Resettlement fund wants to capture that local ambition and aspiration. The Resettlement fund encourages local people to become involved in delivering activities and social infrastructure that are important to them.
If your funding is successful, during the term of the funding, Falkirk Council will be able to support and assist you with any hurdles, barriers and guidance you may need.
Applications must be submitted by 17 January.
If you need any guidance or support to complete your application, then please contact refugeeresettlement@falkirk.gov.uk
The panel will review applications until Friday 17 January. Outcomes will be communicated, and payments processed starting from Monday 3 of February. This timeline allows your groups sufficient time to organise and promote your activities, with funding expected to reach you before the end of January 2025.
Fair Work First
Moving forward, all organisations receiving public sector grant funding must comply with the Scottish Government's Fair Work First Guidance. This will apply to organisations receiving funding through the Falkirk Council Resettlement Fund.
Please review the guidance and confirm if your organisation is compliant with the following:
- Payment of at least the real Living Wage
- Appropriate channels for effective workers' voice
- The PVG scheme
- If you do not currently meet this, then you can request an exemption. If you are not compliant, then please confirm this and tell us the reasons why an exemption should be granted (for example, you are working towards compliance, or the size of your organisation is such that at present you are unable to comply).
How will you sustain your project after funding ends?
We are hopeful that Falkirk New Scots will continue to benefit from this funding activity beyond its funding term. This means that projects need to think as part of their activity what the future for the integration of New Scots will look like. Sustainability is one of the key outcomes that we want to see groups being able to achieve and support.
Receipts and End of Award Report
Receipts must be provided on request for any significant items of expense which funding has been requested for. By applying for and accepting this funding, you are acknowledging that you understand this and will provide this information at our request.
It is a criterion of grant funding that an End of Award report is submitted. At the end of the Years funding, you will be asked to submit your report.
The report must include,
- Number of New Scots who participated and sustained participation in your activities
- What went well and what could have been improved?
- What barriers did you successfully remove?
- Have any Falkirk New Scots joined your committee?
- Have many Falkirk New Scots have taken up membership with your group?
- What activities did you do?
- What is next for your project/activity – how have you managed to facilitate further participation with your organisation for Falkirk New Scots?
Failure to provide information may have a detrimental impact on any future funding applications.
If you are unable to illustrate how the funding has been delivered or have been unable to deliver the project that you have received funding for then Falkirk Council retains the right to reclaim the funds or part funding from your organisation.
How does the programme work?
- When the programme is open for applications, download and complete an application form.
- Email the completed application form and accompanying documents to refugeeresettlement@falkirk.gov.uk.
- Council officers and the Advisory Panel review all applications for eligibility.
- You will be informed of the outcome of this and whether your project is eligible.
- Groups should not spend any Resettlement Funding allocation until they receive an awards letter, and the signed award letter has been received by the Resettlement team and you have been advised to proceed.
How to apply
Complete the online form below:
- Downloads
-
Intergration Plan Grant Funding
DOCX file, 29.4 KB
Please get in touch with the Resettlement team if you need help with it or experience any problems. refugeeresettlement@falkirk.gov.uk