Asylum & Refugee Care SCIO — supporting refugees and people seeking asylum in North-East Scotland
AARC was founded in 2022 by a group of dedicated volunteers in Aberdeen who recognised a growing crisis: people seeking asylum were arriving in the city with nothing, facing extreme poverty and isolation, with little to no support.
What began as an informal effort to provide food, clothing, and companionship quickly grew into a structured organisation. In 2023, AARC became a fully registered Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) under registration number SC052520.
We remain entirely volunteer-led and community-driven. Every person involved with AARC gives their time freely because they believe in upholding the human rights and dignity of people seeking asylum and refugees.
Nearly all new arrivals in Aberdeen arrive with only the clothes they are wearing, having spent 4-6 weeks in processing centres with only one set of clothes.
All new arrivals are entitled to no money from the Home Office for the first two months after arrival, leaving them with no means to buy food, clothes, or essentials.
After two months, the Home Office provides just £8.86 per week — far below the poverty line. AARC steps in with food, clothing, toiletries, and essential items that this amount simply cannot cover.
Many arrivals speak little or no English, making it difficult to access healthcare, legal advice, housing, or even buy food. Our ESOL and Language Café programmes address this directly.
Every person deserves to be treated with respect, compassion, and understanding, regardless of their immigration status or background.
We build connections, friendships, and a sense of belonging. No one should face the asylum process alone.
From food and clothing to legal signposting and healthcare access, we meet urgent material needs first.