Fostering Friendship and Connection Across Aberdeen
Integration is not simply about learning a language or finding housing; it is about building a sense of belonging within a new community. At Asylum & Refugee Care (AARC) SCIO, we believe that integration is a dynamic, two-way process that enriches both new arrivals and the wider North-East Scotland community.
Aberdeen has a rich history of welcoming individuals from around the world. Through innovative community projects, cultural exchange events, and local partnerships, AARC creates opportunities for meaningful connections that bridge cultural divides and challenge stereotypes.
Key Pillars of Our Integration Work
1. Cultural Exchange & Shared Meals
Food and culture have a unique ability to bring people together. AARC regularly hosts community potlucks, cultural celebration days, and international cookery sessions where service users prepare traditional dishes from their homelands—such as Syria, Sudan, Eritrea, Ukraine, and Afghanistan—and share them with local residents and volunteers.
2. Sports and Recreation Initiatives
Physical activity provides an accessible venue for building friendships without language constraints. Partnering with local Aberdeen sports clubs, community centres, and universities, AARC facilitates access to football games, swimming sessions, and fitness groups for refugees and asylum seekers.
3. Connecting with Local Schools and Youth Groups
Children adapt rapidly, but families often need support connecting with local educational institutions. AARC assists parents with school registration paperwork, uniform procurement, and communication with teachers, ensuring refugee children thrive in Scottish classrooms.
The Benefits of Two-Way Integration
When refugees are supported to actively participate in community life, the entire region benefits. Newcomers contribute valuable skills, diverse perspectives, and vibrant cultural energy to North-East Scotland. Local residents gain broader global understanding, lasting friendships, and a stronger sense of shared civic pride.
"Aberdeen welcomed me when I had lost everything. Today, through AARC, I am able to give back by volunteering and sharing my culture with my Scottish neighbors. Aberdeen is now my home." — Farhad, AARC Volunteer & Former Service User
Get Involved: Build Bridges in Your Neighborhood
Community integration begins with small acts of kindness—a warm smile, a cup of tea, or an invitation to join a local group. If you would like to support integration initiatives in Aberdeen or get your business or community group involved with AARC, visit our Contact Page to get in touch with our outreach team.