New community support officer to help migrant families
Monday, June 12 2006
A community support officer is to be appointed to help migrant workers and their families settle into the Borders.
The move follows a successful bid for Scottish Executive funding by the Borders Housing Network on behalf of New Ways Foreign (Migrant) Workers Support Group, facilitated by Scottish Borders Council.
The new officer will act as a link between migrant workers and the existing community, helping them to make use of local services and facilities and build relationships with organisations who supply everyday requirements, such as health services, schools, Council departments, housing bodies, banks and building societies. The officer will also provide on-going support and guidance to migrant workers to ensure that they are aware of their rights, and encourage them to take part in community life.
Peter Lee, Chief Executive of Eildon Housing Association, explained, "The Borders is playing host to an increasing number of migrant workers, many from new European Union member states, such as Portugal, Poland and Lithuania, and other Eastern European countries such as Russia. Many of these workers come to Scotland with little or no knowledge of how our social support systems work. They may not know anyone, may have little knowledge of English and yet face the simultaneous challenges of starting work, finding somewhere to live and settling their children at school.
"It can be very difficult for them and their families. I hope that through hosting this post, Eildon, on behalf of all local housing providers, can play a role in making their experience a good one."
Scottish Borders Council's equalities & diversity champion, Councillor Sandy Scott, said, "Times are changing and we must ensure that we change with them. Migrant working is a phenomenon across Europe, migrant workers make a significant contribution to the local economy, and I am very pleased to support this initiative which should ensure that they enjoy their time here and play their part."
Andrew Lowe, Chair of the New Ways Foreign (Migrant) Workers Support Group, added, "In the Scottish Borders we value migrant workers and the contribution they make to the local economy. The new outreach worker will really help to improve the lives of many migrants coming to the Borders. He or she will also help the New Ways partnership to understand the problems facing many migrant workers as they take their first, tentative steps into life in Scotland."
In February 2005, Scottish Borders Council, with its New Ways partners, commissioned a needs assessment of migrant workers
in the Borders. The research found several areas that needed to be addressed to provide support and guidance for people arriving
from overseas to work in the area. A leaflet was produced for migrant families, giving details of local necessities such as
schools, health centres and housing.
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