Sharing the experiences of refugees settling in Dundee

Published On Wed 25 Apr 2018 by Grant Hill

Professionals helping refugees from around the world to settle in Scotland will meet at the University of Dundee next week to discuss how they can better support families adjusting to life in their new country.

The knowledge exchange event, hosted by the University’s School of Education and Social Work, takes place at the Dalhousie Building on Wednesday 2 May and will explore how best to respond to the needs of refugees moving to the local area. The day will feature talks and workshops headed by local professional and strategic professionals, academics and international experts.

'Global Challenges: Local Solutions' has been organised in collaboration with organisations responsible for the settlement of refugees locally and will focus on their integration into the Dundee area as well as sharing national and international best practice.

Professor Ian Barron, Chair in Psycho-trauma Studies at the University, said, “While not all refugees are exposed to traumatic experiences, many face trajectories of trauma from war in their homeland, to exploitation on route to escape, to discrimination on arrival into the country of resettlement.

“Refugees also face ongoing stressors through coping with a new culture and accessing everyday services we take for granted. The main focus for the day is to listen to refugee experience and help them resettle here.”

Representatives of statutory, voluntary, and faith-based services will be in attendance. It is anticipated that the event will result in the creation of new networks and specific projects aimed at addressing the issues raised.

The University last year launched its Humanitarian Scholarship scheme for applicants who hold Refugee or Humanitarian Protection status. Worth almost £30,000, the scholarships were open to a maximum of eight postgraduate applicants.

In addition, the University offers free legal and immigration advice to stateless scholars as well as places for five local refugees, or those with Humanitarian Protection, on its pre-sessional English language course. 

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Grant Hill
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University of Dundee
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Email: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk