Migrant-focused, and Migrant-led organisations have a wealth of experience and knowledge which is not always available to mainstream advice and support organisations. Training designed and delivered by migrant-facing organisations could support mainstream organisations to be more accessible and effective in supporting migrants. This kind of training could also act as a bridge, building better and more sustainable networks across mainstream and migrant-facing orgs.

In our policy laboratory a subgroup of migrant-facing and mainstream organisations worked together to review existing training and scope demand for a new offer. A short online survey was designed and distributed widely.

Results from 20 organisations spanning third and public sectors and located in different areas of Scotland showed:

• Low levels of confidence to support migrants
• An unmet need for training
• Strong interest in training with a focus on:
  • building trust with diverse communities;
  • understanding cross-cultural communication;
  • improving skills in accessible communication
• A desire for training to provide:
  • space for open discussion and reflection,
  • practical, real-life examples and case studies delivered by trainers with lived experience

We are now seeking partners and resource to take forward the design and delivery of training.

For more information or to let us know that you are interested to join us contact Rebecca@migrationpolicyscotland.org.uk

Find out more about Migration Policy Scotland research on how migrants are disproportionately affected by poverty in Scotland here.