About Forth Valley Welcome
Forth Valley Welcome began in Stirling as Stirling Citizens for Sanctuary, formed in response to the global refugee crisis. From the start, we’ve supported Syrian and other refugees resettled in Stirlingshire and Clackmannanshire, working closely with local and national refugee support networks across the Forth Valley.
In April 2018, we changed our name to Forth Valley Welcome to better reflect the geographical area we serve. While our name changed; our mission, constitution, and charity registration remain exactly the same.
Background
The United Nations has identified over 300,000 vulnerable refugees—survivors of torture, violence, and those in urgent need of medical care—displaced by war in Syria and Iraq who require resettlement in safe countries.
At a public hustings in Stirling’s Albert Halls on 24th April 2015, all five parliamentary candidates—across political parties—voiced support for resettling Syrian refugees in Stirling, using available funding from the UK Government and the EU.
What We Do
At Forth Valley Welcome, our goal is to help New Scots (refugees and asylum seekers) settle into their new lives and communities with confidence and dignity.
We do this by:
Providing essential items like household appliances, clothing, and toys to help families feel at home.
Offering Home Visitors to assist with day-to-day needs—whether it’s booking appointments, learning how to use public transport, or simply offering a friendly face.
Supporting English language development, with volunteers—many of whom have ESOL teaching experience—providing tailored help.
Organising community-building events such as Conversation Cafés, Snack & Chats, and Walk & Talks, where New Scots can practise English and build friendships.
Coordinating family-friendly activities during school holidays to support integration and well-being.
- Offering employability support; whether it’s through networking opportunities, skills workshops or one-to-one sessions.
Our work is powered by volunteers, local partnerships, and the generosity of the community. Together, we aim to offer not just shelter, but a true sense of welcome.
The Timeline of Forth Valley Welcome
We formed in June 2015, originally as Stirling Citizens for Sanctuary, in response to the growing refugee crisis. Since then, our work has expanded to support refugees from a number of countries, including Syria, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Sudan, and Ukraine.
Our focus is on welcoming asylum seekers and vulnerable refugees, as defined by the UNHCR, which includes people at risk due to conflict, health needs, or trauma. This is distinct from the broader migration crisis seen in areas like Calais.
Initially focused on welcoming Syrian refugees under the UK Government’s resettlement scheme, we recognised that the Forth Valley community had both the capacity and compassion to offer a new beginning. Today, our work spans a wide range of support for refugees and asylum seekers from multiple backgrounds.
2015
June – Stirling Citizens for Sanctuary is formed.
2016
February – The first two families arrive in Stirling via the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme.
April – We start operating in Clackmannanshire.
November – We recruit our first staff member of staff!
2018
April – We change our name. Stirling Citizens for Sanctuary becomes Forth Valley Welcome.
June – Our second member of staff comes on board – Clacks Support Work.
December – The first families arrive via the Vulnerable Children’s Programme.
2020
We move online! (Temporarily) – COVID-19 hits and we have to become more creative about our support delivery. We run online sessions and a mobile library for kids!
June – We are awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
2021
July- The first Afghan families arrive through the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme.
November – Our third member of staff joins the team – our admin and finance officer!
2022
April – The first Ukrainian families arrive.
May – As we grow, we bring on more staff. Our team grows from three part-time members of staff to five!
2023
July – Our team expands again, this time with an Employability Advisor & HR Admin as we offer more services.
2024
June – We hold our first Refugee Week event at the Tolbooth, inviting members of the public to come and learn more about the languages and the cultures of people we support.
October – As our employability services expand, so does our team with the welcome addition of our new Employability Assistant.
