As we reflect on 2025, we’re filled with pride and gratitude for everything that has been achieved together at Forth Valley Welcome. This year has been marked by meaningful recognition of our work, the dedication of our volunteers, and the generosity of so many supporters who continue to stand alongside refugees and people seeking asylum across our communities.
From award acknowledgements and inspiring volunteer stories, to creative events, family days and community celebrations, we’ve seen the power of connection, creativity and kindness in action. We’ve also been heartened by the incredible support shown through fundraising concerts, donations, and opportunities to raise awareness in schools, universities, libraries and the media.
None of this would be possible without our volunteers, partners, performers, donors and supporters – and, most importantly, the communities who continue to welcome new neighbours with compassion and solidarity. We’re delighted to share some highlights from the year and to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey in 2025.
Awards in 2025
2025 has been a year of recognition that we are incredibly grateful for. We were honoured to receive two awards celebrating the work of Forth Valley Welcome in supporting refugees across our region. MP Chris Kane presented us with a Stirling & Strathallan Superstars certificate, and we were also deeply touched to receive a certificate from the Ukrainian Community in Stirling, recognising our exceptional support to the Ukrainian community. Having our work acknowledged in this way truly meant a great deal to us.
We were also delighted to see one of our fantastic volunteers, Douglas, nominated for Clackmannanshire’s Community Champion of the Year – a well-deserved recognition of his dedication and commitment.
Finally, we said a fond farewell to our long-standing volunteer Hugh, who stepped down after almost ten years with us. To mark his send-off, we presented him with a very fitting “World Saver” mug! Although Hugh is no longer officially volunteering, he continues to support Forth Valley Welcome every step of the way, and we are immensely grateful for all he has done.
Events and Outings in 2025
Throughout 2025, we’ve been busy hosting a range of events designed to bring people together and offer some fun, light-hearted moments for individuals and families alike. One highlight was a Photography Workshop led by the brilliant Jade Scott, where participants developed new skills and went on to showcase their work in our photography exhibition at the Tolbooth Stirling, held in partnership with the Stirling Photography Festival.
Over the summer, we also enjoyed our much-loved trips to Briarlands. These days out gave families the chance to relax and connect over picnics, while children made the most of the play areas and enjoyed meeting the guinea pigs. It’s always a joyful family day and a firm favourite year after year.
We continued our popular ‘Snack and Chats’ too – this year reimagined as lively parties to better reflect the fun atmosphere. With face painting by Kateryna, a traditional Ukrainian painting workshop led by Nataliia, bouncy castles, arts and crafts, games and more, there was truly something for everyone to enjoy.
Employability Team Update
On 8 December, we held an in-person Employability Team Meeting in Stirling. After a short update on key highlights and Year 2 statistics, we shared recent case studies, discussed challenges and small wins, and looked ahead to next steps and plans for 2026.
Thanks to the support of our small but dedicated team during Year 2 of the Employability Support Programme, we were able to:
- Run Employability Monday group workshops over ten weeks
- Deliver an employer information session with NHS Forth Valley
- Host a Photography Workshop, a Self-Employment information session and pilot our first Refugee Career Fair
- Take part in the MeCCSA 2025 Conference in Edinburgh
- Deliver a guest lecture at Edinburgh Napier University on Intercultural Communication for the Global Workplace
Through 1-to-1 support, workshops and information sessions, we helped 50 service users, including 29 individual employability consultations.
Year 2 outcomes:
- 16 people secured employment
- 5 became self-employed
- 4 started full-time study in college or university
- 5 began volunteering
Fundraising Events in 2025
We are incredibly thankful to everyone who supported us through music and performance this year. A huge thank you goes to the Doune Carol Singing Group for their very generous donation of £117.76, which was wonderfully matched by an anonymous donor.
We were also delighted to receive £800 raised at a charity concert featuring Ukrainian pianist Anna Bogatyryova and soprano Jennifer Craig, and an incredible £900 from a concert at St Blane’s organised by our patron, award-winning classical guitarist Ayman Jajour.
In addition, a concert at Holy Trinity Church in Stirling by singers Carole Wyatt and Adrienne Pyne raised £126 in support of our work.
We are deeply grateful to all of the performers and organisers who gave their time and talent to raise funds for Forth Valley Welcome. Your generosity makes a real difference.
Community Engagement in 2025
We’ve made a concerted effort to spread the word about the people we support and our work in 2025. This includes making appearances at universities, schools, libraries and even radio shows! We are so grateful to all of the wonderful groups that have platformed us so that we can raise awareness about what refugees and asylum seekers face.
