Tag: welcome

SESH: The local hair salon that welcomes everyone – even your dog!

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In 2021 we hear lots about ‘inclusivity’. We know that it’s important that we are kind to one another and we understand that we must accept people for who they are and we celebrate individuality. But what are businesses and hair salons, actually doing to show their support and be actively inclusive? 

Leith salon owner Simon Hill feels strongly about this and has shared the approach that his salon, SESH Hairdressing, have adopted. The salon have gone above and beyond to show that really, everyone is welcome: 

At SESH Hairdressing, everyone is welcome. From the moment you enter the salon, you will be greeted warmly and welcomed by a member of the team. They will have already looked at your notes on the system and know your name as well as your preferred pronoun and any areas of sensitivity for you. This instantly puts the client at ease and reassures them that they have entered a completely friendly space. 

For guests that may be experiencing issues with hair loss, perhaps they are in the midst of a gender transition or have come into the salon wearing a head scarf for religious reasons, SESH will always offer their secluded area, away from the main salon floor. This gesture shows that the salon is conscious and supportive of your choices. 

For busy mums who are unable to arrange child care or possibly doggy care, SESH empathise completely with this. That’s why the salon is completely dog and child friendly. Making your life easier to pop in during a busy day. We all have them!

Passionate about welcoming everyone, and helping those they can, SESH Hairdressing work closely with MND Scotland, who support those suffering Motor Neurone Disease.

The salon is renowned for their annual fundraising efforts. Furthermore, the team at SESH are all trained to service those sadly suffering MND or similar illnesses in the salon. The chairs and positions are spaciously separated (before Covid required this) and the back wash area in the salon is completely comfortable with neck rests and adequate room for guests to relax. 

At SESH their goal is to welcome each guest that walks through their doors and ensure everyone feels welcome. The salon have gone to great lengths to ensure all communities are heard and included at SESH Hairdressing. 

Visit www.seshhairdressing.co.uk for more information.

Edinburgh offers shelter to people from Afghanistan

Capital will offer a haven to Afghans escaping the turmoil in their homeland

The City of Edinburgh Council has been asked to offer shelter to a number of people fleeing Afghanistan.

The capital will offer a number of places for permanent resettlement, as well as responding to the Home Office’s urgent request to accommodate a cohort of people on a temporary basis, as the security situation in Afghanistan deteriorates.

Due to the speed with which plans are being developed, details – including exact numbers and location – are still to be confirmed. Work will continue with the Home Office and partners and particularly services such as education and health to coordinate arrival and support planning.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “Nobody can fail to be shocked and appalled to witness the desperate situation unfolding in Afghanistan. As a city we stand ready to help in whatever way we can.

“We’re in contact with both the UK and Scottish Governments to develop plans for how best we and our partners can offer support and housing to as many Afghans in need as possible. Edinburgh stands ready to welcome people to ensure they are immediately safe as well as welcoming new citizens to live in our city.

“We hope to be a position to confirm the level of Edinburgh’s involvement very soon. Meanwhile we continue to work rapidly with partners in the city to ensure that support is in place for people fleeing for their lives.”

Council Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “Scotland’s Capital has a long and proud history of welcoming people escaping desperate circumstances such as this.

“Our highly skilled team has an excellent track record over the last five years, successfully welcoming, supporting and settling more than 500 new residents displaced by the Syrian civil war into our city.

“I’m sure our communities will join us in doing everything they can to support those fleeing the horrendous situation we are all seeing in Afghanistan.”

Refugee projects in Scotland awarded £2.8 million

Organisations and community groups working to support refugees in Scotland will share £2.8 million through a new grant scheme.

In total, 56 projects will receive funding to deliver initiatives designed to help New Scots settle in their adopted communities by promoting employability, education, health and social and cultural connections.

Grants awarded include:

  • £104,615 for employment and training support for refugees in the West of Scotland
  • £72,930 to help Arabic speakers in Dundee, Fife and Clackmannanshire access certification to work in the Scottish construction industry
  • £114,987 to improve mental health and reduce loneliness and social isolation of refugees and separated children in Edinburgh
  • £23,075 for English language learning (ESOL) in Midlothian that focuses specifically on preparing learners for the workplace

Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison said: “We are committed to supporting the integration of asylum seekers into our communities from day one, not just when leave to remain has been granted.

“The funding and development of these projects will support our aim to have cohesive, connected and multi-cultural communities where people can access services and be supported into employment and education.

“Scotland has a long history of welcoming asylum seekers and refugees from all over the world. In re-building their lives they help make the country stronger, more compassionate and more successful for everyone.”

This project is part funded by the EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and is part of the New Scots Refugee Integration Delivery Project. It is led by the Scottish Government in partnership with COSLA, Scottish Refugee Council and the UNESCO Chair at the University of Glasgow.

Scottish Refugee Council CEO Sabir Zazai said: “There is such a strong will in Scotland to support newcomers and make people feel welcome. Equally strong is the desire from refugee-led groups to make a contribution and use their skills and expertise to create flourishing, well integrated communities.

“This funding will build on all of this and allow groups and organisations to strengthen and deepen their work with people seeking safety in Scotland.”

COSLA’s Community Wellbeing spokesperson, Councillor Kelly Parry said: “I am thrilled so many local authorities have secured funding to implement a wide range of exciting projects aimed at enhancing refugee integration.

“From improving refugee employability to developing tailored mental health support for young asylum seekers, the projects being funded are both ambitious in their scope and innovative in their approach.”

UNESCO Chair at the University of Glasgow, Alison Phipps, said: “The New Scots policy is regarded with acclaim internationally, modelled on human rights and dignity for all.

“It is especially heartening to see refugee led projects at the forefront and to know that new and expanded work will take place across Scotland.”

Edinburgh Printmakers embracing tech to help disabled visitors

An Edinburgh-based art gallery and studio has adopted new technology to improve customer experiences for disabled visitors.

Edinburgh Printmakers, which is home to a gallery, printmaking studio and café, is one of the latest businesses to have subscribed to ‘Welcome’ by Neatebox.  The innovative platform, which was developed by former guide dog mobility instructor Gavin Neate allows users to notify venues ahead of their arrival and request additional support if needed. Continue reading Edinburgh Printmakers embracing tech to help disabled visitors

New report says despite the uncertainty of Brexit EU families feel more welcome and safer in Scotland

Despite the uncertainty of Brexit EU families feel more welcome and safer in Scotland than south of the border.

These conclusions are based on the findings of two reports launched yesterday   at the Cornerstone Centre St John’s, Edinburgh by the University of Birmingham. Continue reading New report says despite the uncertainty of Brexit EU families feel more welcome and safer in Scotland

Positively Diverse programme announced

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We have now finalised the programme for our learning event Positively Diverse on the 1 October (see below).  The event will support organisations to implement positive practices that include BME residents.

Please do BOOK your place by calling us on  0131 551 1671 or emailing admin@pchp.org.uk if you want to attend.

Programme

9.30am Arrive and coffee

10.00am Welcome

10.30am Professor Rebecca Kay, co-convenor of Glasgow refugee, asylum and migration network: ‘Living in Harmony: the benefits and joy of working with a diverse client group’

11.00am Residents tell their stories – followed by Q&A

12.15pm Lunch

1pm A Welcoming North Edinburgh – past and present

1.15pm How to make it happen – best practice from local organisations -followed by Q&A.

2.30pm What can you do next?

3.15pm Summing up

3.30pm Finish

Anita Aggarwal

Community Development Manager, Pilton Community Health Project

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