It has been a busy autumn here at Edinburgh Refugee Support Circle.

At the start of September a fun outing was arranged to the Falkirk Wheel. The family really enjoyed the lift and boat trip. The young woman restarted college again after the summer break. She has recently joined a ladies football team, providing fitness and also social connection. Plans are afoot to start driving lessons and surfing in the next few months.

In October, the family went on a day trip to Dunkeld, taking in the Black Linn waterfall. It was a nice dry day and the family enjoyed walking in the countryside and seeing the autumnal colours in the trees. Plans are afoot for a shopping trip to Glasgow next month.  The young woman continues to enjoy participating in the women’s social football team each week and has recently started swimming lessons. She also plans to sit her driving theory test in the near future.

During November, the young woman had a lovely afternoon in Glasgow. After visiting one of her favourite grocery shops, she introduced the group to the traditional Middle Eastern sweet Kunafa. They then walked through Glasgow City Centre, from Buchanan Galleries to the Winter Wonderland, taking in the atmosphere and enjoying all the Christmas lights. Later in the month, she tried indoor bouldering for the first time with Refugees Rock and had a lot of fun. It was a very diverse group of New Scots, and even the American instructor spoke Arabic!

Separately, ERSC has submitted an application and are planning to welcome a third family early in the new year.