The No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) condition does not affect your employment rights; your rights as a worker are the same as those of a UK national. The Equality Act 2010 protects employees against discrimination regardless of their immigration status. If you believe that you are being discriminated against the basis of a protected characteristic then you should contact the Grampian Regional Equality Council (GREC).
Although your rights when in employment are guaranteed, you will not be eligible for the same support as many of your peers. The NRPF condition blocks access to most mainstream benefits, such as Universal Credit and Child Benefit. This leaves individuals and families at a higher risk of in-work poverty.
Certain visas limit or completely bar individuals from working in the UK. If you are unsure whether you have the right to work in the UK it is advised you contact an immigration solicitor.
To learn more about the relationship between NRPF, finances and employment please view our ‘NRPF and Employment‘ page.
See below for a variety of resources that may help you with your journey to financial and employment support.
The Asylum and Refugee Coalition (AARC) provides essential services, including legal assistance, housing guidance, access to healthcare, and educational resources, to support refugees and people seeking asylum in rebuilding stable lives and combat dis/misinformation
AARC also offer a variety of Volunteering Opportunities that help connect service users with the local community.
You can reach them in the following ways:
Aberdeen Citadel is a Christian group dedicated to meeting the needs of the Aberdeen Community.
They run a community hub on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:30 to 13:30, with soup and snacks available. Although donations are not required, the group suggests a minimum donation of 50p per person.
The community hub is based at 28 Castle Street.
You can reach them in the following ways:
Aberdeen Citizen Advice Bureau (CAB) provides free, confidential, impartial and independent information on immigration matters.
They can potentially support in matters related to E-visas, EUSS and pathways to ILR and citizenship
You can reach them in the following ways:
The Domestic Abuse Team is a voluntary service which provides short to medium term support and advice to victims of domestic abuse to help them address the effects the behaviour of their partner/ex-partner has had on them.
They can support individuals with safety planning to reduce risk, as well as with practical and emotional support.
You can reach them in the following ways:
This service offers free, impartial, and confidential support for Aberdeen City residents, helping you check your benefit entitlements, complete forms, challenge decisions, and address debt by exploring tailored solutions with an experienced adviser. Outreach services are also offered at various locations
You can reach them in the following ways:
The programme aims to strengthen links between GP Practice Teams and community services to support people in living well and improving their overall health and wellbeing.
Link Practitioners aim to help people connect with their community and overcome life’s challenges.
You must be 16 years old or over, and if you ask your GP, they can refer you. We have added a link to the referral form used at Old Aberdeen Medical Practice as an example.
Aberdeen North Foodbank provides emergency three-day food parcels to individuals in need across the area; you must first obtain a voucher from a referral agency.
When you visit a foodbank centre, you will be welcomed by volunteers who prepare a parcel tailored to any dietary requirements, offer a warm drink, and provide practical guidance on other local services. In exceptional circumstances, a delivery service is available within Aberdeen city on Wednesdays.
You can reach them in the following ways:
Aberdeen North Parish Church hosts a Chat’n’Snack session where individuals can enjoy snacks and hot drinks, play games and make friends.
Sessions are every Wednesday, 10:00 – 14:00, hosted at James Tyrrell Centre on Greenfern Road.
You can reach them in the following ways:
Aberdeen North Paris Church hosts the Coffee Pot Community Cafe, where individuals can enjoy pastries, snacks, and hot drinks on a pay-what-you-can basis.
The cafe is open on Fridays from 11:00 to 14:00 at the James Tyrrell Centre on Greenfern Road.
You can reach them in the following ways:
Aberdeen South Foodbank provides emergency three-day food parcels to individuals in need across the area; you must first obtain a voucher from a referral agency.
When you visit a foodbank centre, you will be welcomed by volunteers who prepare a parcel tailored to any dietary requirements, offer a warm drink, and provide practical guidance on other local services. In exceptional circumstances, a delivery service is available within Aberdeen city on Wednesdays.
You can reach them in the following ways:
Aberdeen Street Friends is an outreach group based in Aberdeen that provides drinks and food to anyone in need around the city centre. Their usual operating hours are 10:00 to 12:00.
They do not have a specific base from which they operate.
You can reach them in the following ways:
The Aberlour Urgent Assistance Fund provides immediate, emergency cash grants to families with children across Scotland who are suffering extreme financial hardship, helping with essential items such as food, clothing, utilities, and bedding.
The fund is particularly focused on aiding single-parent households and families facing disability-related challenges.
You can reach them in the following ways:
AberNecessities provides disadvantaged families with necessities that no child should go without.
They do not work directly with families; a professional from the NHS, Social Care, or the Education system must apply on their behalf. This webpage provides families with information on how to access support from AberNecessities, starting with a consultation with their healthcare professionals.
You can reach them in the following ways:
Abused Men In Scotland (AMIS) supports male victims of domestic abuse across Scotland. They operate a free, confidential national helpline, host a website with relevant information, and provide training services.
They also signpost to local in-person support providers across the country.
You can reach them in the following ways:
ABZ Works’s employability support is a free service for Aberdeen residents aged 16-67 who need help moving into employment, education or training. The support provided through the No One Left Behind strategy is not a public fund, but it does have clear eligibility criteria that not everyone will satisfy.
Participants are matched with a key worker who helps identify barriers and creates a personalised action plan. Support includes confidence building, CV and interview preparation, digital skills, work experience, access to training, help with travel and clothing costs for interviews, and in-work support once a job is secured.
You can reach them in the following ways:
Aberdeen City Council provides essential guidance and support for people renting a home from a private landlord in the city. This service helps tenants understand their rights and responsibilities, covering key areas such as tenancy agreements, deposit protection, repairs, dispute resolution and eviction.
The information is designed for anyone living in a private rented property, regardless of their immigration status. It can help you take the right steps if problems arise with your tenancy.
Aberdeen Priory Families service provides holistic, needs-led support for children, young people, and their families in Aberdeen. It takes a whole-family approach, working with other agencies to build resilience, promote stability, address complex issues such as antisocial behaviour, and reduce the need for statutory involvement.
You can reach them in the following ways:
The Adamson Trust is a Perthshire-based charity that funds holidays and respite breaks for disabled children aged 3-17. Its grants help cover costs for individual families or organised groups, including other charities.
The average holiday grant is between £200 and £250.
You can reach them in the following ways
Advocacy Service Aberdeen (ASA) provides an independent advocacy service for victims of domestic abuse. Clients can self-refer to a Domestic Abuse Advocate or be referred by a professional they are working with for assistance with specific issues. They are not part of the NHS, Aberdeen City Council or any other service provider.
Their service is free and confidential, and all staff and volunteers work to The Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance’s (SIAA) Principles and Standards and Code of Practice.
You can reach them in the following ways:
This guide is for any young person who has been told they are over 18, when they know they are younger. It explains what an age assessment is, your rights, and how to challenge a decision.
Written by the Youth Support Collective, a group of young people who have been through the process themselves, supported by the Refugee Council and other English third-sector partners.
You can contact the Refugee Council in the following ways
This toolkit provides guidance and templates for anyone supporting a refugee or asylum-seeking young person whose age has been disputed or deemed adult. It is designed to help practitioners understand the age assessment process and advocate effectively for the child.
The toolkit includes guidance, templates and resources all designed to assist the age assessment process. Refugee Council produced it in collaboration with several third-sector partners based in England; there may be small discrepancies for practitioners in Scotland as a result.
You can contact the Refugee Council in the following ways
Alcohol & Drugs Action provides alcohol and drug support services in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire, offering immediate, confidential advice, information, and assistance to individuals, family members, and friends.
They provide a non-judgmental drop-in service, counselling, needle exchange, and a mobile service. Support is available online, by phone, or in person at 7 Hadden Street, seven days a week. When their office is closed, they signpost to other crisis helplines.
You can reach them in the following ways:
This service is currently suspended due to demand.
Amina MWRC provides financial advocacy to support women experiencing financial crises, helping them access essential services, understand their rights, and apply for benefits or grants.
For those who meet the criteria, this service also facilitates consideration for the Amina Hardship Fund. This discretionary fund provides essentials such as food, warm clothing, and emergency accommodation. Eligibility for the fund is assessed through the financial advocacy process.
You can reach them in the following ways:
Amina is an intersectional organisation based in Glasgow that empowers and supports Muslim and BME women to create an inclusive Scotland.
They run a helpline; all calls are strictly confidential and non-judgemental, and are handled in a faith- and culturally-sensitive manner. It is free for mobile and landline calls, and the number will not appear on your phone bill.
You can reach them in the following ways:
This factsheet provides information to help local authorities in Scotland understand how the
immigration status of an EEA national will affect their entitlements and to establish what
support options may need to be considered by the local authority when a person is destitute
or at risk of homelessness.
This factsheet, created by the Asylum Support Appeals Project, updated in February 2026, explains how the Home Office, its accommodation contractors, and Migrant Help should respond when an asylum seeker experiences domestic abuse and needs safe housing and support.
The guidance applies to all survivors of domestic abuse seeking asylum.
You can reach ASAP in the following ways:
Social Security Scotland provides a prepaid card every 4 weeks to help you buy healthy foods during pregnancy and when your child is under 3.
Basic eligibility includes: being responsible for at least one child under 3, living in Scotland, and having a monthly family income below a set threshold.
When applying, tell Social Security Scotland that you have no access to public funds. You will need to provide supporting documents, which may include a Home Office letter, bank statements, or your child’s birth certificate.
You can reach Social Security Scotland in the following ways:
Phone: 0800 182 2222
Bethany Christian Trust works with individuals and local communities across Scotland to prevent homelessness.
They provide safe and secure accommodation in Torry for people at risk of or with a history of homelessness, enabling them to build the capacity to prevent further recurrence of homelessness. Anyone who is homeless or at risk of homelessness is invited to apply. Those they support also receive holistic support and, where necessary, are helped to learn independent living skills.
You can reach them in the following ways:
Bethany Christian Trust provides a warm and welcoming space at 10 Urquhart Road for all to enjoy lunch, the company of others and assistance for external agencies like the NHS and Alcohol Drug Action
The Toastie Club is held every Wednesday from 11:30
You can reach them in the following ways:
Breathing Space is a free, confidential listening and mental health support service for anyone in Scotland aged 16 and over, providing a place to talk when thoughts and feelings become overwhelming.
It offers support via a freephone helpline and webchat, available evenings and nights when many other services are closed, providing crucial out-of-hours support.
You can reach them in the following ways:
This service offers two key strands of free, practical financial support delivered in association with the national award-winning charity, Christians Against Poverty (CAP). Debt Help provides caring, practical support to individuals struggling with unmanageable debt and bills, including in-home appointments and referrals to additional resources, such as food banks.
The CAP Money Course is an upcoming free budgeting program that equips people with essential money-management skills and a simple, cash-based budgeting system to help them gain control of their finances.
You can reach them in the following ways
The Open Doors service provides a welcoming, structured space for individuals and families who are marginalised, disadvantaged, or excluded, helping them access support and opportunities.
Each guest undergoes a needs assessment with a volunteer, who then helps them identify and connect with relevant support services within the church and from external statutory and third-sector organisations; the service also invites external agencies to attend sessions. Drop-in sessions are run across Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire.
You can reach them in the following ways:
Storehouse Community Pantries provide emergency food, toiletries, clothing, and essential household items to hundreds of people in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire; no referral is needed.
Through a network of fixed and mobile locations, the service aims to support those in need with warmth and discretion, at various times throughout the week across the region.
You can reach them in the following ways
CFINE improves health and well-being and the environment, tackles poverty, and builds resilience through a range of support and services for and with disadvantaged, vulnerable, and low-income individuals, families, and communities in North East Scotland.
If you are running low on food and essential items due to financial constraints or other pressures, you can visit the food bank, open every weekday from 10:00-15:00 at 2-4 Poynernook Road, AB11 5RW. See the CFine Emergency Food Page for more details
You can reach them in the following ways:
This website serves as a comprehensive resource on housing rights in Scotland for both new arrivals and the professionals who support them. For migrants, refugees, and recent arrivals, it provides clear, accessible guidance tailored to specific immigration statuses to help navigate housing options.
For housing advisers and support workers, it acts as a detailed reference tool, offering structured information on housing and housing rights across various migrant categories.
In September 2023, they produced a detailed briefing on hotel evictions, which is attached above.
Children First’s Supportline offers emotional, practical, and financial help to parents, carers, and families across Scotland. Whether you are concerned about family finances, child development, behaviour, mental health, or need a friendly voice, their team is available to listen and support you.
The service also provides specialist support for kinship families. If you have concerns about a child’s well-being, the Supportline can advise you on what to do.
You can reach them in the following ways:
The Civil Legal Assistance Office (CLAO) is an organisation that provides free legal advice and representation to people with civil matters, including housing, debt, child welfare, and family law, with a focus on vulnerable individuals.
In Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, they may be able to assist with cases involving housing and homelessness; specific debt, money, or welfare benefits issues requiring solicitor casework; child protection and children’s hearings; and some family law matters.
You can reach them in the following ways:
Community Outreach Group provides support to homeless and vulnerable people in the City of Aberdeen. They are based at 56 King Street
They provide meals and essentials to homeless and vulnerable people in Aberdeen on Wednesday and Sunday evenings.
You can reach them in the following ways:
This guide from the Coram Children’s Legal Centre (CCLC) provides essential information for individuals who need to appeal against an asylum or immigration decision but do not have legal representation. This resource was published in April 2024.
Coram CLC strongly recommends seeking professional legal advice and notes that this information is not a substitute for specific legal advice about your case.
You can reach Coram CLC in the following ways:
Crown Terrace Baptist Church hosts a Pop-up Café offering hot drinks and home-baked goods free of charge.
Sessions are held every Tuesday and Friday from 11:00 to 14:00 in the Church Vestibule at 1 Crown Terrace.
You can reach them in the following ways:
This hub offers Aberdeen adults (18+) direct support with digital skills, financial awareness, and wellbeing. Services include building basic IT confidence and assisting with navigating banking, job searches, and essential services. Help with budgeting and online safety is provided.
Access is via one-to-one appointments, digital drop-ins, or small group sessions; no referral is required. Individuals can also apply using the referral form.
You can reach them in the following ways:
EVAA offers support for women experiencing gender based abuse, including physical, emotional, financial or sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, human trafficking and coercive control, and support for women, men and families (or people) experiencing domestic abuse.
EVAA provides immediate safety and housing support, emotional and psychological care, practical advocacy (including hate-crime reporting), and long-term recovery support.
You can reach them in the following ways:
Doctors of the World is the UK chapter of the global Médecins du Monde network. Their advice line provides free, confidential support to anyone in the UK facing barriers to NHS care, regardless of their immigration status.
Individuals can call the advice line for help with a range of healthcare access issues, including GP registration, being refused hospital treatment, and accessing maternity services or abortion care.
Their non-clinical caseworkers also help people understand their rights and challenge denials of care based on immigration status.
You can reach them in the following ways:
DIsabled Persons Housing Service Aberdeen (DPHS) is a local charity offering housing options, advice, information, and advocacy to disabled people, their families, and carers.
You can reach them in the following ways:
A Strategy to Improve Support for People with No Recourse to Public Funds Living in Scotland 2021-2024
The strategy will initially run for three years and will be delivered as a partnership between the Scottish Government and COSLA
The Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) is a helpline providing advice and assistance on issues relating to equality and human rights under the Equality Act 2010 across England, Scotland, and Wales. They support individuals in resolving disputes through informal methods, such as writing to service providers on a client’s behalf, and advise on rights relating to discrimination, disability adjustments, pregnancy, and more. The helpline does not provide formal legal advice.
You can reach them in the following ways:
The Ethnic Minority Law Centre (EMLC) provides advice and representation on immigration and asylum matters. They are involved from initial applications through appeals and reconsiderations at the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal and the Court of Session.
You can reach them in the following ways:
The Family Fund provides a wide range of grants to low-income families living in Scotland who are raising a disabled or seriously ill child or young adult. This includes grants for essential items and also has a specific scheme for sensory toys and equipment, delivered through their partner organisation, Learning SPACE.
For detailed information, the full application process, and income thresholds, you will need to explore the main Family Fund website further from this page.
You can reach them in the following ways:
FGM Aware is a project from the Women’s Support Project, based in Glasgow, providing resources and information to help tackle female genital mutilation in Scotland.
The Women’s Support Project works across Scotland to raise awareness of the root causes and impact of male violence, supports multiagency approaches, and addresses links between different forms of violence and abuse.
You can contact them in the following ways:
The Law Society of Scotland’s “Find a Solicitor” tool helps you locate a qualified solicitor in Scotland. You can search by location, area of law (such as immigration or family law), or by the name of a firm or individual solicitor.
All solicitors listed are regulated by the Law Society of Scotland, meaning they must meet professional standards and carry appropriate insurance. If you are seeking immigration advice, using a regulated solicitor ensures you are protected by legal professional rules and confidentiality.
Advicelocal helps you find free, independent advice organisations across the UK based on your postcode. The service is designed to connect you with local support for a wide range of issues, including asylum and immigration.
The tool will then provide links to tailored information and advice organisations in your area that can help with your specific situation.
Food Poverty Action Aberdeen publishes a guide to support services available in Aberdeen for emergency and hot food, financial and advice services, mental health and wellbeing, housing and homelessness, and support for families with children.
This includes an interactive map which plots available support services. This resource is hosted by CFINE.
You can reach them in the following ways:
Fountain of Love is a faith-based organisation which supports people from all nations in Aberdeen and the surrounding areas.
Services include a befriending service to reduce loneliness and social isolation; job clubs to support people into work and improve mental health; support for those who have experienced the criminal justice system; health talks for African men and women; support for homeless people; and work with young people.
You can reach them in the following ways:
Four Pillars is a Grampian-based organisation that supports and builds community for LGBT+ individuals. Its work is structured around three key pillars: supporting individuals through drop-in services, one-to-one support, groups, and reporting; building community through identity work, engagement, outreach, and events; and educating others, including corporations, organisations, academics, and the wider public.
The organisation also runs a community hub, an online shop, and welcomes volunteers.
You can reach them in the following ways:
The Casework Service at the Grampian Regional Equality Council (GREC) provides free, confidential support and advice to people in Grampian who have suffered inequality or discrimination. Caseworkers provide support to understand your rights and explore options if you’ve experienced a hate crime, workplace discrimination, difficulty accessing services, or community isolation.
They can provide support, advice, advocacy, and mediation, with language support available if needed. The service is confidential, non-judgmental, and inclusive.
You can reach them in the following ways:
Grampian Women’s Aid offers a free, confidential and non-judgmental specialist service to women, children and young people in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire who have experienced domestic abuse. You can leave a telephone message at any time. They will contact you only if you authorise it and confirm it is safe to do so; your telephone number is always withheld.
You can reach them in the following ways:
GREC maintains an interactive online Aberdeen ESOL Map that visually shows all locations in the city that provide English support services, including ESOL test centres, drop-in conversation sessions, and formal English classes.
The map is developed in partnership with organisations such as Aberdeen City Council’s Adult Learning Team and local community centres, with information provided directly by service providers and updated to ensure accuracy.
GREC provides free weekly Language Café sessions on Thursdays from 11:00–15:00, usually at the Aberdeen Arts Centre to help people practice English, interact with diverse cultures, and build confidence in a relaxed environment. No booking is required to attend. We’ve attached an example of a recent poster promoting the sessions.
You can reach them and access resources in the following ways:
Guardianship Scotland is the national service providing Independent support to all unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, victims of trafficking, and children vulnerable to trafficking who arrive in Scotland. It is delivered in partnership by Aberlour and the Scottish Refugee Council on behalf of the Scottish Government.
Young people remain eligible for support until three months after they have either been granted leave to remain or have received a conclusive grounds trafficking decision and are over 18.
You can get in touch with Guardianship Scotland in the following ways:
Hemat Gryffe, a Glasgow-based Women’s Aid charity, has developed two short, accessible animated videos introducing domestic abuse and Honour-Based Abuse.
These animations explain what domestic abuse is and labour-based abuse and are free to watch on YouTube. They are available in multiple languages, including English, Urdu, Ukrainian, Russian, Punjabi, Polish, Hindi, Chinese, Bengali, Arabic, Romanian, and British Sign Language.
You can contact Hemat Gryffe in the following ways
Home Energy Scotland is a free, impartial service funded by the Scottish Government. Their advice line connects you with expert advisors who can provide practical, tailored guidance to help you create a warmer home and reduce energy bills.
The service is available to anyone living in Scotland. Advisors can help with a range of issues, including heating systems, insulation, energy tariffs, and advice on making your home more energy efficient.
You can reach the advice line in the following ways:
This document is designed to provide vital information to help asylum seekers understand life in the UK; it covers the following key areas: UK culture and law, health and welfare services and staying safe and getting support.
This guide was published on 2 October 2019,meaning some information may be outdated. It is always best to confirm details with a legal advisor or a support organisation.
It is available in: Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, English, Farsi, Kurdish, Pashto, Punjabi, Tigrinya and Urdu
Home-Start-trained volunteers work alongside parents to provide practical and emotional support to families with children aged 0-5 in Aberdeen, including those with NRPF status.
Their support includes home visits, perinatal mental health initiatives, and weekly infant play groups.
You can reach them in the following ways:
The Adviser Finder allows you to search for a regulated immigration adviser or organisation based on your location. It is illegal for an unregulated adviser to provide immigration advice or services, so this tool helps you find a trusted professional who is registered with the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA).
You can search by location and type of advice.
The Independent Food Aid Network has several ‘Worrying About Money?’ resources: guides for people facing money worries and support workers. The leaflets and their interactive, translated, poster, easy read, BSL, and audio versions identify which local agencies are best placed to help people maximise income and access any existing financial entitlements.
There are separate resources for Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray.
You can reach them in the following ways:
Instant Neighbour is a local Aberdeen charity that provides emergency food parcels to people in need. When you request help, they will carry out a brief, informal assessment of your situation and provide a food parcel containing 2-3 days of emergency provisions.
Advisers are often available on-site to offer practical assistance and can refer you to other agencies for further support.
You can reach them in the following ways:
This is a December 2025 copy of our training presentation on “No Recourse to Public Funds” (NRPF) presented to organisations and individuals in the North East. It explains the complex restrictions that prevent many non-UK nationals from accessing state benefits and provides crucial guidance on which support remains universally available.
From March 2021
JustRight Scotland is a team of expert lawyers who use the law to defend and extend people’s rights in Scotland. They provide legal services and produce relevant materials through a series of fact sheets and blog posts.
Individuals can refer for legal support if their needs fall under one of their four “legal areas,” including the Scottish Refugee & Migrant Centre.
You can reach them in the following ways
This factsheet, produced by Just Right Scotland (JRS) in 2021, outlines housing rights of EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens, and their non-EU family members.
This factsheet, produced by Just Right Scotland (JRS) in 2021, outlines the rights of EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens, and their non-EU family members, to access NHS healthcare in Scotland following Brexit.
The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI) works towards a society in which people can live safely and are treated with equal dignity and respect, regardless of where they are from or how they came to the UK.
JCWI operate a free and confidential Irregular Migrants Helpine which provides legal advice to those in the UK without status
You can reach them in the following ways:
Karma Nirvana provides support for anyone affected by Honour-Based Abuse or facing forced marriage in the UK. Their services include the national Honour Based Abuse Helpline, which offers free, confidential emotional and practical support, and a trauma-informed counselling service for survivors.
All helpline support is confidential. They offer specific guidance for individuals seeking help, professionals, and those worried about someone else.
You can reach them in the following ways:
The Mamacita Foundation offers a range of practical and social support services to individuals, families, and organisations in the Aberdeen community, with a focus on accessibility, dignity, and empowerment.
Their key services include a Pop-In & Foodbank providing essential supplies, a Free SIM Card distribution service to tackle digital exclusion, Confidential Counselling, and a New Mums’ Support Group. They also host Adult Community Learning opportunities and run a School Uniform Bank for families, all designed to help people build confidence, reduce isolation, and improve their wellbeing.
You can reach them in the following ways:
This guide provides practical information to help newcomers and students settle in Aberdeen, covering general culture, public etiquette, study culture, local dialect, and essential services.
It includes key information on school enrolment, energy support, voter registration, accommodation, opening bank accounts, transport, food banks, job searching, and accessing other vital services, such as GP registration and a National Insurance number.
You can reach Mamacita Foundation in the following ways:
Mental Health Foundation Scotland provides several types of resources to assist all with their mental health. This includes educational films, lived-experience stories, policy research, podcasts, and mental health tips. They also list other sites and support organisations that offer similar support.
Several of the resources have been translated into languages like Arabic, Farsi, Ukrainian and Urdu
You can reach them in the following ways:
Migrant Help provides free, independent, and confidential advice to asylum seekers in the UK, guiding them through the asylum process. They operate a 24/7 national helpline and offer practical support with issues such as accommodation, financial assistance, and access to healthcare, and can signpost to other essential services.
If you are contacting Migrant Help on behalf of an asylum seeker, please include a signed consent form and your own contact details.
You can reach them in the following ways:
Migrant Help provides essential information and guidance to help individuals in the UK stay safe from modern slavery and human trafficking. This includes information on how to spot exploiters, where and how to seek support and the risks of working without the right to do so.
All materials were co-produced with individuals with lived experience to ensure accuracy and relevance. The resources are available in 16 languages, including Arabic, French, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese.
You can reach them in the following ways
This is a central guide to help migrants in the UK understand and assert their rights, including a dedicated section on No Recourse to Public Funds.
The guide is available in English, Amharic, Arabic, French, Hindi, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Tigrinya, Turkish and Ukrainian
You can reach them in the following ways:
This guide, part of the Migrants’ Rights Network’s “Know Your Rights” series, provides essential information on mental health and accessing support for migrants.
The guide covers registering with a GP, what treatments might be available, and how to get help in a crisis. It also includes a self-help guide with tips and activities.
You can contact them in the following ways:
This leaflet is for people who have moved to live in Aberdeen. It provides a step-by-step guide to finding practical advice and support when money worries strike.
The leaflet is structured in three steps: first, it helps you identify what might be worrying you; second, it lists different options you might have; and third, it provides direct contact details for organisations that can help. Migration Policy Scotland produced this resource; you can reach them using their online contact form.
National Debtline is a free, confidential, and independent debt advice charity authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). It offers expert, tailored support via phone and webchat, along with a self-guided online tool, My Money Steps, available 24/7, to help individuals take control of their debts in a judgment-free environment.
You can reach them in the following ways:
The National Entitlement Card (NEC) is Scotland’s free smartcard that provides access to a range of public services. Depending on your age or circumstances, the card can function as a bus pass, library card, Young Scot card, and more.
You may be eligible if you live in Scotland. Concessionary travel is available for young people, those aged 60 and over, and disabled people.
You can apply online for a new card or a replacement, or check which services you can access.
The National FGM Centre is a partnership between Barnardo’s and the Local Government Association, working to achieve system change in services for children and families affected by female genital mutilation, breast flattening, and child abuse linked to faith or belief.
The Centre provides a range of free resources for professionals, including a harmful practices e-learning tool, lesson plans for schools, a direct work toolkit for social workers, and guidance for educational settings on safeguarding pathways and reporting concerns.
You can contact them in the following ways:
NHS Inform explains how people from outside the UK, including overseas students, workers, and tourists, can access healthcare services in Scotland. Their phone lines offer interpreters
They have three separate fact sheets in addition to the information found on the website: one for ‘People Coming to Work‘, one for ‘People Coming to Study‘ and one for ‘Holidaymakers‘
You can reach them in the following ways:
North East Sensory Services (NESS) is an independent, local charity that delivers integrated joint sensory services in Scotland, working to help blind and deaf people achieve independence.
Their support includes the provision of daily living aids, rehabilitation programs, and employability services
You can reach them in the following ways:
We’ve developed two glossaries that detail key terms used in UK immigration, asylum, and support systems.
The Beginner Glossary covers foundational terms in plain language. The Advanced Glossary includes more complex legal and procedural concepts. Both were updated in April 2026. No referral or registration is required.
Both documents can also be found on our “I don’t know where to start” page.
This interactive tool helps individuals, advisers, and local authorities understand what support may be available for families with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF). By answering a series of questions about a person’s immigration status and circumstances, you will receive tailored guidance on potential options.
The guidance generated is based on English legislation (with references to the equivalents in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland). It does not guarantee that help will be provided.
The NRPF Network hosts the tool; you can reach them in the following ways:
Email: [email protected]
One Parent Families Scotland (OPFS) is a national charity dedicated to enabling single-parent families in Scotland to achieve their potential, reach a decent standard of living, and overcome challenges like isolation, poverty, and stigma.
They provide a range of tailored, direct services, including welfare rights and money advice, family support, mental health and wellbeing support, programmes to support training, education, and employment, and services to reduce digital exclusion. Their work is informed by the lived experience of single parents.
You can reach them for advice and support in the following ways:
This free course has been designed by The Open University and HJT Training professionals, who specialise in immigration law. It is divided into 5 study sessions, each covering a specific topic relevant to immigration law and advice. It provides links to the relevant sources of law on that topic.
This course introduces UK immigration law and advice and is intended for anyone with an interest in this area. All teaching materials are delivered online and include opportunities for you to self-assess your own progress, for example, through self-test activities.
Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) is a Scottish Government initiative, led by Skills Development Scotland, that provides free, impartial advice and support to both businesses and employees facing redundancy.
It is a partnership of 24 organisations offering localised support to help individuals with the practical and emotional sides of redundancy, recognise their skills, and prepare for their next move.
You can reach them in the following ways:
Pathways from Abuse is a dedicated domestic abuse counselling service for women across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, offering 1-1 counselling to help women address the feelings and concerns arising from Abuse to improve their quality of life.
The service is delivered by a team of experienced counsellors, either face-to-face in Aberdeen City or via telephone/Skype for those unable to travel, and women do not need to have left the perpetrator to be eligible. There is typically a waiting list for support.
You can reach them in the following ways:
Pathways provides one-to-one, confidential employability support through a team of Keyworkers covering Aberdeen City. They help individuals identify job goals, develop a plan, create or update a CV, complete application forms, prepare for interviews, access funds to remove work barriers (like training or equipment), and search for job opportunities.
Support is typically delivered in a community centre or project near the client’s home.
You can reach them in the following ways:
Penumbra365 supports individuals feeling overwhelmed or in distress, worried about their mental health or looking for ways to improve their mental wellbeing. They connect you to an appropriate member of staff who can talk through your options, which may include one-to-one support, workshops, peer mentoring, and more.
The service is for anyone aged 18 or over in Aberdeen City. Individuals can self-refer by contacting Penumbra directly; contact details below.
You can reach them in the following ways:
Aberdeen FC’s Community Trust hosts a Community Hub which offers free hot meals, activities, Wi-Fi, and access to local organisations.
Sessions are held every Thursday from 12:30 to 15:30 at the Richard Donald Stand on Pittodrie Street.
You can reach them in the following ways: