Our Services
Below you can find information about the core services that AARC currently provides.
Unaccompanied Minors
Did you know that unaccompanied minors arriving in the UK without ID can be assigned an arbitrary Date of Birth by Home Office officials upon entry? This often results in AARC supporting vulnerable children - some as young as 15 - who have been placed in adult asylum accommodation, with no support or protection.
We work to identify these young people and provide them with support to challenge these decisions by raising Age Disputes, guiding them through the Local Authority assessment process. In the vast majority of our referrals, the Local Authority recognises the person we have referred is a minor and provides them with the vital support they need. Read more about this important work here.
Meet & Greet
We strive to meet every new arrival within 24 hours of their arrival in Aberdeen, where most arrive in nothing more than the tracksuit provided by the Home Office - far from ideal, considering Aberdeen is statistically the coldest city in the UK!
To make their first few days easier, we provide a basic care pack with essential toiletries, some food, and helpful information in their own language. After conducting a needs assessment and gathering their clothing and shoe sizes, we distribute the necessary items from our stock to ensure they have what they need.
We also personally guide each new arrival on how to find the AARC Hub from their accommodation, where they can learn about all the services and support we provide, helping them feel welcomed and supported from the moment they arrive.
Social Groups & Classes
We offer a variety of social groups designed to help new arrivals and those living in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire for an uncertain length of time. These groups provide a welcoming space for people to build friendships, become part of the local community, and learn more about Scotland, including its language, laws, customs, and cultural norms.
Examples include:
Language Café - a relaxed, informal setting where participants practice English with native speakers over coffee, making learning fun and interactive.
Cultural Exchange Events - opportunities for new arrivals to share their own traditions and learn about Scottish culture through food, music, and storytelling.
Community Connections Group - a support network where individuals can meet locals, exchange experiences, and engage in discussions about life in the UK.
Additionally, we offer structured classes such as English for Speakers of Other Languages (“ESOL”) to help participants develop essential language skills for daily life and integration.
Volunteering
We offer a variety of exciting Volunteering Opportunities that connect our service users with the local community. Volunteering not only helps them regain a sense of purpose, but also fosters meaningful friendships, creates strong community ties, and supports their journey toward integration and citizenship as New Scots.
From gardening projects that brighten local spaces, to helping charities like ours by collecting, sorting, and processing donations, these opportunities empower individuals to contribute, learn new skills, and become an active part of Scottish life. Each role brings a chance to make a difference while building a brighter future together.
