Unity Sisters is a group run by women with lived experience of the immigration system, and their children. It is a safe space where women can meet, talk, learn, and help each other.
Virginie from Unity Sisters shares more about their work and impact.
“We started in 2014 with the aim of supporting women to integrate into the local community and wider Scottish society. We create a safe space where women support each other through different activities. This strengthens relationships among the women and helps to reduce isolation and loneliness and build community.”
“A problem for one Sister is a problem for all Sisters.”
“The trauma that New Scots have gone through, the uncertainty, the struggles to survive and the discrimination faced every day motivate Sisters to come together to support each other and work together to find solutions to the issues they are experiencing. A problem for one Sister is a problem for all Sisters.
Support at Unity Sisters helps women in many ways.
“Unity Sisters has made information more accessible, helping women to access services like lawyers/solicitors, interpreters, education, the NHS, visiting different parts of Scotland together and learning about the country’s history. Our links with other organisations have given the group training in leadership, management, conflict resolution, and peer advocacy. This has built their confidence, with some now leading meetings and helping others develop new skills.
“We have helped women in many ways. Many Sisters now understand how Scotland works and are learning English which helps them feel more confident and independent. Some Sisters have even gone on to get Masters and Bachelor degrees, HNDs, HNCs, and other qualifications.
The group also fights loneliness. Sisters say they now have mamas, papas, aunties, uncles, brothers, and big and small Sisters – they have built a new family. This helps women feel like Scotland is home.”
The impact of Unity Sisters is clear. Some Sisters have gained Indefinite Leave to Remain or British Citizenship, bringing hope to the group, while others have been supported through very difficult times.
“I have been successfully granted 5 years. I want to thank Unity Sisters for encouraging me, being there for me when I was stressed and the time I needed a true friend. I love the work you do and will continue to be participate and involved in supporting the other women the way I was support.” – Fala
“On behalf of my family, thank you for supporting us and visiting us every day when my brother died. My mum was talking how being beside Sisters everyday helped a lot. She wanted to end her life when my brother died but seeing Sisters bringing food, cleaning the house and comforting her and mostly understanding how she was feeling, she felt that she not only has Sisters, but she has a big family which cares for her. I wish the best for Unity Sisters and Sisters.” –Zephania
Looking ahead, Unity Sisters wants to share the power of peer support and community help across Scotland.
“We want to share good practices to help make Scotland a better place for everyone. We would like to develop new programmes for our children, if we get financial support, to further strengthen our work with New Scots children. Supporting a child is building a nation.”
With Unity Sisters, women, children, and families are not just surviving, they are thriving in their new home.
