First Minister Nicola Sturgeon visited Scottish Refugee Council on Monday to speak to young people separated from their families and seeking sanctuary in Scotland.

The First Minister’s visit is part of her campaign to speak to 1000 care experienced young people across the country.

Scottish Refugee Council, in partnership with Aberlour, supports young people who find themselves in a foreign country completely alone and with no support. 200 young people are currently using the lifeline Scottish Guardianship Service.

The First Minister also met some members of the European Guardianship Network of which the Scottish Guardianship Service is a founding member. The Network, funded by the EU Commission and coordinated by the Dutch Guardianship organisation NIDOS, brings together other guardianship organisations, member states and NGOs to share expertise that will ensure refugee and trafficked children are protected and supported to build a new life and thrive.

35 delegates from the European Guardianship Network are in Glasgow this week for its second annual meeting. Follow us on Twitter for updates on this and other activities.

Chris Pettigrew
Author: Chris Pettigrew