Edinburgh council appeal for families to host young unaccompanied asylum seekers

In total 25 young asylum seekers arrived in Edinburgh compared to nine the year before.

The number of young people in need of care who have experienced the trauma of war, poverty or trafficking is on the rise.

A new campaign aiming to recruit families to look after young unaccompanied asylum-seekers arriving in the Capital has been launched by the City of Edinburgh Council.

Last year saw an increase in the number of young people aged 16 years and over coming to the city from a range of countries across the Middle East and North Africa as well as Vietnam.

In total 25 arrived in Edinburgh compared to nine the year before.

Many speak little or no English when they arrive and have often experienced the trauma of war, poverty or trafficking.

Councillor Ian Perry, Convener for Education, Children and Families said: “This is a really rewarding role as the young people who arrive here face uncertainty about their future life in the United Kingdom.

“We need families who can provide a safe, nurturing environment to support them into independence and I would urge anyone who may be considering being a host family to contact us for more information.”

Hosts can be married, single or in a partnership, employed or unemployed and enquiries are welcome from all cultures and backgrounds.