The Diversity & Language Group is a group based in Huntly, Aberdeenshire, for newly arriving and settling communities. We have had people from Afghanistan, Hong Kong, Latvia, Lithuania, Mongolia, Peru, Syria and Ukraine join us at our recent events. Our events are open to everyone in the community. The aim of the group is to bring people together, from newly arriving and settling communities, whose first language isn’t English. To give and receive peer support to one another in a safe, inclusive space. Alongside those from settled communities, where people can share experiences and stories. Loneliness and isolation, as well as trauma, are often shared experiences for many refugee and asylum seekers. For many people, as well as being new to the area, this all has an impact on mental health and wellbeing. By providing safe, inclusive spaces we create community cohesion and bring people together.
“I want to thank you for hosting the excellent food chain this month, organised by the Huntly and Diversity Language group. It was lovely to be part of such an international community attending. It was also really good that children were able to come along too, and was a great experience for them to help prepare and try different food, and to hear the Address to the Haggis. I enjoyed helping to prepare the meal, and the vegetarian haggis was very tasty. I have a copy of the recipe and will be making it again. It was lovely to be able to enjoy a Burns Supper, and I especially enjoyed hearing Doug Stewart making the Address to the Haggis. And it was really lovely to round off the evening with Auld Lang Syne; it’s such a lovely way of bringing people together! Thank you to everyone involved!” Member
“I volunteer at the Huntly Diversity and Language Group, where I support individuals, New Scots, and Ukrainians new to rural Scotland, particularly those for whose English is not the first language. Diversity Trust welcomed our idea of establishing this group and provided much valuable support through their structure and expertise. Leading this group has allowed me to engage with a diverse community, building connections among people from various backgrounds. I noticed a huge improvement in my interpersonal and communication skills. Each session has been an opportunity to learn from one another, creating new experiences and perspectives. I also had various opportunities for training in trauma-informed support, mental health, and wellbeing. Overall, my experience volunteering for Diversity Trust has been incredibly valuable. This experience allowed me to contribute to the well-being of others, creating a welcoming community for all.” Volunteer
