Peer Support Project 'Warm Circles' Celebrates 6-Month Mark
Bring Together recently celebrated the completion of our successful ‘Warm Circles’ project, generously supported by the Ethnic Minority Development Fund (EMDF), CEMVO Scotland and National Lottery Community Fund. From November 2024 to April 2025, this initiative offered valuable peer support, educational sessions, and meaningful cultural exchanges to the Ukrainian communities in Dundee, Perth, and Blairgowrie.
Peer Support Activities for Integration
Peer Support Meetings
Throughout the project, 49 participants attended educational sessions exploring emotional intelligence, intercultural communication, and essential life skills. They regularly met in peer support groups, forming strong community bonds, sharing experiences, and supporting each other in overcoming everyday challenges.
Lived Experience Exchange
Participants enjoyed three memorable cultural exchange experiences thanks to the guest speakers. Sarah Young from the Business Gateway Tayside, Scott Cameron from the University of Dundee, and Susan Buglass from the mentoring charity MCR Pathways sshared their fascinating stories of integration and cultural exchange experience, reminding us that seemingly daunting changes can be viewed as opportunities in disguise. The Warm Circle Community presented certificates of appreciation to the guest speakers for their contribution to creating deeper connections and mutual understanding between local communities and Ukrainian community. These meetings significantly enhanced participants’ integration experiences, contributing positively to their wellbeing and social inclusion.
Community Education
Throughout the project, participants attended educational sessions exploring emotional intelligence, intercultural communication, and essential life skills. They regularly met in peer support groups, forming strong community bonds, sharing experiences, and supporting each other in overcoming everyday challenges.
Cultural Visits
Throughout the project, participants embarked on guided tours to V&A Museum to explore the heritage of Japan’s national Kimono Costume, HMS Discovery to find out about exploring the Arctic, and HMS Unicorn to learn about the unexpected journey of Scotland’s oldest ship. The visits helped the group to find out more about the history and spirit of Dundee and improve their language skills.
Warm Circle Feedback
We are happy to share that the ‘Warm Circle’ was successfully launched as a pilot in November and December. The project collaborates with local organisations and communities to provide support in Dundee, Perth and Blairgowrie.
The Importance of Partnership Work
Bring Together continually seeks new ways to support integration and well-being through cultural and community partnerships, such as our ongoing collaboration with the HMS Unicorn Preservation Society. This partnership has allowed community members to engage with local heritage in enriching ways, further cementing our role as a bridge between cultures.
We warmly thank all participants, partners, and volunteers for making the Warm Circles project a remarkable success. We are excited about extending this impactful initiative to even more communities in the coming year.
Stay tuned for upcoming events and opportunities to join us in building resilient and inclusive communities together.