Our Beyond Visibility project aims to increase the representation of refugees and people seeking asylum in civic life in Glasgow.
The project is a development of our Voices and Visibility programme, which worked to ensure that refugee voices are heard across the education, health, and social care sectors. Beyond Visibility will build on this work, aiming to involve them in co-designing, co-programming and policy-making in areas such as Citizen Panels and Glasgow Life.
At the Mental Health Foundation, we work to ensure that those at greatest risk of poor mental health receive sustainable, community-based support. As we recognise that refugees and people seeking asylum are one of these groups, projects like Beyond Visibility work with them to build the confidence, skills, and knowledge necessary to have their voices heard.
We know that when people feel in control of their lives and involved in decisions which impact them, their mental wellbeing is improved.
Co-production, working together, and understanding how power unfairly impacts communities is central to enabling this to happen.
Individuals taking part in the project are supported to better understand public engagement and community development initiatives, and to build skills and confidence to articulate their experiences and views when engaging with decision makers. This is achieved through peer support group workshops aimed to support our community members to join a citizen panel.
Central to this project is the premise that refugees and asylum seekers have opportunities to contribute their views, thoughts and opinions to decision making and service development. The project also works with public service providers to help them find ways to successfully engage and listen to people from these communities.
Beyond Visibility is funded by the Glasgow Communities Fund - Glasgow City Council. The project started in April 2023, and will continue until April 2026.
How to get involved
If you are a refugee or asylum seeker living in Glasgow - we are inviting people from a refugee or asylum seeker background to volunteer with the ‘Beyond Visibility project to participate in civic groups and raise issues.
Find out more and register your interest in volunteering for the ‘Beyond Visibility’ Project.
For more information, please email Mahdi (Programme Development Officer, Refugees and Asylum Seekers).
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