When Jayne Smith, one of the founders of Asylum and Refugee Care (AARC) in Aberdeen, first heard about the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Participatory Budgeting (PB)Fund, she wasn’t sure her then newly formed organisation stood a chance. “I saw the advertisement in 2022, and we had only just been established,” Jayne recalls with a smile. “I thought, no, there’s no way - we can't apply. But then last year, I thought, why not?”

Jayne’s decision to apply for funding turned out to be a game-changer for AARC, a charity dedicated to supporting New Scots - those seeking asylum and refuge in the UK - by providing essential services such as clothing, digital access, and integration support. Thanks to a successful bid to the JTPB Fund in 2023, AARC was able to purchase an electric minibus, a vital resource that has transformed how the organisation operates.

The funding allowed AARC to acquire an electric minibus that now facilitates the organisation’s activities. “Before the minibus, I had to use my car to pick up donations or take people to volunteer opportunities,” Jayne explains. “It was time-consuming and less efficient. Now, with the minibus, I can take up to eight people at a time. It’s not only easier but also better for the environment.”

The minibus has enabled AARC to expand its volunteering program significantly, creating opportunities for New Scots to engage in community work across Aberdeen. Jayne is particularly proud of a six-week program run in partnership with FRESH Community Wellness in Seaton. “We started with the capacity for eight people because that’s the number of seats in the van. But some weeks, we had as many as 15 people showing up!” she says. “The feedback from FRESH was fantastic—they managed to complete over a year’s worth of projects in just six weeks because of our volunteers.”

The ability to transport volunteers and equipment has not only increased the number of community projects AARC can support but has also improved the well-being of those involved. “One of our volunteers was on medication for depression before joining the program,” Jayne shares. “After the first week, he told me he felt better, like he had a purpose. He’s now off his medication. That’s the kind of impact we’re having.”