Minister for Europe recognises EU Citizens’ huge contribution

Members of Camphill Tiphereth were delighted to welcome Mr Ben MacPherson MSP, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Europe, Migration and International Development, to Camphill Tiphereth this week.

The Minister was given a tour of Camphill Tiphereth, and met a group of co-workers and foundation students likely to be affected by Brexit. He heard first-hand the co-workers’ and foundation students’ concerns about the potential impact of Brexit upon Camphill Tiphereth, and upon the other Camphill communities in Scotland.

Sandy Walton, Tiphereth’s Quality Manager, said:

We were delighted to be able to show the Minister our range of projects here at Tiphereth. In living and working together, everyone in Tiphereth can establish a sense of belonging and feel part of our community.

Our European volunteers and staff are integral to our identity, and to the quality of life we provide for the members who use our services.

Ben Macpherson MSP, Scottish Government Minister for Europe, Migration and International Development said:

I’m grateful for the opportunity to meet those living and working at Tiphereth, and to listen to their concerns about the impact of Brexit on their community and the care services they provide.

Citizens from elsewhere in the EU significantly enrich our society and make a huge contribution to Scotland’s economy and the provision of public services. They are our friends, neighbours and colleagues and we really want them to stay – that’s why the Scottish Government launched our ‘Stay in Scotland’ campaign earlier this year, to support EU citizens in Scotland at this uncertain time.

Scotland requires an immigration system that better meets Scotland’s needs, recognises individual circumstances, and provides a welcoming environment – and that’s why the Scottish Government will keep working with organisations like Camphill Scotland to push the UK Government to change their current ‘hostile environment’ policies and revise their regressive post-Brexit immigration policy proposals.

Highlighting the potential impact of Brexit upon the Camphill communities in Scotland Dr Neil Henery, the Director of Camphill Scotland, said:

I am very glad that the Minister recognises the superb contribution made by European and other international volunteers to the quality of life experienced in Tiphereth and in other Camphill communities in Scotland.

Together, Camphill provides care, education and support to over 600 people with learning disabilities and other support needs in Scotland. We look forward to continuing our work with the Minister to nurture and protect our European links over this uncertain period

Further information

1. Camphill has become a global movement, since the first Camphill community was set up in 1940 at Milltimber, Aberdeenshire by Austrian Jewish refugees from the Nazis. The Camphill movement is international in its outlook with more than 119 communities now established in 27 countries around the world
2. Camphill in Scotland has strong European roots, and citizens from other EU countries make a significant contribution to the work of the 11 Camphill communities including Camphill Tiphereth, and to the care and support they provide for people with learning disabilities and other support needs. To put their contribution in perspective, a total of 170 (or 68%) of the 251 short-term volunteer co-workers currently living and working in Camphill communities in Scotland are from other EU countries, while 88 of the 165 (or 53%) of the long term volunteer co-workers are from other EU countries
3. Contact Robert McGeachy, our Policy and Engagement Manager on 07825-149005 or by email (robert@camphillscotland.org.uk) for more information about our efforts to protect our European connections
4. The ‘Stay in Scotland’ campaign includes a package of support for EU citizens. Part of this support is delivered by Citizens Advice Scotland who operate a free national helpline as part of their Advice and Support Service. The Service is for those who are facing difficulties with applying to the EU Settlement Scheme and can be accessed by calling the helpline on 0800 916 9847 or by visiting their local Citizens Advice Bureau
5. Third Force News article