About ESAS
Welcome to East and Southeast Asian Scotland (ESA Scotland)
At ESA Scotland, we aim to provide trauma-informed, culturally competent wellbeing activities and create safe spaces for healing and growth. We focus on combatting the impacts of racism, social isolation, and mental health challenges caused by racial trauma. Through cross-community integration, we aim to raise awareness of ESEA cultures, prevent hate incidents, and support the civil and political participation of ESEA individuals.
Our work extends to advocating for inclusive and equitable public policies and human rights, strengthening community resilience, and developing grassroots leaders and role models.
Our Areas of Expertise
At East and Southeast Asian Scotland, we draw on a deep understanding of East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) communities to offer targeted support that fosters inclusive, culturally competent practices. Our areas of expertise cover key issues and challenges faced by ESEA communities in Scotland and the wider UK context, ensuring that our services are both relevant and impactful.
1. Cultural Competency & Sensitivity
We specialise in building culturally aware teams by offering insights into the diverse histories, migration stories, and lived experiences of ESEA communities. Our work ensures that organisations can respond effectively to the needs of these communities and create supportive, inclusive environments.
2. Intra-Community Understanding
Our team provides expertise in understanding the complex dynamics within ESEA communities, including communication norms and sensitivities. This helps organisations engage with individuals in a way that respects cultural nuances and fosters meaningful relationships.
3. Migrant Rights & Social Justice
We have extensive experience in supporting migrant and refugee communities, particularly ESEA migrants facing barriers in accessing services, justice, and opportunities. Our work includes providing training on how to best serve and support these groups, focusing on issues such as trauma, exploitation, and discrimination.
4. Trauma-Informed Practices
We are experts in providing trauma-informed guidance to organisations working with individuals who have experienced trafficking, exploitation, or other forms of trauma. Our approach ensures that all interactions are sensitive, supportive, and healing.
5. Community Outreach & Engagement
ESA Scotland’s long-term engagement with ESEA communities allows us to offer evidence-based methods of outreach and community building. We teach organisations how to build trust and effectively connect with marginalised groups, ensuring that services and support are accessible and impactful.
6. Policy Advocacy & Development
We provide consultation on developing policies and services that are inclusive and culturally competent. Our team works closely with organisations to ensure their policies reflect the needs of ESEA communities, advocating for systemic changes that promote social justice and equality.
Explore the sections below to see what we do and why it matters…
Meet our Team: We are a community-led collective made up of organisers, facilitators, artists, and advocates who share lived experiences with the communities we support. Rooted in care, solidarity, and justice, our team brings diverse skills and passions to the work we do. Together, we build spaces where East and Southeast Asian, migrant, queer, and working-class communities can thrive.
What Drives us and learn our Story: read about the values that guide our work, see how our ESAS came to be.
Related Organisations: We are proud to work alongside and be inspired by a range of organisations committed to justice, care, and community-led change. The groups listed here share values or collaborate with us to support marginalised communities, climate justice, and cultural resilience.
Funding Support: We gratefully acknowledge the funders and supporters who have made our work possible, past and present.