Friends of Scottish Settlers, winners of the the King’s Award for Voluntary Service

That this House congratulates Friends of Scottish Settlers (FOSS) for winning the King’s Award for Voluntary Service; notes that Friends of Scottish Settlers won this award for their inspiring support for people arriving in this country; further notes that FOSS is an organisation of local people extending a hand of welcome and solidarity to newcomers to the Falkirk district; understands that they began in 2016 as a community group welcoming Syrian families seeking refuge here; recognises that FOSS volunteers extend dignity, humanity and practical responsiveness to people navigating the asylum system, refugees, as well as those simply moving to the area to live and work; and celebrates that, in so doing, they support the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of community-members who arrive in often incredibly difficult circumstances, embrace the potential and contributions of these new locals, and make human rights real in our communities.