About Us
Scotland's 2022 census reports that since 2011, the country's black, minority and ethnic population has increased by 84%. LINKnet mentoring is an award- winning, Scottish, ethnic minority charity, the first direct mentoring organisation in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
LINKnet's main focus is to provide programmes to support inclusion, equality and diversity in Scotland's booming minorities population. We achieve this by working to enable our clients, including refugees and asylum seekers into further and higher education, employment and civic life.
Over the years, we have supported thousands who have taken part in our programmes and our team enjoy empowering these communities to feel valued and at home here in Scotland.
Join us on this journey!
Our History
LINKnet Mentoring began on 1 November 2000, following a national conference held in 1997 titled
“Active Partnerships: The Multiple Benefits of Black and Minority Ethnic Mentoring.”
The conference was organised in partnership with:
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Moray House Institute of Education
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Centre for Education for Racial Equality in Scotland
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Telford College Edinburgh
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University of Strathclyde
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Skillnet Edinburgh
At the conference, mentoring was identified as a vital tool for supporting the long-term development of minority ethnic communities in Scotland. The personal, one-to-one nature of mentoring was seen as especially effective in helping individuals overcome barriers such as discrimination, lack of access, and limited networks. Guidance from experienced mentors was recognised as a powerful way to open opportunities and shorten the time it takes for individuals to progress.
Establishment & Growth
Following several years of development work by a steering group led by Rowena Arshad, LINKnet Mentoring Limited was incorporated on 24 November 2000 as a private company limited by guarantee (Company Number: 213148).
The organisation was formally recognised as a charitable voluntary organisation on 6 March 2001
(Scottish Charity Number: SC029440).
LINKnet Mentoring secured a three-year grant of £261,000 from the Community Fund (now the Big Lottery Fund). This funding enabled the organisation to begin operations on 1 November 2000, with:
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Two full-time staff
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One part-time staff member
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An office based at 31 Guthrie Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JG
Our Vision, Mission & Aims
To provide one-to-one mentoring support for minority ethnic individuals, including refugees and asylum seekers, to help them achieve their goals in employment, education, and personal development.
Mentoring focuses on:
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Academic development
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Career progression
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Personal growth
Through individual progress, we aim to create a wider positive impact for minority ethnic communities and improve their representation across society.
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Reduce inequality and disadvantage experienced by minority ethnic communities
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Improve access to and outcomes from public services by working in partnership with the public sector
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Foster integration, dialogue, and mutual understanding between communities
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Build the awareness and capacity of both majority and minority communities to challenge racism and other barriers to equality
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Promote cultural diversity and recognise community contributions through mentor training, mentee induction, information sharing, and public events
Our Partners
Formal past partners
Saheliya, Sikh Sanjog, ELREC, Edinburgh Napier University, MEHIS
Formal current partners
Edinburgh Community Food
Informal partners
Shakti Women’s Aid, SWAP East, NKS, Milan, Score Scotland, The Welcoming, High Riggs Job Centre plus, Leith Walk Job Centre Plus and Wester Hails Job centre Plus, SDS, Access to Industry, Mid Lothian Voluntary Action, Volunteer Midlothian, Volunteer East Lothian, Volunteer Edinburgh, Multi Cultural Family Base, Mott MacDonald Engineering company.
Our Funders
