REFUGEES in Inverclyde will be offered support from volunteer befrienders as part of a new project to help them settle into the community.

Seven volunteers have been trained to help the Syrian and Afghan people who have moved to the area to escape war.

Refugees have told the Tele of their delight at the new initiative.

Ahed Almohamad, who is originally from Syria, says the extra support will be very welcome.

The 38-year-old, who now lives in Port Glasgow, said: “It has been difficult because I don’t have any work.

“I am studying for two days at college for my English but it’s not enough.

“I want to work, as I don’t like sitting in the house.

“I think the befriending project will be good, as we will get to meet new people and integrate more.

“It will also let us show what skills we have got.

“So we will learn from them and they can learn from us.”

Huda Alarishi, chairperson of the Scottish Arab Women’s Association, says the ‘Supporting Communities’ project, which is being run by the Inverclyde Community Development Trust, will make a big difference.

She said: “There is a similar initiative in Glasgow, so to have one in Inverclyde will be great.

“I like seeing refugees integrating within their communities here.”

Stacey Felgate, from Dempster Street, has undergone training to become one of the volunteer befrienders.

The 26-year-old, who has recently graduated with an honours degree in politics, said: “I wanted to become a befriender because when the refugees arrive here, it’s a totally different way of life.

“I think it’s important that they are helped to integrate into Greenock life and that they feel part of the community.”

Stacey Jones, the project co-ordinator from the Inverclyde Community Development Trust, added: “A lot of ground work has gone into it and we have been working quite closely with the refugee integration team at the council.

“We now have seven volunteers who have gone through training. They will support the refugees by taking them out for a coffee or helping them with currency if they go into a shop, or help them with public transport.

“They can also help them learn English or support them when they attend appointments.”

Anyone who is interested in volunteering is asked to phone 553369 or email karen.wilkie@the-trust.org.uk