CARING members of the community came together for a celebration of refugee week and the key role of local volunteers in helping them and others.

The event, organised by Inverclyde Community Development Trust, was the first of its kind again since the Covid pandemic.

The Trust, which offers befriending services to help New Scots coming to the area and runs a separate service for vulnerable adults, say they wanted to use the day to celebrate their volunteers as well as UK Refugee Week, which runs until Monday.

Alison Keir, a support worker for the Trust, said: "We are so happy that we could bring the two befriending projects and members of the community together as one joint celebration.

"It's the perfect opportunity for people to connect, celebrate their achievements, and make friends.

"With National Volunteers Week happening so recently, it felt very fitting to have this celebration at a similar time.

"We are so thankful for all our volunteers - we couldn't do what we do without them."

John O'Donnell, a retired lawyer and volunteer for the befriending project which links local residents up with refugees new to Inverclyde, told the tele it was important for the people involved to get a chance to meet other volunteers along with the New Scots.

He said: "We can meet and help each other.

"During Covid, volunteering could feel a bit isolating, so events like this where volunteers come together and share each other's company and experience are really important."

Food and an event space was provided by Brunch All Day on Nicolson Street, the local restaurant opened by Syrian refugee Muhannad Helmi and his family, while the cost of the day was funded through generous donors.

Paul Haggerty, befriending project co-ordinator said: "Having the event at Brunch All Day felt like the perfect place.

"The staff and food were amazing.

"For our volunteers, it gave them an opportunity to try out food they maybe never had before.

"Our New Scots, especially families that have only recently arrived, got the chance to meet others and connect, while also seeing the success story a family that moved to Inverclyde around five years ago has had.

"Covid did not let us have any in-person events like these for a while but I hope this will be the first of many.

"For anyone looking to get involved, be that as a volunteer or as a New Scot, our door is always open."