A SPECIAL event takes place next week to formally welcome refugees and asylum seekers from Afghanistan to Inverclyde.
The New Scots reception at the Beacon Arts Centre is being arranged as part of efforts to integrate recently migrated people to the local area.
There will be a piper and Scottish music, as well as a dinner and welcome speeches.
Local school pupils will also hand out welcome packs and there will be craft activities taking place for young New Scots, led by the charity Rig Arts.
The event is being held by the Beacon in partnership with Inverclyde Council’s community learning and development department, Compassionate Inverclyde, Inverclyde Community Development Trust, community care organisation Your Voice, Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership and CVS Inverclyde.
It is designed to reduce isolation, build confidence, encourage new friendships, and provide support to those who have come to Inverclyde from Afghanistan.
A similar event was previously held for Syrian refugees.
Separately, the Beacon runs a female art group, Inverclyde Women Create!, in partnership with Your Voice.
It aims to connect New Scots and local women through art and textiles projects including life drawing, weaving and crochet, and offers peer support to vulnerable groups.
Pauline Kane, director of the Beacon Arts Centre, said: “We are very proud to be hosting this special welcome event for New Scots who have recently come to Inverclyde from Afghanistan.
“Events like these can be the starting point for new friendships and connections, which ultimately help to reduce social isolation and build confidence in otherwise marginalised or disadvantaged groups.
“At the Beacon, we run the inspiring Inverclyde Women Create! programme.
“This offers further connections, peer support and new opportunities to vulnerable women living in our area, including those who are recently migrated.”
