Help for refugees to feel at home

More than 300 Ukrainian children, young people and families who were forced to flee their homeland when Russia launched its invasion have been supported in Scotland thanks to a charity initiative.

Barnardo's Scotland Welcome (Ukraine) Service, which was set up in the summer, works to ensure refugees from the war-torn country feel safe, welcomed and included in their early life north of the Border.

The charity has given more than 300 Barnardo's Scotland £100 vouchers, alongside other items, to displaced families, including toys and dozens of mobile sim cards.

Martin Crewe, director of Barnardo's Scotland, said his organisation offers support across Scotland, notably in hotels and on board cruise ships MS Ambition and MS Victoria, to make sure Ukrainians feel less isolated and can begin to integrate into their communities.