MONMOUTHSHIRE refugee support group members are celebrating this month as they have been offered a temporary new home in Chepstow’s old board school.

The group became homeless in August when their Caldicot base was taken back for community use by the town council.

Chepstow Board School opened in 1878 and offered an education to children in the town between five and 13 years of age. It was home to Stuart Crystal but was unused for a number of years before Mencap bought it with a view to expanding the activities it offers to its users.

Organiser Natasha Cadman said: “We’re still seeking a permanent home in the area, ideally one where we can work with refugees based in south Wales, but we’re very grateful to Mencap for letting us use the building in Chepstow so that we can begin to collect and process donations again. It’s a lovely, bright space in the centre of town.

“Thousands and thousands of refugees in Syria and beyond are still in desperate need of help, especially as another winter approaches. In particular we’re appealing for good quality winter clothes and shoes for adults and children, pillows, duvets and blankets and hygiene products for babies.

“Many of the refugees living in south Wales who have been volunteering and learning English with us have just begun college and we’re hoping to work with more refugees coming to the area soon.”

The group held a harvest fundraiser at Bethany Baptist Church in Caldi­cot last month which raised over £335 and collected baby milk for refugees in Syria and Greece. The South West Soccer Academy donated new football kits and raincoats and St Denis Church in Chepstow donated over £75 from their harvest service.

Donations can be dropped off with iNEED at the Old Board School, Bridge Street, Chepstow on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10.30am and 12.30pm. Donations can also be left at the Bell Inn in Redbrook. For more information or to volunteer with iNEED, ring 07810 837462.