A MONMOUTHSHIRE-based refugee charity has gone back to its roots and is hoping to ‘spark joy’ in those who receive its help, after adopting a new approach to donations.

Community-led group iNEED was founded in 2015 in response to the Syrian refugee crisis and was soon using premises provided by Caldicot Town Council (CTC).

They moved to new premises in Chepstow in 2018, but have just taken back the keys to their old unit again.

One of iNEED’s founders, Julia Rowe, said: “We were delighted when CTC offered to let us move back into our old premises. We’ve also decided to kick off 2019 by adopting the Spark Joy sorting ethos.

“This is the idea that the items we have in our life should ‘spark joy’ when we look at or wear them.

“We’re asking our donors to join us in this new initiative by providing clean and folded donations in the hope that they spark joy for those who receive them.

“The refugees we help are in a terrible situation and we’re focused on giving them practical support. But adding joy with carefully chosen items can make a big difference in their lives.

“Items that are not suitable don’t go to waste however. If they can’t be sent to refugee camps, they are sold and the money we raise is used to support iNEED and allow us to continue our work. Donations will never be wasted and we greatly appreciate the continuing support of the community.

“Our volunteers have had a well-deserved rest over the winter and have already started cleaning and preparing our unit ready to receive donations.”

The charity is particularly looking for adults’ and children’s clothes, shoes, blankets, hygiene items, nappies and towels. Contact them via Facebook/ineed.monmouth.newport or email [email protected]