Come to The Institute tonight to find out about grassroots efforts to help displaced families

Campaigners seeking to help Syrian refugees are inviting members of the public to come along and find out about the work they do.

The Ottery St Mary Refugee Response Group was set up in response to the ongoing crisis in which thousands of families have fled the war-torn country and been left displaced.

Members have called for East Devon District Council (EDDC) to be pro-active in accommodating refugees in the area and have been working at a grassroots level to find ways of helping those in need.

The next meeting is tonight (Thursday, March 17) at 7.30pm in The Institute, Yonder Street.

A representative from Refugee Support Devon will be attendance to update members on its latest work.

This is a not-for-profit organisation that seeks to support asylum seekers and refugees in the region by providing information, advice, support services and a listening ear.

Regular collections of essential items are organised to be sent to the Calais refugee camp. The drop-off point is Recycling in Ottery (RIO), in Exeter Road.

Anyone interested in finding out more or able to offer assistance is welcome to come along to the meeting, or get in touch via the Ottery St Mary Refugee Response Group Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/syriansupportotterystmary/?fref=ts.

There will also be a collection at Tipton St John Primary School on Tuesday, March 22.