TOP TV star Jean Johansson has met up with young mums from Syria forced to flee their war-torn country and find a new life in Inverclyde.

The 'A Place in the Sun' presenter went along to find out more about the New Scottish Families group run by life-changing charity Home-Start Inverclyde.

Greenock Telegraph:

Jean, from Port Glasgow, who has spoken about her own family's background and her Ugandan born mum, was recently named Home-Start Inverclyde's ambassador.

The pioneering charity works closely with struggling families with young children from all over the district and, as part of that work, they have supported dozens of resettled families.

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Speaking to the Tele Jean said: "The work of Home-Start Inverclyde is so close to my heart.

"I really wanted to come along to meet the families and support the work of Home Start Inverclyde.

"As a mum myself I know how important it is to get along to groups and meet other mums, but how daunting it can be as well. It makes you feel so much better when you get to know other people.

"It is great to chat to people"

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Jean has recently made documentaries about her life in Scotland.

She was born in Kenya in November 1981, the second youngest of seven to dad Robert, a teacher who was working in East Africa, and mum Winnie from Uganda.

They moved to Scotland in the early 1980s and Jean grew up with her four brothers and two sisters in the Port.

Jean said: "Obviously my mum came here and had to settle in. I especially want to help people who have come to Scotland to live.

"Home Start Inverclyde is wonderful and I wanted to really get involved in this year."

Jean still lives Inverclyde with her husband, former Rangers star and ex-Morton manager, Jonatan Johansson, and their son Junior, 12.

She took on the role of Home-Start Inverclyde ambassador last year.

Greenock Telegraph:

Jean spent time with Syrian mothers Douha Alalyah, Rasha Alakdah and Fatima Abbas to find out more about their experiences and the support they get from Home-Start Inverclyde.

Mum-of-three Douha, 28, who has lived in Greenock for eight years, said: "We really love it here, we have made lots friends and we feel at home here in Inverclyde.

"Home-Start Inverclyde make us very welcome."

The charity's Julie Gillan set up the New Scottish Families group to support the many families with young children who have settled in Inverclyde from countries like Syria.

Julie said: "We are over the moon that Jean could come along to see us today. She is so lovely and so down to earth. We really appreciate her support of all our families. She really cares about what we are doing.

"The support group for the New Scottish Families has been fantastic.

"They come along on a Friday from college, it's a great way to make them feel settled.

"We want to do everything we can to support them."

Home Start Inverclyde based in Hood Street helps hundreds of local families with peer groups, one-to-one mentoring at home and other support services.