A CLUB set up to support kids and young adults with additional support needs has celebrated its 10th anniversary in style.

Friends4ever was founded a decade ago by a group of local parents who were looking to create a safe space for their children to socialise, have fun and enjoy a range of exciting activities.

The organisation recently marked the milestone with a party at one of its weekly meetings.

In addition to the regular sessions, the group also organises a programme of summer excursions every year, as well as a week-long holiday for the club members and their parents.

Chairperson Alison Bethel told the Tele she was delighted to see the group turn 10.

"I think we ‘re all blown away," she said.

"When we started ten years ago I never dreamt that we would still be here ten years later.

“It’s amazing that we’ve survived through Covid and all the recessions. A lot of places have closed but we’re really fortunate and lucky to have such a good team that are so dedicated.

“It’s parents looking after our own, and parents would do anything for their kids.

“It’s definitely a help for kids and parents. Parents are meeting other parents and making friendships, and on the other side their kids have somewhere to come.

“To actually be able to help and make a difference to people’s lives is amazing.

“We had all met at another club, which had shut down, and when that closed we realised that if we didn’t do something our kids would have nothing.

“We decided between us that we were going to carry this forward and start our own and it’s been an amazing success.”

Alison says it would not have been possible to keep the club going over the last decade without the help and support of kind-hearted local people and a group of dedicated volunteers.

She added: “Being here after 10 years is down to everybody’s dedication and the volunteers and the board that work tirelessly.

“Nobody is in it for the money, the glory or anything like that.

“We’re just there because we want the kids to have something they can enjoy.

“I need to say a big thank you to everyone who’s helped us over the last 10 years through things like donations, arts and crafts, money and grants.

“The people of Inverclyde have helped us a lot.

“Celebrating ten years was fantastic, it was just such a milestone we had to mark it.

“It’s all worth it when you see the smiles on everyone’s faces.”