Glasgow is home to more asylum seekers than any other city in the UK.  Many newcomers arrive here without much English, little or no money, and suffering the effects of trauma.  As a result, many experience severe social isolation.  Helping to tackle this, this free, family-oriented special event will offer newcomers a warm welcome and facilitate integration by creating a fun and festive atmosphere in which newcomers can make new friends and get to know more about the local area and the community support available to them here. The event will be delivered by Interfaith Glasgow’s Weekend Club volunteers – a dedicated team of volunteers from diverse religion and belief backgrounds who deliver monthly events for newcomers.   The gala will introduce participants to the rich religious and cultural diversity of Glasgow’s South East and to local groups and services equipped to support people from refugee backgrounds. There will be fun activities for participants of all ages (such as cycling sessions provided by Bike for Good and play sessions delivered by local nursery 'Jeely Piece'), a free hot meal will be served by local groups, and travel expenses will be reimbursed so that poverty is not a barrier to participation.  Local women's groups will also share information about their services and organisations such as local housing associations and organisations dealing with refugee issues will be on hand to answer questions and share expertise. Representatives from local Sikh, Muslim, and Christian communities will also be present to give brief introductions to the history of their faith communities in the area and to introduce newcomers to the community services they provide.  We will also introduce Interfaith Glasgow’s activities promoting friendship-building, dialogue, and cooperation, and encourage newcomers to get involved. Advance registration required.  For more information, please contact:  [email protected].   This forms part of a trilogy of events by Interfaith Glasgow to mark World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) 2020 titled “Thinking Globally, Acting Locally”. It addresses three pressing global challenges:  rising levels of prejudice and hate crime; climate change; and the growing need to welcome and support people displaced by conflict and poverty.  WIHW provides an ideal opportunity to recognise our interconnectedness with those facing the same challenges elsewhere; and to see our local efforts to address them within the global context, standing in solidarity with all those who seek to create a better world.