New Year Reflections 2021

As 2021 draws to a close and we find ourselves once more placed under restrictions and facing the huge uncertainty associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic, the place of the Third Sector in our communities is highlighted once again. In the forced isolation of the last eighteen months, we have discovered the huge need for community response, connection and pulling together, which is where the Third Sector really finds its niche in today’s world. We represent the interface to connect people with services that can improve their lives, to connect people-with-people and to promote the social cohesion we all need in order to come back from – and build back better from – the most challenging period in recent times.

At CVS Inverclyde, we have had a very full year reacting to the challenges of the Pandemic – both in the wider community, and as an organisation. I am very proud of our team’s response in each of these areas, continuing to adapt our working practices in order to support a strong and effective Third Sector in Inverclyde. We know the pandemic will continue to present challenges for some time yet, but we are committed to supporting the Third Sector in Inverclyde to continue improving the lives of our local community and tackling the social inequalities so starkly spotlighted by the Pandemic. 

As 2021 ends, we wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our members, partner organisations from the third and public sector, funders, volunteers and the people and communities we have supported for their unwavering support and commitment during the most challenging of times. We are very proud to be the TSI for Inverclyde.

We look ahead with hope, vision and ambition to 2022, which we hope will bring opportunity for all.  We look forward to launching our Strategic Plan 2022 – 2025 and continued partnership working.

Wishing you all a healthy and happier New Year,

Charlene Elliott, CEO CVS Inverclyde

Local Scouts Honoured for their Hours of Service

The 32nd Greenock and District Scouts have presented fourteen of their Young Scout Leaders with Saltire Awards in recognition of their hours of devoted volunteering.

Eight of the awards recognised five-hundred hours of volunteering, the highest award signed by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Three further awards for two hundred hours’ service and three for one-hundred hours’ service, signed by Deputy First Minister John Swinney, were also awarded.

Catriona McLeod of CVS Inverclyde, who distributed the awards, said: “We are delighted to recognise the volunteering efforts of local young people, and very proud to see their hard work rewarded with these Saltire Awards. They represent the true spirit of the Third Sector, and are a wonderful example to other young people, and indeed the wider Inverclyde community."

The awards event was held at the new Scout building on Bank Street in Greenock. The building has been bought and refurbished by the Scouts and will bring a sense of community back into the area. The building will also be available for rental by other community groups.

Small groups can apply now for a grant of up to £500