A singing social worker has released a charity single to help people bounce back from adversity

Brian Heron has written 'The Resilience Song' and says it is inspired by those he has worked with during his career, his own personal heartache and the launch of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, which he has been following closely.

The 60-year-old dad-of-four has encountered countless moving stories during his career with Inverclyde Community Development Trust, the council's social work department and his involvement with youth groups, including in Gibshill where he is originally from.

The keen musician was also in care as a child and tragically suffered the loss of daughter Kirsty, who was in her late 20s.

But Brian, who lives in Port Glasgow, believes one of the most important things in dealing with such trauma is getting out and about - and he hopes his track will be a source of strength and inspiration for others.

The sale of the single is also helping to raise money for the Inverclyde Recovery Cafe, which supports people with a range of problems from addiction to emotional issues.

Brian said: "This is a song about resilience and emotional wellbeing.

"It came from my own personal experience too.

"Although I'm a social worker by trade and spent many years working with people as an employability tutor, I was in care as a kid myself and that's why this inquiry chimes with me because these individuals have a voice now.

"My daughter also died through mental health issues.

"Kirsty loved her music as well - singing, recording and doing karaoke.

"I walk the cycle track every day and music has been a great thing for me too.

"It's a great tool, especially the writing side of it, and has helped keep me sane in many ways."

Almost 12,000 people have listened to the track online and it has also been played on Grampian Hospital Radio and Argyll Independent Radio.

Brian has been in many well-known local bands over the years and continues to play with Uncle John's Tenement Soul Revival.

He sings and plays guitar on his upbeat track, which features granddaughter Emily Wilson playing percussion and on backing vocals, Rowan J Parker on keys, bass and drum programming and production by Eddie Macarthur.

It was recorded at Stealth Studio in Glasgow and the CD also includes the songs 'It's Only Me' and 'Dog Train Blues'.

Brian said: "There's been a really good reaction, I think it's just caught people's imagination.

"It's not the answer to everything but by getting up and getting out it builds your resilience, and that applies to all of us.

"That's why I've made this CD and any money made from it I want to go to the Recovery Cafe because they do such a marvellous job."

CDs are available to buy, priced £5, from the Recovery Cafe, which meets on Wednesdays and Fridays between 5-8pm at Crown Care Centre on King Street, Greenock.