INVERCLYDE is to explore new ways of bringing end-of-life care closer to home.

Compassionate Inverclyde is a project to widen out palliative care so that families, neighbours and the wider community are all much more involved. 

Those involved include Ardgowan Hospice, Inverclyde Council and community care forum Your Voice.

Health minister Aileen Campbell launched the new initiative together with Provost Robert Moran.

Speaking at an event held in the Beacon, the Scottish Government minister said: “The Compassionate Inverclyde project highlights the benefits of empowering people to help and support each other at times of increased health need and in bereavement, recognising the importance of families and communities working alongside formal services to support those who need it most.

“Building on the strengths of our communities through projects such as this will play a vital part in achieving our vision of ensuring that everyone can access the care and support that is right for them at the end of their lives.”

Ardgowan Hospice’s acting chief executive Ian Marshall says he is looking forward to working with other services and volunteers.

He said: “Ardgowan Hospice has been supporting people living with life limiting illness for over 35 years so we know the challenges and the difficult journeys people face.”

Provost Moran added: “Our aim of ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to have a good quality of life and good mental and physical wellbeing is as important at the end of life as it is at the beginning.”