PARLIAMENT was on recess last week so I spent a lot of my time meeting constituents and local organisations.

A couple of local organisations I met included Home Start Inverclyde and the Phoenix Community Health Project/Safe Harbour (Safe Harbour).

Home Start Inverclyde launched last year and they provide support to families who are struggling to cope.

The support can include getting to appointments, establishing routines, offering advice if asked for and providing support, friendship and encouragement.

If you would like to volunteer some time to help please call Home Start Inverclyde on 6034 41.

I also once again met with Safe Harbour based in Greenock. They are an emotional support service for Inverclyde.

They provide emotional comfort to many of the most vulnerable and marginalised people in Inverclyde. They also deal with complex emotional issues that people feel safe to share.

I have met with Safe Harbour a few times and this meeting was to obtain an update on their progress.

A few years ago I had invited representatives from Safe Harbour to exhibit in parliament to inform others about their work and their success in helping people get their lives back on track.

Finally, I received an email from the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) offering information about their Skills and Opportunities Fund - http://skillsandopportunitiesfund.rbs.com

It is open to charities, social enterprises, community groups, state-funded schools and colleges.

It aims to help people achieve qualifications, find work or start a business. Applications remain open until midday on Friday 24 February.