DURING the recess I have been out and about meeting various organisations, health professionals, Police Scotland and many people in the street.

Added to this we had the internal selection process to determine who will be the SNP’s candidate for next year’s Scottish election. All in all, it has been a very busy summer but one of great note.

Action Earth is asking for help to get people and communities busy outdoors in Inverclyde. Their campaign has grants to give to groups of volunteers who are carrying out environmental projects.

Grants can be from £50 to £250 and are available for practical activities that involve volunteers in improving outdoor spaces or creating habitats for wildlife.

The campaign is run by Volunteering Matters (formally known as CSV) from April to December each year and is supported by Scottish Natural Heritage.

To apply just contact Robert Henderson on 0131 622 7766 or email robert.henderson@volunteeringmatters.org.uk Children’s Hearings Scotland is recruiting for volunteer Children’s Panel members here in Inverclyde.

Panel members are lay tribunal individuals who play a vital role in care and protection of vulnerable children across Scotland.

The trained volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds and sit on hearings in the local community where they live and work.

Volunteers generously give their time, skills and commitment to make decisions which contribute to improving outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.

Further information can be found at www.chscotland.gov.uk