A STOP at the bank is in order for a charity supporting vulnerable young families thanks to a kind £2,000 donation from bus company McGill's.

Greenock businessmen Sandy and James Easdale, who run the Larkfield-based firm, handed over the cheque to representatives from Home Start Renfrewshire and Inverclyde.

The charity helps families with a range of issues - such as mental health problems, post-natal depression and social isolation - through a small army of dedicated volunteers who provide one-on-one support to parents and carers.

They also support children with additional support needs or who have experienced trauma and offer respite care.

The Easdale brothers decided to make a donation after being moved by stories from those who have benefited from Home Start thanks to Greenock councillor and co-chair of the organisation, Jim McEleny.

Sandy said: "I know Jim through football and when he said he was involved in this good cause, I asked him more about it and he sent me some links and testimonies.

"Me and James looked it over and we heard some really heartfelt stuff which convinced us that this is a charity well worth supporting because Jim and fellow volunteers step in and make such a difference to so many families and young people.

"They often deal with quite delicate subjects but the work they do has a real impact on people on a personal level."

The Easdale brothers support a variety of charities, hospitals and the local football community through several of their business interests, including McGill's, but they were taken particularly keen to help Home Start.

James said: "For volunteers to take the time with people one-on-one like they do is amazing.

"It's encouraging that in today's society there are still people out there who care for others.

"Hopefully this donation helps them to continue the great work they do."

Councillor McEleny, who was elected in 2017, became involved with the charity initially as a volunteer before being invited to become a director and then co-chair. He said: "This is a fantastic donation from McGill's. "Sandy, through football, asked me what I'm up to when I'm not doing council stuff and I told him how I'm involved with Home Start and he was taken with it. "We're delighted he and James have supported the charity."

Volunteer Deirdre Boyd, who lives in Greenock and works at Whinhill Primary, has been involved with Home Start for three years and knows first-hand the impact the donation will have.

She said: "Families struggle for a number of reasons. "We provide emotional and practical support and aim to make life better for them by guiding and working with them.

"It's great to get extra funding like this. It's a big help."

The charity is also on the lookout for more volunteers with a training course arranged for next month.

Iain MacDonald, scheme manager, said: "For and on behalf of Home Start Renfrewshire and Inverclyde, I am thrilled to receive this donation from McGill's. "With this vital donation our service reach will widen further and give additional training to up-skill our volunteers so they can continue to support young families in need while increasing their own employability."

The only requirements for volunteers are parenting experience, empathy and a non-judgmental attitude.

Email inverclyde@home-start-renfrewshire org.uk for more information.