A DRIVE towards making Inverclyde a leader in caring for people with life-limiting illnesses has received a £6,000 cash boost.

Ardgowan Hospice has taken receipt of a grant from the council to launch a scheme recognising individuals and organisations that support the award-winning Compassionate Inverclyde project, which is aimed at changing attitudes and behaviour around death, dying and loneliness.

Set up in 2017, it is a joint venture between the charity and the local authority's health and social care partnership (HSCP) to help those experiencing a crisis, loss or who are at the end of their lives.

Last year, the project received national recognition at the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) Excellence Awards.

The new Compassionate Inverclyde Awards Scheme aims to honour the inspirational volunteers who make it all happen by supporting fellow residents in their time of need.

Linda McEnhill, chief executive of the hospice, said: "The community of Inverclyde is hugely supportive of Compassionate Inverclyde, which is part of Ardgowan Hospice and the work we do together to support patients with life-limiting illnesses. "The Compassionate Inverclyde Awards Scheme will help recognise this support. "It's important for organisations to understand the positive impact the actions of their employees and volunteers have on their community and themselves. "A recent evaluation study found that the work of Compassionate Inverclyde helps make the community stronger, combats health inequalities and increases economic activity in Inverclyde."

Compassionate Inverclyde was one of a number of local projects recently awarded one-off financial support from the council's grants to voluntary organisations fund.

A total of £196,465 is being paid out to a range of good causes and community groups.

Councillor Graeme Brooks, who chairs the grants sub-committee, said: "Over 90 different clubs, voluntary groups and charities applied for cash from the council. "We carefully considered each one as we understand how vital this money can be to these organisations.

"I'm delighted that we have been able to make these awards. "These groups and organisations play an important role in our community and I'm very pleased that the council has been able to support their work."

The hospice will use the cash to establish the awards scheme, which aims to encourage schools, businesses and community and voluntary groups locally to become 'compassionate organisations'.

It is hoped it will enable more people to get directly involved in the project.

Ultimately, the idea is for Inverclyde to become Scotland's first 'compassionate community'.

The hospice plans to launch the awards in 2020.