A GREENOCK mum who has a daughter with complex disabilities is hoping to spread a message of kindness as she reaches out to other families.

Kirsteen Begley is working with the community project Our Place Our Future to set up a new support group and create new friendships.

Together with her 11-year-old daughter Keely she joined forces with the team at the launch of their Random Act of Kindness Day roadshow at the Beacon Arts Centre.

Kirsteen, 37, of Ann Street, said: "Keely has lots of different disabilities including dyslexia and she has hearing loss, which makes her anxious.

"I found there was very little support out there for children who had wide-ranging disabilities, both physical and learning.

"So I was delighted when the team said that they could help me set up a 'Growing Pains' local support group.

"I have had such an incredible response so far.

"There are so many people out there who don't know what kind of support they can get and it will certainly help me to have people to talk to who have had the same experiences."

Kirsteen, who also suffers from her own health problems, including epilepsy, was left feeling alone as she struggled to support her daughter, who is in St Patrick's Primary.

At the launch of the Random Acts of Kindness Day appeal she pledged to continue to give up her own time to help those most in need.

Kirsteen, who has two older sons Kyle, 14, and Conlon, aged eight, added: "I am already a volunteer to help the homeless. I

"I did the Big Sleep last year and it has given me the confidence to set up the support group."

The Our Place Our Future team (OPOF) was set up by CVS Inverclyde to support the Greenock Central patch recently named the most deprived area in Scotland.

They are funded through the European Social Fund and aim to help people in the community to support themselves.

Kirsteen's Growing Pains support group is one of their many successes.

The OPOF team have set up a week of drop-ins all over the area to get as many pledges as they can.

Random Act of Kindness Day was on Monday but the OPOF team transformed it into a full week of activities to encourage kindness amongst the local community.

Community builder Patricia Compston said: "No matter how big or small, people’s pledges will make a difference."

Her colleague Nicole Bradley added: "Since our team came together last September, we’ve been out and about meeting residents face to face.

"We see people who are willing to be at the heart of positive, lasting changes across their neighbourhoods and we’re here to help ensure that their skills, interests and passions are used to help their community flourish.”

Councillor Jim McEleny, who attended the Beacon launch event, said: "I think there are a lot of positives in this community and the team are doing great work.

"There is a real strong community here."

The team will be at the Lyle Gateway today from 11am to 1pm and Tesco Greenock tomorrow from 10am to noon to take pledges.

The Growing Pains support group meets every Monday from 12.15pm in the Inverclyde Community Hub, 75-81 Cathcart Street, Greenock.

To find out more about it call 711733.