Celebrating the people who provided a lifeline service to over 1,000 locals during the coronavirus lockdown

The team from CVS Inverclyde ran the shielding and prescription collection service between March and July in partnership with Inverclyde Council and Inverclyde Health & Social Partnership).

A total of 44 kind-hearted local people linked up with pharmacies and health centres to collect prescriptions and also dropped off food parcels, gathered shopping and carried out wellbeing checks.

The service was accessed by almost 1,300 people and Charlene Elliot, chief executive of CVSI, today commended the dedication of the volunteers.

Ms Elliot said: "On behalf of all of the team at CVSI, we’d like to say a sincere thank-you to those that dedicated and volunteered to support those most in need.

"When the service launched in March, we were amazed by how quickly it evolved and grew, both in terms of the level of need within the community but also the number of people who came forward and volunteered.

"Many have gone above and beyond what was required, all to support the local community, and it is right that they are recognised and celebrated." CVS Inverclyde recently brought some of the volunteers together, pictured, to recognise their achievements, with many meeting each other for the first time.

Provost Martin Brennan said: "The Inverclyde community response to Covid-19 has been awe-inspiring.

"In every village and every town, volunteers have stepped up to the plate.

"Where anyone was in need, volunteers stepped forward to meet that need.

"It is a tribute to the volunteers that there were, and still are, far too many to mention by name.

"What they have done for the residents of Inverclyde is exceptional."