A GOUROCK man who was diagnosed with depression after the death of his parents says a project run by Ardgowan Hospice is helping him on the road to recovery. 

Mark McVey, 49, looked after both his mother and father before they passed away, and when his caring role came to an end in 2016, he was left devastated. 

After several years of mental health challenges and finding himself increasingly isolated, Mark got involved in the hospice's No One Left Behind scheme. 

He started on the project in July 2022 on a one-year placement, and due to his success in the role, the hospice and Inverclyde Council recently extended his placement for another 18 months. 

Greenock Telegraph:

Mark said the scheme has helped him grow in confidence and start living a full life again. 

He added: "It's been a fantastic project to be involved in and everyone has been an amazing source of support. 

"I was left completely bereft after my parents died and became very isolated. 

"Working with the team at the hospice has got me back out meeting people and making connections in the community."

With support from the hospice team, Mark has worked in a retail role in stores across Inverclyde after starting out in the warehouse. 

READ MORE: Port Glasgow property: Five-bed home on market for £320,000

His initial involvement in the scheme was funded by the Scottish Government's long-term unemployed job creation programme and Inverclyde Council. 

No One Left Behind supports people aged 25 and over who are seeking employment, by welcoming them into a safe and supportive working environment. 

Mark has used the programme to develop his customer service skills in the retail team, and has added to his capabilities by working alongside the wider hospice team. 

He has completed online training sessions across many subject areas including IT, people skills, and health and safety. 

Hospice bosses say Mark has been a fantastic addition to the hospice team. 

A spokesperson added: "We hope that we have equipped Mark, and the others within the project, with new skills and confidence.

"The hospice is exceptionally grateful to Mark and the other participants for their hard work, dedication and great teamwork."

Mark graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2000 and got a job working at National Semiconductor. 

Gain unlimited access to Greenock Telegraph website HERE

He gave up his job when his dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2002 as he had to support his mum in her caring role. 

When his dad passed away in 2008, he continued to care for his mum before she passed away in 2016. 

Mark experienced significant mental health challenges after his mum passed away but waited a couple of years before taking a very significant step. 

He added: "I realised I hadn't been outside socialising properly for several years. 

"The furthest I had been was to work and the shops. 

"I decided that enough was enough.

"I had to do something about how I felt so I went to see the doctor."

Mark's GP referred him to the Scottish Association for Mental Health's Gateways programme and he also became involved in a community rewilding project run at local beauty spot Coves Reservoir. 

He went back to college to gain an HNC and HND at West College Scotland and has been doing some freelance design work. 

Mark also reconnected with a former girlfriend who he met 20 years ago and says he is in a 'very good place' at the moment. 

He's full of praise for Ardgowan Hospice and said the No One Left Behind initiative has helped him deal with the profound sense of loss he felt after losing both parents. 

Mark added: "The first step to getting involved with the hospice was speaking to someone about how I felt. 

"I really love my role at the hospice and I'm so pleased that I'll be working with the team for another 18 months."