A GREENOCK woman who has dedicated 35 years of her life to saving hundreds of women and children from domestic abuse is retiring from her role. 

Carol McLaughlin started as a volunteer with Inverclyde Women's Aid back in 1988 and took on a paid job with the organisation in 1992. 

Carol says she's very sad to be leaving the team at 41 High Street but says it feels like the right time to go. 

While she's seen a lot of changes over the years, Carol says the purpose of the organisation has always been the same. 

Carol, 65, said: "We want to make life as easy and abuse free as possible for women, children and young people. 

"That's always been right at the heart of it.

"Our role is to get them into a safe space and start a new life."

Carol worked in factories before she started volunteering with Inverclyde Women's Aid and when her daughter started nursery, she decided to look for something else. 

Once she was in the door, she took to the job straight away. 

She added: "It wasn't a career I was seeking out but I loved it straight away. 

"It's always been in my nature to help people."

Carol woman worked in refuge for the first 13 years of her career and also had roles in outreach and training, before finishing as a team leader. 

She says one of the most important developments over the years has been the increase in laws protecting women from abuse.

Carol added: "When I started, we didn't have all the laws in place that we needed. 

"Domestic abuse was just classed as 'a domestic'. 

"When it was recognised as a crime, it was a massive breakthrough for women. 

"Anyone can ask for background information on a person through the domestic violence disclosure scheme now. 

"We've never had this much legislation."

Carol has loved seeing the growth and evolution of multi-agency partnership working in the field too. 

She added: "The partnership working has been phenomenal. 

"It's been great to be involved in that as it helps us make sure we don't duplicate any work. 

"I've always enjoyed campaigning and fighting alongside different organisations."

Carol says birth of her wee granddaughter, Rhia, five months ago is the main reason for her choosing to retire.

She says it wasn't an easy decision but she's opted to spend time with Rhia who she describes as 'a wee treasure'. 

Carol says she will never forget the years she spent with Inverclyde Women's Aid and wishes the team all the best for the future. 

She added: "It's never been just a job for me. 

"What I've loved most is supporting the women and children and getting them as far away from abuse as possible.

"There will always have a place in my heart for Inverclyde Women's Aid. 

"The team are amazing and I have no doubt they will go on and continue their great work."

The team at Inverclyde Women's Aid called Carol an 'indispensable member of their team' and say that she leaves behind a 'legacy that has positively impacted countless lives'. 

Linda Harkin, Director of Inverclyde Women's Aid, said: "Carol has proved herself to be an irreplaceable source of knowledge that cannot be matched. 

"She welcomed me in and guided me where possible to begin our journey into new possibilities. 

"I am grateful for the support and belief she afforded me in planning for our next chapter as an organisation.

"Although Carol is taking early retirement, she will always be a pivotal part of Inverclyde Women's Aid going forward and I wish her a very happy retirement.

"On behalf of all of us, we thank Carol for everything she has done."