A NEW organisation has now taken over the lifeline advice and support service for carers in Inverclyde.

Third sector firm Unity Enterprise was awarded the £1.5 million pound contract from Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership earlier this year.

The Tele revealed in March that the Inverclyde Carers Centre, which has been set up for 20 years, had lost out on continuing to run the service, putting its future in doubt.

Financial requirements put into the contract as part of a credit score rating meant that they could not meet the threshold.

Now Unity, which cares for adults with learning disabilities in Inverclyde, will launch Carers Gateway Inverclyde today, moving into a premises at Victoria House.

Members of staff who previously worked in the carers centre, based in Cathcart Street, will transfer to Unity.

Chief Executive of Unity, Fraser Bedwell, said: “After many months of planning we’re delighted to launch the Carers Gateway Inverclyde.

"Unity has been providing support to unpaid carers in North and South Ayrshire for more than 20 years and helping adults with learning disabilities in Inverclyde for nearly as long.

"We therefore know the local area well and understand the needs of carers, allowing us to quickly expand the strong network of support that is already available across Inverclyde."

Unity says it will offer specialist advice, support, breaks and activities and a dedicated service for young carers as well as a digital portal.

Chair of the Inverclyde Integration Joint Board (IJB) Robert Moran said: “This is a new chapter for carers in Inverclyde and I am pleased that there will be continuity of service, knowledge and expertise with the staff team from the Carers Centre transferring to the new Carers Gateway Inverclyde.

“With so many carers out there in Inverclyde doing vital, important work, it’s crucial that they receive the support they need and deserve and this is what Unity promises to do.

Inverclyde Council’s Carers Champion, Councillor John Crowther, added: “Carers play a vital role in our community and it is a role which is often unrecognised.

“It is so important carers are helped in whatever way they need whether that’s to get some respite, accessing benefits or just emotional support to share their experiences with others."

The Carers Gateway will operate initially from premises in Victoria House, Greenock alongside other third sector organisations and will move into new premises on West Stewart Street in June.

The Carers Gateway Inverclyde can be contacted on 01475 602700 or online at https://carersgateway.org.uk/inverclyde.