Inverclyde charity is looking for more support from local health and care bosses

Emotional support and talking therapy Safe Harbour is funded by the lottery, has former world record cycling holder Graeme Obree as its patron and is backed by philanthropist Colin Temple.

Founder Duncan Shaw developed the programme himself as way of helping people suffering trauma, when all else has failed.

His team are used by almost all GP practices in Inverclyde and the project has attracted attention from other areas.

But despite their success Duncan says he has been unable to get the Inverclyde Health and Social Care on board.

He said: "We have support in all different places.

"We are making such a positive difference in Inverclyde.

"We do really need the council's support.

"Some funding would make all the difference."

The Safe Harbour team recently took their message to the Scottish Parliament supported by local MSP Stuart McMillan.

They secured cross party support, met with the mental health minister Clare Haughey and Conservative leader Ruth Davidson.

Duncan added: "We just want to reach as many people as possible.

"We make a big impact."

"We are so busy we had to close our list in February.

"We have had 80 referrals but we would like to do so much more.

"We really need to be recognised by the council and funded in some way.

"We will always stay in Inverclyde - Safe Harbour was set up with the people in Inverclyde in mind.

"It is where the need is."

This year they have helped with a number of people who have suffered traumatic experiences and in ten cases helped prevent a suicide.

NHS bosses have also pledged their support including Dr Tammy Watchorn, head of innovation of the NHS National Services Scotland.

She said: "Having worked with Duncan over the last three to four years I am continuously blown away with what he is trying to and is achieving."

Local MSP Mr McMillan also promised to continue his support.

He said: "Their success rate is outstanding. I want to see this service replicated across the country."

When asked about Safe Harbour, Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership said “In terms of mental health there are two main drivers which shape the services that we provide.

"These are the strategic plan and the NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde five year mental health strategy.

“We use the targets and goals in these documents to identify which services are needed.

"Once the need has been identified, the next step is to develop a specification for the service.

"This could include things like the service provider being registered with the Care Inspectorate, staff being qualified to a certain SVQ level and staff being registered with the Scottish Social Services Council.

"Once we have developed the specification it is put out to tender.

"The tender process is open to all providers who meet the specification.”