MUCH like last week’s column, I’ll be reflecting on the latest visits from Scottish ministers to Inverclyde.

On Monday, Maree Todd MSP, the Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport visited Man On! Inverclyde and Safe Harbour to hear about how their services are supporting people struggling with their mental health.

Man On! are relatively new in comparison to other charities locally, but their impact in a short period of time is evident, as it’s resulted in more people, particularly men, being more open about their mental health challenges.

Safe Harbour on the other hand help people who have multi-layer trauma, and their pioneering approach to complex mental health cases produces lasting results where mainstream services have not been able to break through.

The minister was impressed by both organisations and I’m grateful to her for taking the time to visit both on a Monday evening.

On Wednesday, Jenni Minto MSP, Public Health Minister, came along to the Inverclyde Long Covid Support Group.

I invited her to meet with those from the group after I attended a few months ago. I’m thankful to the minister for taking the time to listen to people’s stories, and how Long Covid is impacting their lives.

Finally, I attended the official opening of the new Greenock Ocean Terminal alongside Fiona Hyslop MSP, the Minister for Transport.

This was a tremendous occasion and shows how government investment can be transformative for communities.

I’m sure all constituents would agree that the new terminal building is more welcoming and comfortable and with the restaurant and Wyllieum, offers additional facilities locally.