A LIFESAVING charity in Inverclyde which has scooped two major awards back to back is now helping the Scottish Government to improve vital mental health services.

Safe Harbour, a pioneering project based in Greenock and founded by local man Duncan Shaw, was recently recognised at the Inverclyde Inspirational Awards and then the Chamber of Commerce's ICON bash.

The emotional support organisation has also also just taken part in an event run by the government focusing on suicide and other mental health topics.

Meanwhile its small team continues to save lives by helping people who have suffered trauma and are at risk of suicide.

Charity chief executive Duncan says he is proud over the awards double.

He said: "It means such a lot to be recognised in this way by our own community.

"The two awards nights came one after the other, so it was very special.

"We were also delighted to be asked to take part in a showcase on mental health by the Scottish Government in Edinburgh.

"There is a lot of tremendous work going on by my team."

Safe Harbour was recognised by the Chamber of Commerce for its work in health and wellbeing.

The charity was a winner the next night at the Inverclyde Inspirational Awards, which is run by local charity champion Leah Canning. Duncan and his team were named Inspirational Charity Organisation of the year and were also chosen to benefit on the night with a £500 donation to their cause.

Event organiser Leah said: "We were delighted to hand over the award and the donation. The charity does amazing work."

Duncan celebrated the prizes with his team, including senior practitioner Helen McHugh, project worker Emma McMillan and director Jodie McPherson, who was a volunteer previously.

Dr Craig Speirs, who was a GP for 40 years, also sits on the board at Safe Harbour and says it is proving vital to local doctors who can refer patients for help.

Dr Speirs said: "When I was a GP this would have been a vital service that I would definitely have benefited from having for my patients.

"We are very proud of what has been achieved. Safe Harbour is a lifeline to so many people. But there is such a demand for the service and it is about expanding in a way that is sustainable.

"Duncan has done a great job over the years. Safe Harbour is very often the last stop for people who have nowhere else to go."