A PIONEERING project helping young men affected by homelessness and addiction in the poorest parts of Inverclyde which has assisted 40 individuals has won funding.

The Inverclyde health and social care partnership-run IRISE (Inverclyde Routes in to Supported Employment) programme was introduced in 2021.

Many of those taking part in the scheme are now actively working, seeking employment or in further education.

The team are currently working with nine men living in deprived areas who have a range of complex needs. They are offered support workers to reduce barriers to get back into work.

Inverclyde Council has agreed to allocate £600,000 for the project from their anti-poverty fund until the end of the year.

Council policy and resources committee members will be told about the funding at an upcoming meeting.