AN INVERCLYDE group set up to provide a welcoming space for people facing isolation during the cold winter months says it “couldn’t function” without cash from a community fund.

The Inverclyde Homeless Forum is among several local organisations to have benefitted from the Warm Hand of Friendship fund in recent years.

The grant scheme, administered by Inverclyde Council, provides organisations with money to fund activities and provide support during the winter months. 

Groups can apply for up to £3,000 from the fund between now and March 2025, and the council says that all applications submitted before October 31 will be assessed before Christmas.

The Inverclyde Homeless Forum runs sessions twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays, at St Mary’s Church in Greenock, and supports a whole range of people who have found themselves in unfortunate circumstances. 

The forum's secretary Rosemary McCartney said the council's funding is vital for the group. 

She added: "We couldn't function without this support. 

"We wouldn't be able to open the doors and welcome people. We've been running twice a week for the last two years and our costs are rising."

The forum was set up by current chairman Willie Hanley at the Inverclyde Centre in 2006 and quickly moved to St Mary's. 

Jim Tolan is the group's vice chair, and Carol Bjonness is honorary committee member in a committee of around 10 members. 

The forum is also supported by 10 volunteers. 

Secretary Rosemary said between 25 and 30 people come along to each session. 

She added: "It's somewhere for people to go at the start and the end of the week. 

"You don't have to be homeless - this group is for anyone who is feeling lonely and is looking for some practical and emotional support. 

"We get to know all of the regulars. 

"They're lovely people who need a bit of support."

The Inverclyde Homeless Forum runs sessions every Monday and Friday - and people don't have to be homeless to make use of its support. (Image: George Munro) Volunteers provide a two-course meal for people every lunchtime, and everyone leaves with a bag of groceries. 

People also have access to warm bedding and help with energy bills. 

The service is also supported by the National Lottery, Advice First, the St Vincent de Paul Society, Inverclyde Foodbank, Tesco, M&S, Aldi, Thomas Franks caterers, and loyal local supporters. 

Councillor Francesca Brennan said Inverclyde Homeless Forum is a 'shining example' of how the Warm Hand of Friendship funding can be used, and shows how community groups can make a big difference. 

She added: "We started the Warm Hand of Friendship fund due to the cost of living crisis. 

"Groups like the homeless forum are doing amazing work with people right here in the community already.

"The volunteers are great at knowing what people need and are working with people at the sharp end of the cost of living crisis, and people who really need our support the most. 

"In terms of tackling social isolation, this is a really helpful project. 

"We want to let people know that this funding is available to make sure we're meeting peoples' needs in the heart of our communities. 

"Any group that's thinking of doing something to bring people together in a warm space can apply."

Former drug users Alistair Jannetts and David Park were at the cafe when the Telegraph visited. 

Alistair said: "For us guys it's a good place to come to and is a stable platform. 

"It gives you something to do and really helps us out and helps us with food. 

"It's a relaxing place to be."

David added : "You can survive on the food you get. 

"It's something to go along to and it gets you out for a couple of hours. 

"You get to meet people."

Brian Hamilton was back at the club for the first time after getting out of rehab.

He said: "It's helped me a lot over the years. 

"I was a drug addict and started coming here about six years ago. 

"You get good food and good support."

To apply visit www.inverclyde.gov.uk/warmspaces.