A SPECTACULAR Greenock showcase celebrated the positive impact that social enterprise and volunteering have on individuals and communities across Inverclyde. 

CVS Inverclyde hosted an event to raise awareness the support on offer for people who are thinking about starting up their own venture, and those who want to dedicate some of their free time to good causes. 

People got the chance to browse a range of trade stands and find out more about existing social enterprises, take part in workshops, and had the opportunity to 'meet the experts'. 

There was a speed networking event, a sustainable fashion show featuring young people from James Watt College and Clydeview Academy, and the team from Clyde Coast Radio broadcasted live from the Beacon. 

CVS Inverclyde CEO Charlene Elliott said she was delighted to see so many people give up their time to come along to the event. 

She added: "When social enterprises and volunteers come together, they can be transformational for people and for communities. 

"This event was about celebrating that and letting people know that's there's a lot of help, support, and advice out there for them. 

"People have been learning how to set up a social enterprise from scratch, and if you've set one up already, how to keep it sustainable."

Some of the information stands there on the day included Developing the Young Workforce, Ardgowan Hospice, Ocean Youth Trust, Social Enterprise Scotland, and Financial Fitness. 

The event took place thanks to partnership funding provided by Inverclyde Council through the UK government. 

CVS Inverclyde hosted the event to raise awareness of the area's social enterprises and volunteering opportunities. (Image: George Munro) Keynote speakers on the day were Charlene from CVS, Lisa Wardlaw, head of the Skills Academy at Kibble, Margaret Starkie, partnership and communications manager at Volunteer Scotland, and Inverclyde Council CEO Louise Long. 

Ms Long said: "Creating volunteering opportunities and creating social enterprise brings a lot of benefits to the local area. 

"They supports business growth, and hopefully they will help Inverclyde continue be a place where people can prosper."

Single mum Fiona Powell, 35, volunteered as a consultant at the fashion show on the day. 

Fiona grew up in Inverclyde and moved away for 10 years before coming back to Greenock, and pursuing a career as a seamstress, artist, and costume maker. 

She linked up with CVS in February, and is also involved with The Wyllieum. 

All of the clothes at the fashion show were sourced from local Marie Curie and Ardgowan Hospice charity shops. 

Fiona Powell volunteered as a consultant at the event's fashion show. (Image: George Munro) Fiona believes that 'everyone and anyone can be creative and be an artist'. 

She said: "I feel like I'm really linking in with my background now and my using skills as a seamstress and artist. 

"I was a consultant for the fashion show and recycled and upcycled the outfits. 

"I love volunteering because I really love finding people who are kindred spirits and hearing people's stories."