AN INSPIRATIONAL recovery and support service in Inverclyde has thrown open its doors to the public to heplshine a light on its work.

Moving On Inverclyde helps people affected by addiction problems to turn their lives around.

The organisation, based in Jamaica Street, has been offering people and families in Inverclyde for more than 20 years - and held an open day to give the public a chance to find out more about its work in the community.

READ MORE: Chelsea Clark says Moving On project changed her life

Manager Bev Thow said: "The open day was for everyone - for people at all stages of recovery, for those who haven't started their recovery journey, or for others to take it further.

"It's also an opportunity for other organisations to find out what is on offer.

"We had acupuncture, well-being classes and digital sessions running."

Moving On's service users come through a four step programme; engagement, where they are allocated a key worker; developing recovery skills; connecting with the community, which involves vocational training and employability; and post-programme support.

In steps two and three participants also take part in a range of activities such as acupuncture, art classes, fitness sessions, a walking group and SMART (Self Management and Recovery Training) recovery meetings.

Bev says it is all about putting people at ease and offering them a safe space to talk about their situation.

She also says it's very important that those who use Moving On's services know that anything they say is confidential, to make sure Moving On can offer the help they need.

One of the key areas of Moving On's work involves supporting people through the criminal justice system, for example if they have been involved with police and have a court appearance coming up.

The charity also recognises that substance abuse and addiction can also lead to people having to deal with mental health issues.

Bev said: "We can refer people to the trauma counselling team, because when the substance abuse ends, the reason they started using drugs or alcohol in the first place will come back to the surface.

"This is to support mental health and specially children's needs."

Most recently Chelsea Clark heaped praises on the services after getting a part-time job there following a college placement.

The mum-of-three is now studying for a degree and she said she couldn't have done it without the team at Moving on.

She previously told the Tele: "Moving On changed my life."

For more information call 01475 735 200 or 07767 167 388 or visit www.movingoninverclyde.co.uk.