THE man at the helm of a Port community hall which is a second home to many people has been nominated for a top award.

Norrie McAnally, who manages the Muirshiel Centre, has been put forward for a Tele community champion prize.

Norrie – who is originally from the Port – has worked for charities for most of his life.

Starting out as a blacksmith in the shipyards, he went on to work for organisations outwith Inverclyde for 25 years before finding his way home and to Muirshiel.

He was stunned to find out he had been nominated – and is determined to point out that the award should be for the whole team at the centre.

Norrie said: “I’m absolutely shocked.

“It’s very much a team effort here at Muirshiel so it’s great for the centre to be appreciated and to know that what we do is having an impact.

“It’s a job of work to me.

“It took me a while to get back home and it is great to have the opportunity to return to working in Inverclyde.”

The centre in Muirshiel Road provides activities for older people, those living with additional support needs and people living with physical and mental health needs.

The team provide transport to and from the centre, tea and toast in the morning and two-course lunches.

People visiting the centre can also take part in table top games, physical games and exercise sessions.

Everyone who attends the centre is allocated a key worker and the team work to offer a personalised care and support plan for each person.

Norrie led the team in taking additional training specifically in dementia and has ensured that everyone working at the centre has a qualification in working with people living with learning needs.

Muirshiel is the preferred daycare provider for Inverclyde East, covering the area from Quarrier’s to Village to Bakers Brae in Greenock, and also runs a home maintenance service for people who can’t manage jobs around the house and garden.

Norrie added: “We provide an essential service within the community and maximise people’s capabilities rather than restricting them, by supporting and encouraging mobility.

“We provide respite for carers to allow partners and carers to get some time for themselves, which is very important.

“Our service users look forward to coming here and go home and speak to their partners and carers about what’s happening at the centre.

“Carers tell us about how communication increases and that sleeping patterns improve.

“It’s great to see the impact we have on carers and our users.”