WITH a box of charcoals and pastels in front of him, Jim MacKenzie chooses the colours he needs to put the finishing touches to the self-portrait he has been working on.

He says he's not a natural artist but the work produced by his hand tells another story and the likeness is striking.

The 60-year-old from Greenock has spent the last few weeks working with the Debaters group at local charity Your Voice on a project with artist Anne McKay.

The idea was to pass on her art skills and encourage everyone to learn how to make a self-portrait. Over the weeks they have produced an impressive collection of work but the individual members of the group, who have experienced a range of problems from long-term unemployment and depression to addiction issues, get so much more out of the meetings.

"I have been unemployed for about 10 years," explains Jim, "and didn't have any interest in art to start with.

"When I was working originally I was a plater and then in electronics. It seemed everywhere I went to work shut down.

"I enjoy the company and meeting different people. I love the artwork, I never thought I could draw my breath never mind a self-portrait."

The Debaters are just one of the groups that meet regularly at Your Voice in the town's Clyde Square. They get together every Tuesday, discussing issues affecting the community and on alternative weeks have started working with Gourock artist Anne, who trained at Glasgow School of Art and is a member of the Absent Voices collective of musicians and artists who have been campaigning to breathe new life into Greenock's disused Sugar Sheds.

"The group gives people an aim in life. Some have suffered from depression, some have had addiction problems and they can come here and chill out," says Jim.

"You meet people from all different backgrounds. I didn't know half of these people until they started coming to the art class.

"I feel I have a lot more confidence since I've been coming to the class. I meet new people and talk about different things now. My life is fuller, I've got something to do instead of just sitting in the house vegetating."

Sandra Houston had been her mother's carer and joined after her death, looking for a way to cope with the bereavement.

"I wanted to come for my wellbeing and my mental health," explains the 59-year-old from Greenock. "I feel I've got to come because it gives me good mental health. I look forward to it and I don't miss a week."

In fact Sandra has got so much out of group that her son, Dr David Comisky, has donated £200 to buy materials and keep it going. They are looking for donations, large and small to help fund the project.

"We really need more funding because the group has been great for a lot of people who are quiet or a bit introverted and it has helped get them out of themselves. It has been really helpful for them," says Sandra.

"You benefit from the group in so many different ways."

According to Hugh Gardner, it is a support group.

The 58-year-old from Gourock has been attending different events at Your Voice for a number of years. Due to ill health he can't work and says the friends he has made at the charity have been a lifeline.

"The Jobcentre was trying to encourage me to get out of the house and they suggested I come here. I'm enjoying it, and I've discovered I'm quite good at art," he laughs.

"I haven't done art before, only at school. I just took to it like a fish to water, everyone has about two or three drawings and I have about 50. I can draw a picture of myself in about 10 minutes.

"I have something there I've just never had the chance to express before now."

Hugh lives on his own and says he didn't know any of the fellow members of the Debaters until he joined the group.

"You meet people and get more confidence, you can talk to people," he adds. "Before I would come to Greenock, do my shopping and go home. It's a good laugh here and it's only an hour or so out of your life."

According to Annie the difference in the group since she first started working with them a few weeks ago has been incredible.

To begin with they didn't know if they could draw but under her expert guidance the members of the group are now assertively sketching away.

"I think the main thing everyone has got out of it is gaining confidence in themselves and learning new skills," says Anne.

"They don't mind if I'm holding their work up and showing it to other people. They're talking about each other's work and helping one another. I always think you don't just learn from the teacher, the teacher learns from you and they learn from one another.

"They have bonded and become friends. I don't feel I'm their tutor, I'm their friend."

About 15 people regularly attend group meetings, aged from 50 to 65, and they come here for as long as they want to, says Isobel Kerr, Your Voice development officer. Some get a job and leave; others are quite ill and won't work but are actively involved in the community.

"I think they get a sense of belonging," she adds.

To find out more about Your Voice or to make a donation, visit www.yourvoice.org.uk or call 01475 728628.