That the Parliament congratulates Victim Support Scotland on its 35th anniversary, having been formed on 23 August 1985; understands that it was established by a group of volunteers in Coatbridge who recognised a need to support people affected by crime in the local community; notes that the organisation has gone from strength to strength in this time with community-based services in every local authority area providing practical, financial, emotional and mental support, as well as having court-based witness services in every Sheriff and High Court in Scotland as well as some Justice of the Peace courts; further notes that the charity also provides third party reporting services for anyone who does not feel comfortable reporting a crime to the police directly; understands that Victim Support Scotland continues to invest in technology and training to ensure that it can adapt to the changing nature of crime and meet the needs of victims; recognises the outstanding commitment of its staff and volunteers over the last 35 years to support victims, witnesses and people affected by crime across Scotland; believes that this work is vital to ensuring that victims and witnesses are able to access the support services they need and the rights they are entitled to under the Victim’s Code for Scotland, and wishes Victim Support Scotland all the best for the next 35 years and beyond.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Victim Support Scotland on its 35th anniversary, having been formed on 23 August 1985; understands that it was established by a group of volunteers in Coatbridge who recognised a need to support people affected by crime in the local community; notes that the organisation has gone from strength to strength in this time with community-based services in every local authority area providing practical, financial, emotional and mental support, as well as having court-based witness services in every Sheriff and High Court in Scotland as well as some Justice of the Peace courts; further notes that the charity also provides third party reporting services for anyone who does not feel comfortable reporting a crime to the police directly; understands that Victim Support Scotland continues to invest in technology and training to ensure that it can adapt to the changing nature of crime and meet the needs of victims; recognises the outstanding commitment of its staff and volunteers over the last 35 years to support victims, witnesses and people affected by crime across Scotland; believes that this work is vital to ensuring that victims and witnesses are able to access the support services they need and the rights they are entitled to under the Victim’s Code for Scotland, and wishes Victim Support Scotland all the best for the next 35 years and beyond.
Supported by: Sandra White, Stewart Stevenson, Christine Grahame, Monica Lennon, Alex Cole-Hamilton, Rona Mackay, Alex Rowley, Bob Doris, Stuart McMillan, Alex Neil, Jeremy Balfour, Elaine Smith, Bill Kidd, Richard Lyle, John Mason, Annabelle Ewing, Margaret Mitchell, Mark McDonald, John Finnie, Ruth Maguire, Gillian Martin
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That the Parliament notes the acute difficulties facing self-employed people as a result of the economic impact of COVID-19; understands that self-employed people in particular have been ineligible for any form of government financial support, due to current UK Government rules; considers that this has left these workers stranded and unable to access financial support through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme or the furlough scheme; urges the UK Government to deliver a package of measures that includes a commitment to extend the furlough scheme beyond its October 2020 deadline and put into place vital financial support for those who currently are not entitled to any support from current UK Government schemes; considers the availability of universal credit to be insufficient to allow people to both live and protect their businesses, and calls on the UK Government to end disparities in its COVID-19 support packages that it considers are currently putting livelihoods and businesses at risk.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes the acute difficulties facing self-employed people as a result of the economic impact of COVID-19; understands that self-employed people in particular have been ineligible for any form of government financial support, due to current UK Government rules; considers that this has left these workers stranded and unable to access financial support through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme or the furlough scheme; urges the UK Government to deliver a package of measures that includes a commitment to extend the furlough scheme beyond its October 2020 deadline and put into place vital financial support for those who currently are not entitled to any support from current UK Government schemes; considers the availability of universal credit to be insufficient to allow people to both live and protect their businesses, and calls on the UK Government to end disparities in its COVID-19 support packages that it considers are currently putting livelihoods and businesses at risk.
Supported by: Kenneth Gibson, Stewart Stevenson, David Torrance, Richard Lyle, Bill Kidd, Sandra White, Stuart McMillan, Alex Neil, Joan McAlpine, Gil Paterson, Colin Beattie, Gillian Martin, Ruth Maguire
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That the Parliament congratulates Alexander Burns and Colin McParland on graduating from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service dedicated training facility in Newbridge, Edinburgh; notes that they were part of the first group of graduates from the training facility; understands that Alexander and Colin have been deployed to Coatbridge Fire Station, and wishes them every success in their future careers.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Alexander Burns and Colin McParland on graduating from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service dedicated training facility in Newbridge, Edinburgh; notes that they were part of the first group of graduates from the training facility; understands that Alexander and Colin have been deployed to Coatbridge Fire Station, and wishes them every success in their future careers.
Supported by: Sandra White, Monica Lennon, Emma Harper, David Torrance, Bill Kidd, Richard Lyle, Alex Cole-Hamilton, Willie Coffey, Annabelle Ewing, Elaine Smith, Clare Adamson, Gil Paterson, Joan McAlpine, Gillian Martin, Ruth Maguire
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That the Parliament recognises the outstanding dedication and effort put in by Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) volunteers to keep the joy alive for children across Scotland with life-shortening conditions; notes the charity’s recently published report, Volunteering Highlights, which showcases the work of CHAS’s almost 900-strong force of volunteers, who together donated nearly 56,000 volunteer hours in 2019-20; particularly commends the work that CHAS volunteers have done to adapt to changing circumstances since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the many volunteers who have been redeployed into CHAS’s "virtual hospice", and those who have contributed to initiatives such as letter writing to families who might feel isolated and live story telling for children unable to access hospice care; notes the key role that volunteering will play in CHAS’s ambition of reaching every family in Scotland who needs the charity’s support, and praises and thanks CHAS volunteers across all communities in Scotland for the valuable work that they do to transform the lives of children and families.
Current Status:
That the Parliament recognises the outstanding dedication and effort put in by Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) volunteers to keep the joy alive for children across Scotland with life-shortening conditions; notes the charity’s recently published report, Volunteering Highlights, which showcases the work of CHAS’s almost 900-strong force of volunteers, who together donated nearly 56,000 volunteer hours in 2019-20; particularly commends the work that CHAS volunteers have done to adapt to changing circumstances since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the many volunteers who have been redeployed into CHAS’s "virtual hospice", and those who have contributed to initiatives such as letter writing to families who might feel isolated and live story telling for children unable to access hospice care; notes the key role that volunteering will play in CHAS’s ambition of reaching every family in Scotland who needs the charity’s support, and praises and thanks CHAS volunteers across all communities in Scotland for the valuable work that they do to transform the lives of children and families.
Supported by: Liam McArthur, David Torrance, Kenneth Gibson, Stuart McMillan, Mark McDonald, Sandra White, Monica Lennon, Annabelle Ewing, Stewart Stevenson, John Mason, Bill Kidd, Richard Lyle, Jackie Baillie, Joan McAlpine, Willie Coffey, Clare Adamson, Neil Findlay, Alex Rowley, Gil Paterson, Colin Smyth, Gillian Martin, Ruth Maguire
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That the Parliament congratulate the Friends of Monkland Canal on its latest initiative to improve and revive the beauty and heritage spot; understands that the Coatbridge-based group, which is headed by Alan McCormack, and its volunteers, including Stephen McCargo, John Mackins and John Smart, embarked on this clean-up operation during the COVID-19 lockdown to benefit the community; notes that the project involves clearing litter and other discarded items to create a cleaner and greener environment that can be enjoyed by the community and wildlife alike; acknowledges that, so far, the volunteers have removed over 300 bags of rubbish from the canal paths; welcomes the news that children from the area have taken the opportunity, along with their parents, to help, including with participating in litter picking; appreciates that they have been identifying and learning about wildlife and enjoying the treasure trails that have been set up by the volunteers in the newly-tidied woodland walks; believes that this is helping them to take pride in their area; welcomes all efforts to protect the natural environment and improve outdoor spaces, including this work to help preserve the history of the Monkland Canal, and wishes Alan and the group every success with this venture and their other endeavours.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulate the Friends of Monkland Canal on its latest initiative to improve and revive the beauty and heritage spot; understands that the Coatbridge-based group, which is headed by Alan McCormack, and its volunteers, including Stephen McCargo, John Mackins and John Smart, embarked on this clean-up operation during the COVID-19 lockdown to benefit the community; notes that the project involves clearing litter and other discarded items to create a cleaner and greener environment that can be enjoyed by the community and wildlife alike; acknowledges that, so far, the volunteers have removed over 300 bags of rubbish from the canal paths; welcomes the news that children from the area have taken the opportunity, along with their parents, to help, including with participating in litter picking; appreciates that they have been identifying and learning about wildlife and enjoying the treasure trails that have been set up by the volunteers in the newly-tidied woodland walks; believes that this is helping them to take pride in their area; welcomes all efforts to protect the natural environment and improve outdoor spaces, including this work to help preserve the history of the Monkland Canal, and wishes Alan and the group every success with this venture and their other endeavours.
Supported by: Monica Lennon, Elaine Smith, David Torrance, Kenneth Gibson, Stewart Stevenson, Bill Kidd, Sandra White, Stuart McMillan, Richard Lyle, Joan McAlpine, Willie Coffey, Clare Adamson, Gil Paterson, Gillian Martin, Ruth Maguire
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That the Parliament is shocked and appalled at what it considers the abhorrent death of the American, George Floyd, at the hands of police in Minneapolis; believes that this incident is symptomatic of ongoing prejudices faced by black and minority ethnic (BAME) communities; notes that the actions of the police officers involved have resulted in mass protest and civil unrest throughout the US at the time of the COVID-19 global pandemic, to which people from BAME backgrounds are often already exposed to the worst of the health and economic consequences; further notes that demonstrations have taken place in cities all over the world with the powerful message that #BlackLivesMatter, and reaffirms its position that there is no place for racism in Scotland or anywhere else.
Current Status:
That the Parliament is shocked and appalled at what it considers the abhorrent death of the American, George Floyd, at the hands of police in Minneapolis; believes that this incident is symptomatic of ongoing prejudices faced by black and minority ethnic (BAME) communities; notes that the actions of the police officers involved have resulted in mass protest and civil unrest throughout the US at the time of the COVID-19 global pandemic, to which people from BAME backgrounds are often already exposed to the worst of the health and economic consequences; further notes that demonstrations have taken place in cities all over the world with the powerful message that #BlackLivesMatter, and reaffirms its position that there is no place for racism in Scotland or anywhere else.
Supported by: Brian Whittle, John Finnie, Gail Ross, James Dornan, John Mason, Stuart McMillan, David Torrance, Richard Lyle, Anas Sarwar, Willie Coffey, Rona Mackay, Pauline McNeill, Mark Griffin, Mark McDonald, Sarah Boyack, Bob Doris, Annabelle Ewing, George Adam, Monica Lennon, Adam Tomkins, Sandra White, Alex Rowley, Alex Cole-Hamilton, Bill Kidd, Neil Findlay, James Kelly, Gil Paterson, Shona Robison, Alison Harris, Alex Neil, Margaret Mitchell, Colin Beattie, Joan McAlpine, Mark Ruskell, Jamie Greene, Patrick Harvie, Alison Johnstone, Beatrice Wishart, Jackson Carlaw, Liam McArthur, Emma Harper, Keith Brown, Elaine Smith, Clare Adamson, Iain Gray, Tom Arthur, Liam Kerr, Gordon MacDonald, Johann Lamont, Alasdair Allan, Neil Bibby, Maureen Watt, Ruth Maguire, Gillian Martin
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That the Parliament acknowledges the work of Macmillan Cancer Support in Lanarkshire and the key role that it is playing with partners to continue supporting communities and people affected by cancer in North and South Lanarkshire, despite being unable to offer in-person services due to the COVID-19 pandemic; welcomes its fast approach to service reconfiguration to telephone, email and Skype to provide emotional support and access to vital information and services; acknowledges the work that the service has carried out with NHS inform to ensure that people can now “click to be contacted” when using the NHS Inform website, and urges anyone in Lanarkshire that needs support with cancer to contact Macmillan by email or calling 01698 332 631.
Current Status:
That the Parliament acknowledges the work of Macmillan Cancer Support in Lanarkshire and the key role that it is playing with partners to continue supporting communities and people affected by cancer in North and South Lanarkshire, despite being unable to offer in-person services due to the COVID-19 pandemic; welcomes its fast approach to service reconfiguration to telephone, email and Skype to provide emotional support and access to vital information and services; acknowledges the work that the service has carried out with NHS inform to ensure that people can now “click to be contacted” when using the NHS Inform website, and urges anyone in Lanarkshire that needs support with cancer to contact Macmillan by email or calling 01698 332 631.
Supported by: Alex Neil, Stewart Stevenson, Rona Mackay, Richard Lyle, Edward Mountain, David Torrance, Sandra White, Tom Arthur, Angela Constance, Bill Kidd, Gail Ross, Clare Adamson, Willie Coffey, Ruth Maguire, Gillian Martin
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That the Parliament recognises the contribution of Scotland’s network of community football organisations during the COVID-19 crisis; notes that clubs, both grassroots and professional, including Coatbridge Rovers, Cumbernauld Colts and Holytown Colts in North Lanarkshire and many others, have used their unique reach to connect people and organisations right across the country; believes that, for some time, Scotland has had some of the best community football and sports clubs in Europe and notes their current role in helping to deliver frontline services, harness the power of volunteers and offer alternative online educational opportunities, and believes that the clubs are playing an invaluable role during these difficult times to help deliver essential services and support.
Current Status:
That the Parliament recognises the contribution of Scotland’s network of community football organisations during the COVID-19 crisis; notes that clubs, both grassroots and professional, including Coatbridge Rovers, Cumbernauld Colts and Holytown Colts in North Lanarkshire and many others, have used their unique reach to connect people and organisations right across the country; believes that, for some time, Scotland has had some of the best community football and sports clubs in Europe and notes their current role in helping to deliver frontline services, harness the power of volunteers and offer alternative online educational opportunities, and believes that the clubs are playing an invaluable role during these difficult times to help deliver essential services and support.
Supported by: Clare Adamson, Richard Lyle, Stuart McMillan, Kenneth Gibson, Emma Harper, John Finnie, Bill Kidd, James Kelly, Murdo Fraser, Mark McDonald, Monica Lennon, Stewart Stevenson, Maureen Watt, David Torrance, Jeremy Balfour, Neil Bibby, Sandra White, Willie Coffey, Joan McAlpine, Ruth Maguire
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That the Parliament recognises that children and young people in Armed Forces families can face unique challenges in terms of their education and wider health and wellbeing due to high levels of mobility, coping with parental deployment and, once the serving parent leaves the services, the transition to civilian life, and recognises the work undertaken by the Royal Caledonian Education Trust, the Scotland’s Armed Forces Children’s charity, through its national Youth Participation Project, to empower children and young people in serving and veteran families to influence and improve development of services and policies to meet their needs.
Current Status:
That the Parliament recognises that children and young people in Armed Forces families can face unique challenges in terms of their education and wider health and wellbeing due to high levels of mobility, coping with parental deployment and, once the serving parent leaves the services, the transition to civilian life, and recognises the work undertaken by the Royal Caledonian Education Trust, the Scotland’s Armed Forces Children’s charity, through its national Youth Participation Project, to empower children and young people in serving and veteran families to influence and improve development of services and policies to meet their needs.
Supported by: David Torrance, Stewart Stevenson, Kenneth Gibson, Stuart McMillan, Sandra White, Mark McDonald, John Mason, Richard Lyle, Alex Neil, Bill Kidd, Monica Lennon, Jeremy Balfour, Jackie Baillie, Gillian Martin, Alex Rowley, Willie Coffey, Clare Adamson, Tom Arthur, Ruth Maguire
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That the Parliament notes that International Workers' Memorial Day 2020 will be marked on 28 April, and welcomes again the opportunity for all to come together to remember those who have lost their lives through workplace-related accident or illness; acknowledges with solemnity and the very greatest of respect the frontline workers in the NHS, care providers and other key services who have put their own health at risk, and those who have tragically lost their lives while working selflessly, bravely and resolutely on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic; joins in solidarity with the families of those workers in observing the minute's silence at 11.00am to reflect on the sacrifices that have been made in these very tragic circumstances, and commits to honour the lives of all those who have lost their lives at work and who are no longer with us.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes that International Workers' Memorial Day 2020 will be marked on 28 April, and welcomes again the opportunity for all to come together to remember those who have lost their lives through workplace-related accident or illness; acknowledges with solemnity and the very greatest of respect the frontline workers in the NHS, care providers and other key services who have put their own health at risk, and those who have tragically lost their lives while working selflessly, bravely and resolutely on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic; joins in solidarity with the families of those workers in observing the minute's silence at 11.00am to reflect on the sacrifices that have been made in these very tragic circumstances, and commits to honour the lives of all those who have lost their lives at work and who are no longer with us.
Supported by: Sandra White, Stuart McMillan, Angus MacDonald, Willie Coffey, Kenneth Gibson, Rona Mackay, John Finnie, Clare Adamson, James Kelly, Bruce Crawford, John Mason, Richard Lyle, Angela Constance, Stewart Stevenson, David Torrance, Bill Kidd, Jeremy Balfour, Andy Wightman, Bob Doris, Maureen Watt, Mark McDonald, Emma Harper, Annabelle Ewing, Neil Bibby, Monica Lennon, Elaine Smith, Gillian Martin, Ruth Maguire
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