That the Parliament congratulates the Glasgow-based charity, Simon Community Scotland, and its partners, staff, volunteers and donors on helping keep 2,500 people safe during the lockdown; acknowledges that, four months on from the start of the lockdown, they have not just put a roof over people's heads, but have also helped many people transform their lives, often for the first time, and that 156,000 meals have been served; understands that, in the first 14 days of lockdown, rough sleeping was virtually eradicated from Glasgow and Edinburgh; acknowledges the Scottish Government funding awarded to organisations such as Simon Community Scotland at the start of the lockdown to prevent rough sleeping and for the purchase of hotel accommodation; supports the ongoing commitment from the Scottish Government to find pathways to suitable accommodation post-lockdown, and the re-establishment of the Homelessness & Rough Sleeping Action Group to recommend specific proposals to this end, and believes that, within this approach, Simon Community Scotland will have an important and ongoing role to play.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates the Glasgow-based charity, Simon Community Scotland, and its partners, staff, volunteers and donors on helping keep 2,500 people safe during the lockdown; acknowledges that, four months on from the start of the lockdown, they have not just put a roof over people's heads, but have also helped many people transform their lives, often for the first time, and that 156,000 meals have been served; understands that, in the first 14 days of lockdown, rough sleeping was virtually eradicated from Glasgow and Edinburgh; acknowledges the Scottish Government funding awarded to organisations such as Simon Community Scotland at the start of the lockdown to prevent rough sleeping and for the purchase of hotel accommodation; supports the ongoing commitment from the Scottish Government to find pathways to suitable accommodation post-lockdown, and the re-establishment of the Homelessness & Rough Sleeping Action Group to recommend specific proposals to this end, and believes that, within this approach, Simon Community Scotland will have an important and ongoing role to play.
Supported by: Stuart McMillan, Stewart Stevenson, Sandra White, Fulton MacGregor, Joan McAlpine, Ruth Maguire, Gillian Martin
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That the Parliament commends the work of schools and their parent councils in the Maryhill and Springburn constituency and across Scotland during the COVID-19 pandemic; acknowledges that, as schools enter the summer holiday period, many will be taking steps to ensure that young people are safe and well at this difficult time; pays tribute to the work of Saracen Primary School and its parent council for their efforts, including their longstanding partnership with the Celtic FC Foundation whose Football For Good Fund was able to provide 231 children with cooking bags, containing fresh vegetables and recipes to make carrot and lentil soup and a veggie stir fry; notes that the fund will also provide 45 school leavers with a fabulous activity pack, containing many fun items, and provide 214 pupils from the school with an activity pack to support home learning, and also thanks both ASDA and B&M, which supplied bags for life to assist in the delivery of such a welcome resource.
Current Status:
That the Parliament commends the work of schools and their parent councils in the Maryhill and Springburn constituency and across Scotland during the COVID-19 pandemic; acknowledges that, as schools enter the summer holiday period, many will be taking steps to ensure that young people are safe and well at this difficult time; pays tribute to the work of Saracen Primary School and its parent council for their efforts, including their longstanding partnership with the Celtic FC Foundation whose Football For Good Fund was able to provide 231 children with cooking bags, containing fresh vegetables and recipes to make carrot and lentil soup and a veggie stir fry; notes that the fund will also provide 45 school leavers with a fabulous activity pack, containing many fun items, and provide 214 pupils from the school with an activity pack to support home learning, and also thanks both ASDA and B&M, which supplied bags for life to assist in the delivery of such a welcome resource.
Supported by: David Torrance, Joan McAlpine, Richard Lyle, Stewart Stevenson, Gil Paterson, Bill Kidd, Fulton MacGregor, Sandra White, Ruth Maguire
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That the Parliament congratulates the volunteers from Glasgow Afghan United (GAU) who have sought to ensure that their highly successful educational initiative has successfully transitioned to an online platform during lockdown; welcomes the fact that there has been a strong uptake of the online classes from those in the black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities, who would otherwise have been unable to attend in person; believes that the online classes tackle social isolation during lockdown as well as benefitting the participants’ emotional wellbeing; understands that the programmes include English classes, women empowerment classes, and health, wellbeing and emotional support classes; believes that the classes will provide practical assistance and support for participants' subsequent efforts to seek employment or formal education and training opportunities; thanks the many volunteers' teachers including Nagineh Azar, Hosay Zazai, Frozan Samad, Khalida Bostani, Homaric Shadiqi Sedeqey, Hamida Mehraban, Zuhra Kawsari, Zuhra Rashid, Mitra Sedeqey, Wagma Ibrahimkhail, Deena Janzada and Ruhena Janzada who have all made the online classes such a success; notes that GAU have been supported in this endeavour by both ng homes and the Big Lottery, and acknowledges the efforts of new Scots more generally in supporting BAME communities and also wider society during these unprecedented times.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates the volunteers from Glasgow Afghan United (GAU) who have sought to ensure that their highly successful educational initiative has successfully transitioned to an online platform during lockdown; welcomes the fact that there has been a strong uptake of the online classes from those in the black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities, who would otherwise have been unable to attend in person; believes that the online classes tackle social isolation during lockdown as well as benefitting the participants’ emotional wellbeing; understands that the programmes include English classes, women empowerment classes, and health, wellbeing and emotional support classes; believes that the classes will provide practical assistance and support for participants' subsequent efforts to seek employment or formal education and training opportunities; thanks the many volunteers' teachers including Nagineh Azar, Hosay Zazai, Frozan Samad, Khalida Bostani, Homaric Shadiqi Sedeqey, Hamida Mehraban, Zuhra Kawsari, Zuhra Rashid, Mitra Sedeqey, Wagma Ibrahimkhail, Deena Janzada and Ruhena Janzada who have all made the online classes such a success; notes that GAU have been supported in this endeavour by both ng homes and the Big Lottery, and acknowledges the efforts of new Scots more generally in supporting BAME communities and also wider society during these unprecedented times.
Supported by: Alex Neil, John Finnie, Richard Lyle, Stewart Stevenson, Sandra White, Bill Kidd, David Torrance, Joan McAlpine, Fulton MacGregor, Pauline McNeill, Gillian Martin, Ruth Maguire
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That the Parliament recognises the significant contribution to the COVID-19 pandemic response that has been made by Glasgow Afghan United (GAU); understands that over 500 people have benefitted from GAU's parcels containing cultural food, toiletries and basic necessities; thanks the many volunteers who have assisted with that response, including Mehdi Razavi, Omid Asghari, Elalio Haji, Hamid Amin, Mohammad Naiem Behzad, Rashid Nikzad and Khushal Kandhari; notes that GAU has been supported by ng homes, the Big Lottery Fund, the Scottish Refugee Council, Foundation Scotland and the Scottish Government Wellbeing Fund; pays tribute to Abdul Bostani, who is the President of GAU, for coordinating the response, and for his many years of contributing to communities across Glasgow, including in the Maryhill and Springburn constituency; appreciates that GAU has been supporting Afghan and BAME people since its inception in 2004, and acknowledges the efforts of new Scots more generally in supporting BAME people and everyone in the wider society during these unprecedented times.
Current Status:
That the Parliament recognises the significant contribution to the COVID-19 pandemic response that has been made by Glasgow Afghan United (GAU); understands that over 500 people have benefitted from GAU's parcels containing cultural food, toiletries and basic necessities; thanks the many volunteers who have assisted with that response, including Mehdi Razavi, Omid Asghari, Elalio Haji, Hamid Amin, Mohammad Naiem Behzad, Rashid Nikzad and Khushal Kandhari; notes that GAU has been supported by ng homes, the Big Lottery Fund, the Scottish Refugee Council, Foundation Scotland and the Scottish Government Wellbeing Fund; pays tribute to Abdul Bostani, who is the President of GAU, for coordinating the response, and for his many years of contributing to communities across Glasgow, including in the Maryhill and Springburn constituency; appreciates that GAU has been supporting Afghan and BAME people since its inception in 2004, and acknowledges the efforts of new Scots more generally in supporting BAME people and everyone in the wider society during these unprecedented times.
Supported by: David Torrance, Richard Lyle, Emma Harper, Stewart Stevenson, Bill Kidd, Joan McAlpine, Gil Paterson, Fulton MacGregor, Alison Johnstone, Sandra White
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That the Parliament welcomes the significant contribution made by African Challenge Scotland during the COVID-19 pandemic; understands that the organisation is providing ethnic food and toiletries deliveries to those in need in the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, including many families, asylum seekers, refugees and migrants who would not be able to secure such foods from other service providers; notes that the deliveries have been in areas across Glasgow, including in the Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn constituency; thanks the many volunteers and youth ambassadors, including Gervais Hameni, Olivia De-williams, Sally Diara, Yvan Mbadjou, Justin Kelassa, Adelaide Williams, Madelle Mbata, Yves Sobze, Paul Toukam, Ernest Yeyap, Stephen Ugwuanyi, Annie Keptche, Ignace Pelamie and Michelle Fantin, who have all shown great commitment and dedication during the COVID-19 crisis; recognises that the funds provided to African Challenge Scotland by the National Emergencies Trust through Foundation Scotland, National Lottery Community Fund, Refugee Survival Trust and the Scottish Government; notes the partnership work between African Challenge Scotland and ng homes; acknowledges the leadership, drive and enthusiasm of its founder, Ronier Deumeni; appreciates the valuable contribution that African Challenge Scotland has made over a number of years supporting BAME communities in building more successful and integrated communities by relieving poverty, advancing education and promoting cultural and sporting links between Africans and the wider Scottish population, and wishes everyone involved success in the future.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the significant contribution made by African Challenge Scotland during the COVID-19 pandemic; understands that the organisation is providing ethnic food and toiletries deliveries to those in need in the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, including many families, asylum seekers, refugees and migrants who would not be able to secure such foods from other service providers; notes that the deliveries have been in areas across Glasgow, including in the Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn constituency; thanks the many volunteers and youth ambassadors, including Gervais Hameni, Olivia De-williams, Sally Diara, Yvan Mbadjou, Justin Kelassa, Adelaide Williams, Madelle Mbata, Yves Sobze, Paul Toukam, Ernest Yeyap, Stephen Ugwuanyi, Annie Keptche, Ignace Pelamie and Michelle Fantin, who have all shown great commitment and dedication during the COVID-19 crisis; recognises that the funds provided to African Challenge Scotland by the National Emergencies Trust through Foundation Scotland, National Lottery Community Fund, Refugee Survival Trust and the Scottish Government; notes the partnership work between African Challenge Scotland and ng homes; acknowledges the leadership, drive and enthusiasm of its founder, Ronier Deumeni; appreciates the valuable contribution that African Challenge Scotland has made over a number of years supporting BAME communities in building more successful and integrated communities by relieving poverty, advancing education and promoting cultural and sporting links between Africans and the wider Scottish population, and wishes everyone involved success in the future.
Supported by: Bill Kidd, Gil Paterson, Stuart McMillan, Richard Lyle, Alex Neil, Maureen Watt, Fulton MacGregor, David Torrance, Sandra White, Joan McAlpine, Clare Adamson, Willie Coffey, Alasdair Allan, Alex Cole-Hamilton, Tom Arthur, Gillian Martin, Ruth Maguire
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That the Parliament marks Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Action Week, which runs from 15 to 21 June 2020; congratulates MND Scotland on continuing to provide vital care and support to people affected by MND, including online support groups, benefits advice and advocacy for those living with the condition and their families; notes that MND Scotland has launched a national virtual relay race on 21 June to mark Global MND Awareness Day; encourages everyone to support the work of MND Scotland and recognises the importance of donations and volunteering to the organisation, and believes that such assistance can help maintain essential services to support people living with the disease and fund vital research to find a cure for MND.
Current Status:
That the Parliament marks Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Action Week, which runs from 15 to 21 June 2020; congratulates MND Scotland on continuing to provide vital care and support to people affected by MND, including online support groups, benefits advice and advocacy for those living with the condition and their families; notes that MND Scotland has launched a national virtual relay race on 21 June to mark Global MND Awareness Day; encourages everyone to support the work of MND Scotland and recognises the importance of donations and volunteering to the organisation, and believes that such assistance can help maintain essential services to support people living with the disease and fund vital research to find a cure for MND.
Supported by: Annabelle Ewing, James Dornan, Monica Lennon, Mark McDonald, Kenneth Gibson, Richard Lyle, Fulton MacGregor, Stuart McMillan, Edward Mountain, Sandra White, Colin Beattie, Alex Neil, John Mason, Pauline McNeill, Bill Kidd, Andy Wightman, John Finnie, David Torrance, Neil Findlay, Stewart Stevenson, Angela Constance, Beatrice Wishart, Maureen Watt, Joan McAlpine, Willie Coffey, Clare Adamson, Alex Cole-Hamilton, Tom Arthur, Colin Smyth, Gillian Martin, Ruth Maguire
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That the Parliament recognises that the "no recourse to public funds" restrictions placed on many forms of leave to remain in Scotland and across the UK are a source of significant financial hardship; appreciates that a great many people have been living, working and contributing economically, socially and culturally to life in Scotland and the UK while being excluded from accessing any public funds; is concerned that these restrictions, which can be a cause of hardship at the best of times, are pushing people and families into destitution during the COVID-19 crisis; acknowledges that people from all backgrounds have found their livelihoods and incomes under threat due to COVID-19 and not all of those affected have been able to access financial assistance through government support schemes; understands that this situation is particularly desperate for those subject to "no recourse to public funds" restrictions, who are also excluded from the social safety net, which would be able to provide support such as housing benefit or universal credit; recognises the work of the Kurdish Development Association and, in particular, Shakha Sattar for their work in highlighting these issues and campaigning for change; believes that it is essential that everyone should have access to a social safety net as a basic human right, and calls on the UK Government to immediately lift the "no recourse to public funds" restrictions and ensure that everyone who needs it can access support during this crisis and the recovery that follows.
Current Status:
That the Parliament recognises that the "no recourse to public funds" restrictions placed on many forms of leave to remain in Scotland and across the UK are a source of significant financial hardship; appreciates that a great many people have been living, working and contributing economically, socially and culturally to life in Scotland and the UK while being excluded from accessing any public funds; is concerned that these restrictions, which can be a cause of hardship at the best of times, are pushing people and families into destitution during the COVID-19 crisis; acknowledges that people from all backgrounds have found their livelihoods and incomes under threat due to COVID-19 and not all of those affected have been able to access financial assistance through government support schemes; understands that this situation is particularly desperate for those subject to "no recourse to public funds" restrictions, who are also excluded from the social safety net, which would be able to provide support such as housing benefit or universal credit; recognises the work of the Kurdish Development Association and, in particular, Shakha Sattar for their work in highlighting these issues and campaigning for change; believes that it is essential that everyone should have access to a social safety net as a basic human right, and calls on the UK Government to immediately lift the "no recourse to public funds" restrictions and ensure that everyone who needs it can access support during this crisis and the recovery that follows.
Supported by: Richard Lyle, Sandra White, Emma Harper, Alex Neil, John Mason, David Torrance, James Dornan, Neil Findlay, Willie Coffey, Clare Adamson, Bill Kidd, Gil Paterson, Angela Constance, Gillian Martin, Ruth Maguire
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That the Parliament welcomes the North Glasgow Afternoon Tea initiative, funded by both the Scottish Government and the Big Lottery Fund, which commences on 3 June 2020; notes that this will initially see older residents in over 100 households receive a traditional afternoon tea, with bread provided by McGhee's bakers, cakes, scone with clotted cream and jam; acknowledges the partnership working between ng homes, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, as well as the crucial role played by the Possilpark-based, Possobilities; welcomes that afternoon teas will be delivered to three retirement complexes, as well as individuals in the wider community, in a bid to tackle social isolation and support emotional wellbeing of many who will have been shielding for several weeks; looks forward the roll-out of these "stay safe" teas to around 600 people over the next few weeks, with additional support from Partick Thistle Charitable Trust and Progrez, and offers its thanks to all those involved, and most importantly the residents of north Glasgow who are staying at home during such challenging times.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the North Glasgow Afternoon Tea initiative, funded by both the Scottish Government and the Big Lottery Fund, which commences on 3 June 2020; notes that this will initially see older residents in over 100 households receive a traditional afternoon tea, with bread provided by McGhee's bakers, cakes, scone with clotted cream and jam; acknowledges the partnership working between ng homes, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, as well as the crucial role played by the Possilpark-based, Possobilities; welcomes that afternoon teas will be delivered to three retirement complexes, as well as individuals in the wider community, in a bid to tackle social isolation and support emotional wellbeing of many who will have been shielding for several weeks; looks forward the roll-out of these "stay safe" teas to around 600 people over the next few weeks, with additional support from Partick Thistle Charitable Trust and Progrez, and offers its thanks to all those involved, and most importantly the residents of north Glasgow who are staying at home during such challenging times.
Supported by: Emma Harper, David Torrance, Richard Lyle, Kenneth Gibson, Bill Kidd, Stuart McMillan, Sandra White, Stewart Stevenson, Tom Arthur, Fulton MacGregor, Willie Coffey, Clare Adamson, Joan McAlpine, Gillian Martin, Ruth Maguire
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That the Parliament notes that many students in further and higher education experience financial hardship during the course of their studies, and that these difficulties are being exacerbated by the wider economic and social consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic; understands that financial support provided by awards agencies and student loan companies across different parts of the UK is usually provided on a term-time basis only, and that many students would seek to supplement their income with paid employment, especially during summer months; believes that many traditional summer job opportunities for students are unlikely to exist as a result of social distancing and economic restrictions, and urges all governments across the UK to work in partnership with each other, student representative bodies and relevant awards agencies and loans companies to ensure adequate financial support is available to further and higher education students throughout the calendar year, including access to universal credit or other appropriate benefits, the provision of increased finance to further and higher education institutions to disburse through hardship funds, and access to other appropriate support during these unprecedented times.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes that many students in further and higher education experience financial hardship during the course of their studies, and that these difficulties are being exacerbated by the wider economic and social consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic; understands that financial support provided by awards agencies and student loan companies across different parts of the UK is usually provided on a term-time basis only, and that many students would seek to supplement their income with paid employment, especially during summer months; believes that many traditional summer job opportunities for students are unlikely to exist as a result of social distancing and economic restrictions, and urges all governments across the UK to work in partnership with each other, student representative bodies and relevant awards agencies and loans companies to ensure adequate financial support is available to further and higher education students throughout the calendar year, including access to universal credit or other appropriate benefits, the provision of increased finance to further and higher education institutions to disburse through hardship funds, and access to other appropriate support during these unprecedented times.
Supported by: David Torrance, Kenneth Gibson, Emma Harper, Alex Neil, Willie Coffey, Stuart McMillan, Andy Wightman, Bill Kidd, John Mason, Fulton MacGregor, Christine Grahame, Angus MacDonald, Sandra White, Bruce Crawford, Keith Brown, Pauline McNeill, Claire Baker, Gillian Martin, Gordon MacDonald, Tom Arthur, Ruth Maguire, Maureen Watt
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That the Parliament welcomes the announcement by the Scottish Government that the temporary NHS Scotland medical facility being established at the Scottish Events Campus in Glasgow in response to the COVID-19 outbreak is to be named NHS Louisa Jordan; notes that Sister Louisa was born in Gairbraid Street, Maryhill, Glasgow, in 1878, and that, having worked in Shotts Fever Hospital and as a Queen’s nurse in Buckhaven, Fife, she joined the war effort in December 1914; acknowledges that she travelled to Serbia and served troops affected by typhus; notes that she was killed by the disease on 6 March 1915, age 36, and is buried in Chela Kula Military Cemetery; recognises that the courage and sacrifice of Louisa and her colleagues are commemorated in an annual service at Kraguievac in Serbia; believes the decision to name the new hospital after her is a fitting tribute, which will serve as an inspiration to many and embodies the level of care and dedication that Scotland's NHS staff are demonstrating today in dealing with the pandemic; believes that it will remind people of why everyone should be indebted to the country's wonderful NHS staff, and thanks all involved in the construction and operation of the facility, as well as everyone caring for people affected by COVID-19.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the announcement by the Scottish Government that the temporary NHS Scotland medical facility being established at the Scottish Events Campus in Glasgow in response to the COVID-19 outbreak is to be named NHS Louisa Jordan; notes that Sister Louisa was born in Gairbraid Street, Maryhill, Glasgow, in 1878, and that, having worked in Shotts Fever Hospital and as a Queen’s nurse in Buckhaven, Fife, she joined the war effort in December 1914; acknowledges that she travelled to Serbia and served troops affected by typhus; notes that she was killed by the disease on 6 March 1915, age 36, and is buried in Chela Kula Military Cemetery; recognises that the courage and sacrifice of Louisa and her colleagues are commemorated in an annual service at Kraguievac in Serbia; believes the decision to name the new hospital after her is a fitting tribute, which will serve as an inspiration to many and embodies the level of care and dedication that Scotland's NHS staff are demonstrating today in dealing with the pandemic; believes that it will remind people of why everyone should be indebted to the country's wonderful NHS staff, and thanks all involved in the construction and operation of the facility, as well as everyone caring for people affected by COVID-19.
Supported by: Rachael Hamilton, Maureen Watt, Clare Adamson
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