Latest News –  Martin Whitfield MSP

This week Martin Whitfield MSP became the first Scottish Labour MSP to take a pledge to ‘Speak up for babies in Scotland’ if he is re-elected in the May elections. Martin took the pledge at a Parliamentary reception he attended, supporting the ‘Speak up for babies in Scotland’ campaign run by a coalition of seven children’s and mental health charities. Babies depend on sensitive, responsive care to grow and develop healthily. But many do not get the nurturing care they need. Not everyone bonds easily with their baby. Parents can be overwhelmed by trauma from their own childhood. Some are [...]

Martin Whitfield MSP has welcomed the return of the East Lothian Courier Community Champion Awards and is urging residents in East Lothian to make nominations. The awards, which are back for their third year, seek to celebrate the people and organisations who make a real difference locally. Martin Whitfield MSP said: "It's great to see the East Lothian Courier's Community Champions Awards returning for their third year. "They celebrate the people and organisations who make a real difference in East Lothian through kindness, leadership, creativity, courage, and community spirit. "I'm encouraging people in East Lothian to take advantage of these [...]

Applications for the The Sutton Trust's Summer Schools are now open and Martin Whitfield MSP is encouraging local students who could benefit to consider applying.The summer schools consist of a week-long residential with one of 13 leading universities. By attending academic taster sessions and meeting like-minded individuals from across the UK, students get the chance to experience what university life is really like. Martin Whitfield MSP said:  "The Sutton Trust's summer schools are a fantastic opportunity for students to get a taster of university life which can be huge help to those from disadvantaged backgrounds. "It helps to level the paying [...]

Nominations are now open for this year’s National Youth Work Awards and Martin Whitfield MSP is encouraging groups and individuals in South Scotland to nominate someone who is making a real impact in their area. The annual awards are a chance to celebrate the contribution of groups and individuals making a difference for young people in their communities. Martin Whitfield MSP said: "If you know someone who is making a real impact on youth work in their area, these awards are your chance to celebrate them. "Nominate an individual or group who is inspiring change and deserves recognition now at the [...]

Martin Whitfield MSP has welcomed the boost given to local fishermen in Dunbar after METLEN Energy & Metals loaned two shipping containers to Dunbar Harbour Trust to help provide essential storage space for those impacted by the recent fire at McArthur's Store. The industrial and energy company was approached by Mr Whitfield and Douglas Alexander MP to join efforts to support the local fishing community. They responded immediately with the offer of the two containers which will provide a safe and secure location for the fishermen to store their equipment. Commenting, Martin Whitfield MSP said: “The fire at McArthur Store [...]

NHS 24 has launched its public health campaign ‘Powered by People’ which is designed to promote the use of trusted digital health tools as a source of accurate advice and support when people are unwell. Martin Whitfield MSP is helping promote the campaign, which also encourages people to use NHS services appropriately and to be prepared for seasonal illnesses throughout winter. NHS 24’s health preparedness tips this winter include: If you become unwell, NHS inform have useful symptom checkers to help you decide what to do next. - Check your repeat prescription, order only what you need, in plenty of [...]