Latest News – Martin Whitfield MSP
Amazing Social Worker campaign welcomed
Ahead of World Social Work Day on Tuesday 18th March, Martin Whitfield MSP and Douglas Alexander MP have welcomed the return of the Amazing Social Worker campaign and paid tribute to the work undertaken by social workers in East Lothian and across Scotland. The British Association of Social Workers (BASW UK) is celebrating the occasion by once again running its Amazing Social Workers (ASW) campaign. Each year, the campaign shines a spotlight on the incredible work happening across the UK social work profession and raises awareness of the importance of social work within and for our communities. BASW invites nominations [...]
MSP quizzed by Law Primary pupils
Martin Whitfield MSP has visited Law Primary School to speak to pupils about his role and answer their questions as part of their work studying democracy and the Scottish Parliament. Mr Whitfield visited the school to speak to all of its P7 pupils about his work at Holyrood representing the South Scotland Region, which includes the East Lothian constituency, and how the Scottish Parliament functions and our laws are made. Following an introduction on his role as one of the MSP’s representing their area, Mr Whitfield answered the pupils’ questions about politics and how the Scottish Parliament operates, as [...]
Paying tribute to local brain injury charity
Martin Whitfield MSP and Douglas Alexander MP have met with members of the Headway East Lothian charity and paid tribute to its work supporting people with Acquired Brain Injuries. Headway East Lothian celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, but Mr Alexander and Mr Whitfield were unable to join them for their celebration at the time. They agreed to meet with development officer Joyce Cattanach and members of the group to catch up on its recent progress. They met in Port Seton Centre, discussed the group’s background, the range of support it offers and some of its [...]
Highlighting need to do better on ASN
Speaking during a Holyrood debate on Additional Support Needs (ASN), Martin Whitfield MSP has highlighted the rapid increase in the number of ASN pupils and the urgent need to provide better support for them. Mr Whitfield made his remarks in a Members' Business debate on ASN provision led by Alexander Stewart MSP. ASN can include having motor or sensory impairments, learning difficulties such as dyslexia, English as an additional language or a range of emotional and social difficulties. The motion set out the statutory framework for ASN provision, which was established by the Education (Additional Support for Learning) Scotland Act [...]
Comment on East Lothian bus service changes
Commenting in response to this week's announcement of sweeping changes to bus services run by Lothian Buses and East Coast Buses in East Lothian, Martin Whitfield MSP said: “I know that many people are seriously concerned about the changes to local bus services announced this week by Lothian Buses. In particular, the significant changes to the 26 and X6 services have been raised with me by several constituents. "I have arranged a meeting with Lothian Buses to highlight these concerns and the lack of consultation on the changes, as well as to ask about a possible pause or amendments to [...]
Martin visits ELCAP
Martin Whitfield MSP and Douglas Alexander MP have visited local care provider ELCAP for an update on its work and latest developments. ELCAP has been providing care and support for individuals who are affected by learning disabilities, physical disabilities and mental health problems for 36 years. It operates in over 30 towns and villages across East Lothian and Midlothian, delivering more than 10,000 hours of support each week to over 200 individuals. In addition to this community-based support, ELCAP also provides respite care from premises in Dalkeith and Tranent. Speaking after the visit, Martin Whitfield MSP said: “It was a [...]