Latest News –  Martin Whitfield MSP

Martin Whitfield MSP has joined parliamentary colleagues in showing his support for Show Racism the Red Card's annual Wear Red Day, which is taking place on Friday 18th October 2024. Ahead of the day, Show Racism the Red Card organised a campaign photocall in parliament for MSPs to join campaigners in demonstrating their support for the day. Show Racism the Red Card is the UK’s leading anti-racism educational charity. Last year, an incredible 440,000 individuals registered to celebrate with them on Wear Red Day. It was a sign that they have never been more in demand, more needed or more [...]

This October, Resuscitation Council UK is promoting lifesaving resources to the public via its #RestartAHeart month campaign. Restart a Heart (RSAH) is an annual initiative led by the Resuscitation Council UK which aims to increase the number of people surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrests by helping more people learn CPR. This year the charity is encouraging everyone to become ready for the ultimate medical emergency by learning the steps to CPR and how to use a defib. It is also continuing to highlight inequalities in resuscitation. Martin Whitfield is joining colleagues in helping to promote #RestartaHeart and encourage local businesses and other [...]

Martin Whitfield MSP joined their Majesties, The King and The Queen, fellow MSPs and special guests from across Scotland at a special 25th anniversary celebration at the Scottish Parliament. The event marked 25 years since the Scottish Parliament was reconvened and included special performances from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Sistema Scotland, Còisir Alba and Calum McIlroy, showcasing Scottish music and culture. In advance of the event, MSPs had also nominated “local heroes” to attend. These are constituents from their local area who have made an extraordinary contribution to their communities. Gifford resident Lee Rollo Stewart was Martin's Local Hero [...]

Martin Whitfield MSP is backing a charity’s campaign for more action to support families who are struggling with debts owed to the state. It follows a drop-in session hosted by Aberlour Children’s Charity and Govan Law Centre at the Scottish Parliament which aimed to highlight the urgent need for transformational changes in the way public debt is collected in Scotland, particularly to alleviate the burden on low-income families and combat child poverty. Aberlour, Scotland’s leading children’s charity, joined by Govan Law Centre, has called for immediate legislative reform. Their proposals include radical changes to the collection of public debts, such [...]

Martin Whitfield MSP is supporting Migraine Awareness Week (23rd-29th September) to call attention to the serious impact that migraine has on people living with this condition and the need for better migraine care. Released this week, research by The Migraine Trust has found high numbers of people with migraine report not being believed or taken seriously, including in employment and when accessing healthcare. Over half of respondents say their mental health has been significantly affected as a result of living with migraine and sadly a third had had thoughts of suicide. 90% of people with the condition believed that most [...]

An East Lothian charity which will toast its 40th anniversary next month has been praised in the Scottish Parliament by Martin Whitfield MSP. Can Do, which provides a range of activities and services for local children with disabilities, is having a fundraising ceilidh in Dunbar on October 5 to help mark its milestone. Martin Whitfield MSP said:  "Can Do is a wonderful charity which has supported thousands of local families over the last 40 years with its range of play schemes, youth clubs, family fun days and other activities. I'm very pleased to help acknowledge and celebrate this important anniversary [...]