Martin Whitfield MSP has attended one of East Lothian Play Association's summer Spark the Park informal play sessions which are taking place on on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays until 11th August. The South Scotland MSP spoke to ELPA staff and volunteers as well as some of the children and families attending the event, which is [...]
As we approach the mid-way point of the summer holidays, I know many parents will be finding it hard to cope with the additional financial demands this time of year can bring. Rising mortgage costs and ongoing high inflation are exacerbating the cost of living struggles many households have been experiencing. The various summer provision [...]
Martin Whitfield MSP has welcomed the launch of Scotland’s first-ever conversion practices helpline, a new support service for people who have experiences, are experiencing, or might experience conversion practices in Scotland. Launched at Pride Edinburgh on 24th June, the helpline is run by LGBT Health and Wellbeing. The charity was established in 2003 and works [...]
Today marks the start of Myeloma Awareness Week (19-25 June). Myeloma is a treatable but incurable blood cancer. This year Myeloma UK are campaigning to find the ‘missing’ 851 blood cancer patients. During the pandemic, myeloma saw a drop in diagnoses, with confirmed cases down by 851 across the UK compared to pre-COVID expectations. This [...]
This week (19 to 24 June) is Cervical Screening Awareness Week and this year a leading charity is encouraging people to talk about screening during the week. Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust is highlighting the importance of cervical screening and encouraging attendance at screening appointments. The charity is sharing different experiences, including screening after giving birth, [...]
East Lothian Play Association (ELPA) has launched a new film made with children from Tranent to help demonstrate the positive benefits of loose parts play. ELPA and Windygoul Primary School have been working together to build understanding of play across the school and improve play experiences for all pupils. In the film, created as part [...]
This week is Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Week and today (Friday 16 June) is Wear Yellow Day. Martin Whitfield MSP has been demonstrating his support for the week and the important campaigning, fundraising and research undertaken by the Cystic Fibrosis Trust by wearing the charity's pin badge at parliament. CF is a genetic condition that causes [...]
Martin Whitfield MSP has joined colleagues at a #BigNoise parliamentary reception to mark 15 years of Sistema Scotland. The reception provided MSPs with an opportunity to hear about the transformative impact of Sistema Scotland’s Big Noise programmes. The charity targets and works with some of Scotland's most challenged communities through its Big Noise programme. This [...]
Martin Whitfield MSP is urging households with pre-payment meters to redeem their energy vouchers before the 30th June deadline. Under the UK Energy Bill Support Scheme, which ended in March, households with older, non-digital pre-payment meters were issued with vouchers by post, text or email. Latest figures show that around one in four eligible households [...]
Martin Whitfield MSP has visited North Berwick-based charity Leuchie House for an update on some of its latest developments and future plans. The South Scotland MSP met with the charity's CEO Mark Bevan for a tour of the building and its facilities. This included finding out more about the use of new technology in guests' [...]
