Graeme Sneddon

Thewliss welcomes funding award for Kinning Park Complex

MP for Glasgow Central, Alison Thewliss, has today welcomed the news that the Kinning Park Complex in Glasgow is to receive £197,650 from the Scottish Land Fund, following a recent funding application.

It is understood that the complex – which is popular with local groups such as artists and musicians – will use the funding to purchase the main building, as well as the former nursery that lies adjacent to the site. It is the centre’s intention to renovate and extend the existing space, with a view to offering additional activities and services to the local community.

Commenting, Alison Thewliss MP said:

“It really is marvellous to see the Kinning Park Complex benefitting from the Scottish Land Fund, and taking this key local asset into community ownership.

“I have been lucky enough to host my surgeries at the centre for a number of years now, and it is clear what high regard it is held in by the local community, many of whom attend classes and meetings on a regular basis.

“The range of services on offer at the Kinning Park Complex is remarkable, and includes dance and music classes, theatre and drama rehearsals, public meetings and art exhibitions, with a chance for everyone to get involved. The prospect of extending these activities given this new funding award should be a real cause for celebration.

“The Kinning Park Complex is a unique example of cohesion between the various volunteers, organisations and individuals from the community, who all pull together to make it such a success. I look forward greatly to this new, exciting chapter for the centre, and continuing to support it in any way I can.”

Alison Thewliss MP shows her support for Christian Aid Week

Alison Thewliss, the local MP for Glasgow Central, this week attended a Christian Aid Big Brekkie event in Parliament, to show her support for Christian Aid Week (13-19 May). This year Christian Aid Week is encouraging the British public to stand together with the millions of displaced people who have been forced to leave their homes around the world.

Ahead of Christian Aid Week, Alison Thewliss MP attended the event in Parliament to find out about activities and events taking place during the charity’s annual fundraising week in Glasgow Central. Last year, £12,614 was raised in Glasgow Central during Christian Aid Week.

Today, more than 40 million people are internally displaced by conflict, accounting for approximately two thirds of those who find themselves forced from their homes. A further 24 million were displaced by disasters in 2016 alone. Yet, because they haven’t crossed a border, the general public rarely hear about them.

Despite the huge number of people affected, situations of internal displacement receive almost no political attention, funding or support.

Christian Aid works with local partner organisations around the world to help internally displaced people. This includes working with partners in Haiti, where thousands of people have been displaced by natural disasters in recent years.

Vilia was left homeless by the earthquake in 2010 and her mother was killed. Bereaved and homeless, for Vilia, her husband and their seven children, life became a struggle. They didn’t even have a safe place to sleep.

Christian Aid’s local partner, KORAL, helps local people prepare for disasters. In the aftermath of the earthquake, it reached out to Vilia and built her and her family a new home, that was safe, stable and strong enough to stand up to natural disasters.

Ahead of Hurricane Matthew, KORAL was able to warn local communities, helping to evacuate around 5,000 families and saving many lives. In the immediate aftermath Christian Aid and KORAL distributed urgently-needed shelter materials, hygiene products such as soap, food seeds and cash, so people could buy other items that they really needed. Disaster-resistant homes were built, giving people safe, secure places to live. Of the dozens built before the hurricane hit, only one lost its roof in the disaster, and Vilia’s home was able to shelter 54 people over several days following the hurricane.

Alison Thewliss said: “I was pleased to meet with Christian Aid this week, to hear about the great work that is being done in Glasgow Central and across the country to help people around the world who have been forced from their homes. For millions of people across the globe, Christian Aid’s work provides vital support. I encourage my constituents to get involved in Christian Aid Week events in Glasgow Central where they can.”

Simon Kirkland, Christian Aid’s UK Parliamentary and Political Adviser, said: “We are very grateful for Alison Thewliss’s support for Christian Aid’s important fundraising events in Glasgow Central. Everyone can do something to help this Christian Aid Week, whether it’s attending a local event, giving money or praying for the world’s many displaced people at this difficult time. Thank you to everyone who is able to take part in this year’s Christian Aid Week.”

Alison Thewliss MP celebrates Nurses’ Day 2018

Alison Thewliss, MP for Glasgow Central, celebrated the work of nursing staff in the UK and around the world by meeting frontline nurses as part of the RCN’s International Nurses’ Day celebrations on Wednesday 25 April.

The event in Parliament brought together MPs and nurses and give Ms Thewliss the opportunity to hear about the valuable contributions nursing staff make to patient care. Nursing is a highly-skilled profession and nursing staff care for patients in a variety of settings such as, at music festivals, in prisons and in accident and emergency departments.

Nurses’ Day is an international event held annually on Florence Nightingale’s birthday (12 May). This year, the RCN is showcasing nurses’ dedication to delivering outstanding patient care and the innovative and diverse roles nurses have in healthcare teams. The RCN is also encouraging nursing staff to use the hashtag #ThisNurse to share stories of colleagues who went the extra mile to provide patient care and times which reminded them why there are nursing in 2018.

Alison Thewliss MP said:

“Nurses’ Day is a fantastic way to show our support for nursing staff in our health and care services. It’s our chance to thank them for the care they provide to our families, friends, neighbours and colleagues. I encourage everyone to celebrate the remarkable work of nursing staff in Glasgow and across Scotland.”

Janet Davies, Chief Executive and General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said

“Nursing is a dynamic profession with caring for people at its heart. Nurses’ Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the incredible work nursing staff do every single day of the year.

“There is no ‘one size fits all’ rule for nursing staff. They work in a variety of settings and have a diverse range of skills. But what unties them all is their dedication, even in difficult circumstances, to delivering outstanding patient care.”

SNP MP launches Private Members’ Bill on safe drug consumption facilities

MP for Glasgow Central, Alison Thewliss, has today launched her Private Members’ Bill on Safe Drug Consumption Facilities (SDCFs), in an attempt to tackle head-on the growing number of people dying in Glasgow as a result of drug overdose.

The Supervised Drug Consumption Facilities Bill seeks to amend key areas of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and if passed would enable plans for a pilot facility to proceed in Glasgow, ensuring that service users and employees can use the facility without fear of being prosecuted.

In recent months, proposals for a SDCF have gathered cross party support from MPs at Westminster and a majority of MSPs in the Scottish Parliament, as well as the unanimous backing of councillors at Glasgow City Council.

Commenting, Alison Thewliss MP said:

“The weight of evidence in support of a safe drugs consumption facility has never been more compelling. There are approximately 500 people actively injecting drugs in Glasgow city centre, and recent reports describe the unprecedented HIV outbreak in the city as out of control. What’s more, I am greatly concerned for the safety of my constituents as a result of needles left in bin sheds, closes and back lanes.

“Recent debates in the Scottish Parliament and Glasgow City Council have demonstrated a clear desire for the introduction of a safe drug consumption facility, with support from all parties, including members of the Conservative Party. My Bill will take new steps to enable drug addiction to be treated as a public health issue, whilst ensuring that criminal activity from illegal drugs continues to be robustly tackled by the police.

“People are dying on the streets of my constituency, and the risk to the general public from discarded needles and transmission of blood-borne diseases is very real. The only remaining barrier to doing something different is the Home Office’s unwillingness to grant an exemption.

“Perhaps if the Home Secretary visited my constituency, and witnessed the perilousness of the situation for her herself, she could be more easily persuaded. Others, it seems, are already convinced.”

Alison Thewliss MP worked up a sweat meeting athletes with a learning disability

On April 18th, Alison Thewliss MP perfected the art of losing graciously as she was challenged to sporting contests by athletes with a learning disability at the All Party Parliamentary Group on Learning Disability’s event exploring pathways into elite sport.

The event brought together a wide range of athletes and parents, Members of Parliament and National Governing Bodies to highlight the lack of opportunities for athletes with a learning disability to compete at the elite level.

Rt Hon Mark Harper MP chaired the event and held a Q&A session with Paralympic gold-medal-winning swimmer, Jessica-Jane Applegate MBE who spoke about her experiences in elite sport. Talented runner, Kieran O’Hara, also spoke about his journey and struggles to make it to the elite level due to the lack of pathways.

Members of the Great Britain Para Taekwondo team provided a demonstration, and the Brighton table tennis club kept Alison Thewliss MP on her toes as they showed her how to execute the perfect rally.

Ruth Owens, Development Manager at Mencap, said:

“It is unacceptable, that despite dedicating their lives to training, athletes with a learning disability have such little opportunity to be recognised for their talents and are unable to achieve their dream of competing in the Paralympics alongside their disabled peers.

“It is wholly unfair that since the ban in 2000 a shadow has been cast over athletes with a learning disability. Not only do we need to see more opportunities available at the Paralympics, but this inequality needs to be addressed in the UK as well.

“We’re hugely grateful for all the MPs and sports governing bodies that attended our event today. We hope this can raise further awareness to open up more opportunities for athletes with a learning disability to have the chance to compete and be recognised for their talents at the highest level.”

Commenting after the event, Alison Thewliss MP said:

“I was proud to attend the APPG on Learning Disability’s event today and engage with the many talented athletes present. It was concerning to hear about the obstacles these athletes face when seeking to compete at the elite level and the event provided a good opportunity to highlight this to National Governing Bodies as well as fellow Members.

“The event must be seen as a catalyst for action and I look forward to continuing to engage on this subject and help talented athletes with a learning disability reach their potential.”

Alison Thewliss MP pledges support for Diabetes UK food labelling campaign

Alison Thewliss, MP for Glasgow Central, has lent their support to a campaign from leading charity Diabetes UK, calling for the public to be given clear nutritional information in restaurants, cafes and takeaways, as well as on the front of all pre-packaged food and drinks.

Ms Thewliss made the pledge at a parliamentary event hosted by the charity as part of its ongoing Food Upfront campaign. Through the campaign, Diabetes UK is making the following calls to government:

  • Mandatory front-of-pack traffic light labelling on all pre-packed foods and drinks sold in the UK,
  • Mandatory calorie labelling on menus in key high street restaurants, cafes and takeaways, with carb content available online or when you ask for it in store,
  • Ensure carbohydrates are labelled on the back of products, per portion and as prepared.

Clear food labelling is vital for millions of people living with diabetes, to help them manage their condition and reduce their risk of serious complications. In a 2017 survey of more than 9,000 people living with or affected by diabetes, almost three quarters of respondents (73%) said that if all companies used the same food labelling system it would help them to make healthier choices.

Clear food labelling also helps the wider public, with or without diabetes, make more informed decisions about what they eat and drink. Recent public polling carried out by ComRes on behalf of

Diabetes UK revealed that 9 out of 10 people said traffic-light food labelling helps them make healthier decisions, while only three in ten people (29%) said they felt they had enough information about what’s in their food.

In addition, more than three quarters of people (76%) said that cafes, restaurants and takeaways should display calorie information on their menus, so that customers understand the content of the food and drink they buy.

Traffic-light labelling assigns a red, amber or green value in relation to fat, saturated fat, sugar and salt, as well as giving information on the calories in a product, to help consumers find out what’s in the food and drink they’re buying. Evidence shows that both front-of-pack traffic light labelling and calorie labelling informs consumers and helps making the healthier choice the easier choice.

However, clear and consistent food labelling is not currently compulsory. Companies don’t have to provide any information on the front of their goods, and one in three products in shops don’t have clear traffic-light labels. Many restaurants, cafes and takeaways also still do not provide calorie labelling on their menus or other nutritional information online or when asked for it in store.

Commenting on the campaign, Alison Thewliss MP said:

“The public have made it clear that they support clearer labelling on food and drink to help them make healthier and better informed decisions about what they eat, so I’m happy to lend my support to Diabetes UK’s Food Upfront campaign.

“Putting these simple measures into place could make a huge difference to the nation as a whole. Obesity and weight related chronic health conditions – including Type 2 diabetes – continue to rise, and it’s important that we do everything that we can to halt this growing health crisis.”

Helen Dickens, Assistant Director of Campaigns and Mobilisation at Diabetes UK, said:

“We know that consistent and clear food labelling can help all of us to make informed choices. For people with diabetes, easy access to clear and consistent labelling, for example on carbohydrate content, is vital to supporting them with their diabetes management.

“With around two-thirds of adults, and almost a third of children in the UK classed as overweight or obese, and therefore at increased risk of Type 2 diabetes and other chronic health conditions, it’s really important that we have measures in place that help make it easier for all of us to know what’s in the food we’re buying.

“That’s why we are calling for the government to strengthen and, when possible, introduce mandatory front of pack traffic-light labelling on packaging, and calorie labelling on menus. The British public overwhelmingly support these moves, so we are grateful to Alison Thewliss MP for her efforts in helping put these potentially life-changing measures into practice.”

Alison Thewliss MP Unites for Parkinsons

Alison Thewliss, MP for Glasgow Central, has pledged to help improve the lives of people with Parkinson’s on World Parkinson’s Day (Wednesday 11 April).

Ms Thewliss’ office has signed up to take part in the Parkinson’s in the Workplace training from Parkinson’s UK. The training aims to raise awareness of the challenges people with Parkinson’s face.

The push for greater awareness is part of the charity’s activity to encourage people to Unite for Parkinson’s on World Parkinson’s Day, as a survey found that 32 per cent of people with Parkinson’s have been stared at in public and 11 per cent have been laughed at. In addition, 32 per cent of people do not feel that their symptoms are socially acceptable.

Parkinson’s affects 145,000 people in the UK, which is one in 350 people in Glasgow Central. With numbers of people affected expected to increase by a fifth by 2025, the charity is aiming to change attitudes about Parkinson’s to make life better for everyone living with the condition.

Through the training, Ms Thewliss’ office will learn more about the progressive neurological condition, the complex symptoms people face, as well as how to recognise and best support constituents with Parkinson’s.

Alison Thewliss MP said:

“It is shocking that people with Parkinson’s face so many barriers, including being mistaken for being drunk, when out in public.

“My office staff and I want to take the training so that we are all better equipped to improve the lives of everyone affected by the condition in Glasgow Central and better understand the issues faced by those who come to my advice surgeries.”

Steve Ford, Chief Executive of Parkinson’s UK, said:

“We are thrilled that Alison Thewliss MP and their team have signed up to our Parkinson’s in the Workplace training.

“Lack of public understanding can make simple things like getting the bus, going to work, or even heading out to the pub with friends daunting for people with Parkinson’s.

“That’s why one small action like signing up to learn more about the condition can have a big impact on people with Parkinson’s. We look forward to seeing the difference Alison Thewliss’ support can make for their constituents in Glasgow Central.”

Alison Thewliss MP is also backing a petition from Parkinson’s UK calling for more organisations to sign up for the training. Sign the petition here.

Alison Thewliss MP becomes teal hero for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Alison Thewliss, MP for Glasgow Central, was a teal hero for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month at a special event hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Ovarian Cancer on 14th March at the Houses of Parliament.

MPs and peers came together to show their support for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, which takes place as every March. Parliamentarians dressed as teal heroes, learned more about the symptoms of ovarian cancer and committed to helping raise awareness. The designated colour for ovarian cancer is teal.

11 women die every day from ovarian cancer. Early diagnosis saves lives, and raising awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer is crucial.

The symptoms of ovarian cancer are:

  • Persistent bloating – not bloating that comes and goes
  • Feeling full quickly and/or loss of appetite
  • Pelvic or abdominal pain (that’s your tummy and below)
  • Urinary symptoms (needing to wee more urgently or more often than usual)

Other symptoms can include unexpected weight loss, changes in bowel habits, and extreme fatigue.

Alison Thewliss MP commented:

“Being a ‘teal hero’ was a great opportunity to take action and raise awareness of ovarian cancer. Although there was a fun element to the event, ensuring women know the symptoms of this disease is extremely serious and I plan on continuing to be a teal hero in the future, working to ensure more women are diagnosed sooner.”

Annwen Jones, Chief Executive of Target Ovarian Cancer, said:

“It has been delightful to see the MPs getting involved and learning the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Early diagnosis of ovarian cancer makes the disease easier to treat, so Target Ovarian Cancer is urging everyone to learn the symptoms during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month this March. Our goal has been to inspire parliamentarians to become more engaged with ovarian cancer and the issues around the disease, and effect change at a national level. We are hugely grateful for all they do.”

Katherine Taylor, Chief Executive of Ovarian Cancer Action, said:

“We cannot fight ovarian cancer alone; which is why it is fantastic to see members of parliament showing their support this Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. We need to educate everyone from politicians, to healthcare professionals, to women and men across the UK to recognise the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Symptoms include persistent stomach pain, persistent bloating, feeling full quickly and needing to wee more often. If you recognise any of these, be as persistent with your GP as your symptoms are with you.”

Athena Lamnisos, Chief Executive of The Eve Appeal, said:

“With ovarian cancer it’s about knowing the signs and symptoms so that you can avoid the trauma of a late diagnosis and the grim statistics that go with Stage 3 and 4 disease. That’s why The Eve Appeal know it’s vital to have open conversations about your health and know the signs and symptoms of all the women-specific cancers. With ovarian cancer especially the signs might not automatically lead either a woman or her GP to immediately think of cancer and that’s why arming yourself with information can literally be a life-saver.”

Victoria Clare, Chief Executive of Ovacome, said:

“It is great to see so many MPs getting involved in raising awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer. By working together to raise awareness we really will make progress in detecting and treating the disease. The women we support are always pleased to see those with influence supporting them and thank you so much to all the MPs who have done so this year.”

MP raises awareness of ovarian cancer with The Eve Appeal

Alison Thewliss, MP for Glasgow Central, joined a tea party at the House of Commons organised by women’s cancer charity The Eve Appeal to mark the start of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

During this time The Eve Appeal is committing to raise vital awareness of the key signs and symptoms associated with ovarian cancer, working towards earlier detection and prevention of this women-specific cancer. This is pivotal as:

  • Every year in the UK approximately 7,300 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and sadly 4,200 women lose their fight – that’s 11 women every day.
  • Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer death in women and accounts for more UK deaths than all of the other gynaecological cancers put together.
  • Most women are not diagnosed until ovarian cancer has spread, which is why it is important that women know about the symptoms, so that they can seek advice as early as possible.

As part of the month-long campaign Make Time for Tea, the charity is encouraging people to hold a tea party where they raise awareness and funds for ovarian cancer. This campaign will raise vital funds for pioneering research into early detection and prevention.

Alison Thewliss said:

“I’m proud to be supporting The Eve Appeal throughout March to raise much-needed awareness of the little-known and little-talked about condition of ovarian cancer. It’s vital that we continue to raise awareness of and funds into ovarian cancer research in order to achieve earlier detection and prevention of this cancer before it even begins. I’d ask all my local constituents to look out for the key signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer and do what they can to support The Eve Appeal this March for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.”

Athena Lamnisos, Chief Executive of The Eve Appeal said:

“The biggest piece of mis-information out there is that ovarian cancer is a symptomless, ‘silent’ disease. Ovarian cancer isn’t silent. There needs to be much greater awareness of the symptoms.

“Survival rates are low, few treatments available and few newer ones in the pipeline. What we often hear about is that diagnosis comes late – either because a woman hasn’t recognised the symptoms, or because her GP didn’t. This is something that must change.”

There are four main ovarian cancer symptoms:

• increased abdominal size and persistent bloating (not bloating that comes and goes)
• Persistent pelvic and abdominal pain
• Unexplained change in bowel habits
• Difficulty eating and feeling full quickly, or feeling nauseous

The charity advises local women to always follow the ‘rule of three’. If you’ve had symptoms for three weeks or more, then visit your GP. If you’ve had to see your GP on more than three occasions for these symptoms, and haven’t been referred to a specialist, ask for a referral.

If you have any worries or questions about the signs and symptoms of any of the gynaecological cancers, contact The Eve Appeal’s nurse information service Ask Eve for free, confidential information: nurse@eveappeal.org.uk.

Alison Thewliss MP supports 51,000 strong Changing Places petition

Alison Thewliss MP has joined disability rights campaigners today to call on the Government to make Changing Places toilets compulsory in new buildings to ensure that all people with disabilities can have access to a basic right – the use of a toilet.

Without a Changing Places toilet available, disabled children have to be changed on dirty toilet floors or in the back of cars. Their carers often have no choice but to use manual moving and handling techniques that are considered too dangerous for nurses to use in a hospital setting. Disabled teenagers and adults have little choice but to either sit in soiled continence products or limit their time out of the house to a couple of hours at a time.

The campaign is being led by Lorna Fillingham and Anne Wafula Stike MBE, who have travelled to Downing Street today to present their 51,000 signature strong petition to the Government.

The petition demands that Changing Places toilets be included in plans before planning permission is granted and that the facilities be incorporated into any refurbishments or redevelopments of existing buildings.

 

Alison Thewliss MP said:

“In the UK in 2018 it is unacceptable that people are finding themselves in positions where they are having to be changed on dirty toilet floors or in the back of cars. How we design our public buildings is a choice we make, and it cannot be a justifiable choice to prevent someone from accessing the basic right of a toilet. I fully support the Changing Places campaign.”

Ms Fillingham, whose own experience is of caring for her seven-year-old daughter, a wheelchair user with global development delay, led her to start this petition from improved facilities for disabled people.

Discussing the regulations that she is campaigning for the Government to adopt, Lorna Fillingham said:

“This would mean a year on year guaranteed increase in facilities, it would give dignity and freedom back to the disabled community. It would mean that there would be a future where no-one had to be changed on a toilet floor.  These are basic human rights, the most vulnerable people in society are being affected by a wholly preventable situation.”

The campaign is also supported by Paralympic athlete and prominent disability rights campaigner Anne Wafula Strike MBE, who experienced first-hand the impact of a lack of disabled toilet facilities when she was forced to wet herself on a CrossCountry train service.

Discussing this petition, Ms Strike said:

“This is a very important campaign and I hope this issue is considered seriously by those in power. Law and policy affects people’s lives and it should be about giving value and dignity to every human being, no matter our abilities and differences. It is not right that disabled people and their families are continuously having to validate our existence and debate our humanity again and again over basic rights such as provision and use of an accessible toilet.”

Changing Places facilities come equipped with a hoist, adult changing bench, toilet and plenty of space for carers which are a necessity for people with physical and learning disabilities. Despite being vital to the sanitation and dignity of a quarter of a million people across the UK, there are currently only 1071 of these toilets available, with many towns lacking a single facility. In comparison, Wembley Stadium alone has 2618 toilets.