SYLVESTER

And the fish

SNP IN TROUBLE

LOCALLY AND NATIONALLY

The SNP both nationally and locally have been up to their eyes in it this week, between the SNP locally cutting £2 Million off the budget without being able to tell the Council members where the cuts would be made, and from what I hear they were also unwilling to give a long term commitment to continuing the Labour Party policy of no compulsary Redundancies, and the SNP nationally being voted down in the Parliament over their plans for their Skills initiative.

On the second case it doesn't look as though they will be paying much attention to the defeat in terms of policy, as they seem to be suggesting they will go ahead with it anyway.

Interestingly enough on the Local front according to press reports the SNP/Liberal Democrat Administration will be cutting £1.1 Million from the Education budget in Renfrewshire and over half a Million from the Social Work budget, what the PDE didn't cover was that despite being very specific about the amounts being cut, the SNP were not so forthcoming in terms of what this would mean to front line services and staff, we shall wait and see.

PEDAL FOR SCOTLAND

LEUKEMIA RESEARCH

This Sunday starting from Glasgow Green there is a massive cycle race, starting from Glasgow and heading to Edinburgh click on the link above to find out more information but it is in aid of Leukemia Research one of my FAVOURITE charities!!

Alastair Campbell is opening the event, he has been a major supporter of the charity for sometime, if you are interested visit the website get involved!

WALK OF HOPE

CHOOSE LIFE

When I was the Local Councillor and the Deputy Convenor for Community and Family Care, last year and the year before I had the privilege of being invited along to the Walk for Hope in Paisley Town Centre, and even though I am no longer in that role I was intending in joining the walkers through the town centre on Saturday. Unfortunately due to work commitments I was unable to attend but I was delighted to see the article in the paper today, over 100 people took part according to the coverage and I am delighted by the response.

Recently the issue of suicide prevention has taken a more personal theme for me as one of my friends recently lost a brother to suicide, no one can understand the grief and confusion that comes unless you have been through it yourself, last year I spoke to many mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters of people who had committed suicide and saw first hand the excellent work carried out by all of the agencies but in particular Rosemary Mullan and the team at Choose Life, I was delighted they got such a good response this year and fully intend on being with them next year.

Anyone interested should visit the Wynd Centre in Paisley tomorrow between 10am and 1pm for the excellent information morning co-ordinated by ChooseLife Renfrewshire and involving Breathing Space, First Crisis and ChooseLife, remember you are not alone and don't be afraid to ask for help.