Griffin Campaigns for Fairer Society
Mark Griffin MSP has joined representatives from Scotland’s disabled community in the Scottish Parliament in calling on the UK Government to reverse the unfair cuts, which are hitting disabled and older people hard.
Mr Griffin joined representatives from over 40 organisations and charities for disabled people in Scotland in calling for a fairer society in Scotland. Representatives from the police, the Catholic Church and the Scottish Youth Parliament were also in attendance.
The Manifesto for a Fair Society (2012), calls on the UK Government to reform their current plans that with make Britain a fairer, safer and more equal society.
Mark said:
“I wholeheartedly support the proposals outlined by the Campaign For A Fair Society.
“The UK Government is cutting hard, but it is unfairly targeting disabled people and our elderly population. The figures show that 25% of the cuts are falling on the 3% of people who need the most support.
“Those being targeted did not cause the financial crisis, but are being unacceptably punished hardest for it.
“The Government must look again at their welfare reforms to protect the vulnerable in our society.”
Students welcome MSP’s commitment to tackle mental health
Following a parliamentary reception to launch NUS Scotland’s latest research report – Breaking the Silence – into mental health issues amongst students NUS Scotland has welcomed the commitment of Mark Griffin MSP to work within the current parliament to tackle the issues raised by the report. It is estimated that 1 in 4 people will experience mental health problems at some point in their lives, meaning over 14,000 students from Central Scotland could be experiencing some level of mental ill-health. NUS Scotland’s new report comes after the Royal College of Psychiatrists released research showing a worrying increase in demand for mental health services from students at colleges and university.
Speaking after the launch, Mark said:
“I very much welcome the research undertaken by NUS Scotland, and the important issues which it brings into focus. Within my own region there are 58,600 students, meaning up to 14,650 thousand students could potentially suffer from some level of mental health issues. Clearly something must be done and I would like to see student mental health specifically considered in the Scottish Government forthcoming mental health strategy.
“It was great to meet with students and representatives from the NUS who are working hard to tackle these issues. It’s clear that students are leading the way in tackling the problem head on, and I have pledged my unstinting support.”
Graeme Kirkpatrick, Depute President of NUS Scotland, added:
“What the research has shown us is that students are extremely susceptible to poor mental health, and this is a real worry, especially given the stresses and pressures we know that goes in hand with studying. It’s a matter which requires action by institutions and government, working in partnership.”
Griffin Hosts Reception for Action on Hearing Loss
Mark Griffin MSP has hosted a Parliamentary Reception to celebrate the centenary year of Action on Hearing Loss, formerly the Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID).
The event also sought to raise awareness that Action on Hearing Loss, other voluntary organisations, the public sector, private sector and government need to continue to improve services for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, so they can live as independent a life as possible.
It was fitting that Mr Griffin hosted the event as he is currently preparing a Private Members Bill on British Sign Language (BSL), which aims to improve access to information for BSL users and increase awareness of the language.
Mark said:
“I was delighted to host the reception to celebrate the centenary year of Action on Hearing Loss.
“The organisation, and so many others like it, provide an excellent service to deaf and hard of hearing people across Scotland. Their role is becoming more and more important as the number of deaf and hard of hearing people in Scotland increases as a result of the aging population. Now 1 in 6 – or 850,000 – people are estimated to suffer for some degree of hearing loss.
“I have been working closely – and will continue to work closely – with Scotland’s deaf organisations as I prepare my British Sign Language (BSL) (Scotland) Bill, which I hope to put out to consultation in the New Year.”
Outrage at 'Shameful' Decision on Mast
Mark Griffin MSP has expressed his outrage at the decision of the Scottish Government to approve the construction of a telecommunications mast near to Eastfield Primary School.
The decision had been rejected by North Lanarkshire Council, but the Scottish Government ignored the decision of the Council when the applicant appealed.
Mark said
"This is a ridiculous decision and shows the Government is putting business interests ahead of community interests by approving these plans.
"North Lanarkshire Council listened to the concerns of local people and rejected the mast. Now the Scottish Government has seen fit to ignore the concerns of the community and the Council and grant approval.
"I lodged a motion in Parliament on 14 September, which attracted cross-party support, urging the Scottish Government to take action to ensure masts are not constructed near to schools. They have clearly ignored these calls, and the calls coming from the people of the area. It is a shameful act."
MSP highlights risks from poisonous gas
Mark Griffin MSP today urged people across Central Scotland to protect themselves from carbon monoxide poisoning by getting an alarm in their home.
Mr Griffin was speaking in the week that new research was released by the Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! campaign revealing that 2.3 million people in Scotland are at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning because they are not protected by an alarm – just over half (53%) of people in Scotland currently have one. The research has also found that three in four people (75%) in Scotland are unaware that carbon monoxide can kill and only 16% realise that it can cause brain damage.
Across the UK, at least fifty people died last year after being poisoned by carbon monoxide and four thousand were treated in hospital – and many more victims go unrecognised because the early symptoms can easily be mistaken for tiredness, flu, food poisoning or even a hangover.
Mark said:
“A lot of people don’t realise the risks posed by carbon monoxide poisoning. It can cause serious health problems, including brain damage – and it can kill you.
“The best way people throughout Central Scotland can protect themselves is by getting an alarm – I’d urge them to go out and do it today.
“Carbon monoxide has no colour, taste or smell and the only effective way to detect it is with an audible alarm. It is vital that we raise as much awareness as possible for this campaign to help save lives.”
In light of these findings, the ‘Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed!’ campaign is calling for people in Scotland to protect themselves with an alarm and for politicians to take action. The campaign’s Christine McGourty explained:
“We are urging people to go out and buy an alarm now – but there are also two steps we’d like the Scottish Government to consider. Firstly, amending building regulations so that new homes come with alarms already installed. Secondly, providing an alarm should be part of a landlord’s annual gas safety inspection.”
RSS
