I risked my life at the weekend ... but there are people doing that all the time

Paisley charity, Recovery Across Mental Health (RAMH).

“The work RAMH is doing across our local communities, especially at a time like this, is so important for people’s wellbeing,” said the 36-year-old.

“That’s why I felt like I wanted to donate my earnings to them.

“There’s no doubt this situation we are in will be making many of us feel more vulnerable.

“We are all human and we worry when there is something we do not have answers to and, if someone has a condition which gives them anxiety, they are going to feel that heightened.

“We cannot lose focus on mental health while we have a physical health pandemic going on.”

RAMH helps to care for people with conditions such as depression and bipolar disorder.

The team supports more than 4,000 people across Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire, many of whom find themselves in a crisis situation with their mental health.

Michelle has spent most of her nursing career supporting people like this, and she stepped into familiar territory when she was asked to work a night shift in an acute admissions ward at the Crookston site on Sunday.

The SNP councillor admitted giving up being a full- time nurse was the hardest decision of her life and, after her colleagues had shown so much understanding over her move into politics, she has remained keen to help whenever she can.

Despite how daunting stepping into a hospital is right now, Michelle said she felt immense pride walking into the ward.

“It was like slipping into a comfy pair of slippers,” said Michelle.

“It means everything to be able to make that difference to our society.

“People will look back on this one day and they will think of the people that really mattered. Those are our essential workers.

“That’s why it felt incredible to put on that uniform and be there for my colleagues, as they have been there for me.

“I was always fully supported by my

NHS colleagues when I made the decision to move into politics.

“We are a huge family and there are no words to express how proud I am to be a part of that.

“I know people are getting frustrated with the situation, and I understand it.

“But the fact is I went out and I risked my life at the weekend, but there are people across our communities who are doing that all the time.

“We need to remember that.”