We must support carers in every way
BY RENFREWSHIRE SOUTH MSP TOM ARTHUR
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been able to visit some more fantastic organisations operating here in Renfrewshire South, such as the wonderful East Renfrewshire Carers Centre.
There I met with Carers Centre manager Mark Mulhern and Carers Champion Irene Brown.
It was worrying to hear from them the profound impacts that the cost-of-living crisis is already having for carers and those with caring responsibilities, and the expected ramifications going forward on the caring community.
It is incredibly important that society, and government at all levels, recognise the vital role that carers have within our communities and do all within our power to support them in every way we can.
Employers can also play a key part in a support network for carers and it was this and my role as co-convener of the Carers Cross Party Group in Parliament, that motivated me to become the first MSP Carer Positive Employer almost five years ago now.
We owe a debt of gratitude to the paid and unpaid carers across this country and while Scottish Government schemes, such as the Carers’ Allowance Supplement, provide a much-needed boost, it is only with the fiscal autonomy provided by independence that Holyrood could fully implement the progressive policies needed to protect carers, the cared-for and other vulnerable sectors of society during the financial squeeze.
Another one of my recent visits was a return to Barrhead Men’s Shed. It was an absolute pleasure to catch up with the team there and to see the incredible projects that they have underway.
The Men’s Shed is a fantastic organisation which welcome men and women to their club, five days a week.
Their aim is to give people of all ages the tools and resources they need to work on projects of their own choosing, at their own pace, in a safe friendly and inclusive venue.
The work that they do to tackle social isolation in the community is an inspiration and I always enjoy the mornings I spend there with the members and staff.
This visit was no exception and I look forward to continuing my relationship with the Men’s Shed.
My last call of the week was an online meeting with Engage Renfrewshire.
Chief executive Alan McNiven and community partnerships manager Karen McIntyre explained to me their experiences of the pandemic and the challenges faced by the organisation as a result.
It was reassuring to hear from them both, the positive approach that Engage Renfrewshire has taken over the past two years and how much they have continued to achieve in terms of partnership working with the third-sector, despite the fact they have been operating under the most trying of circumstances.
Spiralling costs of utilities, food and fuel were also a concern for Engage Renfrewshire and they told me that Renfrewshire Affordable Credit Alliance, a collection of lenders, including banks and credit unions, which provide access to fair and affordable forms of credit, would be a valuable resource as families are forced to borrow more to stay afloat.
If you would like more information about the organisations mentioned, or are affected by any of these issues raised, my office remain ready to assist in any way we can.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch by telephone on 01505331990 or on email at tom.arthur.msp@parliament.scot