SNP -

As a project manager with 10 years’experience working in the public sector I believe I have the skills and knowledge to add to the talented group of SNP councillors currently representing our communities.

For the last two years I have managed a nationwide project that aims to improve the quality of life for people living in care homes, the majority of whom have dementia.

As well as being a devastating illness, dementia is one of the greatest public health challenges currently facing our society with the numbers of people living with the condition in Scotland set to rise from around 70,000 to 110,000 over the next 12 years. Whilst the Scottish Government’s dementia strategy is regarded as world leading this is an issue which needs addressing at local level.

If elected I pledge to be champion both for people who work in social care services and those who rely on them.

I will work alongside my colleagues to implement a local strategy to ensure that the 5,000 plus people currently living with dementia in South Lanarkshire (including approximately 440 people in Rutherglen), and their families, have access to appropriate support services tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.

Dementia is an issue that needs addressed