Firms to save on bills
Wing Businesses in South Lanarkshire are on course to save more than £5m on their energy bills with the support of a Scottish Governmentfunded programme.
Small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) have been taking advantage of a free service run by Zero Waste Scotland to discover ways they can cut their energy use and reduce carbon emissions.
Marissa Lippiatt, head of resource efficiency at Zero Waste Scotland, said:“It is pleasing to see so many businesses in South Lanarkshire deciding to take action to reduce their energy use.
“Not only does this add profit directly to their bottom line, but it also goes a long way to helping Scotland meet its target to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2045.”
To find out more, or to apply, visit www.energy. zerowastescotland.org. uk. Alternatively, contact our advisors directly by calling 0808 808 2268 or email EnergyEfficiency@ zerowastescotland.org. uk
Scottish Parliament election candidates in Lanarkshire are being asked to back a call for sustainable funding for vital hospice services for children.
Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) is calling on politicians from all parties to stand alongside the 16,700 families, many of whom live in South Lanarkshire, who face the terrifying heartbreak that their child may die young.
Many of the children are stable, but three die each week of a life-shortening condition, and numbers are going up.
The charity, which is the single national provider of children’s hospice services in Scotland, has launched its manifesto ahead of the Scottish election in May.
It comes at a time when the numbers of children with life-shortening conditions is higher than ever and many families are feeling particularly isolated and vulnerable due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
CHAS is asking candidates from all parties to back it as it calls for continued sustainable funding for children’s hospice care over the next five years, a new national plan for palliative care in Scotland that addresses the needs of children, more specialist training for health and social care staff, to meet increasingly complex needs, better financial support for struggling families – including after a child dies – and bespoke support for children with complex needs living into adulthood.
Rami Okasha, CEO of CHAS, said: “Children with life-shortening conditions might live shorter lives.
“But CHAS makes sure their time is filled with love, compassion and care. The numbers of children with life-shortening conditions are going up. The need for care is greater than ever.
“We are asking politicians from all parties to look at a range of actions that will truly make a difference to these families.
“Politicians have a key role in helping keep the joy alive even in the face of death.”