Councillor’s Column
It’s been a year now since I was elected to represent the people of Mid Argyll and it has been both a privilege and an honour, one which I have really enjoyed and has at times been challenging.
The number of emails, phone calls that come to me every day from local people is amazing.
I try to get answers for everything that comes to me – not always possible but I report every complaint and most are dealt with quickly and well.
The ones that aren’t, we have to go down a different road to get some resolution to, but in most cases we get there.
The council has a dedicated place on the website to report any incident – Report It (argyll-bute.gov.uk).
The thing that people complain about the most is bins – the lack of them, missed collection, no bins or too many bins – everything bin-connected.
On the website you can as an individual report potholes, street lighting, dog fouling, bin collections - anything that you have an issue with.
I know I certainly did before becoming a councillor.
Don’t just moan about something to your neighbour or to someone in the shop, but “take the bull by the horns” and report it yourself.
It is quite easy, and if you have any problem - let me know and I will raise it.
I started my next round of councillor surgeries yesterday (Thursday) evening in the Egg Shed in Ardrishaig.
I move on to Craignish Village Hall on Thursday June 29 from 6pm-7.30pm.
I will be coming to a village hall or coffee shop or picnic area near you soon, but please, if there is anything that you want to speak to me about just pop down.
I will post on my Facebook pages the week before with some reminders.
If you do not want to come in person, but have something you want to let me know about, then please contact me by email jan.brown@argyll-bute.gov.uk or on 01546604290 or 07788548763.
I was on a course this week where I came across a charity here in Argyll and Bute that I knew nothing about: Suicide Bereavement Support Service, Change Mental Health (changemh.org)
This group is there to support anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide in the Highlands, including Argyll and Bute.
Lara Van de Peer manages the service for Change MH, says: “Every grief journey is different, uniquely complex and deeply personal.
“Our service is here to help people navigate the challenging feelings and questions that arise after a suicide and provide compassionate emotional support.”
What I find really important is that this is there for anyone who is struggling to come to terms with a friend, family member or someone they know who has taken their own life.
The Suicide Bereavement Support Service is free and confidential and support can be provided over the phone, over video call or face to face.
Leave a message on 0800 4714768 and they will respond within 24 hours.
Remember there is someone there who will listen – not judge – and help you.