Marie Curie need more volunteers
I recently visited East Ayrshire Carers’ Dalmellington Centre to hear about the work they do in providing advice, support, training, respite, and employment opportunities to carers of all ages living in East Ayrshire.
The Carers Centre also run the Wee Train café at New Cumnock railway station which allows young people to gain experience in customer service, hospitality and business skills.
I would urge anyone passing through to stop in for a cuppa and support this excellent social enterprise.
It’s also important to recognise and appreciate the contribution carers make, that’s why last month the Scottish Government raised the level of Carer’s Allowance by 13 per cent.
The new powers we have over social security mean that we can put more money into the pockets of carers as a thank you for the contribution they make to our society.
I was honoured to be Scotland’s first Social Security Minister when we passed this legislation earlier this year.
You can find more information at www. eastayrshirecarers. org. uk
I also met with Marie Curie to hear about the work they do with people living with terminal illness. Marie Curie is best known for its network of Marie Curie Nurses who provide free one- to- one nursing care and support to people with a terminal illness and their families.
In order to continue providing the support that they do, they need volunteers across Ayrshire to organise and carry out collections as part of their Great Daffodil Appeal or organise events such as a ‘ Blooming Great Tea Party’.
If you can spare just a few hours every month then it could help Marie Curie to fund more hours of nursing care, more research and more campaign work.
Anyone who is interested in volunteering can contact Elma Mitchell, Community Fundraiser, on 07798 638151 or elma. mitchell@ mariecurie. org. uk
My next surgery dates in Symington and Muirkirk are at the following times:
Monday, October 26, at Symington Community Hall between 5.30pm and 6.30pm.
Friday, November 2, at Muirkirk Community Wing, again between 5.30pm and 6.30pm.
If you can’t make it along to a surgery, you can always email me with any issues or concerns you have at jeane. freeman. msp@ parliament. scot or telephone my constituency office on 01290 425876.