Good luck for the year ahead from MSP Clare

As we start 2019, I have been reflecting on the last year, both as the MSP for the Rutherglen constituency, including Blantyre, and as the Scottish Government’s Minister for Mental Health.

Whilst 2018 has been a turbulent in many respects, the most rewarding aspect of being an MSP is being able to assist constituents, and I hope myself and my teams – in Rutherglen and at Parliament – have been helpful to those who have been in touch.

Although there have been a number of negatives this year – like the roll out of Universal Credit across South Lanarkshire, the devastating closure of the 2 Sisters factory in Cambuslang, recent closures leaving many areas in my constituency without a bank, as well as a number of heart-breaking constituency cases – I’ve certainly had many positive too.

Amongst the highlights, for me, continue to be the achievements of the many hard-working voluntary groups who give of their time to support their communities and stage excellent events right across the constituency, from Rutherglen to Blantyre.

It has been a pleasure to attend many of these wellorganised events to see first-hand how they bring communities together.

In April, I was privileged to be part of a Scottish Parliament delegation that attended Tartan Day in New York and went on to visit state governments in New York, Washington and Quebec, Canada.

Promoting Scotland and its potential is an important part of these visits, as well as learning best practice from other parliaments.

I am pleased that there has been much progress in highlighting the issues around Green Deal mis-selling, which has affected scores of my constituents, particularly in Blantyre.

The campaign to get redress for customers has picked up pace and my office has also been working closely with many other MSPS and MPS across Scotland to continue to press the UK Government on this.

The media profile on this issue has been raised considerably, with several of my constituents having the opportunity to tell their stories on TV, radio and in print.

Since I’ve become Minister for Mental Health, the Scottish Government have published a delivery plan for reforming mental health services in Scotland, and also published Scotland’s Suicide Prevention Action Plan: Every Life Matters, which sets a target of reducing the suicide rate by a further 20 per cent by 2022.

We have also committed to employing 350 counsellors in school education as well as establishing a national suicide prevention leadership group.

I am confident that these steps, all backed by significant Scottish Government investment, will bring major, positive change to our Mental Health services.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank every single person who contacted me this year, both in a constituency and ministerial capacity, and I look forward to working for you all in 2019.

Good luck for the year ahead – and if you ever need my assistance, please do not hesitate to get in touch.