Paisley Daily Express Column

Paisley Daily Express Column - 20 Jan 2010

RECYCLING IN RENFREWSHIRE

Of course it’s welcome news that Renfrewshire is now recycling more than ever before.

Since November 9th, 1,638 tonnes of waste have been recycled. This includes items such as textiles, cardboard, mixed plastics, cans and tins and paper.

I really do think that environmental issues are only going to become more important and relevant as time goes on. And regular readers will know that in December I was in Copenhagen making the case for a fair, ambitious and effective global deal on carbon.

So, if you haven’t made any new year’s resolutions yet, why not pledge to do you bit and recycle more than last year?

It may not seem like a big effort but if everyone does their part, the impact of recycling can be huge.

For more information on the waste and recycling services in our area, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/recycling or call the Greener Renfrewshire hotline on 0141 842 4448.

GREAT NEWS FROM THE BIG LOTTERY FUND

I’ve long been a big supporter of the Carers Centre in Silk Street. So I was delighted to hear this week that it had received a grant of nearly £300 000 from the Big Lottery Fund.

This money will fund the Centre's `Helping Carers Plan for the Future' project.

The idea behind this programme is to improve the health and wellbeing of carers over the age of 50 by offering them a variety of support.

This includes helping them to access information, link with appropriate care services, and plan for future caring needs through the development of an emergency planning database.

The database is an excellent idea and will record an alternative care plan for the cared for person in case anything should happen to the carer.

The best news is that this project is far-reaching and will benefit 250 individuals and six organisations in Renfrewshire over three years.

The Big Lottery Fund has a long history of funding worthwhile projects across the country and I am always proud when an excellent local cause benefits from the Fund.

So well done all at the Renfrewshire Carers Centre… and keep up the good work!

ACCORD HOSPICE

Many many families in Paisley have been touched by the work of Accord Hospice. And I have recently seen that the Hospice is looking for donations to see them through the notoriously difficult start of the year.

In my job as the local MP I have visited Accord several times and found the place inspirational in the care it provides.

The dedicated staff at the hospice do a great job making life comfortable for residents, all of whom suffer from a terminal illness.

The hospice is a registered charity which relies on donations and fundraising events to allow it to carry out its vital work.

The hospice provides all its services free of charge. The Health Board contributes to its running costs and the rest of the money that is needed must be raised by the fundraising team and through voluntary donations.

The hospice needs £5000 every single day to provide patients with the care they need.

You can help by sending a donation or attending one of the many fundraising events that ACCORD runs throughout the year.

NATURAL HISTORY TALKS

As the snow has melted we’ve been reminded what the spring will bring. And in the weeks ahead a new series of talks that will be taking place in Paisley Museum.

On several Thursday nights there will be a talk about wildlife and natural history taking place at the museum on the High Street.

The talks will cover a wide range of topics under the theme of nature, ranging from discussions about endangered species to marine biology and red squirrels. All of the talks are free and will be hosted by members of the Paisley Natural History Society.

The next talk will take place on Thursday 4th February when the topic will be ‘Lost Species – The Aspen and the Beaver’.

Why not go along and support the museum?

For more information on these talks, and for information on Paisley Natural History Society, please visit www.paisleynaturalhistorysociety.org.uk.