Chamber and committees

Good morning. I thank the witnesses for their time this morning. The committee really appreciates it.

My first question is on social security, and I will direct it to Lorne Berkley. The concluding observations highlight concerns about the two-child limit, universal credit delays and benefit caps. I am interested to know how those policies are impacting the people and communities that you work with, Lorne.

I will be brief in my remarks. I certainly accept the decision of the Supreme Court. It is correct that we can agree or disagree with what Maggie Chapman has said or believes. It has been helpful that Maggie Chapman has confirmed that she was not speaking in her capacity as deputy convener of the committee and that she was speaking up on behalf of her constituents. I feel that we have no control over what any member of the committee says in their personal capacity. It would be helpful if Maggie spoke again to clarify the points that were raised by our colleague Paul O’Kane.

I do not consider this to be a matter for the committee to decide on, and I cannot support the motion that Tess White has lodged. I will oppose it, but I will listen to further contributions by other members.

I certainly agree that we can go further.

We will deal with and scrutinise that in the Social Justice and Social Security Committee, and we will deal with the green paper as well.

We are in very worrying times.

Maybe we could go to Lucy.

You have probably already touched on my final question. How well do the disability-related benefits in Scotland reflect the human rights model of disability that is endorsed by international bodies? Lucy, you have touched on that already, but I am just throwing it out to the panel to see whether you want to expand on that.

Absolutely. We also face digital poverty.

That would be okay, Lorne, if you would not mind. Does anyone else want to come in on that one?

I am grateful to have secured the debate and to end the month of April by discussing testicular cancer awareness. I thank colleagues across parties for supporting my motion and for speaking in tonight’s debate. I hope that everyone will join me in welcoming to the gallery Ritchie Marshall and Jennifer Hardie from Cahonas Scotland. Members will know that Cahonas is Scotland’s only dedicated testicular cancer charity, but they may not know that it is based right next door to me in Clydebank.

Testicular cancer may not be the most talked-about form of cancer, but that does not make it any less important. That is why I feel that it is important to speak on the matter. Testicular cancer awareness month, which runs throughout April, takes place to highlight the disease and educate people about early detection and treatment. It is also a time for tackling common myths and encouraging self-checking.

The disease most commonly affects people aged between 15 and 45, with approximately 220 people in Scotland being diagnosed each year. If it is detected early, the cure rate is more than 95 per cent, so awareness of the key symptoms is vital. The symptoms to look out for are an ache or swelling in the testicle, or a dull ache, pain or heaviness in the scrotum. If you notice any of those symptoms, please see a doctor. Do not wait: testicular cancer does not wait, and neither should you.

I was keen to hold the debate after meeting Ritchie Marshall and Paul McCaffery from Cahonas. As I mentioned, the organisation is based in Clydebank and I know how much work it has done, so I am keen to highlight it in the Parliament. What struck me most about our conversations was how little attention that type of cancer has received. Unfortunately, far too many people do not know the signs or are too afraid or embarrassed to discuss them. Awareness is vital but, currently, most young people leave school without knowing how to self-check or what symptoms to look out for. I therefore call on the minister to address what further work can be done, working with Cahonas, to ensure that testicular cancer awareness can be further implemented at school level.

For context, Cahonas was set up in 2009 by founder and chief executive, Ritchie Marshall. Since that time, it has been at the forefront of men’s health education, working to break down stigma, encouraging early detection and ensuring that no one in Scotland faces testicular cancer alone. Cahonas has been driven by personal experience and is built on the belief that education and support save lives. I whole-heartedly agree about that.

I am always keen to show the good work that is happening in my constituency, and Cahonas is a great example. Its work has achieved international recognition. It offers various vital services, such as education sessions, which are led by its community engagement officer, Paul McCaffery, whose personal story brings real-life experience to the organisation’s messages.

Paul discovered a lump 10 years ago, after seeing one of the Cahonas self-check guides, which led him to his early diagnosis. He has since credited Cahonas for saving his life and is dedicated to helping others to do the same. It is an honourable cause, and I thank him for his work.

From international campaigns such as “Check yer bawballs”, which reached tens of millions of people worldwide, to care packages, peer support and even a podcast, Cahonas ensures that men have access to knowledge, tools and support to protect their health.

I will take a moment to tell the story of an individual who received a diagnosis of testicular cancer.

“When I first received my testicular cancer diagnosis, I felt completely alone and unsure of where to turn. Talking about my experience openly on the podcast not only helped me process those overwhelming emotions, but it also reminded me that there are others out there facing the same challenges.

Cahonas is doing incredible work, providing not just support but a sense of community for men who are going through similar diagnoses.

The podcast is a lifeline, offering valuable insights and a space where people can share their stories, learn from others and feel understood. I know firsthand how crucial that kind of support is, and I’m grateful that Cahonas continues to make such a difference in the lives of men like me.”

That touches on an important point. Awareness goes beyond the physical. It is also about mental health, emotional support and building a community in which no one feels that they must face cancer alone.

It is also about standing with those who are going through the treatment. Testicular cancer is not just a physical condition; it impacts identity, fertility, relationships and long-term mental health. Cahonas has created that wraparound support beyond the hospital ward, helping men to rebuild their lives and self-confidence. I would be interested to know whether better collaboration could be achieved to ensure that post-treatment services can be better supported.

Awareness starts with a conversation—with breaking down stigma and encouraging our friends and family to know that real strength is found in taking care of ourselves. We need to normalise open, honest conversations about men’s health. Having spaces in which men feel comfortable to ask questions and share concerns without shame is a core part of that.

To all those battling testicular cancer, I say, “You are not alone.” To those such as Paul who have come out the other side and used their platforms to help others, I say, “Thank you for your courage and determination.”

As we end testicular cancer awareness month, I thank members for attending the debate to help to raise awareness. Most of all, my sincere thanks go to Ritchie, Paul and everyone else who is involved with Cahonas. You have, truly, saved lives, and for that I am extremely grateful.