Chamber and committees

That the Parliament agrees that Sue Webber be appointed to replace Annie Wells as the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party substitute on the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee.

That the Parliament congratulates the 1st Port Glasgow Girls’ Brigade on reaching its 120th anniversary; recognises that it is the longest continuously serving Girls’ Brigade company in the world; commends the organisation for its outstanding contribution to the lives of generations of girls and young women in Inverclyde and beyond; acknowledges the role it has played in promoting confidence, leadership and community values for over a century, and wishes the company continued success in inspiring and empowering future generations.

That the Parliament congratulates St Bartholomews Line Dancing Club on securing a £6,830 award from the National Lottery Community Fund; notes that the club intends to use this investment to sustain its weekly line dancing sessions and to organise free social outings for older residents in Coatbridge over the next year; recognises the positive impact that accessible activities and social opportunities can have on the wellbeing of seniors, and commends all those involved for their continued commitment to community inclusion and healthy, active ageing.

That the Parliament acknowledges the award of £20,000 to Sakoon Mind from the National Lottery Community Fund; recognises that this funding will allow the organisation to deliver free mental health and wellbeing workshops, sessions and events for members of the South Asian community and others across North Lanarkshire and Glasgow over a 12-month period; highlights the importance of culturally informed mental health support, and commends Sakoon Mind for its work in promoting wellbeing, resilience and inclusion.

That the Parliament celebrates the achievement of Carnbroe Community Action for Residents in receiving a £7,308 grant from the National Lottery Community Fund; understands that the funding will enable the group to host two no-cost community events for people living in Carnbroe and neighbouring areas; acknowledges the value of community-driven initiatives that foster connection and local pride, and applauds the volunteers whose efforts help bring residents together.

That the Parliament welcomes the news that the Manorview Foundation has been granted £20,000 by the National Lottery Community Fund; understands that this funding will sustain a year of operations, providing free activities and programmes for individuals of all ages in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire; recognises the vital role that accessible community services play in supporting families and reducing isolation, and congratulates the foundation on its continued service to the local area.

That the Parliament congratulates George Thomson, who is from Coatbridge and is a football commentator specialising in audio-descriptive commentary (ADC) for blind and partially sighted supporters, on the broadcast of his recent interview on UCB Radio’s podcast, The Big Man Up Top; notes that the programme, listened to by an estimated audience of around 250,000 people across the UK, featured George in a recent episode, where he spoke about his role and the importance of making football accessible to all; recognises George’s passionate advocacy for ADC and his dedication to ensuring that visually impaired supporters can enjoy a full and  immersive matchday experience; acknowledges the vital role that ADC plays in promoting inclusion in Scottish football and across the wider sporting community, and commends George for his ongoing work to raise awareness of this service, so that more fans may benefit from it in the future.

That the Parliament commends Glenboig and Moodiesburn Ramblers on receiving £830 from the National Lottery Community Fund; notes that the group plans to use the funding to offer free return bus travel for participants from Glenboig, Moodiesburn, Chryston and Stepps to attend a festive lunch and a summer outing; appreciates the value of organised social trips in strengthening friendships and community spirit, and congratulates the Ramblers on their ongoing work to support local residents.

That the Parliament congratulates Home Link Family Support on receiving a £20,000 grant from the National Lottery Community Fund; notes that the funding will support a two-year project to help children who have experienced trauma, poor mental health and poor self-esteem through one-to-one sessions with an art therapist, and commends the work of everyone at Home Link Family Support.

That the Parliament welcomes recent awards made in East Lothian by The National Lottery Community Fund; notes that Karele Limited has received £20,000 to continue delivering free equine therapy aimed at improving mental health and wellbeing and reducing isolation among children and young people across East Lothian; further notes that the Acorn Resource Centre has received £15,000 to provide one-to-one, culturally sensitive support for people experiencing hardship and isolation, with a particular focus on supporting minority ethnic and Muslim women in the area; recognises the important role that both organisations play in strengthening community wellbeing and inclusion, and congratulates them on securing this funding, which will allow them to continue their valuable work.