Most companies put a lot of effort into customer service and genuinely want to help should you have an issue with a product or service. It is in their interests to sort out issues before they become problems. There have been occasions when customer service has been less than good. This can be frustrating and time consuming, and is not a good situation.
With this in mind, these tips will help you get remedy when customer service is less than ideal.
Phone
If you’ve spent too much time trying to contact a company by email or chatbots, the next step is the phone. Getting hold of contact numbers is not that easy, however, as the big players such as Amazon do not make it easy for you to phone them.
To find a contact number you may want to use a company such as Info-service.ie as they list the contact numbers for the major online retailers and companies. The example listed shows contact numbers for Ireland, but you should find an equivalent in your country if you’re based outside The Emerald Isle.
Reviews
If you’re reached the end of your tether, the next step is to give a bad review. This is more than just selecting a star. You should give a full and frank account of why the company has let you down. Try not to get emotional, don’t’ swear, but simply write down what has happened and why this is unacceptable.
Most companies will react to this straight away, often resolving the problem and giving you a sweetener to keep you onside.
If you still don’t get joy after leaving a bad review, leave your review on other sites such as Trust Pilot and Google.
Write a Letter
Should things not look great you can always write to upper management. The most effective way to do this is a handwritten letter. Unlike emails, they carry a lot more weight and demand a response. If you think about it, most companies get thousands of emails per day. You can count the number of handwritten complaint letters a company receives in a week on one hand.
Forums
If your experience is still less than ideal you may find forum posts about the situation where you can comment on them. This is another good way of getting the word out that your customer service experience has been awful.
Again, this kind of damage to a company’s reputation can be enough for them to sort out your problem.
Careful Where You Buy
Often, you may see ads on Facebook and other platforms where you’re given an irresistible offer. Heavily discounted, it is tempting just to buy there and then. This is not always the best thing to do, especially if you find the goods come from overseas, namely the Far East.
If you have a bad experience, getting in touch with them is difficult and getting a refund is almost impossible.
As such, be careful where you buy and ensure where you do buy has a positive reputation.
https://www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/paisley-abbey-logos.png6831024Brian McGuirehttps://www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/paisley-logo-trans.pngBrian McGuire2021-07-30 09:00:352021-07-30 09:00:35Customer Service Tips for When Customer Service is Poor
A book has been returned to Paisley’s Central Library – more than 50 years late.
Staff were stunned when the postman delivered a large white padded bag and when opened, they discovered a copy of the book, Mrs Balbir Singh’s Indian Cookery, along with a £20 note and an anonymous letter apologising for the book being so long overdue.
The book is thought to have been loaned out around 1968 from the Central Library, in Paisley’s High Street. But since this was so long ago and before records were digitised, there is now no way of knowing who had borrowed it.
The letter accompanying the returned book, published by Mills and Boon in 1965, said: “Please accept my apologies for the late return of this book.
“Enclosed is a token payment in recognition of this oversight. Thank you.”
The £20 is now going to be donated to charity, as Renfrewshire Libraries is currently not charging a fine for the return of overdue books.
Mrs Balbir Singh was born in the Punjab in 1912 and became an internationally renowned chef, cookery teacher and cookbook author.
Her Mrs Balbir’s Singh’s Indian Cookery book was met with much acclaim when it was first published in London, in 1961 and went on to inspire future generations of Indian chefs and home cooks.
The book sold hundreds of thousands of copies worldwide and several editions with revisions, and recipe additions were printed in the following years. Mrs Balbir Singh died in 1994.
Linda Flynn, Paisley Central Library Team Supervisor said: “I was more than a little surprised when I opened the padded envelope and saw what was inside.
“It’s rare to have a book returned after being overdue for so many years. I suspect the book had been lying in a cupboard or a drawer for some time and was only recently discovered.
“It was a lovely gesture from whoever found the book to take the time to send it back with a £20 note as a token gesture for it being so long overdue. We’ll make sure the money goes to a good cause.”
Linda added: “You could see that the book had been well used and some of the marks on the pages suggested that someone had followed the recipes to make a good few dinners.
“Unfortunately, the book isn’t in a condition to put back on our shelves for people to borrow, but since it’s become a talking point among library staff, we’ll keep it in a safe place.”
https://www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/return-1-scaled.jpg25532560Brian McGuirehttps://www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/paisley-logo-trans.pngBrian McGuire2021-07-29 10:50:032021-07-29 10:50:03Library book returned 50 years late with apology and a £20 note
Daniel Defoe classic to be broadcast at unique theatre and film hybrid commissioned by Paisley Book Festival
A classic 18th Century novel has been transformed into a play for the first time and will be broadcast in a unique performance in Paisley.
Roxana – described as a morality tale like no other – will be available to enjoy online for five days from August 30 in a performance specially-commissioned for Paisley Book Festival.
Described as a “fast-paced and socially critical new play” it has been adapted by playwright Laurie Motherwell from writer and social commentator Daniel Defoe’s novel of the same name.
It had been intended as a live performance to run over several nights at the Secret Collection in Paisley as part of the festival in February.
But, not to be beaten by the Covd-19 pandemic, its cast and crew have brought the production to life in a part-theatre, part-film format shot at the Secret Collection, Paisley Arts Centre and on location in the town, at Bailey’s Antiques on the High Street and at the Architectural Salvage Yard on McGowan Street.
Roxana follows the life of its title character – a wife, mistress, mother, opportunist and friend – and her maid Amy in what’s billed “as scandalous an adventure as you could find and a morality tale like no other”.
It brings Defoe’s 1724 novel and its surprisingly contemporary debates on marriage, wealth, sexuality and autonomy to the digital stage in a provocative re-telling of their journey as they grapple with the world and the choices they have to make.
Directed by Shilpa T-Hyland this unique online story has been created as a special one-off Paisley Book Festival event as a co-production with Renfrewshire Leisure Arts and Museums and Paisley Book Festival. It is made possible with support from Creative Scotland and Future Paisley.
Laurie Motherwell said: “The challenge of adapting Roxana doesn’t only come from taking an old, and at times what felt like an impenetrable, novel to adapt it for the stage. But also the complex discussions it brings up. Authorship and narrative are key. It felt strange and vulnerable to be examining my relationship to that as the writer.
“Shilpa asked me to adapt this novel back in 2015 and I jumped at it – because I wanted to make work; To challenge myself. Who would have known in 2015 that this hybrid version of this play is how it will be seen?
“I don’t think I truly appreciated Roxana being ever-present in my life before now. I will be forever grateful to this incredible team who have given me their support, and the opportunity to bring this re-imagining of Roxana to life. I hope we’ve done Defoe justice. But more importantly that we’ve also done Amy and Roxana justice too.”
Defoe’s original text is surprisingly subversive, including philosophical musings on ethics, and cause and effect. Motherwell’s adaptation takes the novel’s controversial beginnings along with both Defoe’s triumphs and failures in writing a challenging female narrative as inspiration for his play. The result is a raucous adventure tale with a searing commentary on the responsibilities of authorship and what it means to judge a life which is as relevant now as it was 300 years ago.
Shilpa T-Hyland said: “I read Roxana by Daniel Defoe on a literature course in 2012 and was struck by Defoe’s ambiguous ending. Neither morally smiting of his strong willed protagonist, nor celebratory of her, he settles for a vague cause and effect ending.
“After reading a variety of other moralistic endings imposed by editors of later additions I became obsessed with a notion of what Defoe might have been close to writing but ultimately couldn’t. What would an ending have looked like which celebrated Roxana and her maid Amy? Enshrining their philosophical conversations and outrageous social climbing in protofeminist fame?
“I asked Laurie to adapt the book for stage. Together I thought we might walk in the footsteps of Defoe and Roxana and create a new ending. Six years and many drafts later, I wonder if my original instinct to re-end the story positively was just as flawed.
“This process of finally finishing and staging the play in a theatre/film hybrid, in a time of such artistic uncertainty, has given me a new appreciation for the right to choice.
“Roxana is an incredibly flawed character; sometimes brilliant, sometimes cruel, ever human. She is not necessarily a good human or a good feminist but I hope that what we have inherited from Defoe and enshrined in this adaptation is that freedom is the right to choice. The outcome of those choices are up to the individual, society and a little bit of fate.”
Speaking of the process of experimenting with theatre and film hybridity as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and the restrictions it has posted on the performing arts, the director added: “I hope if nothing else the joy of collaboration and experimentation shows in this work, filmed over a single week in an empty theatre, an antique shop, a salvage yard, and a museum archive. We have all wrestled with Roxana’s complicated story, I hope you will enjoy doing so as much as we did.”
Roxana’s creation is in itself a story of resilience, being artistically stubborn in the face of overwhelming challenge, and an experiment in how to continue to create work, employ artists and offer cultural content in the context of the ongoing pandemic.
Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, Chair of Renfrewshire Leisure, said: “I am very much looking forward to seeing this performance and commend how the cast and crew have acted so innovatively – and safely – to create this production in once unthinkable circumstances. I take my hat off to their incredible determination.
“The fact that we have been able to commission this work – whether it had been on stage or as it is now – stands as tremendous testament to the high regard with which Paisley Book Festival is now held.”
Paisley Book Festival was staged as an online showcase in February, selling out events enjoyed by more than 8,700 people.
Registration to view the Roxana broadcast will be free and can be booked online via https://paisleybookfest.com/ . The broadcast will go live from 3pm on August 30 and will be available to view until Saturday, September 4th.
https://www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Esme-Bayley-who-plays-Roxana-in-the-first-ever-stage-adaptation-of-the-classic-book.-Picture-by-Frankie-Collier-scaled.jpg25602236Brian McGuirehttps://www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/paisley-logo-trans.pngBrian McGuire2021-07-26 12:21:402021-07-26 12:21:40Paisley collective takes Roxana to the stage for the first time
We have 2 new online workshops starting next week for EVOLVE. Priority will be given to Seedhill residents or those with a strong connection to Seedhill, but we’d be happy to welcome residents from elsewhere in Paisley if numbers allow.
On Mondays for 4 weeks, local textiles artist Sharron McGrady will be leading sessions on how to design fabric prints and make a personalised lampshade. On Tuesdays for 6 weeks, Katherine Macfarlane will be facilitating a memory mapping workshop. Both sessions run from 1-3pm and I’m happy to give you more info if you like. Below are the Facebook event links.
If you wouldn’t mind sharing this info on your blog and social media channels, we’d really appreciate it. If you wanted to tag us, we’re @RIGArtsInverclyde on Facebook and @RIGArtsGreenock on Twitter and Instagram.
https://www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/evolve-workshops-online-Katherine-ig-post.png10801080Brian McGuirehttps://www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/paisley-logo-trans.pngBrian McGuire2021-07-23 13:31:072021-07-23 13:31:072 new online workshops starting next week for EVOLVE
West College Scotland (WCS) has become the first Scottish college to achieve the Carers Federation Quality Standard in Carer Support (QSCS) accreditation.
WCS is committed to ensuring young adult carers in the west of Scotland have the same opportunities and access to high quality Further Education as those without care responsibilities. Young adult carers make a huge contribution to their families and wider society, but in doing so can miss out on other life chances. The changes West College Scotland has introduced are aimed at ensuring local young adult carers have the chance to achieve their full potential.
Working with the Lottery-funded Driving Change Project, which aims to improve the support available to young adult carers in Further Education across the UK, West College Scotland has actively removed some of the barriers that can prevent young carers from accessing continued education, developed new policies and procedures, improved access to bespoke support and raised awareness – including demonstrating good practice in supporting carers in the wider community.
Iain Forster-Smith, Assistant Principal Student Life and Skills at West College Scotland said:
“We are delighted to have achieved the Carers Federation Quality Standard in Carer Support accreditation. Student Carers must cope with the extra pressure of caring for a loved one and this award acknowledges that we recognise their contribution and have robust Student Carer support services in place and a fantastic team supporting our students.”
He added, “WCS works closely with local services such as Carers Trust Scotland, Inverclyde and Renfrewshire Carers Centre, and Y-Sort It in West Dunbartonshire which provide wraparound support for Student Carers covering finance, networking and physiological needs. This really is a fantastic recognition of the hard work, commitment and innovation which has been going on across the College.’
The Quality Standard in Carer Support (QSCS) assessment report on WCS observed “West College Scotland has implemented effective systems and processes to support early identification of student carers and ensured cross-college uniformity in provision. The Student Services team show a clear commitment to developing support for YACs alongside other vulnerable student groups. There is clear evidence of wide cross-college commitment and understanding of processes and responsibilities, and staff recognise the benefits of new developments for students.”
Naomi Sykes, QSCS Development Worker, Carers Federation Limited said:
“The Carers Federation Quality Standard in Carer Support (QSCS) accreditation demonstrates West College Scotland’s commitment to improving access to education for young and young adult carers.”
The Quality Standard criteria helps schools, colleges and universities develop effective processes to identify student carers and to improve their wellbeing, learning experiences and educational outcomes. Importantly, the process helps participating organisations to provide consistent provision of support and enables them to monitor the collective and individual outcomes for their students with caring roles.
Naomi added, “West College Scotland has developed comprehensive systems to ensure student carers are recognised and supported to achieve their aspirations and goals, raising awareness of young and young adult carers across the college and increasing understanding of the additional challenges they face in education.”
Stephen Evans, Chief Executive, Learning and Work Institute said:
“Many congratulations to West College Scotland for becoming the first college in Scotland to achieve the Driving Change quality standard in carers support. Young adult carers make a huge contribution to their families and society, yet they too often miss out on vital opportunities and support. The changes that the college has put in place will give local young adult carers the chance to pursue their talents and achieve their potential. We look forward to working with many other colleges in Scotland to build on the achievements of West College Scotland so that young adult carers across the country get the opportunities they deserve.”
West College Scotland students can receive confidential support by contacting info@wcs.ac.uk. The Student Carers team assess each carer’s personal situation and identify what support mechanisms are available through the College and includes bespoke induction programmes, support services and financial support.
As a nationally recognised accreditation, it is hoped that both prospective and current students will feel more comfortable disclosing that they are carers and are more aware of what support mechanisms are possible to make sure that the College recognises their unique circumstances. West College Scotland welcomes students from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds and will offer appropriate, discrete support.
https://www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Claire-and-Marie-SAS-scaled.jpg19202560Brian McGuirehttps://www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/paisley-logo-trans.pngBrian McGuire2021-07-23 13:25:422021-07-23 13:25:42West College Scotland becomes first Scottish college to achieve Carers Federation Quality Standard
Transition to level 0 allows for further gradual expansion of cultural, leisure and sport services for the local community.
Renfrewshire Leisure is making plans to further expand its range of services in the wake of the Scottish Government’s confirmation that Renfrewshire moves to level 0 COVID restrictions. With the long period of restrictions gradually easing, the charity wants to extend delivery gradually to support local people in living lives which are healthy, happy and fulfilled.
The return will be aiming to reinforce community well-being as the charity’s priority. Ever since COVID restrictions were introduced, the organisation has maintained safety as its top priority for those using its facilities or benefiting from its services.
The latest extension of services provided will be phased in over the coming weeks and follows a gradual reopening of facilities since the most recent period of enforced lockdown closure came to an end on April 26th.
The next developments will be:
Indoor leisure services further expanding to include the recommencement of indoor contact sports in line with information from Sporting Governing Bodies
Swimming pool capacity constraints easing to allow us to introduce a 25% increase at the Lagoon and ON-X leisure centers in booking slot availability next month, although COVID precautions will remain in place.
The Active Schools programme and the schools’ library service is set to recommence at the start of the new school term.
Locals are being urged to monitor the charity’s social media channels and website (www.renfrewshireleisure.com) for up to date confirmation on individual activities.
Victoria Hollows, Chief Executive of Renfrewshire Leisure, emphasised the importance of moving to build capacity to meet the needs of local people and help them rebuild their physical and mental health after the long period of restrictions since March of last year. She said:
“We take very seriously our commitment to local people who depend on our range of services to support their wellbeing, so we are gradually and carefully expanding provision to meet that need. However, it will inevitably take time to do so in a way which ensures that members and users of our services and facilities can continue to do so safely, whilst we monitor infection rates in the community.
“We know how much local people have missed our wide range of activities, and how important it is to their physical and mental welfare so we will be constantly reviewing demand, usage and local infection rates to meet people’s needs as quickly as we can.
“We look forward to continuing to welcome you back, safely.”
Information about all Renfrewshire Leisure services and how they are operating can be found at www.renfrewshireleisure.com, where details can also be found about the innovative programme of online services, which staff have been running help people stay fit and healthy during all phases of lockdown and the route map out of it.
https://www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Renfrewshire-Leisure-Logo.jpg12311206Brian McGuirehttps://www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/paisley-logo-trans.pngBrian McGuire2021-07-20 13:25:472021-07-20 18:20:55Transition to level 0 allows for further gradual expansion of cultural, leisure and sport services for the local community.
Increased support for older people in region amid concerns about increased social isolation as a result of Covid-19 pandemic
Jo Dallas who volunteers for The Food Train. Jo calls a core group of seven people who live on their own or who feel isolated. The talking is something Food Train offer as well as help with shopping. Often Jo and the people she calls will talk about food and what they are cooking. Jo regularly talks to a retired home economics teacher and they share tips for making scones.
A scheme tackling loneliness among older people is being expanded to reach more in Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire.
Food Train has opened its Phone Friends service to the general public after work to support its members during the pandemic highlighted the strong need for it.
It connects an older person with a volunteer who regularly phones them for a chat – giving them someone with whom they can share how they are and enjoy a laugh.
Food Train is best known in Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire for its shopping services, which have faced sustained high demand to deliver groceries to the homes of over-65s since Covid-19 took hold.
Morna O’May, who is overseeing Food Train’s Phone Friends service, said: “Covid has had a huge impact on older people who have had to shield and isolate. Because of the length of time this is going on for, they are losing confidence in being able to get back out and about again in public.
“It is creating a situation where people who had a connection to their community are losing that and those who were already isolated are feeling it even more keenly.
“The Phone Friend service is an ideal way to make connections again from the safe environment of your own home.”
Food Train first opened its Phone Friends to members after volunteers made check-in calls to older people during lockdown – to ensure people were well and had all they needed – when many of its members were unable to enjoy the social side of shopping deliveries or days out organised by the charity.
That service to members across the country has seen volunteers make 1,550 calls – chatting to older people for 28,000 minutes.
The response to it has been so positive that the service – which costs £5 per month to join – is being made available to non-members too. Phone calls can be weekly, fortnightly or less often if people wish.
Morna added: “Phone Friends allows a friendship to develop without having to involve any travelling or visiting which suits many older people and volunteers.
“We have volunteers vetted, trained and ready to be matched.”
https://www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Food-Train-Phone-Friends-generic-scaled.jpg25601709Brian McGuirehttps://www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/paisley-logo-trans.pngBrian McGuire2021-07-20 12:32:422021-07-20 12:32:42Food Train expands Phone Friends to tackle loneliness in Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire
Every online casino business owner goes through the first step of choosing a good casino software provider, and this has to go right, or you are in trouble. The quality of the site and the performance depends way too much on this single factor. With more people turning to the internet for gambling, there is much competition among casino sites. So, the wise thing to do will be to thoroughly understand the requirements of a good site and see if the casino software provider can satisfy all of these. Here is a guide to help you know what is good for you and what is not.
User Friendly
There are umpteen casino sites out there, and players can easily lose interest in yours if they find a faulty design. The site must be easy to use and help the players navigate easily to the desired pages. Player retention is only possible if the site is user-friendly. An attractive site fills players’ hearts, and they are definitely coming back for more adventure.
Security
Any player would want their money and data to remain safe, and there is no compromise. So offering a secure environment to play is of utmost importance. The rule says that every casino site should have a particular SSL encryption that takes care of data protection. This way, players can have fun with games without a second thought.
Games and Bonuses
Players are more than happy if you have more games and bonuses to offer than other casinos. So the provider must be ready to give you more choices, whether for games or betting. Bonuses like welcome bonuses, monthly promos are also great ways to attract business. These are something the users look forward to every time they log in to a site.
Mobile Casinos
If your site can be accessed with a mobile device, then it is an added advantage. Many players prefer playing on their smartphones as it is easy and convenient. If the software provider can give you a solution that is also compatible with mobile devices, ask for nothing more.
Payment Methods
The more payment options you can provide, the more customers will come to your site. Mastercard and Visa are necessary options, and so are traditional modes. Recently, many providers have software that supports modern payment modes like e-wallet and cryptocurrency.
Customer Support
The software providers must have an excellent support system to address any queries that come up at any time of the day. There can be numerous technical issues that have to be resolved and having dedicated customer support 24/7 will be a great relief.
Support Different Languages
Since your business is online, you can expect players from different countries. Players would love it if they can access the casino site in their native language. Check with the software developers if they can provide various language versions of the site.
There are thousands of service providers waiting to offer you the best casino solutions. But remember that not all will be a good fit for you. Always have the players in mind and build a casino site that the players want to return to. Make an informed decision that benefits both your business and the players.
We began last week with a fantastic turnout and are looking forward to getting going again this week in the lovely sunshine!
Our 4:30pm – 6:30pm workshop will now be taking place from 4pm – 6pm.
We have updated our flyers and our plain text which I have attached below to be shared.
RIG Arts are super excited to announce the launch of the EVOLVE project with 2 FREE weekly outdoor arts workshops, open to all. Join artists Marie and Seamus and the RIG Arts team to get creative in Seedhill.
Where:
McKerrell Street Playpark
When:
Every Friday starting 9th July for 6 months.
Times:
– 1pm-3pm
– 4pm-6pm
What to expect:
– arts, crafts and fun!
– masks and costumes
– creative map-making
– exploring Seedhill in a new way
– creative planning for the future
– have your voice heard – your thoughts count!
Just drop in and get involved. Stay for as long as you like.
Covid precautions will be in place and we’ll have plenty of hand sanitiser and surface cleanser on hand.
YOUNGSTERS are being encouraged to go wild… and read lots of books this summer.
When they sign up for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge at any Renfrewshire library, they can also find out how they can help to save the planet and receive a colourful poster pack with stickers.
This year’s Reading Challenge theme is Wild World Heroes and local libraries have partnered with the Reading Agency and WWF – one of the world’s biggest nature conservation charities – to give children between the ages of four and 11 an exciting summer of reading and fun activities that are centred around environmental issues.
There’s also the chance to learn even more about the nature with access to a Wild World Heroes online platform.
Youngsters are being asked to read six books during the summer holidays to complete the challenge and when they do, they’ll be entered into a prize draw to win cinema tickets thanks to local IT consultancy, Consilium.
When youngsters are halfway through the challenge having read three books, they’ll receive a free swim pass from Renfrewshire Leisure.
Ambassadors for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge are teenage naturalist, writer and broadcaster, Dara McAnulty and explorer, presenter and writer, Steve Backshall.
Andrew Givan, Renfrewshire Libraries’ Children and Young People Co-ordinator said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming children back to our libraries to take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.
“It’s a really exciting challenge this year with lots of reading and activities about the environment the children can take part in.”
Social Security Scotland is encouraging families who have welcomed a new arrival during Scotland’s peak baby season to find out if they are eligible for family payments.
According to figures from National Records of Scotland, July is the month most of Scotland’s babies are born in Scotland. 4,266 babies were born in July 2020 despite there being an overall decline in babies born in Scotland in 2020. December was the quietest month with 3692 babies born.
Parents who get tax credits or certain benefits could be eligible for family payments including Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment, Scottish Child Payment and Best Start Foods.
The Pregnancy and Baby Payment is open to parents from the 24th week of pregnancy up to the day a baby is six months old and Scottish Child Payment is a recurring payment of £40 every four weeks for eligible children.
Minister for Social Security Ben Macpherson said:
“If this year mirrors previous trends, many families will be welcoming a newborn into their lives. This will be a very exciting time for parents – but it can also be expensive.
“Scottish Child Payment and Best Start Grant payments can help ease some of the financial pressure – especially at a time when many people have been hit hard economically by Covid-19.
“At a busy time for expectant and new mums, we wanted the application to be accessible and straightforward. Parents and carers can use the same form to apply for Scottish Child Payment, Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods and it only takes an average of 12 minutes for those applying online.
“Social Security Scotland also offers a pre-paid Best Start Foods card for eligible families that can be used to buy healthy foods for children under three.
“I’d encourage anyone who thinks they might be eligible for these payments to find out more and apply today.”
Jane Brumpton, Chief Executive of Early Years Scotland, said:
“We support and recognise the vital role that Scottish family payments play in helping to alleviate financial pressures for eligible parents and carers nationally.
“The peace of mind that comes with knowing there is additional financial support available for children and families is incredibly important, and it is crucial in supporting their wellbeing as we exit the pandemic during these very challenging times.”
Background
Scottish Child Payment is payment of £40 every four weeks for each eligible child under the age of six, there is no limit on the number of children a family can claim for.
The payment will be rolled out to under 16s by the end of 2022 subject to the Scottish Government receiving the necessary data from the UK Government.
In the meantime, the Scottish Government will introduce bridging payments of £520 to be paid in both 2021 and 2022 for those receiving Free School Meals due to low income.
Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment is a £606 payment for a first child and £303 for other children.
Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment is a £252.50 payment when a child is between the ages of 2 and 3.5 years.
Best Start Grant School Age Payment is a £252.50 payment to help eligible families with the costs of starting school.
Best Start Foods is money every four weeks on a pre-paid chip and pin Mastercard. The amount is £17.00 every four weeks during pregnancy and for any children between one and three years old. The card can be used to buy healthy food including eggs, milk, fruit, vegetables and pulses.
People can apply online at mygov.scot/benefits or by calling Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222
https://www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/nrs-logo.png84294Brian McGuirehttps://www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/paisley-logo-trans.pngBrian McGuire2021-07-14 15:09:262021-07-14 15:09:26Financial support for parents during Scotland’s peak baby month
Paisley Museum’s £42million transformation is now underway as construction work starts on campus to redevelop the four buildings which make up the site.
Kier is delivering the main works phase on the campus which includes two grade A listed buildings, including Scotland’s first public Observatory. Construction is likely to be completed by late 2022, with the museum reopening to the public in 2023.
This marks a significant step forward in the Paisley Museum Reimagined project – the signature project in Paisley’s radical regeneration which also includes the £22million refurbishment of the town’s A-listed Town Hall and a new learning and cultural hub housing library services on the town’s High Street.
The project will see the overall museum campus grow by 20 per cent delivering a 27 per cent increase in public space and 26 per cent increase in gallery space, allowing for Paisley’s internationally-significant collections to be re-interpreted and the number of objects on display to be more than doubled.
The Garden Gallery, which will be located in a new-build extension housing an accessible visitor reception and café, will deliver a true ‘wow’ moment for visitors with spectacular views and a unique social space connecting the Museum with the outdoor landscape. New images of the Museum’s Garden Gallery and exterior have been released to coincide with the start of construction.
As part of the redevelopment, there will be two dedicated learning spaces, a makers’ space and a revamped heritage centre which will introduce users to its key resources in an engaging way, encouraging interaction, research and participation. Other notable additions to the campus include new facilities such as a revitalised shop, multifaith prayer room, improved access with new lifts and a public courtyard. There will also be a museum café with capacity for 60 covers providing a social space for families, groups and individuals to enjoy. A picnic area will also be located close by.
The museum transformation project is an important part of Paisley’s economic recovery from lockdown, both in terms of the on-site activity that will take place during construction and the increased footfall that will follow when the museum reopens to the public. When Paisley Museum opens its doors, it is expected to attract 128,000 visitors each year from Scotland, the UK and overseas and provide a £79million economic boost to the area over the next 30 years.
Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, chair of Renfrewshire Leisure, said: “The beginning of work on site is a major step forward in our journey to transform Paisley Museum into a world-class destination, bringing in visitors from across Scotland, the UK and abroad.
“The project is part of a wider investment by the council in Paisley’s venues to transform the town centre and take the work already done to make the town a key cultural destination within Scotland to a new level.
“The project team have already worked with hundreds of local people and groups to capture their stories. And we will continue to work with neighbours and surrounding businesses to make sure they are involved throughout the project and are ready to benefit from the massive boost this will bring to the town.”
Architects AL_A have radically reimagined the museum and its campus, reshaping it into a cultural hub of discovery, skills development, creativity and innovation. Working with an international team, including exhibition designers Opera Amsterdam, their design will allow the number of objects on display to be increased by 150%.
Matthew Wilkinson, Project Lead for AL_A, said: “The new museum will have a profound impact on Paisley’s future and it’s testament to the commitment and hard work of the whole community that we’ve reached this point. We’re extremely excited to be starting construction at Paisley Museum and to see our ambitious proposals coming to life.”
Kier have worked on a number of high-profile heritage construction projects throughout the UK and are currently helping to deliver the refurbishment of The Burrell Collection in Glasgow.
Phil McDowell, regional director for Kier Regional Building North & Scotland, states: “We know that Paisley museum is important to the local community as well as being a significant cultural destination in Scotland and we are delighted to start on site to expand and transform the building.
Over the duration of the project, we will work collaboratively with Renfrewshire Council and local supply chain partners to deliver this project. As part of our commitment to leaving lasting legacies in areas in which we build, we will also be providing job, training and apprenticeship opportunities.”
The project is being taken forward by Renfrewshire Council and led by a project team based within charitable arts and leisure trust, Renfrewshire Leisure. The project is being funded by Renfrewshire Council, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund.
The museum’s final phase of fundraising is now under way, with the museum website reimagined.paisleymuseum.org showcasing the project’s ambitious vision.
https://www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/AL_A-Paisley-Museum-External-Design-extension-and-garden-scaled.jpg20482560Brian McGuirehttps://www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/paisley-logo-trans.pngBrian McGuire2021-07-14 14:53:002021-07-14 14:53:00Work begins on £42million transformation of Paisley Museum
