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Light Up a Life this Christmas

St. Vincent’s Hospice are inviting you to celebrate the life of a loved one by making a donation and dedicating a light on their Christmas tree, before joining them for their annual Light Up a Life dedication service on Sunday 24 November at 4.30pm.

The annual campaign runs all through the holiday season, giving people the chance to come together, share stories, remember those who have been lost and give the gift of specialist, compassionate care to patients and families who need it most.

Commenting on Light Up a Life Spiritual Care Co-ordinator for St. Vincent’s Hospice, Catherine McGrath said: “Christmas is a time of celebration and sharing, but we know it can also be difficult, especially if you have lost a loved one. Light Up a Life is a way to celebrate their life, by dedicating one of the hundreds of lights on our tree, before coming together at the Hospice for an evening of carols, readings, mince pies and hot drinks.

“This is an incredibly special event for so many people, for so many different reasons. For some, it brings a sense of peace and joy to be surrounded by others who understand what you are going through. For others, it provides an opportunity to take a moment to reflect on those they have lost. For all, it’s a great way to kick off the Christmas season and help a good cause!”

To make a dedication and donation to St. Vincent’s, you can visit their new Light Up a Life Website by visiting: https://events.svh.co.uk/e/18

This year, for the first time, a few moments after you have made your dedication, you will be able to view it and share it with your family and loved ones on our beautiful Night Sky dedication page.

You can view, and search all dedications made this year by visiting: https://events.svh.co.uk/dedications/18

Catherine added: “Our dedication event will begin at 4.30pm at the Corseford School, with a candlelit procession along our footpath, ending in the Hospice Courtyard. So wrap up warm and join us as hundreds of lights are lit to shine out this Christmas in memory of those being honoured.”

Please be aware, that due to the large numbers in attendance, only disabled parking is available at the Hospice. Additional parking will be available at Capability Scotland’s Corseford School, with a shuttle bus service available for those who may require it. For more information contact Events@svh.co.uk.

21/10/2019/by Brian McGuire

PEOPLE experiencing isolation and loneliness are being encouraged to use a new seating area at the intu Braehead shopping centre where they can sit in specially-created seats called Chatty Chairs.

It’s the first time a Scots shopping mall has installed a seating area that actively encourages people to talk to each other.

And today/yesterday Scotland’s Finance Secretary, Derek Mackay launched intu Braehead’s Chatty Chairs initiative with signage that says: “Take a seat if you don’t mind having a chat.”

The intu Braehead Chatty Chairs are in the upper mall and are configured to make it easy for shoppers to start a conversation with someone sitting next to them.

The move comes after the Age Scotland charity revealed that 282,000 older Scots feel lonely some or most of the time.

The latest Scottish Household Survey also found that one in four people over the age of 60 said they do not meet a friend, neighbour or relative at least once a week.

Derek Mackay, whose constituency takes in the shopping centre, said: “This innovative idea from intu Braehead to provide a seated area where people can start a conversation with someone will help tackle the very real problem of loneliness in our community.

“This is exactly the type of initiative the Scottish Government would encourage as part of our strategy to deal with social isolation and loneliness.

“Feelings of being alone in the world can have a significant adverse impact on someone’s physical and mental well-being.

“I’d like to congratulate the team at intu Braehead for creating the Chatty Chairs seating area, as it’s up to all of us to reach out in a compassionate way to make everyone feel welcome and valued in our communities.

“I hope the Chatty Chairs will be well used and that people will stop for even a few minutes to speak to each other.”

The move by the shopping mall to encourage visitors who would like a chat to use the seats has been praised by Age Scotland.

Brian Sloan, Age Scotland’s chief executive said: “This is a wonderful initiative which will hopefully give people of all ages the chance to have a chat with someone new and perhaps even forge new friendships.

“Often a smile and a friendly chat can make all the difference to someone who is experiencing loneliness.

“It would be great if the Chatty Chairs helped to stimulate more conversation and social interaction between the generations and younger people were encouraged to spend more time with older people they know.”

Lydia Brown, intu Braehead’s community development manager said: “The simple act of stopping to say hello to someone sitting on one of our Chatty Chairs could make a huge difference if they are feeling lonely.

“A few minutes chat started by a simple ‘hello’, or ‘how you doing, today?’ could make someone’s life a whole lot better and make them feel less isolated.

“We recognise loneliness is a problem for many people – of all ages – and we hope our Chatty Chairs initiative can play a small part in combating feelings of loneliness and isolation.”

Older people in Scotland can contact Age Scotland’s free Community Connecting service on 0800 12 44 222 to find local groups and activities which are of interest to them to help get them more engaged with others.

16/10/2019/by Brian McGuire

Renfrewshire’s flagship environmental campaign Team Up to Clean Up has achieved national recognition at the COSLA Excellence awards.

The partnership campaign between the council and the local community took home top honours in in the ‘Strong and Sustainable Communities’ category, beating formidable projects from Stirling Council and Dundee City Council in the process.

The campaign has transformed local communities and injected a sense of pride into neighbourhoods across the area, with litter picks increasing by 474% in the first full year.

Through print, digital and social media promotion, the campaign has reached more than 4.4 million people to promote its key messages around litter, dog fouling, recycling and road cleanliness.

Stand out moments from the campaign have been the annual Big Spring Clean and Spotless September events, in which more than 4000 volunteers have taken part, the creation of children’s book The Clumps’ Big Mess, which was given to more than 14,000 pupils, and the Team Up to Clean Up caddies which give communities the tools to make a positive difference to their area.

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “I’m over the moon for everyone involved with the campaign that we’ve been recognised with a national award.

“It’s an award not only for the fantastic council staff who put their all into making this campaign a success, but for the community who volunteer their time and effort to make their neighbourhoods better.

“The campaign strives to make Renfrewshire a more attractive place to live, work and visit and this award shows that it is working, and local people are engaged with what we are trying to achieve.

“We’re going to build on our achievements so far and I can’t wait to work even closer with our communities to make Team Up to Clean Up successful for years to come.”

The COSLA Excellence Awards aim to recognise the best in local government and showcase those projects that are breaking new ground, with more than 200 projects nominated to the awards this year.

A COSLA spokesperson said: “Team Up to Clean Up and everyone at Renfrewshire Council should be proud of this achievement.

“‘Strong and Sustainable Communities’ has always been a difficult category to succeed in and the team were up against some well-established, innovative projects.

“What stood out about Team Up to Clean Up was that it both regenerated the local environment and managed its resources responsibly, all whilst making Renfrewshire a better place, to live, work and visit.”

The Team Up to Clean Up campaign forms part of a £2.5million investment across five years to make a real difference to the cleanliness of the streets in Renfrewshire and improve the local environment.

As well as the support from local communities, an enhanced programme of operational activity is underway to clean gullies, sweep the roads and repair the roads infrastructure to ensure the campaign is a joint approach between the council and its residents.

For more information and to find out how to get involved, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/teamuptocleanup.

14/10/2019/by Brian McGuire

Announcement, Blog, Elderslie, Newsletter, Paisley, Press Release, Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire Council, renfrewshire events

William Wall-ice heads home to Elderslie to prepare for winter weather battle

One of Renfrewshire’s specially-named gritters William Wall-ice headed home to Elderslie as the weather prepares to lay siege to Renfrewshire this winter.

Nine gritting machines will cover more than 800km of roads across Renfrewshire, with more than 4000 tonnes of grit ready to keep Renfrewshire moving throughout the winter period.

Residents will once again be able to track Renfrewshire’s gritters on the council website as they work day and night, when required, to keep the roads network free of snow and ice.

This forms part of the area’s #RenReady Ready for Winter campaign which aims to make residents and workers in Renfrewshire aware of how to prepare for winter weather conditions, while also highlighting the work of frontline council staff who keep services operating whatever the weather.

Last year, a campaign to #NameOurGritters saw more than 8000 votes cast online to name Renfrewshire’s gritters after famous faces and places, with Ploughlo Grittini, Tony Gritzpatrick and Paisleigh being three of the winning entries.

STV Weatherman Sean Batty was also chosen by the local community to have his own gritter and he’s looking forward to seeing Thawin’ Batty tackle the forthcoming conditions, should he be needed.

Sean said: “People may have read articles recently warning of a cold and snowy winter, however at this stage this is merely speculation as forecasting specific details this far in advance is impossible. At present Met Office computer models are forecasting a milder start to winter than usual, however even if this is the case it would likely still be interspersed by colder spells, with frost and snow.

“Last year most parts of the country experienced very little snowfall, however in the previous year there were many days with snow and ice well into spring. Even with current forecasts indicating milder than average conditions, people should always be prepared for the risk of floods, storms and snowfall as we head into the winter months.”

#RenReady also aims to provide information on areas such as how to avoid winter illness and the support the council provides to tenants and residents to keep warm throughout any cold weather snaps and festive debt advice.

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “The winter period can bring a number of challenges for our communities and our staff, but we are doing all we can to prepare in advance of any adverse conditions.

“Our gritting teams are now on standby to treat the roads in advance, and during, any freezing weather, and 540 grit bins will be stocked and available for residents to use throughout the winter period.

“Our website also has detailed information on how to prepare yourself, your home and your community throughout the winter, and our social media channels will provide updates too.

“I also want to thank our staff who do a fantastic job keeping our services operating whatever the weather and we’ll do all we can to support them as this winter approaches.”

For more information, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/readyforwinter.

14/10/2019/by Brian McGuire

Clyde Waterfront Renfrew Riverside - Clyde bridge

This month the Glasgow City Region Cabinet considered further significant progress in work underway to transform the Regional economy, including in the delivery of the UK and Scottish Government funded £1.13 billion City Deal – one of the largest and most advanced in the UK.

Since the Deal was agreed with government in August 2014, local businesses have benefitted from a £33 million boost (At end of June 2019)* – the value of City Deal contracts won to date by companies across the Region. And with over £300 million (At end June 2019) of funding agreed so far for spend on infrastructure works, further contract opportunities are in the pipeline.

Construction work underway and the three completed Employment and Skills projects have created thousands of new jobs, including for those furthest away from the jobs market and for young people. Three Innovation and Business Growth projects, now up and running, are also creating jobs, supporting local businesses and have already generated over £10 million in private sector investment.

All 27 high level projects have been selected, most of which are underway and a number are already completed. In fact, by the end of this month, 15 overall projects will have been completed (Seven projects and another eight sub projects, some quite substantial).

At the end of June 2019, over £168 million has been spent on the Infrastructure Programme.

Susan Aitken, Glasgow City Region Cabinet Chair and Leader Glasgow City Council said:

“There is a real sense of progress and momentum with the City Deal now. As we stand on the cusp of our first five-year milestone, we’re on track to delivering what we have set out to achieve; fair, sustainable and inclusive economic growth.”

“Over 20 major and transformative infrastructure projects are either underway or due to commence; we have worked with over 20,000 unemployed citizens and already supported thousands into work; we are set to generate a permanent uplift in our Gross Value Added and leverage billions in private sector investment, with the record-breaking investment by Barclay’s on the banks of the Clyde demonstrating strong investor confidence in the City Region.”

“And we have much to look forward to in the next 12 months, with a number of further milestones expected across major infrastructure projects. Crucially, the partnership between the eight member councils, government and the private sector continues to strengthen, allowing the Glasgow City Region to deliver on its economic potential for the benefit of all our citizens and for Scotland.”

Projects that have completed so far are Medicity, Tontine, Cathkin Relief Road, Glasgow University Imaging Centre of Excellence, Youth Gateway, Working Matters and In Work Progression.

The completed sub-projects are Crossmill Business Park, Newton Farm Primary School, Sighthill Remediation Contract 1, Newton Park and Ride, Glenboig Link Road, Sauchiehall Avenue, Woodhead Primary School Extension, Calton Barras Action Plan: Barras Public Realm Phase 1.**

UK Government Minister Colin Clark said:

“The Glasgow City Region City deal is a fantastic example of the Growth Deals programme, which continues to bring economic transformation to the area through innovation and growth as well as key infrastructure projects.

“I am pleased to see that these projects are supporting Glasgow and the surrounding area’s businesses, creating thousands of jobs and attracting further private sector investment.

“The UK Government has already committed almost £1.4 billion to City Region and Growth deals in Scotland, with more to come.”

Scottish Government Infrastructure Secretary Michael Matheson said:

“The Scottish Government’s investment in the Glasgow City Region Deal continues to stimulate inclusive economic growth, with millions of pounds strategically invested in the local economy in ways that will directly benefit both local businesses and some of our most deprived communities. I am delighted that the regional partners’ have also committed to an ambitious Regional Economic Strategy and Skills Investment Plan that will ensure they continue to work together, above and beyond delivering the Deal, in order to improve prosperity for all communities across the City Region.

“The Scottish Government will ensure that all of Scotland’s regions benefit from a Growth Deal, with over £1.8 billion having been committed to City and Growth Deals, and associated regional investments, across Scotland to date.”

The next few months are set to see further progress and developments.

In the City Deal, Europe’s first ever Smart Canal, an innovative £17 million project is set to complete. New technology combined with a 250 year old heritage asset is mitigating flood risk, enabling massive regeneration in an area previously unfit for development. The project is set to free up 110 hectares in the north of Glasgow for investment, new housing, paving the way for more than 3,000 new homes.

The contract for the iconic bridge over the M8 motorway at Sighthill is also set to be awarded, with bids currently being reviewed. (The estimated contract value set out in the latest project business case was in the region of £19 million).

Construction for Greenlaw Business Centre in Newton Mearns is also complete and the facility is due to open shortly with the formal opening early next year, providing modern office accommodation and support for local SMEs.

Progress continues too in the delivery of the Regional Economic Strategy which sets out collective plans for growth across the eight partner councils – with targets for jobs, skills, new homes and businesses. In the last year, the City Region councils launched a strategy for tourism, pledging to work together to boost tourist numbers to the west of Scotland by an additional 1 million over the next five years. A new Regional Skills Investment Plan was also unveiled, backed by the business sector and all of the regions universities and colleges. Actions will futureproof the Regional economy, ensuring the local workforce has the digital and other skills needed to adapt to a changing world. A new group was also been established to develop closer collaboration with key utility and infrastructure providers supporting the Region’s population of 1.8 million. The aim is to better understand the investment plans and constraints facing telecommunications, water, power, gas and transportation providers and consider how all parties involved can work together to maximise shared investment, while delivering efficiency improvements and economic benefits for residents. A recent meeting focused on the use of cutting edge technology to transform Glasgow City Region over the next 15 years.

The Annual Performance Report for the City Deal for the last financial year (April 2018 – March 2019), available on the City Deal website, provides a detailed overview of progress and achievements in the period, governance structures, milestones and financial performance.

The Regional Economic Strategy Action Plan is under review and a refresh will be announced in early 2020.

11/10/2019/by Brian McGuire

Renfrewshire’s inspiring local heroes are set to be rewarded as nominations for the Provost’s Community Awards open for 2020.

provost awards

Anyone who lives or works in Renfrewshire is invited to nominate in any of the following six categories:

Community Volunteer (sponsored by Glasgow Airport Ltd)
Community Group (sponsored by City Gate Construction)
Sporting Achievement (sponsored by ACRE Industrial)
Employee of the Year (sponsored by UNISON Renfrewshire)
Carers Award (sponsored by former Provost Nancy Allison)
Arts and Culture Award (sponsored by Renfrewshire Council)

Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron said: “It’s an honour to host the Community Awards again and take the opportunity to pay tribute to our local unsung heroes.

“I meet many people who really go the extra mile without looking for any reward or recognition in my role as Provost, but these awards come from the community themselves, demonstrating that the hard work these groups and individuals do is not going unnoticed.

“I can’t wait to read the nominations so don’t miss out on the chance to nominate and start sending them in now.”

The deadline for entries to all categories is Friday 6 December.

The Provost will be joined by the award sponsors and other local elected members to choose the winners who will be invited, along with their nominator, to the awards ceremony on Friday 13 March 2020 at the Normandy Hotel in Renfrew.

For more information, and to submit your nomination, visit http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/provostawards2020, email provostawards@renfrewshire.gov.uk or call 0141 618 7102.

11/10/2019/by Brian McGuire

Renfrewshire Council are recruiting for a number of nursery jobs across the area.

Laura Sheridan, who changed her career to work in early years says it means she is making a big difference to children’s lives.

Ferguslie ELCC Crafts 2Y9A9588

She said: “I started working in early years as a supply worker, but it wasn’t long before I gained a permanent post as an Early Learning and Childcare Officer (ELCO) at Glendee ELCC.

“Every day is different in a nursery and each child is an individual with their own ways of doing things. That’s why we provide them with a range of experiences and options at Glendee. We have a free-flow environment, which means the children can take part in the same experiences outdoors as they do indoors. They can choose where they want to go and what they want to do.

“Our centre has strong links with the local care home and groups of children visit the residents each week as part of their intergenerational learning. We also have a forest kindergarten that we visit to explore and learn about the natural world. These trips help children to develop team building and understand the risks in their environment.

“I’m also responsible for a group of children within the centre and I track their developmental milestones. If a child needs additional support, we will work with parents and outside agencies to make sure we have the right support in place for them.

“I’ve been working in early years for more than six years now and I love it. Making a difference in children’s lives is very important to me and I am so glad I changed my career to do it. I used to work in the travel industry, but I’ve always wanted to work with children. So, after my son was born, I decided to head off to college and get my HNC in Childhood Practice.

“You get paid well, have flexibility on when you can take your holidays and have a rewarding job. I’d recommend it to anyone who has a passion for children and their learning and development.”

To apply for either the Early Learning and Childcare Officer or Early Learning and Childcare Support Worker jobs, visit www.myjobscotland.gov.uk.

10/10/2019/by Brian McGuire

FAMILIES can have some spook-tacular fun in Soar at intu Braehead during the October school break.

There’s a fang-tastic variety of free Halloween-themed activities for everyone to enjoy every day from Friday, October 11 until Sunday, October 20 between noon and 5pm.

And these fun activities for both adults and kids include joining in to create a creepy crawly spider picture to take home and use as a Halloween decoration.

There’s also a mysteriously spooky selfie mirror where everyone can pose for photos and then post them on social media as a great way to remember a great day out.

On Saturday, October 12 between noon and 5pm, Soar is also hosting an exclusive event for members of the intu Family Club with members receiving a goody bag filled with all sorts of things that will make the school holiday a week of family fun.

Family Club members are also being encouraged to come along in fancy dress to take part in a Halloween Fashion Show with a prize for the best-dressed family on the day.

And on Sunday, October 20, the PJ Masks cartoon superheroes will be visiting Soar to stage a Hero Training Camp.

There will be five meet and greet sessions with activities featuring Catboy, Owlette and Gekko.

These will be every hour on the hour for 30 minutes from 11am until 3.30pm. There will be an opportunity at each session to pose for a photo with PJ Masks characters.

Although there is free admission, the event will ticketed, so log on to www.intu.co.uk/braehead to book your place.

David Lyon, marketing manager for intu Braehead said: “There are lots of fun things happening in Soar for all the family this October school break.

“And since all the activities are free, you could say it’s a real free-ky Halloween event!”

Log on to www.intu.co.uk/braehead to join the intu Family Club for free and enjoy exclusive offers and discounts, a gift for youngsters, a membership pack, a magazine and much more throughout the year

10/10/2019/by Brian McGuire

Free sanitary products are now available in the toilets at Renfrewshire Leisure run Town Halls and libraries, and in the bathrooms and accessible toilets at its sports and leisure centres.
Nearly one in five women in Scotland have experienced period poverty, with 12% of girls saying they have resorted to using rags and socks during their time of the month.

Funding for the free sanitary products has been provided by the Scottish Government as part of its efforts to tackle period poverty in Scotland.

Councillor Michelle Campbell, Renfrewshire Council’s Young Persons Champion, said: “Period poverty affects people across Renfrewshire, with some having to choose between feeding themselves and their families, and buying sanitary products.

“We believe everyone has the right to a dignified life and we want to do everything we can to help anyone who finds themselves facing period poverty.

“The sanitary products we are putting into our community venues are free and available to anyone who needs them. Take whatever you need, whenever you need it.”

The council started offering free sanitary products in schools last year and supplies are also available in community groups, including STAR Project, Active Communities, Home-Start Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau and Engage Renfrewshire, who can give to anyone who needs them.

The distribution of products to community groups is carried out by FareShare.

Heather Kay, project coordinator at STAR Project, said: “We firmly believe no person should have to experience period poverty and therefore make sanitary products readily available in our toilets. We also give people the opportunity to take boxes of sanitary products from our Community Pantry.

“Being able to receive free sanitary products through the Fareshare scheme is fantastic. Our members have benefited from it, with one person recently commenting she ‘no longer dreads that time of the month where I need to decide between food or pads’.”
The launch of the products in Renfrewshire community facilities coincides with Challenge Poverty Week, which runs until Sunday 13 October.

The week aims to highlight the reality of poverty in Scotland and the work being done to tackle it, showcase the solutions to poverty and increase public support for action to solve it.
Chairperson of Renfrewshire Leisure, Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes said: “There is an increasing awareness of the impact period poverty has on the lives of many people in society.

“We share a responsibility to ensure everyone has a decent standard of living and at Renfrewshire Leisure we feel it’s important that free sanitary products are easily available to those who need them.
“Our sports and leisure facilities are popular places where many people go and we hope there will be a good uptake of the free products being made available.”

Other activities which have taken place in Renfrewshire during Challenge Poverty Week include the launch of STAR Project’s Community Fridge Recipe Book and a collection of toiletry products by Active Communities to highlight and tackle hygiene poverty.

For more information on where free sanitary products are available in Renfrewshire, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/periodpoverty
If your community group would like to receive free sanitary products from the council they should contact FareShare by emailing linda@moveon.org.uk

10/10/2019/by Brian McGuire

Blog, Elderslie, Events, Johnstone, kilbarchan, Linwood, Music, Newsletter, Paisley, Press Release, Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire Arts, renfrewshire events

GROW

Indepen-dance 4 is back out on tour with GROW this Autumn and is heading to Peebles, Johnstone, Edinburgh, East Kilbride, Lockerbie, Musselburgh and Banchory.

It’s the first day of spring and tiny tendrils of new life are peeping out of the ground, stretching their way into the sunshine and producing a riot of glorious colour. GROW is a curious, hypnotic and playful adventure for 3-5 year olds!

GROW is brought to you by Indepen-dance 4, Scotland’s inclusive professional dance company. It is directed by Anna Newell, who has been described by the Guardian as ‘a hero of children’s theatre.’ Award-winning composer, David Goodall’s entrancing musical score reflects Sunday Herald Culture Award winner, Hayley Earlam’s mesmerising choreography. GROW is set in an array of springtime colours by theatre designer Brian Hartley.

Johnstone Town Hall

Fri 11 Oct
11.30am
£4
0300 300 1210 | renfrewshireleisure.com/whats-on

08/10/2019/by Brian McGuire