April has been another busy month for Cunninghame South MSP, Ruth Maguire even with parliamentary recess on from the 1st to the 18th of April.
In the community
Irvine Tennis Club Visit
During the first week of Parliamentary Recess, Ruth had the opportunity to meet with Trustee and Chair of Irvine Tennis Community courts, Chris McKenna who highlighted the planned development and growth of the tennis club including; children’s clubs, school lessons and coaching amongst the introduction of a clubhouse, bathrooms and changing rooms. The courts are currently playable from May until August providing many activities for the community during the summer months.
Glasgow Kiltwalk for Break the Silence
Ruth and her team, walked the 23-mile ‘Mighty Stride’ for Break the Silence at the 2023 Glasgow Kiltwalk, raising over £500 for the chosen charity. Here are a few photos and videos from the event.
Ruth shared; ‘Although the distance was quite challenging for us, we kept the charity to forefront of our mind while completing the long walk, we’re grateful to have been able to raise awareness of the work of Break the Silence and are extremely grateful to everyone who donated and helped us reach our target.
Ruth meeting with Break the Silence CEO, Lesley Craig.
Surgeries
Ruth held monthly surgeries at Dreghorn Library, Fullarton Community Hub, Stevenston Library and Kilwinning Library, where she met constituents requiring help on a variety of matters. Ruth was also pleased to meet with local activists “Irvine without Incinerators” at her Dreghorn surgery you can follow their campaign on Facebook here.
Surgeries are held each month in accessible venues across the community, no appointment is needed, please drop by if you need assistance with anything, you can find your next local surgery here.
In parliament
First Minsters Statement
Ruth highlighted the high-quality learning and work experience that Modern apprentices receive along with the support the programmes provide to economic renewal locally and nationally and asked the First Minister when Skills Development Scotland would issue contracts for 23/24. The First Minister paid tribute to Ruth for her interest in the matter and confirmed that the award of contracts would happen imminently.
Scottish Government Debate on Supporting Scotland with the Cost of Living Crisis
Ruth also took part in the Scottish Government Debate on supporting Scotland with the cost of living and reducing child poverty highlighting that bold action is needed from all spheres of government to eradicate poverty and inequality in our society.
Parliamentary Events
Sponsoring MAKE Learn event
Ruth had the opportunity to sponsor an event with MAKE Learn, who shared their manifesto at their interactive event. MAKE Learn manifesto campaigns for the entitlement of 10 hours of crafting to be included in the mainstream curriculum for children and young adults due to the numerous positive benefits that crafting can have.
The event illustrated the positive effects that crafting can have on children’s learning and health, speaking with many professionals and researchers, who shared their experiences and how they carry this into schools sustainably.
Supporting Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month
As April was Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month, Sarcoma UK hosted an event in the parliament to raise awareness of Sarcoma in young people. Ruth had the privilege to discuss Sarcoma with Beth, who had just recently finished treatment herself.
Ruth felt it important to pledge her support to do whatever she can to raise awareness of Sarcoma in young people and address the difficult challenges that they face and how to improve the outcomes for these young people.
“It’s Hard work being poor”
Ruth had the fantastic opportunity to meet with The Poverty Alliance, The Scottish Women’s Budget Group and women who contributed to the ‘It’s Hard Work Being Poor’ report. Ruth appreciated the women sharing their experiences and will continue to advocate for those impacted by poverty and inequality. You can read the ‘It’s Hard Work Being Poor’ report here.
Supporting HUSH: Break the Silence
Victim Support Scotland’s drop-in event for HUSH: Break the Silence shared the stories of those that have be bereaved by crime in Scotland. They shared the vital support that Support for Families Bereaved by Crime (SFBC) can offer those that have been effected by the loss of loved ones to crime, including funeral arrangements and general support in the aftermath of bereavement.
Ruth Maguire MSP 