That this House notes the life changing work that mentoring organisations are undertaking across the UK to develop skills, resilience and agency of disadvantaged young people; further notes that mentoring interventions can contribute to enhanced social mobility; understands that the cost-of-living crisis is having a detrimental impact on recruitment and retention of volunteers which is particularly impacting availability of mentoring for young people; highlights that National Mentoring Day was marked by mentoring organisations across the UK and internationally; thanks the Diana Award for their support for the All Party Parliamentary Group on Mentoring; and further highlights the benefits for Members of Parliament in engaging in mentoring young people within their constituency.

That this House notes the life changing work that mentoring organisations are undertaking across the UK to develop skills, resilience and agency of disadvantaged young people; further notes that mentoring interventions can contribute to enhanced social mobility; understands that the cost-of-living crisis is having a detrimental impact on recruitment and...

That this House celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Strathaven Miniature Railway; notes the railway's exceptional achievements and acknowledges that this is the oldest miniature railway in Scotland, which has been running continuously through Strathaven Park since the 14th of May 1949; further acknowledges the 50th anniversary of the Strathaven Model Society, a group of dedicated volunteers who have operated the railway for the last 47 years; applauds and praises all of the volunteers dedication and hard work in carrying over 750,000 passengers since 1949, with special thanks to Eric Chandler, Jim Lennox and Martin Simpson, all of whom have devoted over forty years of volunteering to ensure the continuous operation of Strathaven’s ‘Wee Trains’; and wishes everyone involved in Strathaven's Miniature Railway the very best for the future.

That this House celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Strathaven Miniature Railway; notes the railway's exceptional achievements and acknowledges that this is the oldest miniature railway in Scotland, which has been running continuously through Strathaven Park since the 14th of May 1949; further acknowledges the 50th anniversary of the Strathaven...

That this House celebrates the 25th Anniversary of East Kilbride Visually Impaired Group; recognises that the group was started by Brian Hunter in 1998 with five attendees and has grown to having more than 30 attendees each week who benefit from local support and services; commends all volunteers and members, including Margaret Taylor, the Group Secretary, who first joined eleven years ago making everyone’s tea; thanks everyone providing transport who ensure that members can access meetings where they enjoy sharing experiences and a sense of community; further commends those providing funding for this invaluable work to continue across East Kilbride as it is run on a voluntary basis; calls for wider advocacy and inclusive policy development involving visually impaired people; and wishes East Kilbride Visually Impaired Group ongoing success for the future.

That this House celebrates the 25th Anniversary of East Kilbride Visually Impaired Group; recognises that the group was started by Brian Hunter in 1998 with five attendees and has grown to having more than 30 attendees each week who benefit from local support and services; commends all volunteers and members,...

That this House celebrates the 20th Anniversary of the Healthy and Active group in East Kilbride; commends every volunteer and staff member who are dedicated to supporting the East Kilbride community in helping members to achieve inclusion, personal independence and confidence; recognises that the group started 20 years ago with the inception of the Shopmobility service; further recognises that Healthy and Active have significantly expanded their services to include a community hub and wellbeing and cost of living support alongside outdoor activities; and wishes every ongoing success to Healthy and Active for the future.

That this House celebrates the 20th Anniversary of the Healthy and Active group in East Kilbride; commends every volunteer and staff member who are dedicated to supporting the East Kilbride community in helping members to achieve inclusion, personal independence and confidence; recognises that the group started 20 years ago with...

That this House welcomes Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation, Laudate Deum, which builds on his encyclical letter Laudato Si’, that calls on world leaders to put global common good ahead of self interest; urges international governments to commit to a transition from fossil fuels that is binding and measurable; acknowledges the injustice that it is the world’s poorest communities that are disproportionately affected by climate change, despite contributing the least to global emissions; commends the work of the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development and the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund who work alongside climate vulnerable communities to respond to climate change and with Global South organisations to campaign for global leadership to tackle climate change; and notes the significance of Pope Francis’ message to world leaders ahead of COP28 to be ambitious in their pledges to tackle climate change and provide their fair share of financing to meet existing climate finance pledges.

That this House welcomes Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation, Laudate Deum, which builds on his encyclical letter Laudato Si’, that calls on world leaders to put global common good ahead of self interest; urges international governments to commit to a transition from fossil fuels that is binding and measurable; acknowledges the...

That this House congratulates Canning House on reaching its 80th anniversary; recognises its unique contribution to the strengthening of understanding and fostering of closer British relations with Latin America, Spain and Portugal; applauds the 1st Viscount Davidson for his foresight in founding Canning House in November 1943; recognises the great benefits of Britain increasing its connectivity in multiple fields, including education, culture, trade and diplomacy, with countries across Latin America, including the major G20 economies of Brazil, Mexico and Argentina; and expresses delight that a rejuvenated Canning House, based in new offices in Westminster, with an enterprising and stimulating programme of events, promises to perform its valuable role for many more decades to come.

That this House congratulates Canning House on reaching its 80th anniversary; recognises its unique contribution to the strengthening of understanding and fostering of closer British relations with Latin America, Spain and Portugal; applauds the 1st Viscount Davidson for his foresight in founding Canning House in November 1943; recognises the great...

That this House marks with sadness the passing of Clare Gray, a distinguished disability advocate who departed on 3 October after a brief illness; recognises Clare’s immeasurable legacy as one of the most influential disabled advocates campaigning in the UK for the last decade; notes that her advocacy not only raised awareness of the challenges faced by disabled individuals, but also inspired positive change and empowered countless lives along the way; highlights her instrumental role in the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 project, which recognises and celebrates the 100 most influential disabled people living and working in the UK; and expresses heartfelt condolences to Clare’s family and colleagues for their immeasurable loss.

That this House marks with sadness the passing of Clare Gray, a distinguished disability advocate who departed on 3 October after a brief illness; recognises Clare’s immeasurable legacy as one of the most influential disabled advocates campaigning in the UK for the last decade; notes that her advocacy not only...

That this House recognises that 16 November to 16 December 2023 is Disability History Month, which is now in its fourteenth year of being celebrated in the UK; notes that Disability History Month is a month to celebrate disabled people and champion their abilities and rights; further notes that this year’s theme is Disability, Childhood and Youth; commends UKDHM Organiser Richard Rieser and the many disability activists for their dedication and efforts to bringing Disability History Month to the UK; recognises that many disabled children and young people do not yet have fully inclusive lives and face barriers in developing their full potential; further recognises that, due to discrimination and stigma, many have chosen not to identify their disability within their community; calls for the wider promotion and protection of disability rights; highlights that those with mental health issues, neurodiversity and learning difficulties face particular societal barriers; highlights the importance of creating welcoming communities and promoting social inclusion; recognises the need to progress from a medical approach; and urges parliamentarians to work for an inclusive, accessible, rights based and sustainable society for disabled people across the UK.

That this House recognises that 16 November to 16 December 2023 is Disability History Month, which is now in its fourteenth year of being celebrated in the UK; notes that Disability History Month is a month to celebrate disabled people and champion their abilities and rights; further notes that this...

That this House recognises the 10th anniversary of Aver Generics; remembers its foundation by the McDowall family, who were stalwarts in the pharmaceutical industry for over 30 years; notes the continued support of the McDowalls, as Gordon McDowall upholds his family’s legacy and vision as Managing Director; celebrates the way that Aver has become firmly rooted in East Kilbride, and its commitment to economic growth and meaningful employment opportunities within the local community; applauds Aver in its support for its staff, as reflected in its recent Scottish Real Living Wage accreditation; congratulates it on its recent expansion of operations through acquiring a retail pharmacy; commends Aver for its partnership with Calum’s Cabin, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds to support them, alongside other charities, in their important work; and wishes Aver Generics the very best for the future.

That this House recognises the 10th anniversary of Aver Generics; remembers its foundation by the McDowall family, who were stalwarts in the pharmaceutical industry for over 30 years; notes the continued support of the McDowalls, as Gordon McDowall upholds his family’s legacy and vision as Managing Director; celebrates the way...

That this House commends Mrs Fiona Mullen, Head Teacher of St Andrew’s and St Bride’s High School; pays tribute to her strong and compassionate leadership of the school, encouraging all students to develop skill, nurture talent, and reach their full potential; applauds her for her cultivation of an effective senior management team; recognises her work in initiating and encouraging involvement in extra-curricular activities, from Duke of Edinburgh awards, to sporting activities and school shows; thanks her for the way that she has fostered an environment of charitable acts and giving, developing the involvement of both students and staff in charities such as the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative and local foodbanks; notes that over the last six years the school has, under the leadership of Mrs Mullen, raised over £40,000 for Mary's Meals; notes that such hard work has rightly merited her successful nomination and place in the final of Education Scotland’s 'Head Teacher of the Year' Award; understands that she will be sorely missed by the local community in the wake of her retirement from this role; and wishes Mrs Mullen all the very best in the future.

That this House commends Mrs Fiona Mullen, Head Teacher of St Andrew’s and St Bride’s High School; pays tribute to her strong and compassionate leadership of the school, encouraging all students to develop skill, nurture talent, and reach their full potential; applauds her for her cultivation of an effective senior...

That this House commends the great progress and achievement of the Friends of Strathaven Castle group; recognises the historical value of the 15th-century monument, with the last resident being Anne, Duchess of Hamilton, who lived there until her death in 1716; applauds founder of the Group, Jan Dawson, who started the group on 27 January 2022 in order to galvanise the community of Strathaven to promote sustainable and necessary repairs and renewed access to the Castle; notes the quick growth of the group to over 750 members already; congratulates them on the progress made so far in their campaign for repairs to the Castle; and wishes them the very best in this and all their other endeavours.

That this House commends the great progress and achievement of the Friends of Strathaven Castle group; recognises the historical value of the 15th-century monument, with the last resident being Anne, Duchess of Hamilton, who lived there until her death in 1716; applauds founder of the Group, Jan Dawson, who started...

That this House commends East Kilbride Rugby Football Club on its recent qualification for the Scottish Rugby National Shield Final; notes that this is its fifth national final appearance in the 55 years of the club’s history; recognises, in particular, the hard work and achievement of Head Coach, Craig Brown, in his first season successfully leading the team; pays tribute to the strong links with the local East Kilbride community that have been forged and strengthened by the club; and wishes them all the best in this important match at Murrayfield Stadium, the home of Scottish rugby, recognising that the club has already made East Kilbride proud.

That this House commends East Kilbride Rugby Football Club on its recent qualification for the Scottish Rugby National Shield Final; notes that this is its fifth national final appearance in the 55 years of the club’s history; recognises, in particular, the hard work and achievement of Head Coach, Craig Brown,...

That this House congratulates East Kilbride Credit Union on their 40th anniversary; commends their success in increasing accessible savings and credit facilities for people across East Kilbride; notes their expansion with a recent digital drive to improve inclusion and accessibility; recognises East Kilbride Credit Union’s ethos and dedication to serving the public, including those most vulnerable, thereby setting an example to other financial service providers; and wishes East Kilbride Credit Union every success for the future.

That this House congratulates East Kilbride Credit Union on their 40th anniversary; commends their success in increasing accessible savings and credit facilities for people across East Kilbride; notes their expansion with a recent digital drive to improve inclusion and accessibility; recognises East Kilbride Credit Union’s ethos and dedication to serving...

That this House congratulates Sweetie Brae Nursery on its 25th year of supporting local families in Strathaven and surrounding areas; commends the work of Moira Fell, Director, and her parents who first built Sweetie Brae between 1996 and 1998, opening for business on Monday 9 February 1998; recognises the crucial emphasis on partnership with and support for parents at the nursery, with learning journals bridging home-learning and the nursery; understands the importance of such childcare services for the working parent community; notes the commitment, enthusiasm and hard-work of the whole team at Sweetie Brae; further notes the secure, safe and stimulating environment that the nursery provides; and wishes Sweetie Brae all the very best for the future.

That this House congratulates Sweetie Brae Nursery on its 25th year of supporting local families in Strathaven and surrounding areas; commends the work of Moira Fell, Director, and her parents who first built Sweetie Brae between 1996 and 1998, opening for business on Monday 9 February 1998; recognises the crucial...

That this House congratulates Lisa Sultana for her fundraising successes in Strathaven; recognises her creative and determined efforts in setting up a Facebook group and raffling prizes to raise money for charity, especially for food banks; notes how this not only encouraged the local community in the midst of the covid-19 pandemic, but also raised over £20,000; applauds the wider community for their generous giving of money, gifts and daily essentials; commends the further contribution made by Lisa's outstanding efforts to install the first book vending machine in Scotland; recognises that it is estimated that 560 books that will be handed out to school children as a result of this work; and wishes Lisa the very best in her future endeavours and wider ambition for every learning establishment in deprived areas in Scotland to be given a book vending machine.

That this House congratulates Lisa Sultana for her fundraising successes in Strathaven; recognises her creative and determined efforts in setting up a Facebook group and raffling prizes to raise money for charity, especially for food banks; notes how this not only encouraged the local community in the midst of the...

That this House recognises Social Prescribing Day on 9 March 2023; acknowledges the positive impact social prescribing can have on people’s health and wellbeing; also recognises the role that it plays in improving outcomes for children, young people and families; notes that social prescribing can act as an early intervention to reduce pressure on clinical services and that access should be expanded for children and young people; and urges the Government to consider the evidence for social prescribing and take steps to improve access to these resources for children and young people.

That this House recognises Social Prescribing Day on 9 March 2023; acknowledges the positive impact social prescribing can have on people’s health and wellbeing; also recognises the role that it plays in improving outcomes for children, young people and families; notes that social prescribing can act as an early intervention...

That this House congratulates Claremont Rambling Club in its 40th anniversary year; commemorates its founding members, Ann Stoddart and Cathy Kirk, who first put an advert looking for like-minded people to go rambling with in the local newspaper, East Kilbride News, in May 1983; notes the development of the club, its affiliation with the Ramblers Association, and the example it sets to other walking clubs subsequently set up in East Kilbride; recognises both the senior and junior members, with members up to 85 years-old; acknowledges the commendable and committed community spirit of the club, putting on regular activities that are considered a lifeline by many of the club’s older members; and congratulates Claremont Rambling Club for being awarded a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund, which will enable Claremont Rambling Club to continue to provide this valuable service to the community for years to come.

That this House congratulates Claremont Rambling Club in its 40th anniversary year; commemorates its founding members, Ann Stoddart and Cathy Kirk, who first put an advert looking for like-minded people to go rambling with in the local newspaper, East Kilbride News, in May 1983; notes the development of the club,...

That this House congratulates Strathaven Choral Society on reaching its 50th anniversary; notes its significant achievements in involving the local community in choral music over those five decades; recognises the founder, the late David Knox, whose inspiration, vision and high standards have been continued by his successors; applauds the current Musical Director, Christopher Barr, for his skill, enthusiasm and patience in striving to maintain and improve the fine performance and reputation of the choir; acknowledges the accompanists, amateur and professional musicians alike who have participated in not only enriching the music-making, but also bringing enjoyment to members and audiences throughout the Society’s history; and commends the commitment and enthusiasm of Linda Ormiston, Honorary President and loyal ambassador, as well as the Society’s hard-working committee members, choir members past and present, supporters and friends, for the achievements, awards and experiences of the Society over the past 50 years of bringing choral music to the community.

That this House congratulates Strathaven Choral Society on reaching its 50th anniversary; notes its significant achievements in involving the local community in choral music over those five decades; recognises the founder, the late David Knox, whose inspiration, vision and high standards have been continued by his successors; applauds the current...

That this House congratulates Ashton Wilson on embarking on a 100 night sleep-out to support homeless veterans; commends his consistent effort over three years to raise funds for the Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) who support and rehabilitate homeless veterans; recognises the struggles of veterans adapting to civilian life, and the acute struggles of veterans without fixed accommodation, including on access to employment and benefits; thanks the RBLI for its organisation of the annual Great Tommy Sleep out; commends Ashton’s fundraising, which last year reached £3,500 and enabled 15 veterans to receive emergency accommodation and be provided with much-needed training and support; and wishes Ashton the very best of success for this ongoing remarkable and commendable endeavour.

That this House congratulates Ashton Wilson on embarking on a 100 night sleep-out to support homeless veterans; commends his consistent effort over three years to raise funds for the Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) who support and rehabilitate homeless veterans; recognises the struggles of veterans adapting to civilian life, and...

That this House recognises the success of Dramalam Performing Arts school in Strathaven; notes that their first classes began in August 2021, at the first easing of restrictions during the pandemic; further notes that their core values of helping children with their mindfulness and self-worth, alongside their performing arts skills, have made a tangible positive impact on the local community; congratulates them on their first showcase in June 2022 and their first festive recital and awards ceremony in December 2022; recognises that this was only possible through the hard work of Lianne McHugh and the rest of the team; and welcomes the new classes opening in East Kilbride, extending the opportunity to be a part of Dramalam Performing Arts to more children and young people in the community.

That this House recognises the success of Dramalam Performing Arts school in Strathaven; notes that their first classes began in August 2021, at the first easing of restrictions during the pandemic; further notes that their core values of helping children with their mindfulness and self-worth, alongside their performing arts skills,...