Importance of Good Childcare

I attended Buddies for Childcare to celebrate their 1^st anniversary in operation. Although I had to get a babysitter myself to allow me to attend. Once you become a mum you realise how vital good childcare is for parents.

Buddies for Childcare supports parents facing childcare difficulties who want to take up education, training or employment opportunities. It provides information, advice and guidance on availability and cost of childcare to parents. Every individual is given their own caseworker who supports them to find ways to meet their childcare needs. The project has already supported in excess of 350 clients.

Well done to all those involved over the past year. I look forward to visiting again the following year to celebrate their 2^nd anniversary!

As this is national Wildlife week I wanted to welcome the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Bill which was recently passed in the Scottish Parliament. It includes a duty of care on pet owners which will allow action to be taken to protect animals with owners guilty of real cruelty now facing up to six months in jail and fines of up to £5,000. The legislation will help reduce animal suffering in Scotland.

Last week I visited Ferguslie Sports Centre with local councillor Terry Kelly to launch a new community 6-a-side league. The league will kick off on Sunday 25^th June at Ferguslie Sports Centre and will run every Sunday from 7-9pm.

FIVEZ are offering FREE kits for all new teams signing up for the Paisley League.

There will be a choice of cash or trophies for divisional winners with runners-up also receiving trophies. There will also be individual awards for top scorers while the league champions will go into FIVEZ summer National Cup with the chance to win £1,000 cash. ALL new teams will receive free strips.

This is a fantastic opportunity for folk to get out playing football in the warm summer evenings. With the World Cup fast approaching football fever will be hitting its peak. I urge buddies to form teams and register with Fivez as soon as possible.

To register contact Stuart Mitchell at Fivez on 01786 458015 or online www.fivez.net

Accord Hospice has just been rightly recognised by the Queen for their commitment to excellence in voluntary service. It was time local efforts got the national recognition they deserved – but the fundraising effort must go on.

This Saturday Accord Hospice will be hosting its annual Summer fayre. Pop along to the Town Hall on Saturday 17^th June between 10am and 4pm for a fantastic day of events, music, storytelling, and among other things medieval re-enactments.