Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
WORKING FOR YOU Think of elderly during winter
It feels like it was only a few weeks ago that I was sitting here writing my 2016 Christmas column, and here we are again, heading into the festive period once more.
With the holidays fast approaching, we should take a moment to think of those around us for whom Christmas will not be a happy and joyous time, for many reasons.
Those in poor health or caring for ill family members, families who are concerned about what kind of Christmas they can provide for their children this year, the elderly and isolated within our communities; and many more people for whom Christmas is at best just another day, and at worst a time of stress and unhappiness.
We should spare a thought for emergency service workers, those working in care, nurses and others within the medical profession, and many others who spend their festive period making sure that all of us are kept safe and well.
It is important that we do not forget the true spirit of Christmas – a time many of us are lucky enough to be able to enjoy with those close to us, whilst thinking also of those less fortunate than ourselves.
We should ask ourselves if it really would be too much to reach out to those who may be struggling at this time of year, and consider what we can do to care for those in need – people who are elderly, frail, lonely, or in need of a little additional help and support.
Such gestures cost us nothing; but a friendly word, an offer of help without expectation of reciprocation, simply taking the time to care – any and all of these things will mean so much to those who are struggling at this time of year.
During winter it is more important than ever to look after the vulnerable within the community, checking on older neighbours, keeping pathways free of snow and ice, offering help when we can. Such efforts go a long way to help many people cope a little better with the winter period.
We would remind ourselves, and others, to plan ahead and make allowances for seasonal closures of doctors’ surgeries and pharmacies.
For the elderly in particular, it is vital that homes are kept warm and secure. A great deal of help and advice, including information on cold weather and winter fuel payments, can be found on my own website and on those of the council and Scottish Government.
I recently hosted a winter advice surgery and was delighted with the participation of NHS Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire Council, Money Advice Scotland, Citzens’ Advice Bureaux and Scottish Gas Network in making their knowledge and resources available to help make winter safer for all.
Throughout 2017 it has been an absolute pleasure to represent each and every one of you, both within the constituency and at the Scottish Parliament, and it will be an honour to continue to do so in the years to come.
As always, please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need my help with any issue; I am always happy to assist.
I would like to wish all of you the very best for the festive period and the new year. Fulton MacGregor marked the recent “small business Saturday” by visiting two enterprises in his Coatbridge & Chryston constituency.
The MSP popped into the newly-opened Mad Batter Bakery on Coatbank Street, followed by Coatdyke hairdressers Miss B-Hive.
Mr MacGregor said: “It’s so important to give continual support tothe hundreds of small business across the constituency, which provide invaluable jobs and services.
“They’re the lifeblood of our communities and we should do all we can to support them, particularly at a time when some high street banks are closing their doors.”
Consider what we can do to care for those in need