That this House welcomes the commitment contained within the Scottish Government's publication, A Fairer Scotland for Disabled People - Our Delivery Plan to 2021 for the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, to continue to invest in Family Fund, an organisation which provides funds to low income families with disabled children for family breaks as well as allocating direct grants to assist with the purchase of essential support equipment such as computers and white goods; acknowledges the ability of Family Fund to respond effectively and with compassion to the diverse needs and circumstances of individual children and young people and their families; commends Family Fund for the support given to Jasmine Freeman, a young Helensburgh-based writer who is autistic and who has been assisted by Family Fund in pursuing her ambition to become a journalist through the provision of a computer; and wishes Family Fund and Jasmine continued future success.

That this House welcomes the commitment contained within the Scottish Government's publication, A Fairer Scotland for Disabled People - Our Delivery Plan to 2021 for the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, to continue to invest in Family Fund, an organisation which provides funds to low...

That this House notes the exceptional work carried out by the Marie Curie cancer charity; thanks it for everything it does to make a real difference to the lives of ill men, women and children throughout the UK; further thanks every Marie Curie nurse for their dedication to end of life care; and reaffirms the commitment of the House to supporting the Marie Curie Daffodil Appeal from 23 to 26 March 2017.

That this House notes the exceptional work carried out by the Marie Curie cancer charity; thanks it for everything it does to make a real difference to the lives of ill men, women and children throughout the UK; further thanks every Marie Curie nurse for their dedication to end of...

That this House warmly congratulates Isabelle Kerr, Manager of Glasgow Rape Crisis Centre, on being named Woman of Inspiration in the 2017 honours list by the Association of Scottish Businesswomen; notes the award has been granted in recognition of Isabelle's contribution to business and the wider community; applauds, in particular, Isabelle's many years of faithful service in support of survivors of rape and sexual violence; and wishes Isabelle every success for the future as she continues to be an outstanding woman of inspiration.

That this House warmly congratulates Isabelle Kerr, Manager of Glasgow Rape Crisis Centre, on being named Woman of Inspiration in the 2017 honours list by the Association of Scottish Businesswomen; notes the award has been granted in recognition of Isabelle's contribution to business and the wider community; applauds, in particular,...

That this House congratulates the efforts of Mishwar Amal, Journeys of Hope, which provides relief and support for communities in refugee camps located in the Akkar region of Lebanon, where nearly half the population consists of Syrian refugees; notes that the organisation, founded in May 2016 by Anthony Collins, originally from Glasgow, aims to improve the wellbeing of refugee families by developing their skills through the provision of creative projects, as well as other recreational activities, fostering links between Lebanese, Syrians and Palestinians; further notes that there are 500,000 Palestinians and 1.8 million Syrians living in settlements across Lebanon; commends Mishwar Amal for the integration of sustainable practices into its humanitarian and development efforts in the spirit of the 2015 UN sustainable development goals, strengthening capacities, self-reliance and solidarity among the communities; further notes in particular the work of the Mishwar Music Studio, a programme to create a fruitful and self-sustaining cycle for music development, production and marketing as well as a recycyling project involving skill-building for young women and men which integrates different communities facing similar challenges; further congratulates Mr Collins and the Mishwar Amal team on their efforts in strengthening communities in the face of economic and social hardships; wishes Mishwar Amal continued success in its attempt to improve the lives of refugees; and encourages others to work as hard as the Mishwar Amal team in providing support to those affected by humanitarian crises.

That this House congratulates the efforts of Mishwar Amal, Journeys of Hope, which provides relief and support for communities in refugee camps located in the Akkar region of Lebanon, where nearly half the population consists of Syrian refugees; notes that the organisation, founded in May 2016 by Anthony Collins, originally...

That this House supports the work of Teddington Trust; commends it for raising awareness of Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP); acknowledges that XP is a very rare genetic condition characterised by an extreme sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) radiation which affects fewer than 100 patients in the UK and equally low numbers around the world; notes the charity’s hard work in providing UV blocking face protecting visors or hats, guidance on UV protective clothing standards and suppliers, and the safe spaces that have been designed specifically for families affected by not only XP but other UV sensitive disorders; and highlights that UV radiation is present during all daylight hours, and unless patients with XP are protected from UV radiation, their skin and eyes will be severely damaged and this can lead to skin cancer; recognises that there is currently no cure for XP, but much can be done to prevent and treat some of the problems it causes; and wishes the charity success in continuing to raise awareness.

That this House supports the work of Teddington Trust; commends it for raising awareness of Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP); acknowledges that XP is a very rare genetic condition characterised by an extreme sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) radiation which affects fewer than 100 patients in the UK and equally low numbers around...

That this House welcomes the grant of £25,000 to Afton Water Leisure's Improving Services for Disabled Swimmers project from the People's Health Trust; notes that the funding will enable Afton Water Leisure to install a hoist at New Cumnock Open Air Swimming Pool; further welcomes that wheelchair users or those with limited mobility through disability, old age or illness will now have access to this community resource; acknowledges the importance of breaking down barriers that stop people with limited mobility leading fulfilling and healthy lives; recognises that a local swimming teacher will be trained to work with the beneficiaries providing 20 two-hour weekly swimming lessons; and commends Afton Water Leisure's work in improving the lives of people with limited mobility in the community.

That this House welcomes the grant of £25,000 to Afton Water Leisure's Improving Services for Disabled Swimmers project from the People's Health Trust; notes that the funding will enable Afton Water Leisure to install a hoist at New Cumnock Open Air Swimming Pool; further welcomes that wheelchair users or those...

That this House congratulates Girvan Youth Trust on securing a grant of £38,453 from the People's Health Trust for its Let's Do It project; notes that this project will deliver weekly one-to-one and group support sessions, and social outings for young people with additional special needs from Girvan; welcomes that the project requires the employment of a local trainee youth worker; recognises that nine beneficiaries will attend on a weekly basis, be involved in planning the project and will control their action plans; acknowledges the importance of support for those with special needs and the transformative impact it can have on their lives and the lives of their families; and further recognises Girvan Youth Trust's ongoing commitment to the wider local community.

That this House congratulates Girvan Youth Trust on securing a grant of £38,453 from the People's Health Trust for its Let's Do It project; notes that this project will deliver weekly one-to-one and group support sessions, and social outings for young people with additional special needs from Girvan; welcomes that...

That this House welcomes the grant of £20,156 to The Zone Youth Committee's The Community Exchange Zone project from the People's Health Trust; acknowledges that the funding will allow the youth group from Dalmellington to develop an allotment project on derelict ground which will include plots to be worked on by participants on weekdays, and establish a weekly produce and community exchange market; notes that while the project is intergenerational, it is led by young people; further welcomes the benefits that this project will bring to the people of the Doon Valley; and applauds The Zone Youth Committee for its commitment to improving the lives of young people in the local community.

That this House welcomes the grant of £20,156 to The Zone Youth Committee's The Community Exchange Zone project from the People's Health Trust; acknowledges that the funding will allow the youth group from Dalmellington to develop an allotment project on derelict ground which will include plots to be worked on...

That this House congratulates Kirkmichael Village Renaissance on securing a £9,670 Awards for All grant; acknowledges that those funds will be used to improve and expand the village's community shop and café; recognises the impact this not-for-profit, community-run grocery store and café has had since its opening in 2010, saving the last shop in the village; further acknowledges the hard work done by the community volunteers who give up their free time to provide a vital service to the village; notes the quality of the local produce and legendary cakes available; and commends Kirckmichael Village Renaissance on its on-going work to revive this small, friendly and picturesque conservation village.

That this House congratulates Kirkmichael Village Renaissance on securing a £9,670 Awards for All grant; acknowledges that those funds will be used to improve and expand the village's community shop and café; recognises the impact this not-for-profit, community-run grocery store and café has had since its opening in 2010, saving...

That this House recognises the 20th Anniversary of the founding of an inspiring and life­-changing community project based in Govan, the GalGael Trust, founded by the late Colin McLeod whose vision for the project is still upheld today; notes that this groundbreaking boat-building and woodcraft workshop upholds the proud Glaswegian traditions of hard work, community spirit and skilled craftwork whilst changing lives by restoring pride through achievement and developing skills; further notes that GalGael shows that supporting the long-term unemployed with respect and a creative vision can be more effective and engaging than traditional methods; notes that re-using Scottish timber from landfill respects the environment and the roots of the project lie in that vision of positive action coming from protest; and supports the view that the sustainability of this project is due to the inspiring people who have been at the heart of the community in Govan, working to maintain the skills and traditions of crafts in woodwork and metalwork, and building a future whilst honouring the past.

That this House recognises the 20th Anniversary of the founding of an inspiring and life­-changing community project based in Govan, the GalGael Trust, founded by the late Colin McLeod whose vision for the project is still upheld today; notes that this groundbreaking boat-building and woodcraft workshop upholds the proud Glaswegian...

That this House recognises the impact of living with a terminal illness and highlights the need for care and support for all those affected; is deeply concerned that as many as 110,000 people across the UK who should have access to this high quality care and support are currently missing out, often those over the age of 85 or with conditions other than cancer; and supports the work of Marie Curie services across the UK to help meet this demand in their Great Daffodil Appeal launch and throughout 2017.

That this House recognises the impact of living with a terminal illness and highlights the need for care and support for all those affected; is deeply concerned that as many as 110,000 people across the UK who should have access to this high quality care and support are currently missing...

That this notes that 3 March 2017 is Big Yellow Friday, and congratulates the Children's Liver Disease Foundation on its work in raising awareness, promoting research and providing information and support for those affected by a life-threatening liver disease; further notes with concern there are over 100 different liver diseases that can affect babies, children or young people, most of which are life-threatening and all of which have no cure, meaning a lifetime of care; commends the work of the Children's Liver Disease Foundation in providing literature and educational tools, personal family support and over £8million for research projects, including the development of ground-breaking liver cell transplantation therapies and funding projects to improve understanding of auto-immune liver diseases, since its formation in 1980; further congratulates the Children's Liver Disease Foundation and the Big Yellow Friday supporters for raising £661,484 since 2008; recognises that every penny raised has been used to fund vital services and life-changing projects for children and families affected by childhood liver disease across the UK; commends all those taking part in Big Yellow Friday 2017 and showing support for children affected by childhood liver disease and their families; and calls on the Government to work closely with all national liver-disease charities to help ensure childhood liver diseases are understood, prevented and treated effectively, ensuring that babies, children, young people, their families and adults diagnosed in childhood achieve their full potential.

That this notes that 3 March 2017 is Big Yellow Friday, and congratulates the Children's Liver Disease Foundation on its work in raising awareness, promoting research and providing information and support for those affected by a life-threatening liver disease; further notes with concern there are over 100 different liver diseases...

That this House supports Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month which takes place in March 2017; notes that over 7,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer across the UK each year; is concerned that just one in five women are able to name the lead symptom of bloating; recognises that early diagnosis saves lives and that awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer is key if more women are to be diagnosed sooner; further recognises that the four key symptoms of ovarian cancer are persistent bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, feeling full and a loss of appetite and increased urinary urgency or frequency; further supports the work of charities Target Ovarian Cancer, Ovarian Cancer Action, Ovacome, The Eve Appeal and others to raise awareness of the symptoms of this deadly disease; welcomes the Be Clear on Cancer pilot currently running in the East and West Midlands which aims to raise awareness of all abdominal symptoms that could be cancer; and calls on the Government and devolved administrations to act to ensure that all women know the symptoms of ovarian cancer and that more women are diagnosed early.

That this House supports Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month which takes place in March 2017; notes that over 7,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer across the UK each year; is concerned that just one in five women are able to name the lead symptom of bloating; recognises that early diagnosis...

That this House congratulates the South Ayrshire Befriending Project on securing a grant of £150,000 from the Big Lottery Fund Scotland; welcomes the valuable work the Project undertakes with disadvantaged young people in South Ayrshire who have limited adult support at home and are affected by issues including poverty, drugs, alcohol or mental health; notes that the much-needed funding will help establish 45 to 55 befriending matches per year, which can last from six months to two years; offers its support for the continuing success of the Project; and recognises the importance of local initiatives that work towards tackling social problems and supporting young people to build better futures for themselves.

That this House congratulates the South Ayrshire Befriending Project on securing a grant of £150,000 from the Big Lottery Fund Scotland; welcomes the valuable work the Project undertakes with disadvantaged young people in South Ayrshire who have limited adult support at home and are affected by issues including poverty, drugs,...

That this House congratulates Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, the founder of Mary's Meals, on receiving the 2017 Westminster Award for Human Life, Human Rights and Human Dignity; recognises his and his team's outstanding contribution to alleviating child hunger and improving the life chances for children in 12 of the poorest countries across South and Central America, Africa, India and Asia, by providing more than one million children with a meal every day at school; commends the remarkable effect that Mary's Meals has had on the lives of tens of millions of children living in the world's poorest communities since the charity was set up from the family home in Dalmally, Argyll by Mr MacFarlane-Barrow and his brother Fergus; and acknowledges their achievement and wishes Mr MacFarlane-Barrow and Mary's Meal's future success.

That this House congratulates Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, the founder of Mary's Meals, on receiving the 2017 Westminster Award for Human Life, Human Rights and Human Dignity; recognises his and his team's outstanding contribution to alleviating child hunger and improving the life chances for children in 12 of the poorest countries across...

That this House congratulates Falkirk Forth Valley Sensory Centre in its continued pursuit of providing highly-valued services that greatly promote integration in the community; acknowledges that the sensory centre's partnership with Slimming World is a truly innovative service, proving popular with the deaf, hard of hearing, blind and partially-sighted people who attend a weekly group at the Camelon Centre, alongside other members of the wider community; and supports and applauds the initiative made in establishing this as the first sensory-friendly Slimming World group in the UK, thereby providing a fantastic opportunity for many to take part in a group that might not otherwise be available to those people who have a sensory impairment.

That this House congratulates Falkirk Forth Valley Sensory Centre in its continued pursuit of providing highly-valued services that greatly promote integration in the community; acknowledges that the sensory centre's partnership with Slimming World is a truly innovative service, proving popular with the deaf, hard of hearing, blind and partially-sighted people...

That this House congratulates Duthie Park, Hazlehead Park and Seaton Park for each receiving a nomination for the Fields in Trust UK's Best Park award 2016; recognises the work put in by staff to maintain the high aesthetic standards of these parks in Aberdeen; acknowledges the charitable work of Fields in Trust to safeguard the future of playing fields and parks across the UK; and wishes the winning Scottish park the best of luck at the national awards ceremony at Lord's cricket ground on 30 November 2016.

That this House congratulates Duthie Park, Hazlehead Park and Seaton Park for each receiving a nomination for the Fields in Trust UK's Best Park award 2016; recognises the work put in by staff to maintain the high aesthetic standards of these parks in Aberdeen; acknowledges the charitable work of Fields...

That this House congratulates Maryhill and Possilpark Citizens Advice Bureaux on its 35th anniversary; acknowledges the enormous contribution that it has made to the local community in that time, including responding to 16,711 enquiries and securing £4.6 million of financial gains for clients in 2015; considers that the service represents incredible value in offering free, confidential and impartial advice to local residents on a range of subjects including benefits, debt, housing, employment, consumer and immigration issues among others; commends the excellent work of the many staff and volunteers who have contributed to the success of the service over the last 35 years; recognises that the service is an invaluable lifeline for local residents which is as crucial now as it was when the service first opened in 1981; and wishes Maryhill and Possilpark Citizens Advice Bureaux many more successful years to come.

That this House congratulates Maryhill and Possilpark Citizens Advice Bureaux on its 35th anniversary; acknowledges the enormous contribution that it has made to the local community in that time, including responding to 16,711 enquiries and securing £4.6 million of financial gains for clients in 2015; considers that the service represents...

That this House congratulates Argyll Talking Newspapers, the Ardrishaig-based charity which in 2016 is celebrating its 30th anniversary of reading and recording local news for blind and visually impaired people in Argyll and Bute and across the highlands and islands of Scotland; notes that since 1986 tens of thousands of blind and visually impaired people have benefited from this service; commends Argyll Talking Newspaper for providing audio equipment especially adapted for blind and visually impaired people and stroke victims or anyone unable to read a newspaper; and further commends the commitment, dedication and selflessness of the volunteer readers, technical experts, fundraisers and home-bakers who have over three decades kept this important lifeline service going.

That this House congratulates Argyll Talking Newspapers, the Ardrishaig-based charity which in 2016 is celebrating its 30th anniversary of reading and recording local news for blind and visually impaired people in Argyll and Bute and across the highlands and islands of Scotland; notes that since 1986 tens of thousands of...

That this House congratulates the winners and all of those who were nominated at the 2016 Positive About Youth Awards organised by Renfrewshire Youth Voice; recognises that this award ceremony celebrates the excellent work and achievements of young people in Renfrewshire; notes that this was the sixth annual awards ceremony organised by Renfrewshire Youth Voice; and appreciates all the work that the organisers have done to help celebrate the positive contribution that young people make to their local community.

That this House congratulates the winners and all of those who were nominated at the 2016 Positive About Youth Awards organised by Renfrewshire Youth Voice; recognises that this award ceremony celebrates the excellent work and achievements of young people in Renfrewshire; notes that this was the sixth annual awards ceremony...