My office will close to take a short break over the festive period so that my small team of staff can have an opportunity to rest after an incredibly busy year.
I will periodically check my email inbox for very urgent casework, however all other enquiries will be dealt with in the new year.
My office will close on Wednesday 22nd December 2021 and reopen on Wednesday 5th January 2022. Please note that due to ongoing coronavirus restrictions, my constituency office will remain closed and my staff will continue to work from home, however telephone calls and emails will be answered.
Below is some helpful information and emergency contacts which may be of use to you over the holidays.
If you have any questions regarding current COVID-19 guidance and regulations, please visit the Scottish Government's coronavirus information hub.
If you require health information, including details on vaccination and how to book a coronavirus test, please visit NHS Inform.
For coronavirus related information from your local authority, please visit the COVID-19 hub on the Glasgow City Council website, or on the North Lanarkshire Council website (for constituents in Stepps).
The following telephone numbers may also be helpful:
Information relating to the December and January Hospitality Business Support Top Up is available on the Scottish Government website.
There is information on the Glasgow City Council and North Lanarkshire Council websites regarding opening times and out-of-hours arrangements for different departments.
Glasgow City Council also has a dedicated page on its site on bin collections over the festive period.
Some benefit payments will be made earlier if they’re due between 27 December 2021 and 4 January 2022. Further details and inforrmation can be found on the DWP website.
Universal Credit helpline
The Scottish Welfare Fund is provided by the Scottish Government and administered by local authorities. It can help by providing crisis grants as well as self-isolation support grant. If you live in the Stepps part of my constituency, please note that North Lanarkshire Council take responsibility for the administration of the fund in your area.
Scottish Welfare Fund: Glasgow City Council
Scottish Welfare Fund: North Lanarkshire Council
Glasgow North East Foodbank may also be able to help if you are in crisis.
For constituents living in Stepps, your nearest food bank is East Dunbartonshire.
Simon Community Homeless Team (24hr line)
Glasgow City Council out of hours homelessness service
If you feel that your circumstances are overwhelming and you are in need of emotional support, you can contact Samaritans for free in confidence any time. Samaritans' service is provided by volunteers - they can't take action or fix issues on your behalf, but they are there round the clock to listen to anyone dealing with difficult thoughts and feelings.
Glasgow Women's Aid
Glasgow East Women's Aid
Scotland's domestic abuse and forced marriage helpline