Gavin Newlands MP visits You First Advocacy

Gavin Newlands, SNP MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, has commended the work of You First Advocacy after visiting them to find out more about their work.

Earlier this week, Mr Newlands visited the You First Advocacy offices in Paisley to meet with their manager, Dennis McGinnigal. You First Advocacy is a charity based in Paisley offering independent advocacy services to people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, mental health conditions, long term health conditions and older people. They support people with a wide range of issues and can help represent their clients at important meetings for example in hospitals, social work offices, Court, Housing Department, Benefits Offices and more.

Gavin Newlands commented: “It was very useful to meet with You First Advocacy to discuss their work in more detail. I’m familiar with them after collaborating with them on several occasions to help constituents, but it was helpful to hear Dennis’ views on the main challenges they are currently facing.

“You First Advocacy are currently seeing a high number of people affected by the Tory government’s welfare reform agenda and who have had a cut in their benefits. I share their concerns about the mishandled introduction of Universal Credit and what impact this may have on people’s finances.

“I’m grateful for Dennis for taking the time out of his busy schedule to meet with me to discuss the importance of advocacy service for vulnerable people. You First Advocacy provide a crucial service to people in Renfrewshire and I look forward to continuing to work with them going forward.”

Dennis McGinnigal, Manager of You First Advocacy said: “I think everyone could do with an advocate at some point. It does make a difference when accessing services, social justice and empowering individuals in our community. The vulnerable people we support are among those most at risk of being marginalised.”