Douglas Alexander MP

Labour MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South

Paisley Daily Express Column - 17 Feb 2010

LOOKING FOR WORK? REID KERR CAN HELP

At one of my advice surgeries in Hunterhill last week, I was discussing how to help get someone into work. With the impact of the global downturn still being felt here in Renfrewshire, I welcome the news that Reid Kerr College will now be running a free 12-week course for people looking for employment as a Home Care Worker.

The course will run for two days a week, from 9.30am – 4.00pm and starts on Thursday 25 February 2010. It will include a range of subjects including First Aid, Personal Care and Communications.

Everyone who completes the course will be guaranteed an interview with the Social Work Department to be considered for employment as a Home Care Worker.

The other advantage of such a course is that as well as specific carer skills, people who participate will also gain a number of important employability skills.

On successful completion of the course, applicants will be given a guaranteed interview with Renfrewshire Council’s Social Work Department for employment as a Home Care Worker.

For further information on the course contact Student Services at Reid Kerr College on 0800 052 7343.

SWITCH SUPPLIER AND SAVE CASH

As a local MP I was asked at an advice surgery in Lylesland Parish Church in Rowan Street about how to cope with rising heating bills.

With the particularly cold weather we had this year it’s more important than ever that people are getting the best deal they can on their gas and electricity bills.

I always want to make sure that my constituents are getting the best deal that they can and that’s why I was concerned by news reports that said many Scottish families could save nearly £300 a year if they switched to a cheaper energy supplier.

I know that when people are living busy lives it might seem like too much hassle to look into changing energy supplier, but the saving could really make it worth your while to do so.

To make it as easy as possible to find out which supplier could save you money, the best thing to do is to go online to www.energywatch.org.uk

FILM SOCIETY SUCCESS

When I was growing up a day out at the pictures involved a visit to the Kelburn cinema on the Glasgow Road.  And, in days gone by, the town actually boasted eight cinemas including the Kelburn, the Regal and the ABC.

Now as film buffs we need to head for Braehead or the Phoenix to see the latest cinema films, but now the Paisley Film Society is bringing film screenings back to the town centre.  From its new base at the Paisley Art Centre, it hopes to offer regular screening dates for local film fans.  That’s great news for the whole town and, as the local MP, I wish the Society every success.

Information of the Film Society can be found at www.paisley-filmsociety.com or call the box office on 0141 887 1010.