Aileen Campbell, SNP MSP for South of Scotland, has welcomed the good wishes sent by Cabinet Secretary for Health Nicola Sturgeon to the Healthy Valleys project and Clydesdale Community Initiative, as they prepare to take part prestigious awards ceremonies this week.  Nicola Sturgeon’s comments came at Question Time in the Scottish Parliament, when Aileen asked the Cabinet Secretary to wish the projects the very best of luck.

Niall McShannon from Clydesdale Community Initiatives has been nominated in the Community Care category of the 2009 Scottish Health Awards, while the Healthy Valleys initiative has been shortlisted for the 2009 UK National Business Awards in the Health Work & Well-being category.

Speaking at Question Time in the Scottish Parliament, Aileen Campbell MSP said:

“Will the minister join me in acknowledging the excellent work of Healthy Valleys, which works to improve the health and wellbeing of communities that are affected by rural deprivation in the Clyde valley, and Clydesdale Community Initiatives, which supports young people at risk and adults with learning difficulties in rural South Lanarkshire? Both organisations are finalists in prestigious award ceremonies next week. Will she join me in wishing them and all the finalists the best of luck?”

In response, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing said:

“I am delighted to wish both organisations the best of luck at the award ceremonies in which they are taking part next week. It is good that such ceremonies exist to recognise and celebrate very good community work.

Both organisations do good work. I know that Healthy Valleys is funded by both the local health board and the local authority and that it is a very well-respected service. I understand that Clydesdale Community Initiatives also does very good work in mental health, which is a key priority for the Scottish Government.”

Speaking outside the Scottish Parliament Chamber, Aileen Campbell added:

“Healthy Valleys and CCI do excellent work in Clydesdale, often in areas that traditional services find hard to reach. 

“Both richly deserve their nominations in next week’s awards ceremonies, and I am happy to join Nicola Sturgeon in wishing them the best of luck in the finals.”