Last week women from across Renfrewshire were invited to attend the Renfrewshire WASPI group’s information drop-in session at Paisley Grammar School.

I was in attendance to answer any questions that the women impacted by this injustice had for me. The WASPI women are victims of consecutive incompetent UK governments, they paid into a system and now many are pushed into poverty because they are refused their state pension.

Thank you to the group for inviting me along to the meeting. If you think you have been affected by this issue please get in touch with the Renfrewshire WASPI group or contact me at mhairi.black.mp@parliament.uk and I will make sure that your concerns are passed on to the group.

It’s been an exciting year, a year in which we saw a local council election and a snap general election in Renfrewshire. I am so honoured to have been re-elected to represent Paisley and Renfrewshire South for a second term. We also have an SNP administration in Renfrewshire Council now and it is refreshing to see the work our local representatives are putting in all over Renfrewshire after years of neglect under a Labour administration.

Although it has been good news locally, it is also a year in which we have seen the UK government trip and stumble through the Brexit negotiations – especially over the last couple of weeks.

We also have had the inauguration of President Trump who seems hell bent in offending and alienating every person and country he comes in contact with. It certainly has been a stressful time in global politics.

After June’s general election, I was given the honour of being selected as the SNP spokesperson on pensions and youth.

As many of you will be aware, I have continued to campaign for the WASPI women and I been vocal regarding the roll out of universal credit. I have also enjoyed many local events this year such as taking part in Move a Mile for Muscles, in Lochwinnoch; enjoying Lilias Day in Kilbarchan; visiting Globe Bingo in Johnstone; and being part of Paisley’s bid to be City of Culture in 2021. Unfortunately, despite an amazing job by Jean Cameron and all the Paisley 2021 team, Coventry snatched the title.

As we look forward to the festive period and the New Year ahead I would ask that readers keep those less fortunate in their thoughts. Foodbanks will have their biggest increase in users this year. If you can donate or help out in anyway over the holidays please contact Elizabeth and her team at the Renfrewshire Food Bank. Email – manager@renfrewshire.foodbank.org.uk or call 0141 889 7999.

They are always thankful for donations, and at this time of year selection boxes and other festive goodies are especially welcomed.