TWO local politicians have praised a service that supports people with head injuries across the area.

It comes after Tom Arthur MSP and George Adam MSP recently visited Quarries Renfrewshire Head Injury Service (RHIS) to learn about its work.

During their trip, the pair spoke with Margaret McIntyre, who is the project manager at the service.

Margaret explained how the service helps support people aged between 16 and 55 years old, and also how someone might sustain an acquired brain injury.

On top of that, the two MSPs also heard from people who have been supported by the service. 

The Gazette:

One of those was Julie Crawford - a young woman, who was a physically fit mum and teacher who suffered a rare type of stroke.

Julie spoke to the politicians about her own recovery and the challenges she faced, and how the support of the RHIS made an "enormous difference" in helping her deal with the changes in her life.

They also heard from Richard Williams - another client of the centre, who is now a Media Monitoring volunteer for the service.

Richard spoke about his own brain injury which he acquired by falling from his doorstep.

The Gazette:

George Adam MSP said: “It was great to visit with the Renfrewshire Head Injury Service and I am delighted such an important service exists to support anyone in my constituency who has an acquired brain injury, along with their families.

“Hearing from both clients and organisers alike about how vital this service is to those currently recovering and how helpful the support in place is within our community was truly inspiring.

“Everyone who works tirelessly to make the service what it is should be incredibly proud of themselves, and I would like to thank both Julie and Richard for taking the time to share their experiences with Tom and I.

“Thank you for inviting me along and I look forward to hearing about the continued success of your organisation as I know you will continue to be a life-changing force without our town.”

Tom Arthur MSP added: “It was really great to get along to RHIS and to hear from the project manager, Margaret, about all the amazing work that they do across Renfrewshire.

“It was particularly interesting to chat with Julie and Richard, who have lived experience of head injuries.

“Their tenacity and determination are an inspiration to us all and it is fantastic to see how RHIS has helped them with the challenges that living with a head injury can bring.”

Project manager, Margaret McIntyre said: “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to discuss with Mr Adam and Mr Arthur the diversity of RHIS and the various roles undertaken by staff and volunteers in meeting our client's support needs.

“As a Quarriers project funded by Renfrewshire HSCP, we will continue to adapt and develop, as we have always done over the last 20 years to ensure that people with an acquired brain injury and their families have a specialised service within the Renfrewshire local authority.”