The Scottish Parliament breaks for summer recess at the end of June. I look forward to the opportunity to attend events which will take me across my Renfrewshire South constituency over the summer.

My second year as constituency MSP has been aided with the support of the fantastic local SNP councillors, particularly those here in Renfrewshire.

With new councillors Emma Rodden, Andy Steel and Jacqueline Cameron joining Councillor Audrey Doig, there is a real team approach to helping constituents.

Howwood recently saw a clean-up of the village hall-keeper’s grounds in time for the annual fete, with Councillor Rodden organising for the environmental training team to come and train in the area, and Councillor Doig has been extremely vocal about changes to bus routes in her ward and hosted public meetings on various issues.

Councillors Cameron and Steel are an effective partnership in Johnstone South and Elderslie, working closely with local groups and residents.

Having effective working relationships with our councillors, as well as local MPs, benefits everyone and means that there is always a point of contact and someone on hand to assist with any issues you may have.

My office is always happy to offer advice on who is best placed to help and point you in the right direction.

This team approach also shows when we attend local events such as the recent, and hugely successful Lilias Day celebrations in Kilbarchan.

There is nothing I enjoy more than being out and about and speaking to constituents – my supermarket surgeries show how important it is for your elected representatives to be accessible.

With my office right on Johnstone High Street, my staff are always commenting on the number of people who told them they were just popping by, when they were prompted to stop on seeing the office and ask up to help them with an issue.

In parliament this year, I have been proud of the legislation I have voted to pass, with bills such as the Child Poverty Bill and the Domestic Abuse Bill giving the opportunity to make profound impact, strengthening support and creating a framework to help people.

This year has also seen the Carers Bill coming into full force and, as the first MSP to be accredited as a Carer Positive employer, I was pleased to hear from Renfrewshire Carers when I met them following Carers Week about how this will help many of the people they assist.

It cannot be underestimated the value carers bring, not just to those they support directly, but to society and the economy as a whole.

We owe them our thanks for undertaking challenging roles which can, at times, be both difficult and hugely rewarding.

If you have any events coming up which you would like me to attend or to help you spread the word around the area, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.

You can do this by visiting my office, which can display posters for local groups, or by emailing tom.arthur.msp@parliament.scot

The office can be called on 01505 331 990 where a member of my team will be happy to speak with you.