Bob Doris SNP MSP for Glasgow joined parliamentary event sponsor Aileen Campbell MSP at the Scottish Parliament recently to support the Long Term Conditions Alliance Scotland (LTCAS) SMILE campaign. Mr Doris is helping them promote their  national awareness raising campaign.

The campaign will support two million people living with one or more long term conditions in Scotland and will be used as part of the national awareness raising campaign and for Scotland’s first Self Management Week from 4th – 8th October 2010.

Speaking at the photocall in the Scottish Parliament, Bob Doris MSP: "I know very well how being able to a manage a long term condition is essential to improving the quality of life of many. In Glasgow I have visited  MS Revive, based in Maryhill. They help those living with MS in so many ways. Positive mental attitudes, peer support and individualised management of conditions are essential. If the SMILE campaign helps boost the work of organisations such MS Revive then it is a privilege to support it.

"If anyone who has a long term condition would like more information, then they can visit the LTCAS website or call 0141 404 0231."

Ian Welsh, Chief Executive of LTCAS, said: “LTCAS is delighted that so many MSPs have shown their support by smiling for self management. MSPs have recognised that individuals with long term conditions are people, not patients, and that self management must be at the heart of meeting the growing challenge of long term conditions in Scotland."

Aileen Campbell MSP added: “I was glad to be able to sponsor the LTCAS SMILE campaign in the Scottish Parliament. It was excellent to see so many MSPs supporting the campaign, which will help raise its profile and support people in Scotland living with long term conditions."

Notes:

1. The Long Term Conditions Alliance (LTCAS) is a national alliance of organisations which supports and represents people living with long term conditions in Scotland.  It is an independent voluntary sector organisation funded by the Scottish Government.

3. Self Management is the process a person develops to manage their condition. It is a person centred approach through which an individual is empowered and has ownership over the management of their life.