Meet Lisa-Marie Hughes who is standing for the SNP in Ward 1 Renfrew North & Braehead with her co-candidate John Shaw.
Lisa-Marie currently works as a support worker for one of Scotland’s largest third sector social care organisations.
She works with a team that provides housing support to people with learning disabilities and mental health issues so that they can live independently in the community.
She told Renfrewshire News: “A large part of this role is supporting people with housing issues, finances, and access to work and education. As the Tory government systematically cuts benefits and funding to essential services, I hope to use the skills I’ve gained in this role to be a proactive and effective councillor, advocating for the people of Renfrew North and Braehead.
“My co-candidate John Shaw has extensive experience in local community groups and works with Gavin Newlands MP, ensuring the needs and rights of constituents are met.
“As a team we would bring a wide range of knowledge and experience to the table, ensuring strong representation for the residents of our ward.”
Lisa-Marie is the treasurer of the Tenants’ and Residents’ Association where she lives, which gives a voice to people who are invested in the area and give them access to representatives from local services and local government.
In a voluntary capacity she is a founding member of Renfrewshire Aid, which collects essential items for refugees fleeing war.
She said: “I am really passionate about women’s issues, and over the past couple of years in my role as Women’s Officer in my SNP branch, I’ve worked with Renfrewshire Women’s Aid and Renfrewshire Rising.
“These organisations do fantastic work supporting women and children who have experienced domestic violence to rebuild their lives.
“As a councillor, I’d be keen to continue to highlight and work to remove the hurdles women face in all aspects of life. I am really proud to be part of a gender-balanced team of SNP candidates, and am determined to do my part to ensure that women are properly represented in Renfrewshire Council.”
Council elections take place this Thursday 4th May, and polls are open from 7am until 10pm.