A list of “awareness days” celebrated by West Dunbartonshire Council will be made available to the wider community as the local authority prepares to mark Armistice Day.
Public buildings including the council offices at Church Street in Dumbarton and the Titan Crane on Queens Quay in Clydebank have been lit up over the years to show support to families and groups who have first-hand experience of managing life changing conditions.
In October the Church Street Office was lit up green to mark World Cerebral Palsy Day and purple on Mental Health Awareness Day.
READ MORE: West Dunbartonshire children waiting up to two years for mental health treatment
This month, the local authority will light up the council offices red to commemorate the sacrifices of past generations on Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.
A motion on the issue was brought forward by Labour councillor Clare Steele who highlighted the significance of these lights and what it means for people.
Councillor Steele said: “Awareness raising is so important in understanding and acknowledging important issues that so many people live with on a daily basis.
“This month we will celebrate remembrance day, where so many will remember our loved ones in the Armed Forces, past and present.
“We all have a strong history of links to our Armed Forces and being able to remember them is so important, especially to all the families.
“We have just marked World Mental Health Day. Mental Health problems exist in our lives, our families, our workplaces and our communities, affecting everyone.
“Raising awareness and speaking out on this issue is vital. We are navigating our way out of a pandemic where we all find ourselves living and adapting to a life we have never known before.
“And as a parent to a child with cerebral palsy, I know that small recognisable acts like this can have an impact on families. It has become a tradition for us each year, to go down and see the Titan Crane lit up, knowing what it symbolises.
“It has been overwhelming over the years to see more and more colours for conditions and other significant world celebration days being recognised in this way.”
An addendum to the motion was submitted by SNP councillor Jonathon McColl for requests to be submitted at least 28 days in advance, where possible, to make the job of council staff and the Provost easier.
Councillor McColl added: “This council asks that where possible, any request to the Provost from an elected member for a day of recognition, not already on the calendar involving flag raising and lighting up council premises should be submitted 28 days in advance of the requested day.”
The addendum was accepted and the motion agreed unanimously.
READ NEXT:
Glasgow man killed in M8 tragedy when inexperienced driver lost control of Audi
Glasgow property: Popular West End restaurant and bar for sale after gutting closure
Drink drive Paisley mum behind wheel of BMW in 'stupid' late night dash to sick toddler
Glasgow teenager stabbed multiple times by knifeman wearing his Union Jack jacket
