After the last column was published, I met with Clydebank and Milngavie’s MSP, Gil Paterson alongside my Working4U support worker.

In this meeting, we discussed subjects like the Scottish Parliament, issues in Clydebank and neighbouring towns, mental health and most important to my role, how to effectively engage with young people in the area.

This meeting was positive and helped to establish a working relationship, which means young people in Clydebank will have a stronger connection to the parliament. I will meet with Gil on a regular basis in order to better understand how to combat issues faced by young people.

In addition, Dylan Murdoch (Dumbarton and Alexandria’s MSYP) and I met with Jonathan McColl who is the leader of the West Dunbartonshire Council. We discussed the potential ability for the West Dunbartonshire Youth Council (WDYC) to meet in the same place in which elected officials meet.

We also spoke about our hopes for the youth council and what upcoming activities are planned. Jonathan attended the WDYC launch event held in Dumbarton where we hosted our first consultation about issues across the area.

Read more: OPINION Hayley Paku MSYP: Time kids had same rights as adults

Meeting with Jonathan in the future is something Dylan and I feel strongly about - to have his support for our future ventures is helpful.

The next Scottish Youth Parliament sitting is in a few weeks where my motion on implementing suicide awareness training into schooling will be presented.

The nerves are racking up, however, I’m excited to start the planning process and see what comes out of this proposal. I have a form circling social media about how people feel about this motion and what they’d like from it, if you have the chance to fill it out that would be really appreciated.

So far there are suggestions of incorporating it into PSHE (personal, social, health and economic) and to have it presented on a monthly basis by health professionals - this idea is up for debate and of course, if you feel differently, get in touch.

In other news, WDYC are holding a litter-pick and team building event soon at Dumbarton Castle. We are being supported by WDC’s Greenspace department who are providing members with the appropriate gear and will spend a few hours doing our best to clean up the area.

If you are interested in becoming a member of WDYC, you can contact me and I will send over relevant information and contacts.

If you’re a constituent and would like to get in touch, email Hayley.paku.msyp@sypmail.co.uk or tweet me at HayleyPakuMSYP.