Labour Lothians MSP Sarah Boyack has called for more support for those with Tourette’s as she led a debate in Holyrood on the subject on Thursday.
Ms Boyack used her speech to highlight the struggles her constituents, with Tourette’s, have faced in the education system and beyond as part of a wider campaign to ensure better awareness around the condition.
The debate came after Ms Boyack lodged a parliamentary motion calling for more Tourette’s support and training in the education system, at Holyrood.
The motion gained cross-party support from every major Holyrood party.
The debate was watched from the public gallery by people from the Tourette’s community.
As part of her speech, Ms Boyack highlighted the incredible barriers faced by children with Tourette’s in the education system, including a lack of support and understanding from schools.
She called for the Scottish Government to work with Tourette’s Scotland to establish a national plan, increase funding, support and awareness across education, health settings and the wider public.
The debate comes after the newly released film, I Swear, which follows the novel by the inspiring John Davidson, a campaigner for Tourette’s awareness from the Borders which has exposed the issue to a wider audience.
Speaking after the debate, Ms Boyack commented: “I was honoured to lead this debate on such an important topic.
“Speaking to constituents and watching I Swear, I have heard about how much of a struggle Tourette’s can be.
“I hope this debate can help deliver the change we require to ensure Tourette’s is not a barrier to a quality life.
“The time for the Scottish Government to act is now – I am eager to work with Ministers and achieve the change we desperately need.”
