Programme of Work (PO48.1) - Active & Creative Communities Strategic Activity Framework for North Lanarkshire 2020-2024
North Lanarkshire Council · 22 August 2022
Back to People and Communities Committee — 22 August 2022 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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North Lanarkshire Council Report People and Communities Committee Does this report require to be approved? ☒ Yes ☐ No Ref JO’N/HL Date 22/08/22 Programme of Work (PO48.1) - Active & Creative Communities Strategic Activity Framework for North Lanarkshire 2020-2024 From Janie O’Neill, Head of Education (South) E-mail liddleh@northlan.gov.uk Telephone 07973726496 1. Background 1.1 At its meeting of 24 August 2020, the former Community Empowerment Committee gave approval to ActiveNL, North Lanarkshire’s Physical Activity Framework. On 23 August 2021, Committee approved the associated action plan for 2021-22. Much was achieved during 21/22 as outlined in paragraph 2.2. As a four year strategy, this report presents a renewed action plan for 2022-23, reflecting further changes in Active & Creative Communities with the amalgamation of Active Schools and Outdoor Education. Executive Summary This report presents a reviewed and refreshed action plan for 2022/23 which reflects ongoing commitment in support of the previously agreed Active & Creative Communities Strategic Activity Framework. The framework was originally agreed by the former Community Empowerment Committee on 24 August 2020. The plan aims to deliver support in terms of health and wellbeing, the local economy, education, reducing inequality, and realising innovative future working with local communities. In considering future development of the Strategic Framework, a planned approach of working with internal and external partners will be put in place to ensure we continue to review and refresh our strategic priorities, as appropriate. Recommendations It is proposed that the People and Communities Committee: (1) Approve the action plan for 2022/23 held at Appendix One. The Plan for North Lanarkshire Priority Improve the health and wellbeing of our communities Ambition statement (15) Encourage the health and wellbeing of people through a range of social, cultural, and leisure activities
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2. Report 2.1 Active & Creative Communities was formed on 1 April 2021 following the insourcing of Culture & Leisure North Lanarkshire. During the first year of the service, significant structural changes were made to consolidate the team into the wider council context. Much was achieved in support of our broader commitments within the Strategic Framework to improve health and wellbeing and encourage increased participation in our communities. This includes ongoing development of the newly added priority of Creativity and Culture which seeks to build on the recognition that participation in cultural activity can have a powerful and lasting effect on physical and mental health. 2.2 During a year when we continue to recover from COVID 19, some planned actions were not possible to achieve and Committee will note a roll-over into 22/23. However, much was achieved during the first year of our action plan including: • Launch of the Active 65 membership which offers one year access to all sports facilities for £50 for those aged 65 and over. For 22/23 this offer has been extended to include those aged 60+. • Launch of Active Teen, which offers free access to the gym for 11-15 year olds from Monday to Friday. Analysis of weekly numbers shows many young people attending on Friday afternoons as part of their Future Friday option. For 22/23, this offer has been extended to now include weekend off-peak access for young people. • Encouraging return of the public entertainment programme, with higher than expected support from the public to attend musical, comedy and theatre events. Our schedule for 2022 continues to offer a varied and diverse programme of events. • Opening of the new Cumbernauld Theatre. The council is working in partnership with Cumbernauld Theatre Trust to offer a cultural and community hub, providing a varied and quality cultural programme and support to the creative industries. 2.3 For 22/23 an exciting development has been the recent approval of funding for development of a hi-tech inclusive digital environment within Motherwell library that is accessible to local community groups, businesses, schools and individuals. A space that encourages innovation and effective learning experiences and supports basic to advanced digital skills development approaches. Discussions are currently underway with Procurement with a planned delivery timescale of March 23. 2.4 Subject to approval of a Levelling Up Fund bid, we also hope to be successful in the development of Summerlee Museum of Industrial Life. The Summerlee Masterplan which will see redevelopment of the open space, enhancement of the tram facilities and the creation of a new heritage row, offering space for local business start-ups, an enhanced visitor experience and provide further job opportunities for local people. Additional planned bids to the Heritage Lottery Fund will allow further development of a Memory Store with plans to engage with the local community to ensure a resource which reflects local interests and priorities. 2.5 To ensure ongoing integration and maximisation of opportunity, June 2022 saw the integration of Active Schools and Outdoor Education into Active & Creative Communities. While at early stages of integration, the possibilities offered by this move are significant. The inclusion of Active Schools and Outdoor Education have been reflection in the action plan for 2022/23.
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Governance 2.6. A forthcoming POW report to Policy & Strategy will set out a proposal for a new operating model for Active & Creative Communities which positions the service as a provider and enabler of public health. A governance structure for is being designed to ensure there is appropriate oversight, accountability, management, monitoring and reporting of the delivery of this overall approach within the context of the current and future Strategic Framework. 2.6.1 It is proposed that the Project Sponsor will be the Head of Education (South) supported by the Active & Creative Communities Manager as the Senior Responsible Officer who will in turn be supported by the Healthy Communities Manager. 2.6.2 A Project Board and associated Terms of Reference will be put in place. The Board will have senior representatives from key services responsible for delivery or commissioning of activity and will also include support services notably from the council’s legal and financial services teams. 2.6.3 Appropriate assurance and monitoring and evaluation frameworks will be put in place to for the council’s investment. 3. Measures of success 3.1 Increase overall physical activity levels in North Lanarkshire by 6.15% by 2030. 4.2 A broad range of activities to support the development and maintenance of positive physical and mental health among the communities of North Lanarkshire. 4. Supporting Documentation Active & Creative Communities Strategic Activity Framework for North Lanarkshire 2020-2024 - Action Plan 22/23 Janie O’Neill Head of Education (South)
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5. Impacts ( http://connect/report-template-guidance ) 5.1 Public Sector Equality Duty and Fairer Scotland Duty Does the report contain information that has an impact as a result of the Public Sector Equality Duty and/or Fairer Scotland Duty? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? If Yes, has an assessment been carried out and published on the council’s website? https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/your-community/equalities/equality-and-fairer- scotland-duty-impact-assessments Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.2 Financial impact Does the report contain any financial impacts? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, have all relevant financial impacts have been discussed and agreed with Financial Solutions? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? All service provision is monitored on a regular basis with Financial Solutions – any areas of concern are addressed. All external budgets managed appropriately. 5.3 HR policy impact Does the report contain any HR policy or procedure impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant HR impacts have been discussed and agreed with People and Organisational Development? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.4 Legal impact Does the report contain any legal impacts (such as general legal matters, statutory considerations (including employment law considerations), or new legislation)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant legal impacts have been discussed and agreed with Legal and Democratic Solutions? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.5 Data protection impact Does the report / project / practice contain or involve the processing of personal data? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, is the processing of this personal data likely to result in a high risk to the data subject? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, has a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) been carried out and e- mailed to dataprotection@northlan.gov.uk Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.6 Technology / Digital impact Does the report contain information that has an impact on either technology, digital transformation, service redesign / business change processes, data management, or connectivity / broadband / Wi-Fi? Yes ☒ No ☐
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If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? The planned development of the digital hub at Motherwell Library will impact on the council’s overall infrastructure. We will ensure clear communication and consideration of impact. Where the impact identifies a requirement for technology, has an assessment been carried out (or scheduled) by the Enterprise Architecture Governance Group (EAGG)? Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.7 Environmental / Carbon impact Does the report / project / practice contain information that has an impact on any environmental or carbon matters? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.8 Communications impact Does the report contain any information that has an impact on the council’s communications activities? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.9 Risk impact Is there a risk impact? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the key risks and potential impacts, highlighting where the risk(s) are assessed and recorded (e.g. Corporate or Service or Project Risk Registers), and how they are managed? All risk associated with operational actions are captured and agreed within the context of the ACC Risk Register. Risks associated with Active Schools and Outdoor Education now incorporated into ACC risk register.
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Active & Creative Communities Strategic Activity Framework for North Lanarkshire 2020-2024 - Action Plan 22/23 (updates shown in bold) Action Outcome Measures of Success Interdependencies Active Living - incorporating physical activity into their daily routines through simple changes, for example by cycling or walking to work or school, taking the stairs more, active gardening and work around the home. This will include providing opportunities to help people to better manage their health in a community setting, encourage socialisation and improved wellbeing. 1.1 Extend the Weigh to Go Product to target specific low participant groups. Targeted initiatives to encourage increased participation using focussed communication strategies, engaging with a range of community groups to understand and respond to perceived barriers. In partnership with NHS Lanarkshire a new Weigh to Go Product to include a maintenance programme will launch in August 2022. Communications Strategy is in place for the launch. • Increase the number of men participating in weight management programmes. • Increase the number of BME participants on weight management programmes. • Increase number of pre/post-natal activities available. Increased levels of attendance/core dataset measured nationally by health board area. This programme will be developed and supported by NHS Adult and Child Weight Management Programme 1.2 Create a bespoke walks programme with Get Walking Lanarkshire to more fully integrate walking programmes with NL specialist health customer base. Targeted actions with specialist health groups to ensure access to accessible walking programmes. • Increased physical activity. • Link to other Programme of Work activities. Increased number of attendance/improved health and wellbeing. This programme will be developed with NHS Health Improvement team and links to other priority actions below. 1.3 Link with NHS (Rehabilitation Teams) to establish use of NLC venues for rehabilitation services on a service level agreement basis. • Bridging a gap between clinical setting and community-based activity. Integrated approach to encouraging physical activity. Reducing pressure on space in hospitals. More integrated approach to meet health and social care objectives and increase number of opportunities for NLC residents with health issues to access mainstream leisure venues. Developed in conjunction with NHS Allied Health Professionals.
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1.4 Extend range of Active Health (Specialist Health Classes) being delivered in local community settings to include libraries/community halls. This will include Gentle Movement/Chair exercises in libraries with appropriate space available. Continue to work with partners on the development of a 5 year Framework for Pre-habilitation and Rehabilitation , linking to the work of the Early Intervention and Self-Management Sub Group. This will set the agenda for co- produced work for rehabilitation services over the next 5y ear period. Continue to work with partners to support the Falls Strategy Framework as one of the Sub Group Leads for the Lanarkshire Falls Strategy ‘Building Resilience at a population level: Community Engagement, Strength & Balance, Home Safety, Self- Management, Bone Health’ Escape Pain (For Knee/Hip Arthritis suffers) new programme being delivered in partnership with MSK Physiotherapy Team from NHS Lanarkshire which could be Community Centre based following pilot programme. • Increase local access to activity for NLC residents • Ideal for those with long term conditions, cancer or with mobility issues could improve their health and mobility by attending these. Increased number of attendance/improved health and wellbeing. This programme will be supported by working across the Active & Creative Communities Team. Will provide opportunity to use existing and new MacMillan volunteer group to support. 1.5 Facilitating access to archives and local studies materials. This service is already available, but work is underway to improve accessibility across a range of local settings. • Carrying out research in person encourages active living and creates opportunities to meet new people and feel part of the community. We will seek feedback from participants and monitor number of people accessing services. Seek opportunities to use social media platforms to build interest and encourage participation.
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Interest in family/local history has increased significantly during the lockdown period. • Genealogy and local history research engenders a sense of belonging and wellbeing. 1.6 Providing cultural learning opportunities (talks, courses, tours). This will include development of local heritage trail leaflets. • Attending events in person and online creates opportunities to meet new people and feel part of the wider community. • Walking the heritage trails encourages active living and creates opportunities to feel part of the community. Increased physical activity. Opportunity to link with other Programmes of Work. This will be developed in conjunction with action 1.2. Some heritage walks were created previously but have not been in active use and this could potentially be a wider project with other NLC services. 1.7 Book Blether – face to face (or online) book club. Work with colleagues to identify groups that may benefit from increased socialisation. • Improved mental health and wellbeing through socialisation. • Safe space to discuss (through books) any issues or themes that arise. Book clubs already happen across NL. This approach will bring together those that would benefit from the opportunity to meet with others. Feedback will be sought throughout, as appropriate. We will work with colleagues to identify groups/participants likely to benefit. 1.8 Breastfeeding Friendly – in line with the council’s commitment and support of breastfeeding, undertake a communication campaign to highlight availability of facilities across the estate. • Ensure all breastfeeding customers have access to comfortable, safe and suitable environments across all our facilities. This approach reinforces the council’s commitment to breastfeeding and its many benefits. We will work with colleagues across the council to ensure a clear communication campaign is put in place. Sport - As well as improving overall physical fitness, sport can empower, inspire and motivate participants. It can provide pathways to professional level and opportunities to develop lifelong engagement as well as opportunities for volunteering. 2.1 Review ACC activity programme to allow children to access and participate without barriers in physical activity for at least up to one hour per day. Ensure services and programme are accessible to young • Improved physical activity levels. • Diverse programme which offers opportunity for structured and informal physical activity levels. Inactive children at risk of poor self-esteem, higher anxiety and higher stress levels and are more likely to develop poor health habits – this programme will use We will engage with internal and external partners to develop a diverse programme of activity.
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people living in poverty throughout North Lanarkshire. Continue to build on the success of our Street Soccer programme for 9-16 year olds. Over 700 young people play football through our soccer school programme. We provide free football through partnership work with the Scottish FA and McDonalds to our Soccer participants. Ongoing development of the ASN School Football League which has provided the opportunity for 8 schools across North and South Lanarkshire to play organised competitive football each month. qualitative feedback to measure impact on lifestyle. Link with colleagues in Active Schools to support activity options. 2.2 Review membership scheme for ActiveNL users – ensuring the offering is affordable and competitive to encourage increased usage of our sporting and leisure facilities for all groups. Ongoing consideration of membership strategy in discussion with Finance colleagues to ensure cost-effective and affordable approach. This will include consideration of a staff membership option to encourage and support a healthy workforce. To ensure customers have a positive experience in our venues and provide the opportunity to address areas of concern, we continue to undertake quarterly customer surveys – this is • Increased user numbers. • Increased physical activity levels. • Seek to remove barriers to participation. Increased user diversity, continue to monitor customer feedback to seek opportunities for improvement. We will seek feedback from users and non- users to better understand perceived barriers.
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complemented by the council’s CRM system. 2.3 Continue to support the development of local leagues and clubs to meet their needs within North Lanarkshire. This will include influencing and supporting new and existing partners, both locally and nationally, to ensure that strategic plans and policy positively reflect the role that physical activity and sport can play to improve health and strengthen our communities. • Supporting club development helps to create pathways for the ongoing development of sporting activity. • Working with governing bodies allows the council to access available funding and ensure fit for purpose facilities for the whole community. The council already supports a range of clubs across North Lanarkshire. We will continue to do so and monitor our future success. Engagement with local clubs, third sector and national governing bodies. 2.4 Continue to deliver and develop inclusion projects such as Friday Night Project, Saturday Sportscene and Street Soccer Introduction of Sports Events which involves all 8 projects coming together to participate in different sports each month. This brings the young people of North Lanarkshire from different communities together at one venue and provides them the opportunity to develop new friendships. • Successful delivery of all inclusion and diversionary projects in partnership with CL&D and the Health Improvement teams throughout Lanarkshire. • Increased participation within projects at all 8 venues across NL by providing young people with the opportunity to engage in free sports and physical activity whilst engaging in youth work. Continue to successfully engage with young people through an intervention based approach to ensure young people are being supported, heard and helped. We will continue to work on development with CLD and NHS Health Improvement team. 2.5 Increased opportunities for men and women to participate in walking football and Kickstart programme (this programme provides opportunities for those recovering from mental health and addictions to play football). Continue to work in partnership with SAMH to provide employment opportunities for our kickstart group participants (The kickstart group is for service users with mental health or addictions). From this, we want to • An increased number of participants per week attending our venues to help aid their recovery through sport. The council already provides both programmes but will seek to increase opportunities available across a range of locations. We will work with partners to target groups likely to benefit.
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support the service users in recovery and onto positive destinations. 2.6 Continued development of Active Schools Action Plans for every school in North Lanarkshire. Action plans set out a customised approach to a range of priorities including supporting physical activity, Developing the Young Workforce, working with volunteers and supporting links to local sports clubs. • Plans ensure a customised activity plan which takes into account local need and addresses priorities reflected by pupils, parents and teachers. We continue to work with schools to monitor the effectiveness of our plans and take corrective action, where necessary. We will work with schools, parents and volunteers on delivery of our plans, building links and pathways to local sports clubs across North Lanarkshire. 2.7 Ongoing development of our successful Outdoor Education Programme at Strathclyde Country Park. This includes ongoing improvement of facilities and work with partners to provide a diverse and engaging programme for our P7 pupils. • The programme offers an attractive and engaging experience for pupils. Ongoing monitoring of results and feedback from participants. We will work with pupils, parents and schools to ensure we respond to participant need. 2.8 Continue to develop the Active Schools Volunteer Programme. The programme is responsible for developing and supporting volunteer led, sustainable physical activity and sport opportunities that take place out with school hours, both within the school and wider community. • Recruiting, supporting, training and sustaining a network of volunteers including senior pupils, coaches, leaders and teachers who in turn deliver physical activity and sport opportunities supports the key purpose of Active Schools. Ongoing monitoring of the programme to ensure target participation levels are met. Adjustments made where necessary. We will work with our network of volunteers to ensure ongoing development of a successful programme. Dance - Dance is an inclusive creative, physical and social activity appealing to a wide range of people and is a fun, enjoyable way to exercise, which can deliver wellbeing benefits. The approach taken will offer options to different age groups and incorporate wider activity including drama. 3.1 Little Groovers - re-establish Little Groovers and develop throughout North Lanarkshire area. • Under 5's creativity/physical exercise once a week. • Parents/carer engaging in shared experience with child. • Positive contribution to community experience. Improved physical activity. Encourage participation in other available activities. Participant numbers will be monitored. Opportunity to link with community groups.
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3.2 Strictly Stretch Ballet Group - re-establish Strictly Stretch and develop throughout North Lanarkshire. • Over 50 activity on a weekly basis. • Positive impact on mental health. • Improving on individual strength, fitness tone. • Learning new skills/styles. • Engaging socially with other participants. • Encourage participation in other available activities. Participant numbers will be monitored. Opportunity to link with community groups. 3.3 NL Studio/NL2 all ability drama – development of all ability drama groups for adults. • Restablish connections/friendships post covid • Skills for life-based learning • Promote confidence through development • Explore thematic/issue based theatre and positive impact on group • Create a safe, positive working space for participants Increased participation rates. Feedback sought from participants. We will work with partners to promote access to a range of community groups. 3.4 Drama Masterclasses, holiday projects for young people. • Create a safe space for young people to share ideas. • Learn transferable life skills. • Encourage leadership skills with peers. • Promote confidence through development of creative content. • Tackle isolation by creating a space to make new circle of friends. Increased participation rates. Feedback sought from participants. We will work with partners to promote access to a range of community groups. Play - Physical activity through play can support children's mental and cognitive development as well as their physical health. Evidence suggests that children who are physically active when young are more likely to adopt healthy lifestyles as they grow up. Play is, however, important at all ages and the actions below seek to stimulate residents of all ages. 4.1 Active & health themed Bookbug (as previously done during Love Life Love libraries). Local NHS Health Promotion Officers will come along to support parents by being there to chat, promote current initiatives around health & wellbeing e.g. vitamins, food, vouchers, support groups etc. • Support parents and carers on possible activities to do regularly with their children. These events will include targeted health promotions - e.g. teeth cleaning etc. • Early start promotion of exercise and activity for babies and toddlers. Feedback from parents and carers, re improvements around health & activity and how sessions have supported this. Bookbug sessions are led by the Children’s team. Plans underway to refresh volunteer programme to provide support (full training provided).
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4.2 Story walks from Libraries (Trail tales). This includes ongoing development of the Lanarkshire Legends programme – this was recently piloted in Airdrie with the author, Alison Galbraith and celebrates our local artists. • Supporting family activity. • Increase family quality time with children as well as health benefits of reading Increased physical activity. Feedback from parents/carers on their experience will be critical. Similar to Bookbug – we will look to develop volunteer support and engage with local groups to offer bespoke options, wherever possible. 4.3 Implement a House of Games style board game club. This will be targeted at older residents. • Engage older members of the community in activities that stimulate the brain either via logic or strategy or from the social interactions. Feedback sought from participants. We will work with colleagues to identify appropriate groups with an interest in participating. Creativity & Culture - Engaging with arts and culture is central to the mental health and wellbeing of our communities. Getting involved in, an arts or ceramics class, participating in a film workshop, visiting an exhibition or volunteering in a museum can have a powerful and lasting effect on physical and mental health. The benefits are well documented; it can help protect against and manage a range of mental health conditions, alleviate loneliness and isolation, allow participants to express their experiences, learn new skills and build confidence. 5.1 Continued development and expansion of in-person art classes for adults & children with an increased focus on the physical experience of artmaking. • Improve physical dexterity, intellectual focus and mental health & wellbeing. Feedback sought from participants. While arts classes are well established, we will work to develop programmes which encourage health promotion (both physical and mental), linking with partners to ensure those most in need are able to benefit. 5.2 Work with colleagues supporting the Town & Community Hub Programme to seek opportunities for the inclusion of creative spaces for the community in a range of different locations. • Shared community spaces dedicated to creativity and community collaboration. • Improved mental health and wellbeing. The use of the space will be driven by feedback from users. Development of creative spaces will build on feedback and input from a range of stakeholders, including community groups. 5.3 Photography Walks. Available at Photomedia studio at Summerlee and as an outreach activity to groups/centres in NL area. • Increased physical activity. • Increased socialisation and improved mental health and wellbeing. Interest and ideas from participants will drive approach taken. Opportunity to combine with other actions above and link to other
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Programme of Work priorities. 5.4 Work with local communities to involve them directly in decisions about their cultural heritage – seek opportunities to provide local access to local interest projects, celebrating the heritage of the communities of North Lanarkshire. • More people engaged with their heritage in a meaningful way; foster community cohesion and capacity building. We will monitor the number of people engaged with and reports on the positive impact of relationships established. Ultimately this approach reinforces the council as the provider of services which put the community at the heart of decision making. Work with the Community Partnership team to plan engagement with the 9 Community Boards, as appropriate. 5.5 Ongoing development of programme led by Community Arts Team to work with the University of Edinburgh and Community Safety Scotland on a research project entitled Art is Everywhere. This involves various methods of communicating with users and non-users of our Arts programme and will help shape a wider Arts Strategy linking in with a wide array of new partners. It’s an exciting fresh approach which will be hugely beneficial. • Development of a co-produced, long-term and sustainable arts strategy for North Lanarkshire with community members and key stakeholders in health, education, business and employability, social justice and community safety that is integrated and aligned with other sectors’ priorities. • Connecting our Services, schools, and grassroots organisations to ensure sustained access to the arts from early years through to healthy ageing. • Implementation of a social prescribing model to support the health and wellbeing of the communities of North Lanarkshire through the arts and humanities. • Implementation of a dignity and access fund for lower income households or those who face barriers in accessing the arts. Ongoing monitoring of agreed target outcomes as set out in funding application. Continue to work with partners on delivery and explore opportunities for further development.