Year 1 Progress - Community Learning and Development Strategy 2021-2024
Renfrewshire Council · 25 October 2022
Back to Communities and Housing Policy Board — 25 October 2022 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
_________________________________________________________________________ To: Communities and Housing Policy Board On: 25 October 2022 _________________________________________________________________________ Report by: Director of Communities and Housing Services _________________________________________________________________________ Heading: Year 1 Progress - Community Learning and Development Strategy 2021-2024 __________________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 This report provides the first annual update and details the significant progress achieved during 2021-2022 on delivering Renfrewshire’s Community Learning and Development (CLD) Strategy 2021-2024. 1.2 Renfrewshire’s Community Learning and Development Strategy 2021-2024 and Action Plan was considered and approved by the Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board on 17 August 2021. The strategy was developed in partnership with a wide range of statutory, voluntary and community groups including individuals to enable successful delivery of community learning development activities aligned to Renfrewshire’s Community Plan Vision and priorities. 1.3 In Scotland the actions and activities of CLD services are underpinned by the shared values identified by the Community Learning and Development Standards Council: • Self-determination – respecting the individual and valuing the right of people to make their own choices. • Inclusion – valuing equality of both opportunity and outcome, and challenging discriminatory practice. • Empowerment – increasing the ability of individuals and groups to influence issues that affect them and their communities through individual and/ or collective action. • Working collaboratively – maximising collaborative working relationships in partnerships between the many agencies which contribute to CLD, including collaborative work with participants, learners and communities. • Promotion of learning as a lifelong activity – ensuring that individuals are aware of a range of learning opportunities and are able to access relevant options at any stage of their life.
Page 2
1.4 During, 2021-2022 - the first year of the CLD Strategy, significant progress has been made in delivering on the agreed outcomes and actions – in particular there has been a focus on working actively and collaboratively with a wide range of partners towards the recovery of local communities and building back services from the impact of the pandemic to achieve better outcomes and opportunities for everyone in Renfrewshire. A service review and restructure has been completed to ensure that the resources and capacity are in place to continue to support communities and build their capacity and individual, family and lifelong learning has been developed to ensure that all residents can have the opportunity to grow and thrive within our communities. 1.5 This report provides members with a summary update on the progress achieved during 2021-2022 detailed more fully in the attached Appendix. This report also forms part of the governance and monitoring arrangements highlighting the significant contribution made by a wide range of partners to deliver on the actions, priorities, and vision of the CLD Strategy 2021-2024. 1.6 Progress achieved during 2021-2022 is structured across the following themes; • Service Review, Service Development and Service Achievements • Digital Inclusion • Universal Provision • Targeted Provision • Community Capacity / Connecting Communities ____________________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that members of the Communities and Housing Policy Board: (i) note the progress achieved during 2021-2022 as result of the support and contribution of a wide range of partners (ii) agree that further updates on progress of the Community Learning and Development Strategy be provided on an annual basis. _________________________________________________________________ 3. Background 3.1 The Requirements of the Community Learning and Development (Scotland) Regulations – 2013, place a statutory duty on local authorities to produce a 3-year plan detailing how Community Learning and Development will be delivered within the Council area. Each local authority is required to produce a clearly defined framework for planning and delivering community learning and development through consultation with learners and in partnership with providers. Renfrewshire’s CLD Strategy 2021-2024 was approved by the Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board on 17 August 2021 and published in mid-September 2021 in line with government timescales. 3.2 The CLD Strategy is aligned with the Renfrewshire Community Plan Vision and priorities supporting the agreed priorities and focus of the Renfrewshire Community Planning Partnership and putting Renfrewshire communities and community wellbeing at the heart of shaping all of the work of community learning and development partners.
Page 3
3.3 The vision for Renfrewshire’s Community Learning and Development Strategy is: “Working together to ensure our communities, people and families living in Renfrewshire have the capacity, support, resilience and opportunities they need to survive” 3.4 During 2021/2022 a significant focus has been on supporting individuals and communities with their recovery and renewal from the pandemic. Collaborating with a wide range of partners on identifying actions that can be achieved and targeted to support individuals and communities impacted by the pandemic to access and engage with Community Learning and Development services. The Appendix to this report provides full details of the progress and achievement of the CLD partnership and below is a summary of the progress and key achievements during 2021-2022. 4. Progress and Key achievements during 2021/22 4.1 During 2021/22, key achievements of the service include: Service Review As part of the Right for Renfrewshire programme under the theme of Developing Communities the review of CLD services within the Council has been completed, The new structure offers staff opportunities and career paths as we continue to maximise the ‘grow our own’ model of employee retention and development. To deliver CLD effectively and efficiently team capacity has been enhanced, and equipment and training has been provided to enable staff to work flexibly across community venues and support hybrid working Service Development A range of training has been completed with school staff and the third sector on Gender-based violence to support a joined-up approach An example of ‘grow our own’ approach includes utilising the Kickstart/Employability fund programme with six out of eight individuals securing employment. Four Young Kickstart Trainees have gained basic youth work skills as part of the commitment to a young workforce and No-one-Left Behind. Service Achievements All nine CLD centres have now reopened following the pandemic and are fully operational – providing a range of lifelong learning opportunities and youth activities. Renfrewshire Climate Change Champions is a youth directed project developed as part of COP26, encouraged by the Scottish Government, Youthlink Scotland and Keep Scotland Beautiful. During 2021-2022 Youth Services achieved the LGBT Scotland Bronze charter, commitment to equality and diversity. The Scottish ‘Youth Worker of the Year Award’ 2022 was achieved by a member of Renfrewshire’s Youth Services team 32 staff are now working with Street Stuff with over 80% from the Renfrewshire area. 20 Volunteers within the programme have signed up for Saltire Awards, achieving a combined total of 650 volunteer hours, an average of 32 hours each.
Page 4
Digital Inclusion A successful application was made to Connecting Scotland Phase 2 securing 170 devices and 2 years free data for young people and families. 17 have been trained as Digital Champions. Seven Digital Ambassadors are now contributing to Renfrewshire’s vision of digital citizenship and supporting digital participation. CLD services continued to be modernised during 2021-2022, with the acquisition of 76 tablets and 38 laptops for public access, training and development – replacing outdated PC based training and offering significantly improved flexibility. This means services can now be taken to and provided in the communities that need them rather than only from fixed locations. During a 6-month period over 51,000 page views to the Young Scot site from Renfrewshire were recorded – one of the highest rates of usage in Scotland. Universal Provision ‘Free Period Products Here’ signs are now displayed in all CLD and partner venues to support the policy which came into force across Scotland in August 2022. 3,545 young people attended a mixture of regular on-line and face-to-face youth work activities as Youth Services re-introduced indoor ‘controlled’ face to face activities, following the impact of the COVID-19 restrictions. External funding to match funding from NHSGGC and Ren Ten was secured to deliver an online platform service ‘Together all’ Outreach work across Renfrewshire was undertaken to distribute marketing material to all 12 secondary schools, and approximately 70 cafes, nail bars, hairdressers, barbers, and community spaces. The total number of young people with a Young Scot NEC card is 20,191 which is an increase of 18% over the past year. A total of 15,794 enquiries have been handled by Youth Services in relation to the Under 22 Free Bus travel scheme. 14,185 young people aged 8 -16 years attended Street Stuff evening programme, attendance was lower than previous years due to the pandemic and restrictions in numbers attending activities at any one time. Street Stuff activities with the provision of a healthy meal were delivered during the school holiday periods across Renfrewshire with programmes for age 5 – 16: 540 young people attended the spring break programme 258 young people attended the October 2021 school week Over 268 young people took part in the Festive Programme The annual football festival at St Mirren Stadium returned following the pandemic with over 400 young people participating in age related group games.
Page 5
A new contract between Renfrewshire Council and St Mirren Football Club has been agreed for 2 years with the option of extending for a further year to a maximum of 4 years. Street Stuff are currently engaging with Ukrainian Families housed at Glasgow Airport with the provision of gaming activities on the Youth Bus. Refugees have also attended St Mirren FC home games with 80 tickets used to date. The number of School based DofE Leaders has increased to 24, with nine completing an Outdoor First Aid Qualification, and 5 working towards a recognised hillwalking qualification. The status of awards is growing and making an impact on targeted groups: 428 new enrolments have been received with 19% being in SMID target areas 1-3, 81 young people have completed their DofE Award - 33 Certificates of Achievement, 35 Bronze, 10 Silver and 3 Gold. Youth Services hosted a series of workshops to develop a child friendly animation as a companion piece for the UNCRC Introductory guidance. In 2021 the Scottish Youth Parliament held their elections 2,753 young people voted and 5 new MSYPS were duly elected and all are being supported to be active contributors at Parliament. Renfrewshire Youth Panel contributed to the Cashback for Communities Grant award process with Erskine Youth Council continuing to support the Playpark and interactive games. A new Water Safety Policy has been developed and will be delivered by a range of partners, The Safekids event held at Lapwing Lodge, targeted at P6 children from Mossvale and St James Campus delivered safety messages in a fun and interactive way Targeted Provision Engage Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire Developing Communities services secured funding from Scottish Government to develop community-based adult learning. A comprehensive programme was successfully developed with the support of 11 local CLD Partners providing opportunities to reconnect and re- engage with current and potential new learners in Renfrewshire. The Summer of Fun programme engaged with 986 individuals, the programme was delivered with a wide range of partners in 6 venues across SIMD areas of Renfrewshire and benefitted 552 individual children. A further 182 children benefitted from additional hours at the Additional Support Needs playscheme held at Riverbrae. Youth Services ran several youth clubs over the Summer of Fun period and attracted over 100 individual participants. One project was aimed at ASN children, whilst Streetstuff put on a new initiative for Ukrainian refugee children which involved 25 young people. Learners from Southend Action Centre were successful in securing funding from Education Scotland and Green Spaces fund to develop a small community wildlife garden at the rear of the newly refurbished building. “The Southend Smoothies” achieved third prize in Beat the Street in November 2021 by walking for miles around Johnstone and the Villages. A further 60
Page 6
learners also increased their step count after completing their wellbeing programmes and receiving their Adult and Family Learning wellbeing packs. The evaluation of the “EVOLVE” programme was part of a national collaborative enquiry involving Education Scotland and Youthlink, which was citing best practice for schools and youth work partnerships. The Pizza Learning programme had 188 families participating. The family learning team worked in partnership with Renfrewshire Libraries to pilot the Libraries FAB (Find A Book) project. Families signed up for library tickets and were encouraged to explore local library resources with local authors visiting the Pizza Reading sessions. Youth Services have successfully developed a Trusted Verifier network of organisations who work directly with young people facing barriers to accessing the Young Scot National Entitlement Card and the benefits it brings and Tackling Poverty. The Young and Equally Safe in Renfrewshire Project has already involved 30 past Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) leaders to a review and planning meeting to plan the stages of development. In June 2022, a further 97 current MVP from 10 secondary schools attended a youth event to share their views on gender-based violence (GBV). The basis of this generated ideas for future public campaigns and community-based actions to combat GBV in Renfrewshire. Youth Services worked closely with Children’s Services as part of the Renfrewshire Keeping the Promise and developing the Promise Champions youth voice group supporting care experienced young people. A partnership bid to Future Paisley secured funding for an Arts and Cultural Engagement officer who has worked to deliver a number of Arts led projects with young people. Adult and Family Learning continue to work actively in partnership with the Resettlement Team, Social Work’s Unaccompanied Young Asylum-Seeking Children team and with English as an Additional Language (EAL) staff in schools. Adult and Family Learning have delivered 27 English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) groups to people looking for support with learning English to participate more fully in their community. They have worked with the Paisley Museum Reimagined team, giving learners an insight into local cultural heritage with visits to Sma’ Shotts Cottages and the Secret Collection Museum and making cross-cultural links with a 6-week project providing Syrian learners with a voice on how the story of the museum’s Syrian glass collection will be presented. A flexible approach has been adopted offering young people the opportunity to experience learning in outdoor settings through the Duke of Edinburgh programme. 50 young people participated in the programme, with 27 achieving a John Muir Award, 7 achieving their full Bronze DofE Award, 17 achieving sectional awards in Skills and Volunteering, and 13 are currently working towards sectional awards. The Renfrewshire Youth Work Network (RYWN) successfully secured national funding for a partnership approach to delivering youth work activities aimed at education recovery. The RYWN are working towards the development of a Community Empowerment Award for young (and older) community activists as change makers in their communities. 314 sessions were delivered, with 296 young people engaged over a sustained period, totalling 1401 hours of learning.
Page 7
Awards achieved including Food Hygiene certificates, Youth Achievement awards, first aid certificates, John Muir Awards and Arts Awards. Community Capacity/Connecting Communities Team Up To Clean Up coordinated two flagship events the Big Spring Clean and the Spotless September Challenge. During 2022 attracting the highest level of engagement with over 1,500 volunteers registering for over 550 events, removing almost 2,500 bags of litter from their streets and open spaces. £2m has been released to communities by the Green Spaces, Parks and Play Areas and the Villages Investment Fund to develop small scale volunteering in delivering physical improvements benefiting their community. 47 of the 86 projects in receipt of funding are from Team Up to Clean Up volunteer groups. A wide range of diverse community projects continued to be supported resulting in the installation of: 14 play parks; 10 large scale green space projects (including funding the purchase of an ancient woodland; improving and enhancing 2 nature reserves; the creation and maintenance of 7 community gardens; a new a multi-use games area; a state-of-the-art interactive digital play park; repairs to a significant historical village building; a new bicycle proficiency park for pre-school children upwards; and a pump track is also expected to be delivered before the end of the year. 6 groups continue to be supported with asset transfers and long-term leases by utilising the Green Spaces and Villages Investment funding. £300,000 of external funding has been generated and secured by Renfrewshire Communities because of the Green Spaces and Villages Funding approach Celebrating Renfrewshire is a £150,000 fund designed by and for young people, young people aged 12-25 have a direct say on which projects are funded in their local area. In 2021-22, 1,721 young people voted, 5,163 votes were cast, and 68 projects have received funding. A total of £124,437 awarded to youth projects in Renfrewshire. Feedback from young people involved in the Celebrating Renfrewshire steering group and voting process reported it was a positive experience and a useful resource for young people in their communities. During 2021, a total of 1721 young people participated in the voting process. Young people continue to be encouraged and supported to join the Youth Panel participating in the review and decision-making process with aaround £30k awarded for a wide range of projects within the Youth Panel’s Local Partnership areas. Young Scot published a positive case study on the involvement of young people in Renfrewshire’s Participatory Budget process and decision making. _________________________________________________________________
Page 8
Implications of the Report 1. Financial - None 2. HR & Organisational Development – None. 3. Community/Council Planning – Our Renfrewshire is safe – By implementing Body Worn Video Cameras, members of the public and communities will potentially feel and be, safer. 4. Legal - None 5. Property/Assets - None 6. Information Technology - None 7. Equality & Human Rights (a) The Recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report. If required following implementation, the actual impact of the recommendations and the mitigating actions will be reviewed and monitored, and the results of the assessment will be published on the Council’s website. 8. Health & Safety – None. 9. Procurement - None 10. Risk - None 11. Privacy Impact - None. 12. COSLA Policy Position – Not Applicable 13. Climate Risk – Not Applicable _______________________________________________________ List of Background Papers _______________________________________________________ Author: Oliver Reid, Head of Communities and Public Protection. Email: oliver.reid@renfrewshire.gov.uk
Page 9
Service Achievements 9 CLAD Centres reopened across Renfrewshire Street Stuff staff working with over 80% from 20 volunteers signed up for Saltire Awards 32 Renfrewshire Youth directed project – Renfrewshire Climate Change Champions – developed as part of COP26 Youth Services achieved the LGBT Scotland Bronze charter Youth Worker of the Year Award won by Siobhan Gray in Youth Services all
Page 10
Digital Inclusion 170devices and 2 years free data distributed to young people and families 76tablets 38laptops available for public access 51,105 views to the Young Scot website from Renfrewshire over 6 month period trained to provide support and guidance 17Digital Champions 7 DigitalAmbassadors
Page 11
Universal Provision Street Stuff 14,185 aged 8-16 attended 540 attended the Spring Break programme 258 During October 2021 school break 268 took part in the Festive Programme 400Over participated in the annual football festival at St Mirren Stadium Duke of Edinburgh 428 new enrolments 81young people completed their DofE award Scottish Youth Parliament 2,753 young people voted in the Scottish Youth Parliament elections and elected 5 new MSYPs
Page 12
Universal Provision Cont’d • Supported the roll out of free period product provision across all CLAD and partner venues • Street Stuff have been engaging with Ukrainian Families housed at Glasgow Airport • Youth Services and Children Services staff completed the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child training Young Scot 20,191 have a Young Scot NEC card and Youth Services handled 15,794 enquiries Youth Services 3545 young people attended mix of regular online and face to face Youth Work activities
Page 13
Targeted Provision Summer of Fun 552 children enjoyed a wide range of activities 182 benefitted from additional hours at Riverbrae 25 Ukrainian refugee children took part in Street Stuff are developing a Community Empowerment Award. 314 sessions delivered 296 young people engaged 1401hours of learning awards include: Food hygiene, Youth Achievements and First Aid certificates Renfrewshire Youth Network 97young people participated in the programme including outdoor learning, focused group work and emotional literacy and life skills Evolve
Page 14
Targeted Provision Cont’d • Funding from Education Scotland and Green Spaces secured to develop a small community wildlife garden at Southend Action Centre • Developed the Promise Champions youth voice group to support care experienced young people • ArtBosshave produced a variety of work including; a graphic novel; short films and photography which was showcased at Paisley Book Festival, Sma’ShotDay and Paisley Food and Drink Festival. 28 188 participated in across Pizza Learning groups primary schools. Thats... 227 individual pizza over 15000books received learning sessions, and Pizza Learning Families 8 delivered 27 English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) groups Adult and Family Learning
Page 15
Community Capacity/Connected Communities Team Up to Clean Up 4000 social media members 1,500registered volunteers 2,500 bags of litter removed at 550 events Celebrating Renfrewshire 5,163 votes cast 1721 young people participated £124,437 awarded to 68 projects £2m from the Distribute to communities through 78 applications Green Spaces and Village Fund Community Projects installed 14 play parks 10 large scale green space projects
Page 16
Page 1 Contents 1. Introduction 2. Governance and Monitoring 3. Background Community Learning and Development Standards Council Vision and Priorities of CLAD 4. Partnership Approach 5. Year 1 Progress - 2021-2022 Service Review, Service Development, Service Achievements Digital Inclusion Universal Provision Targeted Provision Community Capacity/Connecting Communities 6. Year 2 – Priorities for 2022-2023 Universal Provision Targeted Provision Community Capacity/Connecting Communities
Page 17
Page 2 Introduction This report provides an update on the year one progress achieved during August 2021 to August 2022 on the delivery and implementation of Renfrewshire’s Community Learning and Development Strategy 2021-2024 produced to meet the requirements of the Community Learning Development (Scotland) Regulations 2013, which require all local authorities to produce a three-year plan setting out the delivery of community learning and development services. Community Learning and Development (CLD) covers a range of skilled practice including youth work, community-based adult and family learning and community capacity, actively engaging with individuals and groups to build and enhance their existing skills and develop new skills, empowering individuals to actively participate and influence positive change in their own lives and their communities. Governance and Monitoring As part of the governance and monitoring arrangements the Annual Progress report seeks to provide assurance to Renfrewshire’s Communities and Housing Policy Board that the contributions made by a wide range of partners during 2021-2022 have helped to deliver on the actions, priorities, and vision of the strategy. To ensure transparency and accessibility to all partners, communities, and individuals across Renfrewshire an accessible version of the report will be produced, distributed, and publicised. Furthermore, progress will be incorporated into the relevant performance reports presented to the Council’s Leadership Board, and Community Planning Executive. Background On 17 August 2021 Renfrewshire Council’s Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board considered and approved Renfrewshire’s Community Learning and Development Strategy 2021-2024. The strategy was developed in partnership with a wide range of statutory, voluntary and community groups including individuals to enable successful delivery of community learning development activities aligned to Renfrewshire’s Community Plan Vision and priorities. The actions and activities target resources effectively and efficiently to empower individuals to actively participate and influence change in their own lives and communities. Community Learning and Development Standards In Scotland the actions and activities of CLD services are underpinned by the shared values identified by the Community Learning and Development Standards Council: • Self-determination – respecting the individual and valuing the right of people to make their own choices. • Inclusion – valuing equality of both opportunity and outcome, and challenging discriminatory practice. • Empowerment – increasing the ability of individuals and groups to influence issues that affect them and their communities through individual and/ or collective action.
Page 18
Page 3 • Working collaboratively – maximising collaborative working relationships in partnerships between the many agencies which contribute to CLD, including collaborative work with participants, learners, and communities. • Promotion of learning as a lifelong activity – ensuring that individuals are aware of a range of learning opportunities and can access relevant options at any stage of their life. Vision and Priorities of Renfrewshire’s Community Learning and Development Strategy 2021-2024 The vision for community learning and development in Renfrewshire is developed from the Vision for the Renfrewshire Plan and reflects the work of Community Learning and Development services in delivery of that vision. “Working together to ensure our communities, people and families living in Renfrewshire have the capacity, support, resilience and opportunities they need to survive” Four key priorities were also identified for the delivery of services and this vision. These relate to the priorities set out in the Renfrewshire Community Plan. Our Communities are thriving: benefitting from economic growth which is inclusive and sustainable Our Communities are strong: with a voice and capacity to shape and deliver their local aspirations Our Communities are fair: addressing the inequalities which limit life chances Our Communities are safe: protecting vulnerable people and working together to manage the risk of harm Partnership Approach CLD has a strong track record of working with a wide range of statutory, voluntary and community partners contributing towards the delivery and achievements of CLD across the various universal, targeted and community capacity actions. Working together in partnership has resulted in gaining substantial progress towards building back from the challenges and impact of the pandemic. For example, one of our key partners Engage Renfrewshire successfully secured funding from the community-based Adult Learning Recovery Fund to support local community-based adult learning, This was successfully delivered in partnership by 9 third sector groups, private providers, and Renfrewshire CLD services to meet the demands of the funding arrangements. St Mirren Football Club also continue to work with CLD delivering multi-sports, educational awareness, gaming activities on the youth buses, and linking in with Youth Services to meet the needs of children and young people across Renfrewshire. The Team Up to Clean Up Campaign is another example of working in partnership redefining the Councils relationship with communities, supporting, and encouraging communities to make small scale, significant impact improvements in various neighbourhoods. CLD are included in the Local Employability Partnership, which are a collective of Council and Third sector agencies who collectively address the challenges of employability and
Page 19
Page 4 create pathways to further education and training. The range of partners who contributed towards achievements and progress of the CLD Strategy is attached as Appendix 1. Year 1 Progress 2021-2022 Throughout 2021-2022 the service has maintained a proactive partnership approach focussing and working actively with a wide range of partners to respond to the recovery of local communities and to help build back services from the impact of the pandemic ensuring the achievement of better outcomes for everyone in Renfrewshire. Progress achieved during the first year - August 2021 to August 2022 is reported below under the following headings: 1. Service Review, Service Developments and Service Achievements 2. Digital Inclusion – ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate and benefit from digital technology and communications 3. Universal Provision - ensuring no-one is left behind promoting and providing opportunities for all 4. Targeted Provision– targeting specialist resource and support towards those most vulnerable or with restricted capacity. 5. Community Capacity/ Connecting Communities- working with individuals, families and groups that have capacity, to support them in shaping community aspirations and to develop, deliver and maintain the services and facilities they want locally. Service Review As part of the Right for Renfrewshire programme under the theme of Developing Communities the review of CLD services has been completed. The changes arising from the review ensure a greater flexibility and capacity to be able to work with local communities to adapt and enhance service delivery, improve accessibility, and enable local communities and individuals to adopt a more active role in their community. The review of CLD services has supported enhanced communication across the wide range of partners to ensure that the CLD Strategy outcomes over the next two years are achieved and delivered within the timescales anticipated. The new structure offers staff opportunities and career paths to learn and develop their skills and provides a clear pathway through the service from entry level posts that delivers learning and development opportunities for career progression. The changes made will provide more flexibility, enabling development and delivery of relevant tasks ranging from management, strategic and operational delivery, as well as providing better resilience towards meeting the needs of the Community and Council. To deliver CLD services effectively and efficiently we have developed the service by enhancing individual and team capacity with the right skills, experience, training, and resources. All permanent staff now have laptops and mobile phones which ensures they have the tools and training required to work flexibly across community venues supporting the move to hybrid working. Service Development A range of training has been completed by CLD, including joint training with school staff and the third sector on Gender-based violence to support a joined-up approach between different settings in the community. We have started a needs assessment to address the
Page 20
Page 5 areas of skills gaps with the development of an ongoing Continuous Professional Development calendar that will ensure our staff and partners can access the training required to keep current and flexible in approaches and responses to emerging needs. The Kickstart/Employability fund programme has been utilised along with a comprehensive training programme, resulting in six out of eight individuals securing employment as Community Support Officers or Assistants within the Community Safety Services. This is an example of the continuing development of a ‘grow our own’ approach to recruitment and employee development. Progress during 2021-2022 included Youth Services actively supporting four Young Kickstart Trainees to gain basic youth work skills as part of the commitment to a young workforce and No-one-Left Behind. The four Young Kickstart Trainees are now progressing into full time or part time capacity with Youth Services. Young people have also been supported with access to information on the Young Scot portal and Young Person’s Guarantee Panel to ensure their representation and the voice of youth is included in the development of future initiatives. Actions and efforts are ongoing to continue recruitment and attract new staff to deliver the various programmes and projects across youth, community capacity and adult/family learning. A range of CPD opportunities was successfully accessed, and delivered through national and regional bodies, including Youthlink, Youth Scotland, Education Scotland and the West CLD Alliance. The training opportunities were made available to staff as part of Connecting Scotland Phase 2. The portfolio of CPD opportunities included utilising digital tools to enhance engagement with service users and communities. Staff have developed a better understanding of the need to ensure our practice is trauma informed as well as gaining knowledge relevant to the changing employability landscape. Service Achievements Following the impact of COVID-19, all nine CLD centres are now fully operational. A proactive approach was adopted to work with a range of partners to support services in building back from the impact of the pandemic, focussing on maximising the usage and sharing of local services, assets, and spaces to enhance engagement and community capacity. The CLD centres now fully operational are Bargarran, West Johnstone Shared Campus, West Primary School, St James Primary School, Southend Action Centre, Foxlea Learning Centre, Foxbar Youth Drop In, Glenburn Learning Centre and the Go-Zone offering a wide range of youth, adult and family learning activities with a comprehensive programme of community opportunities now being offered. CLD have supported local community groups such as the Foxbar Learning Workgroup, Johnstone’s PC Learning Workshop, the Foxbar Sheds and the Fairway Club to deliver sessions by utilising CLD buildings and spaces. Working closely with partners such as Ren Ten, mental health & wellbeing services, Invest and Careers Scotland, and other local and national partners who have secured funding for target communities, CLD have helped access community venues and outreach services.
Page 21
Page 6 Development of the new Paisley Grammar campus is currently underway. Developing Communities services were involved in the consultation with the school and architects to look at how a learning campus can incorporate partners in being able to meet the wider needs of the community. Renfrewshire Climate Change Champions is a youth directed project developed as part of the COP26, encouraged by the Scottish Government, Youthlink Scotland and Keep Scotland Beautiful. The group meets regularly to identify and develop awareness raising campaigns that inform and change attitudes to climate change and improve recycling and reducing single use of plastic in schools. Renfrewshire Climate Change Champions maintain a strong link with the Council’s Climate Emergency Officer and Renfrewshire Climate Panel and have actively participated and contributed in the national Climate Crisis Conference in Dynamic Earth, Outdoor Play day. The group have encouraged wildlife in Muirshiel Country Park by planting trees and shrubs and continued to build knowledge and awareness by visiting ENVA recycling plant. During 2021-2022 Youth Services achieved the LGBT Scotland Bronze charter, demonstrating that an integrated approach has been adopted to incorporate LGBTI in all aspects of Youth Services work. As part of the process, our staff and volunteers participated in a range of training opportunities, we also completed a review of our youth work practices and adopted new tools and resources that resulted in our service delivery being as inclusive as we can. The achievement of gaining the LGBT Scotland Bronze Charter is a positive statement and commitment to equality and diversity. Several safe space groups for LGBTI have been successfully developed by Youth Services enabling LGBTI young people, to engage and participate in activities that enable young people to explore their identity, learn about rights, feel safe and give them the confidence to reach their potential. A member of Renfrewshire’s Youth Services team, Siobhan Gray, was successful in winning the ‘Youth Worker of the Year Award’ 2022. Starting in Youth Services as a sessional worker, Siobhan’s interest in youth work grew and over the past two years, two of the projects she has worked on have made a considerable difference to young people in Renfrewshire. The Bargarran Play park is the first interactive playpark of its kind in Europe installed in Erskine in 2021 after two years of community consultation by Erskine Youth Council; Siobhan supported the development of the park and ensured that young people were at the heart of driving and leading on this initiative Art BOSS is a partnership project between Youth Services and One Ren Arts Team, which aims to support and improve health and wellbeing for care experienced young people. The project helps to overcoming barriers to learning, and support them to develop skills, including interpersonal skills. The group were awarded a Young Scot Award in Arts in 2021, in recognition of their hard work and achievements. Siobhan was key to this group staying together and in providing an amazing consistent level of youth work support to individuals and to the group.
Page 22
Page 7 Street Stuff have continued personal development with staff being trained in First Aid & Defibrillator and Cycle Awareness. They also had training to support COVID Testing Centres, Taxi Marshalling and Local Government Elections. Key achievements have included the Street Stuff Manager receiving a certificate in Youth Work, Sessional staff being supported in University for qualifications in Law and Sports Development as well as one receiving the BB Presidents badge which is the 2nd highest achievement in the field with Street Stuff activities being used to support achievement. There are currently 32 staff working with Street Stuff with over 80% from the Renfrewshire area. There are currently 20 Volunteers within the programme who have all signed up for Saltire Awards. They have achieved a combined total of 650 volunteer hours, an average of 32 hours each. Volunteer activities include ball attendants at home games as well as supporting activities within the community. Digital Inclusion Significant efforts and progress has been made during 2021-2022 to minimise the issue of digital exclusion, and improve access, and the ability and means to engaging online. An application to Connecting Scotland Phase 2 resulted in securing 170 devices and 2 years free data for young people and families. Positive feedback was received confirming a reduction in social isolation, improved networks and connectivity, and access to digital tools, on-line services and the continuation of learning provided by the trained 17 Digital Champions. Seven staff successfully completed Digital Ambassador training through Digi-Ren, contributing to Renfrewshire’s vision of digital citizenship and supporting digital participation. CLD services continued to be modernised during 2021-2022, including the replacement of PCs in learning centres with more up-to-date technology and the acquisition of 76 tablets and 38 laptops for public access. As a result, the enhanced technology is providing a more meaningful learning experience for everyone who would like to be more digitally active. The refreshed learning programmes focus on the whole family accessing information and services safely and responsibly and can be flexibly provided across communities rather than from fixed locations. The Young Renfrewshire Social Media Platform has been enhanced with the development of information on platforms relevant to young people. This has been achieved by working in partnership with Renfrewshire Council’s Communications team, Invest Renfrewshire, Children’s Services and Youth Services. Facebook and Instagram have been set up and branded with young people in mind. A Marketing Intern was recruited to help support the development of the platforms and create content based on feedback from young people. During a 6-month period 51,105 page views to the Young Scot site from Renfrewshire were recorded, with the top searches relating to coronavirus rules, how to save money with Young Scot card and discounts, who to contact for mental health support, and free bus travel. The creation of campaigns on the Renfrewshire Young Scot pages has increased
Page 23
Page 8 access to information on services and opportunities, employment and training, mental health support, financial awareness, discounts, environmental and youth rights. The young people participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Award have greater flexibility to access the App on their smart phone or device from anywhere to upload evidence of their attendance at the skills, volunteering, and physical sections. As a result, participant involvement and completion rates has increased as the need to be physically in a building or classroom is no longer required. Universal Provision One of the key priorities for CLD is to promote and provide opportunities for all, ensuring no one is left behind. A wide range of universal and targeted actions have been delivered over the past 12 months to help build strength and capacity amongst young people across Renfrewshire. Youth Services made a significant contribution towards the period product consultation to raise awareness amongst communities across Renfrewshire of the availability of free products. ‘Free Period Products Here’ signs are now displayed in all CLD and partner venues ahead of the introduction of the legislation to provide free period products in all public spaces which came into force across Scotland in August 2022. This initiative is the result of actively working in partnership with Renfrewshire Council’s Partnership and Inequalities service. 3,545 young people attended a mixture of regular on-line and face-to-face youth work activities as Youth Services re-introduced indoor ‘controlled’ face to face activities, following the impact of the COVID-19 restrictions. Youth Services were able to maintain contact and maintained engagement by utilising online and outdoor settings to deliver activities during the pandemic. Health and wellbeing coping strategies were delivered by Youth Services in all youth work activities boosting resilience and improving personal skills and the confidence to cope with anxieties. Young people welcomed having safe spaces to engage with youth workers on a wide range of issues, including worries, hope and fears. The engagement sessions helped young people to feel more confident in returning to school, and to youth clubs/groups. External funding to match funding from NHSGGC and Ren Ten was secured to deliver an online platform service ‘Together all’ supporting and signposting to positive mental health support. Renfrewshire Young Scot Portal was utilised to signpost young people to on-line websites and links specialising in health and wellbeing and mental health. Outreach work across Renfrewshire was undertaken to distribute marketing material to all 12 secondary schools, and approximately 70 cafes, nail bars, hairdressers, barbers, and community spaces. The total number of young people with a Young Scot NEC card is 20,191 (Figures from 6month PI report March 2022), which is an increase of 18%. A total of 15,794 enquiries have been handled by Youth Services in relation to the Under 22 Free Bus travel scheme. The formation of a Young Scot National Entitlement Steering Group has enabled a joined- up approach to assist the rollout of the Junior Card to all Primary schools for children aged
Page 24
Page 9 5-10 years, the annual bulk process for all P7 who require a photograph ID on their card as they transition into S1, and the individual applications for renewed Cards with consented bus travel. 14,185 young people aged 8 -16 years attended the Street Stuff evening programme, attendance was lower than previous years due to the pandemic and restrictions in numbers attending activities at any one time. Street Stuff activities were delivered during the school holiday periods across Renfrewshire with programmes for age 5 – 16 consisting of multi-sports, gaming, arts and crafts, interactive fun games, educational, healthy eating and first aid. All activities included the provision of a healthy meal. 540 young people attended the spring break programme 258 young people attended the October 2021 school week, Over 268 young people took part in the Festive Programme with a range of multi- sports, gaming and festive fun quizzes, prizes and gifts for all participants including provision of food. The annual football festival at St Mirren Stadium returned following the pandemic with over 400 young people participating in age related group games. Our partnership approach has resulted in agreeing a new contract between Renfrewshire Council and St Mirren Football Club for 2 years with the option of extending for a further year on two occasions up to 4 years in total. The contract provides the opportunity for the delivery of a range of activities including multi-sports, educational awareness, gaming activities on the youth buses, and linking in with Youth Services to further develop and deliver activities to meet the needs of children and young people across Renfrewshire. The contract also includes maximising volunteering opportunities and creating pathways to further education and employment. The partnership will assist in closing the opportunity gap and continue to improve the life opportunities of young people. 2022 has seen a redesign and upgrade of Street Stuff buses with the latest technology and WIFI. Young people were consulted on the design both internally and externally and updated accordingly. Street Stuff has delivered a number of Gofitba and Fitba first programmes in schools across Renfrewshire creating a fun and interactive way of learning around team building, healthy eating and first aid. Feedback includes supporting health and wellbeing as well as improving attendance at school. Some young people have also had the opportunity to attend St Mirren home games and meet the first team players. Street Stuff are currently engaging with Ukrainian Families housed at Glasgow Airport with the provision of gaming activities on the Youth Bus. They have also attended St Mirren FC home games with 80 tickets used to date. The number of School based DofE Leaders has increased to 24, with nine completing an Outdoor First Aid Qualification, and 5 working towards a recognised hillwalking qualification. The status of awards is growing and making an impact on targeted groups: 428 new enrolments with 19% being in SMID target areas 1-3. 81 young people completed their DofE Award - 33 Certificates of Achievement, 35 Bronze, 10 Silver and 3 Gold. Despite the
Page 25
Page 10 disruptions during the pandemic nationally and locally Renfrewshire Youth Services supported young people to continue their journey with flexible adjustments to complete their award section. For example, using digital platforms and online resources, allowing exercising at home and the restricted physical activities in and around home as well as volunteering at home and for family members needing care A Partnership team consisting of staff from Youth Services and Children’s Services completed the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) Training for Trainers and developed an action plan to roll out UNCRC Bill of Rights awareness to CLD Partners, and Education, Social Work and CLD staff. Youth Services has been working with the Children’s Rights Unit of the Scottish Government under the Children and Families Directorate. Youth Services hosted a series of workshops to develop a child friendly animation as a companion piece for the UNCRC Introductory guidance. Young people from Renfrewshire joined with young people from a Glasgow based organisation (Partners in Advocacy), working alongside writers and animators to discuss the key messages and language which will shape the final film. The animation will eventually be shared across Scotland as part of the national public campaign targeted at children, young people, families, and public bodies. In 2021 the Scottish Youth Parliament held their elections using a mixture of digital and limited face to face youth work to overcome the challenges and restrictions of the pandemic. 2,753 young people voted and 5 new MSYPS were duly elected and have completed the training, attended first national sitting, gained experience of debating, voting on motions, and agreeing national campaigns. Renfrewshire Youth Voice (RYV) successfully held their AGM, with new Board members and role bearers elected. Work is continuing to recruit new supportive Trustees. RYV are planning for the forthcoming ten years celebration of the Positive About Youth Awards. The Youth Panel for Cashback made up of members from across the Youth Voice Groups contributed to the Cashback for Communities Grant award process. Erskine Youth Council have continued to support the Playpark and interactive games. A new Water Safety Policy has been developed and will be delivered by a range of partners, the focus of which is on education across both Primary and Secondary school across Renfrewshire. Educational inputs are being developed and will be delivered in the coming months. The Safekids event was held at Lapwing Lodge, targeted at P6 children from Mossvale and St James Campus. Safety messages have been delivered in a fun and interactive way, highlighting the impact of antisocial behaviour, dangers of alcohol and drugs, littering and dog fouling, rail and water safety and internet safety. The sessions were filmed to be circulated to all in P7 and S1 pupils in the coming months to ensure the safety messages are delivered to young people who were unable to attend due to the pandemic.
Page 26
Page 11 Targeted Provision Adult and Family Learning has continued to actively support people facing poverty to access organisations practical assistance. The actions and efforts of Adult and Family Learning have been successful in extending and strengthening partnership working and relationships with a range of community organisations and charities for example, The Society of St Vincent De Paul, EBI Unites, Renfrewshire Toy Bank, The Louise Project, Glasgow’s No1 Baby and Family Support Service. Engage Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire CLD secured funding from Scottish Government to develop community-based adult learning. A comprehensive programme was successfully developed with the support of 11 local CLD Partners providing opportunities to reconnect and re-engage with current and potential new learners in Renfrewshire. The Summer of Fun programme engaged with 817 individuals. This included 58 children from the Scottish Government’s targeted criteria who participated in the four weeks of Summer of Fun programme developing skills on basic planning, shopping, and food preparation skills encouraging healthy eating on a budget. They were also encouraged to plan and prepare their own lunches on site during the four-week programme. The Summer of Fun programme was delivered in partnership with a wide range of partners which took place in 6 venues across the SIMD areas of Renfrewshire and benefitted 552 individual children who enjoyed a wide range of activities including: dancing, drumming, drama, arts and crafts, sports, den building, community clean-ups, outdoor play, sports and trips to outdoor centres, as well as passes for the climbing wall and swimming pools. A healthy lunch was provided each day. A further 182 children benefitted from additional hours at the Additional Support Needs playscheme held at Riverbrae, again receiving a lunch. Youth Services ran several youth clubs over the Summer of Fun period and attracted over 100 individual participants. One project was aimed at ASN children, whilst Streetstuff put on a new initiative for Ukrainian refugee children which involved 25 young people. The community-based Adult Learning Recovery Fund 2021/22 was used to develop the 6- week Personal Social Development group work programme for new and existing learners, including ESOL groups and parents attending family learning programmes. The programme activities were targeted at people facing multiple barriers and at risk of isolation and loneliness. The focus of the six-week programme was to rebuild strong social connections between adult learners, their communities, and wider networks. The programme was delivered by Adult and Family Learning in learning centres and community venues in Paisley, Johnstone, and Renfrew and included group trips on public transport to local places of interest, afternoon cinema visits for parents whilst children were in school. The sessions have achieved positive outcomes, all eight groups have elected to continue learning together. Learners from Southend Action Centre were successful in securing funding from Education Scotland and the Green Spaces fund to develop a small community wildlife garden at the rear of the newly refurbished building. They have now installed planters for growing flowers and vegetables and bird feeders and binoculars to observe local bird life in recognition of the benefits to mental health and wellbeing of connecting with the outdoors, even in urban areas.
Page 27
Page 12 “The Southend Smoothies” achieved third prize in Beat the Street in November 2021 by walking for miles around Johnstone and the Villages. A further 60 learners also increased their step count after completing their wellbeing programmes and receiving their Adult and Family Learning wellbeing packs which included pedometers and refillable water bottles. All adult learning groups have developed an understanding of the benefits of exercising and fresh air to maintain a positive mental health and wellbeing. Youth Services actively engaged with young people to support their wellbeing and education recovery to address the impact of the pandemic. The “EVOLVE” programme focussing on personal and social development, including P7, S3 and care-experienced/refugee settlers continued to be delivered. The programme involved a total of 97 young people in a range of activities, including outdoor learning, focussed groupwork and emotional literacy, digital and arts and culture, and life skills. The evaluation of the “EVOLVE” programme was part of a national collaborative enquiry involving Education Scotland and Youthlink, which was citing best practice for schools and youth work partnerships. The main strengths and impacts of the programme included flexibility in meeting the wide range of needs expressed by young people. The joined-up approach adopted by working in partnership with schools and Throughcare resulted in positive feedback from all participants demonstrating improved resilience, increased self- confidence, better relationships, and improved problem solving, decision making, communication and leadership skills. Adult & Family Learning used a peer-led learning approach to develop the skills to deliver their new blended and online activities. Having the skills to facilitate online learning enabled staff and volunteers to maintain an ongoing timetable of activities with learners despite being unable to meet in person This reduced the disruption to the learning and ensured that people at risk of isolation were in regular contact with a known person throughout lockdown periods. The Pizza Learning programme had 188 families participating. The programme was developed and delivered using a combination of innovative online and outdoor sessions before finally returning to face-to-face groups in April 2022. Most of the participants reported the major benefits from taking part included increasing their child’s motivation to read and engage with books, a growth in children's self-confidence to take part in the activities, and the whole family having an opportunity to learn together and make connections within the school community. The family learning team worked in partnership with Renfrewshire Libraries to pilot Libraries FAB (Find A Book) project. Families signed up for library tickets and were encouraged to explore local library resources with local authors visiting the Pizza Reading sessions. Youth Services have successfully developed a Trusted Verifier network of organisations who work directly with young people facing barriers to accessing the Young Scot National Entitlement Card and the benefits it brings and Tackling Poverty. The Trusted Verifiers will act as referees working closely with Youth Services to ensure the PASS standard is secure and assist in reaching young people in greatest need. The partners involved include Home Link (Renfrewshire Council), Renfrewshire Council Social
Page 28
Page 13 Work (Fostering Service, Throughcare, Kinship Care, Area Teams, Unaccompanied Young People, Supported Carers, Care Experienced Team, SPACE Team), Renfrewshire Council Care Home Services – Children and Young People, Invest, Good Shepherd Centre, Blue Triangle, Renfrewshire Women’s Aid, Who Cares? Scotland in Renfrewshire, Flexible Learning, Kibble, and members of the Renfrewshire Youth Work Network. Delivering Equally Safe funding was secured from the Scottish Government national initiative to combat gender-based violence. Youth Services is leading a partnership with Children’s Services and youth work organisations in the 3rd sector, to build on the Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) programme that has been growing in schools across Renfrewshire. The Young and Equally Safe in Renfrewshire Project has already involved 30 past Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) leaders to a review and planning meeting to plan the stages of development. In June 2022, a further 97 current MVP from 10 secondary schools attended a youth event to share their views on gender-based violence (GBV). The basis of this generated ideas for future public campaigns and community-based actions to combat GBV in Renfrewshire. Youth Services worked closely with Children’s Services as part of the Renfrewshire Keeping the Promise and developing the Promise Champions youth voice group supporting care experienced young people. A partnership bid to Future Paisley secured funding for an Arts and Cultural Engagement officer. Outreach sessions have taken place and the first summer programme of tasters were filled by young people interested in dance and movement, graffiti workshops, and film and photography. ArtBoss funded by Future Paisley is a partnership project between Youth Services and One Ren, which has been running successfully with a core group of young people. They have achieved a significant amount, producing a variety of work including their own graphic novel, short films and photography which was showcased at local festivals and events such as Paisley Book Festival, Sma’Shot Day & Paisley Food & Drink Festival. The Art Boss members also worked alongside app designers and local musicians to co-produce content for the launch of the Paisley Music Walking Tour App. These members are now moving on to our YO Producers group supporting the next group of Art Bossers as they begin their journey into the world of Creative Producing. Adult and Family Learning continue to work actively in partnership with the Resettlement Team, Social Work’s Unaccompanied Young Asylum-Seeking Children team and with English as an Additional Language (EAL) staff in schools. Adult and Family Learning have delivered 27 English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) groups to people looking for support with learning English. Through a mix of beginners ESOL classes and more informal Culture and Conversation groups, adults, and young people over 16years have been encouraged to build their confidence in using everyday language skills to participate more fully in their community. This includes working with the Paisley Museum Reimagined team, giving learners an insight into local cultural heritage with visits to Sma’ Shotts Cottages and the Secret Collection Museum and making cross-cultural links with a 6-week project providing Syrian learners with a voice on how the story of the museum’s Syrian glass collection will be presented.
Page 29
Page 14 As part of the Scottish Attainment Challenge, and in supporting education recovery in schools, Youth Services supported the delivery of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Programme to 6 schools (Parkmains HS, Linwood HS, St Benedict’s HS, St Andrew’s Academy, Glennifer HS, and Mary Russell Secondary), engaging with young people in S3 who had been identified as having lost interest and engagement with learning due to the impact of COVID-19 and the break in attending school full-time. A flexible approach has been adopted offering young people the opportunity to experience learning in outdoor settings including Forest Schools, bushcraft, expedition skills training, and environmental conservation through the Duke of Edinburgh programme. 50 young people participated in the programme, with 27 achieving a John Muir Awards, 7 achieving their full Bronze DofE Award, 17 achieving sectional awards in Skills and Volunteering, and 13 are currently working towards sectional awards. The impact of working together outdoors, had a positive effect where individual young people reported an increased sense of self belief and confidence, were more open to new experiences, and had increased hope for the future. The Renfrewshire Youth Work Network (RYWN) successfully secured national funding for a partnership approach to delivering youth work activities aimed at education recovery. The RYWN demonstrated that by working in a joined-up way there could be better impact and outcomes for young people. A shared understanding and commitment to the youth work outcomes framework has meant that skills sharing, joint planning and training, has strengthened the youth work sector during the pandemic, and the intention will be to build on this. Youth Services and partners have also recognised the importance of accrediting young people’s experiences and have promoted the range of wider achievement awards available. The RYWN are working towards the development of a Community Empowerment Award for young (and older) community activists as change makers in their communities. 314 sessions were delivered, with 296 young people engaged over a sustained period, totalling 1401 hours of learning. Awards achieved including Food Hygiene certificates, Youth Achievement awards, first aid certificates, John Muir Awards and Arts Awards. Community Capacity/Connecting Communities Developing Communities continued to review and explore new opportunities to maintain, develop and expand partnership working with a wide range of partners to build and expand on activities and opportunities being delivered. Significant action has been taken to identify new opportunities that develop community capacity and connect communities by facilitating development of a range of life skills, enhanced learning, employment, and volunteering. The Team Up to Clean Up Campaign has redefined the Councils relationship with communities, supporting and encouraging small scale, significant impact improvements in their neighbourhoods. Team Up to Clean Up has 4,000 social media group members who actively engage in their own projects to create civic pride and build resilience in their neighbourhoods. Community-spirit has heightened with individuals continuing to engage on the social media platform as a starting point for the #YouDecide participatory budgeting campaign and 2021’s Parks Investment projects which required community engagement to appropriately allocate resource.
Page 30
Page 15 Team Up To Clean Up coordinates two flagship events each year: the Big Spring Clean and the Spotless September Challenge. 2022 was a significant achievement attracting the highest level of engagement with over 1,500 volunteers registering for over 550 events, removing almost 2,500 bags of litter from their streets and open spaces. £2m has been released to communities by the Green Spaces, Parks and Play Areas and the Villages Investment Fund. Strong working relationship between Team Up and Green Spaces continues to develop small scale volunteering to individuals confident in delivering physical improvements that benefit their community. 47 of the 86 projects in receipt of funding are from Team Up to Clean Up volunteer groups. A wide range of diverse community projects continued to be supported resulting in the installation of: 14 play parks; 10 large scale green space projects (including funding the purchase of an ancient woodland; improving and enhancing 2 nature reserves; the creation and maintenance of 7 community gardens; a new a multi-use games area; a state-of-the- art interactive digital play park; repairs to a significant historical village building; a new bicycle proficiency park for pre-school children upwards; and a pump track is also expected to be delivered before the end of the year. . 6 groups continue to be supported with asset transfers and long-term leases by utilising the Green Spaces and Villages Investment funding. £300,000 of external funding has been generated and secured by Renfrewshire communities because of the Green Spaces and Villages Funding approach. Evidence based initiatives have been achieved demonstrating significant positive impact because of the delivery of the community projects benefitting local areas, increasing awareness and credibility of community groups, showcasing constructive changes that are deliverable. Project closure reports offer evidence of the progress and achievements. Increased partnership working between Team Up to Clean Up, and the Green Spaces, Parks and Play Areas initiative ringfenced funding has increased access to public funds for individuals. Enabling hardworking volunteers to procure and maintain planters and flower beds and install seating in areas - an opportunity previously only afforded to constituted community groups. Generating interest, improving areas in communities and increasing biodiversity. Systems and arrangements have been developed and simplified enabling volunteers to access funding for waterproof clothing, personal protective equipment (PPE) and tools. This funding stream has been available from November 2021. Three individuals have improved their area with planters and benches, and twenty-two volunteers were equipped with caddies, waterproof footwear, and clothing to assist them in delivering their community activity. Communities and individuals continue to be supported to understand the process of Participatory Budgeting adopted by Renfrewshire Council offering an opportunity to influence and direct Council funding and departmental budget spend into local projects and improvements. During 2021/2022 support and guidance has been provided to young people through the focussed participatory budgeting Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund.
Page 31
Page 16 Celebrating Renfrewshire is a £150,000 fund designed by and for young people, where young people aged 12-25 have a direct say on which projects are funded in their local area. The partnership working between Renfrewshire Council’s Chief Executive, Youth Services, Street Stuff and Renfrewshire Youth Voice has been developed over the past 3 years. In 2021-22, 1,721 young people voted, 5,163 votes were cast, and 68 projects received funding. A total of £124,437 has been awarded to youth projects in Renfrewshire. The priorities of the fund were determined by young people and focussed on the following: Youth Involvement and Participation; Sport and Physical Activity; Promoting Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing; Employability and Youth Development, and projects in Response to COVID-19, helping young people to recover from the impact of the pandemic. Feedback from young people involved in the steering group and voting process reported that Celebrating Renfrewshire was a positive experience and a useful resource for young people in their communities. During 2021, a total of 1721 young people participated in the voting process. Young people continue to be encouraged and supported to join the Youth Panel participating in the review and decision-making process to ensure that applications are relevant to their Local Partnership Area. An estimated £30k has been awarded for a wide range of projects within the Youth Panel’s Local Partnership areas. Young Scot published a positive case study on the involvement of young people in Renfrewshire’s Participatory Budget process and decision making. Youth Services took the lead to support Renfrewshire Youth Work Network to secure funding from Scottish Government Youth Work Education Recovery fund. Successfully delivering a programme consisting of a range of activities for young people across four themes: Outdoor Academy - involving Play Rangers, Bushcraft and Forest Schools; Digital Academy - involving digital tools, VR and creative digital media training; Cultural Academy - involving arts, creative writing, and drama; and Community Empowerment Academy - covering youth leadership and social action projects.
Page 32
Page 17 Year 2 – Priorities for 2022-2023 Universal Provision Continue to develop and enhance joined up approaches with a range of partners to deliver Youth Work activities in the re-opened CLD community bases. Undertake action to actively consult children, young people, and families to shape provision and activities. Prioritise supporting young people to engage and meet their peers in age-appropriate groups and activities, junior (8-12yrs) Teen (12-16yrs) Senior (16-18yrs). Identify opportunities to develop and enhance youth empowerment by supporting and promoting young people’s learning around democratic processes, voting, participating in budgetary decision-making process, and an enhanced ability to influence positive changes in schools and communities to achieve better outcomes. Continue to develop approaches and identify actions to challenge stereotypes and promote gender equality, reduce incidents of bullying, and hate crime, the promotion of anti- discrimination and prevention of violence against women. Work will be carried out with schools to develop the Mentors against Violence programme beyond schools and into the community, fostering wider peer led educational and groupwork approaches. Support young people to design and lead on a public campaign across Renfrewshire to raise awareness of the issue and canvass support to challenge and reduce gender-based violence. Actively continue to work in partnership with schools through the joined-up delivery around the UNCRC agenda and development of the MVP programme into the community. Actively support young people in designing and delivering workshops and campaigns to raise awareness and have wider impact to promote rights, equalities and opportunities and reduce violence and discrimination. Youth work experiences will be planned to include trips to other locations enabling wider experience of the world. The focus and priority will be to provide a safe environment for young people to meet their peers in age-appropriate groups and activities enabling a progression through transition from child to teenager into adulthood. Focussing efforts and actions on reducing barriers or disadvantages that are faced by some young people who may be marginalised. Undertake consultation and outreach with in under-represented areas to develop the youth voice in the community. Youth Services will work in partnership with Renfrewshire Youth Voice and MSYP’s to deliver workshops and events in communities to encourage young people to share their views on what they would like to see happening and changes they want to effect in their neighbourhoods. Results and outcomes will inform and shape the local Youth Action Plans to target funding and resources to put ideas into action to address priority needs. Renfrewshire Youth Voice will plan their 10th year of the Positive About Youth Awards to combat negative stereotypes of young people, celebrating the achievements and
Page 33
Page 18 determination of young people and their role to change things for other young people and their communities. The event will be held in the Coats Memorial Church, Paisley, Youth Services will continue to support the Young Scot NEC Card services, including the national roll-out of free travel for Under-22s in Scotland, promote the Young Scot Young Carers package, and encourage the growing number of cardholders to carry and use their NEC card to utilise the additional benefits and discounts it offers. The Renfrewshire Young Scot Portal will continue to be developed and enhanced with youth led content on local opportunities and support services. Contributing to Renfrewshire’s Digital Strategy and developing the Renfrewshire Young Scot Steering Group with key service/partner representatives and young people. The Young Scot Schools Partnership will also be strengthened and promoted as part of joint working with schools. Efforts and focus for the future on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Programme will include identifying and developing ideas to support young people in completing the award. This will include strengthening the links to volunteering opportunities within youth and community settings. Youth Services will continue to deliver a range of accreditation including Hi5, Dynamic Youth Award, Participatory Democracy Award, the Participatory Budgeting Award, Community Empowerment Award, and the Arts Award. Street Stuff will continue to work with schools to deliver multi-sports activities and the new games buses first aid training supported by the Scottish Football Partnerships Gofitba and Fitba First programmes, including educational awareness around healthy eating and whilst supporting the Tackling Poverty agenda during school holiday periods with the provision of a healthy meal. Street Stuff will work with Ukrainian refugees and asylum seekers to support integration into the wider community through the delivery of activities and assessing volunteer, employment opportunities. Communities and Public protection will continue to work with schools, communities, local and national partners to develop and deliver sessions around particular emerging trends to raise awareness of community safety issues that impact on individuals and communities. Targeted Provision Adult and Family Learning Services will continue to actively reconnect with learners and partners continuing to offer blended options of ESOL and Adult Literacies. As well as develop learning programmes that enhance engagement in formal and non-formal learning in community-based settings. There will be continued recognition and focus on Mental Health because of the continuing/ longer term impact of the pandemic on learners. A flexible and wide range of learning opportunities will be developed. Personal and Social Development learning will focus on wellbeing, offering a range of activities and delivering a learning programme that raises awareness and reinforces healthy choices.
Page 34
Page 19 The service will continue to work in partnership with Barnardo’s and Citizens Advice Bureau targeting parents and carers who have taken part in family learning programmes to progress into courses that build on their existing skills and experience and foster positive networks. A discreet learning group for jobseekers will be developed in partnership with Enable Works offering a confidence building programme and progression to access wider community- based adult learning. New Digital Skills courses will be delivered for people with little or no experience of using digital devices in each of the learning centres across Renfrewshire, encouraging safe and practical digital participation using laptops and tablets. Weekly Work Clubs will be reintroduced into CLD learning centres to support jobseekers by providing access to online job searches and help with form completion and updating Claimant Commitments. A new family learning programme will be developed encouraging families to be more environmentally conscious and to take positive action in their communities. The family learning maths programme will be refreshed in response to Multiply, the 3-year UK-wide numeracy initiative and piloted with families in selected primary schools. (Multiply) Numeracy will be embedded across the full range of learning programmes including ESOL, family learning, personal and social development, and digital learning in response to Multiply, the 3-year UK-wide adult numeracy initiative. A literacy programme will be developed providing a progression route into wider community-based adult learning opportunities for learners who are ready to move on to new challenges. ESOL classes will be delivered in the community for people with little or no English, and informal conversational groups for basic/elementary ESOL learners who want to improve language skills to access support and services or participate in cultural and leisure opportunities in their new communities. This includes, but is not exclusive to, targeted groups of New Scots such as Ukrainian, Syrian, Iraqi and Afghani refugees and asylum seekers being accommodated in Renfrewshire. ESOL support will be provided to Ukrainian refugees in temporary accommodation awaiting resettlement at Glasgow Airport and for Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children over 16 years in partnership with the UASC/ Throughcare team ESOL will be delivered on campus at Glencoats PS for adults and families seeking asylum and being supported by Renfrewshire’s Resettlement Team and Mears Housing belonging to the school community. Youth work programmes will be targeted at vulnerable young people. The EVOLVE programme will continue to offer informal learning and achievement to groups identified in primary, secondary and post-school age young people. Support and safe spaces for LGBTI young people to meet and decide on a programme of activities will continue to be provided across Renfrewshire.
Page 35
Page 20 The Young and Equally Safe Project will reconvene with new staff to support the MVP Leaders in designing their community-based workshops and public campaign and to embark on a youth leadership training programme. The ArtBoss, Yo-Producers, the Arts and Cultural Engagement Programme and Promise Champions, will continue to offer avenues for expression and activity for care experienced young people and young carers. Renfrewshire Youth Work Network will continue to meet and develop partnerships working across the communities, sharing good practice, ideas and delivering on key priorities for children and young people. Youth Services will facilitate a Renfrewshire celebration and spotlight events during the National Youth Work week, demonstrating how ‘youth work changes lives’, and support the publishing of the new National Youth Work Strategy, encouraging local conversations with young people, and decisionmakers on how national can meet local action. Ren Ten will be supported with mapping community mental health to identify gaps which need to be addressed and to encourage creative approaches to building community resilience and health and wellbeing. Training will be delivered to enhance skills of staff, volunteers and trainees relating to CLD practice and awareness raising of issues-based work. CLD will continue to explore funding opportunities to enable the continuation of school holiday activities with the provision of healthy meals Community Capacity/ Connected Communities Action is being undertaken to develop a Locality Model: Community Learning and Development Services, which will ensure regular attendance at local partnerships meetings creating close links with key community members and local concerns. Opportunities will be identified through the Neighbourhood Hubs to engage with residents adopting a solution-based approach to support, guide, and signpost individuals/groups to meet their proposed objectives. Work will be continued with schools, exploring ideas around personal responsibility, civic pride and the power of working as a community to provide young people with a greater understanding of the consequences of positive and negative actions. The work of the Green Spaces and Villages Improvement Fund will continue while funding remains available. Applicants (community groups, individual volunteers, and schools) will be guided and supported to meet the criteria and ensure their community’s aspirations are delivered. The Team Up to Clean Up campaign will work to boost increased engagement with schools, increasing bin provision and subtle nudge techniques around schools encouraging the use of bins. Presentations and discussions to raise awareness of the impact of decisions on the community and highlight the impact of actions on the climate will be developed.
Page 36
Page 21 The release of £40,000 of Green Spaces Funding for volunteers, will be used to enhance and improve open spaces, and to increase and generate new interest in the Campaign and the benefits it can deliver for communities. Community concerns of fly tipping, littering and dog fouling will be addressed with the support and assistance of the Environmental Taskforce introduced under the Team Up to Clean Up banner Developing Communities will continue to work with local businesses to support the Sustainable Business Scheme which will encourage businesses to be more environmentally conscious, reducing their impact on the surrounding community and becoming more active to present a cleaner, more appealing premises for their customers. Opportunities will be identified to work actively with key partners and Local Partnerships to undertake analytical profiling and specific needs assessment to work live and play through the Your Home Your Street Our Communities programme. A multi-agency approach will be adopted to identify a neighbourhood to consult and agree on the actions required to improve the area. Volunteering opportunities will be enhanced and increased through Team Up to Clean Up providing volunteers with continued opportunities to achieve their aspirations including issuing tools to clear leaves and weeds, waterproof clothing/footwear or benches, planters, and plants to increase the appeal of a community. A biodiversity workshop will be delivered to volunteers in Renfrewshire’s three towns. The workshops will educate and prepare volunteers in creating a wildflower area. Increasing volunteers’ knowledge as well as improving biodiversity in Renfrewshire. Enabling volunteers to use the new skills in their gardens or areas in communities. Support will be provided throughout the process of application to the Celebrating Renfrewshire participatory budgeting fund. The process will empower applicants, raising awareness of the positive changes that can be made and deliver invaluable experience and an insight into the mechanics of funding. Youth Services will continue working with the steering group for Renfrewshire Youth Voice who set the funding criteria each year to ensure the funding is aimed at delivering relevant activities for young people. Adult Literacies will continue to be developed using the Multiply funding initiative offering a wide range of non-accredited numeracy activities that build confidence with everyday use of numbers integrated into current provision and/or delivered as stand-alone programmes. The potential to broaden non-formal ESOL learning to meet the increasing demand from resettled and asylum-seeking people (including, but not exclusively, people from Ukraine, Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan) will be investigated. The new beginners digital learning programme will be rolled out across all learning centres alongside the reintroduction of 3 community Work Clubs, supporting local jobseekers with access to IT.
Page 37
Page 22 A training needs analysis for staff and volunteer development will be undertaken and relevant training opportunities to address skills gaps sourced.
Page 38
Page 23 Appendix 1 Examples of Partner Organisations listed below supporting the delivery, progress and achievement of Community Learning Development Strategy 2021-2024: ArtBoss Create Paisley Enable Engage Renfrewshire English as and Additional Language (EAL) Team Ferguslie Park Housing Association Foxlea ELCC I Am Me Kairos Women+ Mears Housing Moorpark ELCC ONEREN Arts and Museums – Libraries and Leisure Open Aye Paisley FM Police Scotland RAMH Ren Ten Renfrewshire Affordable Credit Alliance Renfrewshire Council Renfrewshire’s Resettlement Team Right To Dance ROAR St Mirren Football Club Star Project Throughcare team UASC University of the West of Scotland West College Scotland West Johnstone ELCC Woodlands PS Yo- Producers Youth Work Network