Matters Arising from the Area Community Planning Groups (Shona Barton)
Argyll and Bute Council · 10 April 2024
Back to Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership - Management Committee — 10 April 2024 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Management Committee Date: 10 April 2024 Agenda Item: Area Community Planning Groups – January/February 2024 Meetings 1. Purpose This paper presents key matters arising during the Area Community Planning Group meetings that were held in January and February 2024. 2. Recommendations The Management Committee is asked to: a) note the highlights detailed at section 4 of the report. b) note that Sarah Davies (Helensburgh Community Council/Fun First/Plastic Free Helensburgh) was appointed to the position of Chair of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group and that the Group will seek to appoint a new Vice-Chair at the next scheduled meeting. c) note that Jean Moffat (Bute Community Council) was appointed to the position of Chair of the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group. d) note that the position of Chair of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group remains vacant; and e) note the concerns of the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group regarding Police Scotland proposals to close a number of properties across the country, referenced within the ongoing ‘Shaping The Future of Our Estate’ consultation, specifically Greenock Police Station. 3. Background There are four Area Community Planning Groups, one in each of the Council’s administrative areas (Bute and Cowal; Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands; Helensburgh and Lomond; and Oban, Lorn and the Isles).
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Meetings were held on a variety of platforms, including purely virtual and on a hybrid basis using Microsoft Teams. Prior to the meetings discussion took place with the Area Chairs and Vice Chairs and a standard agenda template was agreed. All 4 meetings were well attended by a variety of partners. 4. Highlights All Groups considered: • Area Community Planning Group Governance Arrangements The annual review of the Terms of Reference and the Membership of each Group and, the dates of future meetings, up until May 2025. • Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership - Public Health Update Consideration was given to a public health update from Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership’s Public Health Team on the ongoing wellbeing and prevention activities overseen and delivered by them in Argyll and Bute. The update provided information on the Argyll and Bute Public Health Annual Report; the development of children and young people’s health and wellbeing profiles; ongoing health and wellbeing profile workshops; the Cool2Talk online support service for young people; and the annual Director of Public Health Report. • Presentation on Children and Young People's Health and Wellbeing Profiles Jennifer Dryden, Health Improvement Lead from Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership’s Public Health Team delivered a presentation on the Children and Young People’s Health and Wellbeing Profile. The presentations provided information in relation to the Profile themes; the purposes of the Profiles; the layout of the report and how to navigate it; the reasons for any gaps in the Profiles; and the type of data in the Profiles and ways in which this could be used by partners. • Draft Argyll and Bute Community Justice Plan 2023-2027 The Groups considered a presentation which provided information regarding the draft Argyll and Bute Community Justice Plan 2023-27. The presentation provided details in relation to the National Strategy for Community Justice; the core membership of the Community Justice Partnership; the overall strategic context of the Vision for Justice in Scotland and National Strategy for Community Justice; the development of the Community Justice Outcome Improvement Plan; the Community Justice Pathways Assessment process; and the timescales for the consultation and publication of the plan. • Area Plans Update
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The Corporate Support Manager from Argyll and Bute Council delivered a presentation to each Group in relation to the Council’s Area Plans. The presentation provided background information in relation to the Plans, as well as details of the 8 Locality Plans across Argyll and Bute. The presentation also included context about the scope of the Plans; the importance of community engagement and efficient use of resources in the development of the plans; the overall approach, governance and phasing of the Plan’s development; and the ways in which information from the development of the Plans would be utilised. The Corporate Support Manager noted that it was hoped that the Area Plans would maximise opportunities for funding for local projects. It was anticipated that the Plans would be developed and owned by the communities and that the Area Community Planning Groups would have an important part to play in the development of them. • Climate Change Working Group Update The Groups considered a report from the Climate Change Project Manager, which provided an update on the Community Planning Partnership’s Argyll and Bute Climate Action project. The update included information in relation to the background and work of the Climate Change Working Group; funding requirements to support the implementation of a Climate Change Project Manager post; an overview of the work of the Climate Change Project Manager to date and future plans. • Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Update The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service delivered a report outlining the FQ3 review of local performance across each locality for the period 2023-24. The report included information on the local firefighter training plan; incidents during this time period; unwanted fire alarm signals; road and water safety campaigns; community engagement activities; East and West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute Local Senior Officer Activities and home fire safety visits. • Police Scotland Update Consideration was given to an update which provided information on the ongoing work of Police Scotland and information on yearly crime statistics; fraud prevention and awareness, specifically relating to scam calls; personal safety inputs provided to Lomond and Argyll Advocacy Service staff; the success at the Divisional Recognition Awards 2023 and the support on the 16 days Against Gender Based Violence campaign. The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group discussed the ongoing consultation concerning proposals to close a number of Police Scotland properties across the country. Partners raised various concerns over the anticipated loss of services within the Bute and Cowal locality and neighbouring divisions and agreed that these concerns be raised at the Management Committee.
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• Live Argyll Community Learning Services Update The Live Argyll Community Learning Services Update provided information on the HMI Community Learning and Development Progress Visit; the newly elected Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament and the independent review of Community Learning and Development which has been actioned by the Minister for Higher Education, Further Education and Skills. • Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (TSI) Argyll and Bute TSI provided an update on their recent work including information on grants from the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund 2023-24; the commissioning of a Community Wealth Building strategy and action plan as part of the Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership; funding available from the Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network Fund; consultation and development of a TSI Strategy for 2024-29; the launch of the new TSI website on 20th February; and work with the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations on a fairer funding campaign. • Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau Argyll and Bute Citizen’s Advice Bureau provided statistical information on the number of clients who had contacted the Bureau between January and December 2023; the Volunteer Advisor training programme; the annual programme of energy efficiency advice sessions and services that the Bureau provide. The update also confirmed that last year the Bureau assisted 2000 clients which resulted in £1.5m financial gain. Jen Broadhurst highlighted that the Bureau was in the process of updating their Development Plan for the next 3 years and would welcome input from elected members and community representative groups. • UHI Argyll Update (Bute and Cowal, Helensburgh and Lomond and Oban, Lorn and the Isles) Consideration was given to a written update from UHI Argyll. The update included information on January start courses that are available; the multiply programme which aims to support adults with no or low level maths skills get back into work and the open day held on 11 January which was well attended at both the Dunoon and Rothesay Centres. • Includem – Youth Justice (Bute and Cowal and Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands) Consideration was given to a presentation by David Gould, Associate Researcher, Includem, in relation to Includem’s ADAPT Research Project. Information was provided in relation to Includem’s backroad as a Scottish charity dedicated to providing 24-hour, one-to-one support for young people and their families/carers and
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their normal operating processes when assisting young people who may be in conflict with the law. Bute & Cowal (Meeting Papers - LINK) Consideration was given to an update from Alex Wilde and Becky Hothersall from Shaping Places for Wellbeing Dunoon. The update provided information on inequality groups; how they share their learning; Place and Wellbeing Assessments and training opportunities and the Active Travel Plan for Dunoon. Rhyddian Knight of Friends of Glenan Wood advised that the woodlands is 148 hectares of unique Atlantic temperate rainforest which is managed by a small volunteer board in which he is the only full time employee and that his role is primarily community engagement. Mr Knight advised that they have finalised their programme for the year and are working on rebuilding their website to include an online booking page. Rhyddian highlighted that the location of the woodlands is on the Cowal Way and beside the ferry terminal which brings opportunities for visitors as well as locals. It was noted that funding is a challenge for the woodlands. Helensburgh & Lomond (Meeting Papers - LINK) PC Drew Omand of the Ministry of Defence Police provided a written update that highlighted that the storms over the last few weeks had caused disruption in the area around His Majesty's Naval Base (HMNB) Clyde and surrounding roads and that there has also been an increase of drone pilots around HMNB Clyde/Coulport which is a security concern and advised that any sightings should be reported. The update also provided information on internet safety and road safety awareness campaigns which are being delivered in local schools in collaboration with Police Scotland; the rise in fly tipping on Ministry of Defence land and information on the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers who are looking for opportunities to support the local community. Helensburgh Community Council advised of the current position in relation to the submission of a bid for the Waterfront; the Pier Regeneration Project; the provision of warm spaces and the petition to the Scottish Government to prioritise local participation in planning decisions. Fun First advised that they continue to provide sessions for pre-school children and their parents with at least one session available every day in either Helensburgh, Cardross, Garelochhead or Rosneath; a grant had been received from the TSI Health and Wellbeing Fund to fund Fun First Friends sessions this year and leaders and committee members participated in First Aid for Mental Health training in November. Sarah Davies also highlighted that training is to be held in March to run outdoor sessions for parents and children. Consideration was given to an update by Angela Anderson on behalf of Plastic Free Helensburgh. The update highlighted that they had purchased four 2 minute litter picking stations with the grant received from the Supporting Communities Fund, the
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successful event with Scottish Water in November promoting their “ban the wipes” campaign. Information was also provided on the combined beach cleans with Helensburgh Community Council. Gill Simpson from Helensburgh Community Hub provided information on the Reading Minds Book Festival which is to be held on the 22-24 March 2024 in collaboration with Jean’s Bothy and Helensburgh and Lomond Carers Centre; the Hub being chosen to be one of four Scottish programmes to be part of the exhibition in the Scottish Parliament being hosted by The Dollywood Foundation in March; reading for pleasure activities and collaborations; volunteer numbers and the need for collaboration to create a funded gardening project. Fiona Baker on behalf of Destination Helensburgh highlighted that they have over 180 events scheduled for Helensburgh and Lomond this year and that they have been doing a lot of social media promotions to attract visitors to the locality with engagement numbers remaining very high. The Group gave consideration to a presentation from Veronica Ferguson, Helensburgh and Lomond Living Well Network. The presentation included information on what the Living Well Network are and the work they have been doing. It was highlighted that The Living Well Network is currently distributing funding received from the Alcohol and Drugs Partnership (ADP) to local charities doing work in the community that reflect the ADP priorities. Veronica highlighted that they are hosting a Living Well event in Helensburgh Leisure Centre on the 16 June to encourage people to get out of their homes and see what is available to them. Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands (Meeting Papers - LINK) Consideration was given to an annual report from Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA), which provided information in relation to their stock in the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands area; ongoing Regeneration and Investment programmes; the Warm Homes Fund project; the Business Energy Industrial Strategy; Whole House Retrofit Programme; the ongoing replacement of inefficient heating systems to be replaced with air source heat pump systems; ongoing improvement works at Duncholgan travelling persons site; a review of ACHA’s sheltered housing services; continuing work on property allocation and re-letting; works planned for the Exemplar Estates initiative; opportunities for communities to engage with planned Estate Walkabouts; an ongoing consultation on ACHA’s Customer Involvement Strategy; welfare rights services; adaptations for vulnerable customers; success at the Scotland Housing Awards, Scottish Energy Efficiency Awards, and Tenant Advisory Service National Excellence Awards; awards for local schools as part of ACHA’s 10 10 10 initiative and the results of feedback from customer satisfaction surveys.
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The Group considered a verbal update from Transport Scotland’s North West Area Manager. Information was provided in relation to upcoming works across the area, including drainage repairs at the Rest and Be Thankful; resurfacing projects in Arrochar, North of Ballochroy, West of Craigs and North of Artilligan;and the felling of diseased trees in the vicinity of Inveraray throughout March. The North West Area Manager also provided an update in relation to discussions between Transport Scotland, Bear Scotland and Argyll and Bute Council in relation to the proposed active travel and drainage project in Kinloch Road, Campbeltown. It was noted that this project was approaching a public consultation phase, and it was hoped that work would begin on site during the 2024-25 financial year. An update was also provided in relation to continuing works on the Hall Street footway and the potential need for an alternative surface for the footway to avoid algae and moss growth. It was noted that an additional area of the Hall Street footway had also been added to the programme for attention. Leah McGuigan and Eryne Barr from InspirAlba spoke to a report and presentation in relation to the Household Resilience project’s delivery of support for those affected by fuel and food poverty. The report and presentation highlighted the work of partner organisations including Kintyre Food Bank, Bute Advice, ALI Energy, Home Energy Scotland, and Kintyre Recycling. Leah and Eryne provided information in relation to the ways in which the Project could assist people to access support, including assistance with application forms and monitoring the outcomes of applications; signposting to relevant organisations and the delivery of food parcels for those who may be unable to access them. It was noted that the Project had assisted over 500 households to date, as well as 73 households supported through the School Uniform Project. The Group gave consideration to a report which highlighted the ongoing work of Forestry and Land Scotland within the area. Information was included in relation to Land Management Plans at South Knapdale and East Loch Awe; the continuing spread of the LarchPhytphiathora Ramorum disease in the area and efforts being made to combat this; the ongoing peatland restoration programme; upcoming complex operations; engagement with Lochgilphead High School careers fair; a project to map private water supplies across the West region; the release of four beavers in Knapdale Forest in December 2023; ongoing invasive species removal operations; and works around potential impacts of a Scottish and Southern Energy substation on the forest road near Achnabreac. Kintyre Climate Action Team provided information on the work of the Project which is scheduled to conclude at the end of February 2024. Highlights included the co- ordination of local events for Scottish Climate Week; the initiation of an Atlantic Rainforest Education Project, culminating in the anticipated launch of the Kintyre Rainforest Alliance; the production of a Campbeltown ‘green map’; the imminent launch of the ‘Campbeltown EcoCup’ and the Campbeltown Climate Action Film
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Festival; assistance in obtaining funding for a local zero-waste business; assistance with running a school workshop in conjunction with Climate Action Towns; the success and ongoing development of the Kintyre Grows project; and various methods used to distribute and share ideas and information. Oban, Lorn and the Isles (Meeting Papers - LINK) An update which provided information on the ongoing work of the Living Well Network across Mull, Iona, Coll and Tiree was considered. Carol Flett advised that 3 local charities had been successful in obtaining funding through the Third Sector Interface. An event has been arranged for 14 May in Rockfield Centre, Oban with the morning session being for Living Well Network Members and the afternoon session being open to the public where they will be able to gather information from charities, organisations and people who provide support about the support that is available for them. A further day is arranged for 28th August 2024 at An Talla, Isle of Tiree. Consideration was given to the written report submitted by Oban Access Panel, the report provided an update on the Braille Labelling Campaign, which has been discussed in Holyrood. The petition remains open to anyone who has not registered their interest and can be found at:- http:/petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE1997 Joan Best highlighted that Crossroads are now supporting 79 carers with around 195 hours of respite offered per week. Crossroads have also been in discussions with key stakeholders to establish the service on Tiree with referrals expected soon. Hope Kitchen Catriona Petit advised that the Climate Hub is open and Time for Change hold a café within Hope Kitchen each month. Support work around alcohol and addictions continues, focusing on recovery and reducing stigma. Food Poverty, Cost of Living Crisis and Mental Health support will be delivered from the new shop space in George Street which should be open in March. 4.1 Further Actions It is requested that the Management Committee note the report and the successful meetings held in January and February 2024. 5.0 Implications Strategic Implications Meetings of the Area Community Planning Group held in May covered various Outcomes. Consultations No prior circulation of this report. Resources No direct resource implications however consideration of the issues raised and following courses of action may have a knock on effect on finance and/or staff resource Prevention Contributes to the prevention agenda
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Equalities Contributes toward reducing inequalities For More Information: Stuart McLean, Committee Manager, stuart.mclean@argyll-bute.gov.uk