Matters Arising From Area Community Planning Groups (Shona Barton)
Argyll and Bute Council · 6 October 2022
Back to Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership - Management Committee — 6 October 2022 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: 6 October 2022 Agenda Item: Area Community Planning Groups – August 2022 Meetings 1. Purpose This paper presents key matters arising during the Area Community Planning Group meetings that were held virtually in August 2022. 2. Recommendations The Management Committee is asked to: a) note the Highlights detailed at section 4 of the report; and b) note the position with relation to the various Vice-Chair roles as outlined at section 4.1. 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). All meetings were held on a virtual 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. There was good attendance at all 4 meetings by a variety of partners. 4. Highlights All groups considered: . CPP Management Committee Update Climate Change Stan Philips had helpfully provided an update report on the work of the Climate Change Working Group.
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Highlights from specific meetings were as follows: Bute & Cowal Alex Wilde delivered a presentation on behalf of the Improvement Service regarding the Shaping Places for Wellbeing Project. The Project is funded by the World Health Organisation and will explore, among other things how places can deliver on wellbeing and how an approach to place can be further embedded. Themes arising from the Project include mental health; addictions; skills and employment; leisure; people transitioning from school to work; and people transitioning from work to retirement. Robert Macintyre of Bute Community Council raised concerns over the time taken to repair the lift at the ferry terminal in Rothesay. It was noted that the delay had been due to lack of spare parts. Reeni Kennedy Boyle, on behalf of Fyne Futures, provided the Group with information on the Employability Partnership pilot. Reeni also highlighted the Scottish Community Network for Climate Change and the availability of associated training, with Partners encouraged to participate. Victoria Weir, Project Officer provided a verbal update to the Group on the Council’s strategy to expand the availability of electric vehicle charging points in Argyll and Bute to assist with the phasing out of petrol and diesel cars. She advised on the key elements of the themes of the project – charging on the move, destination charging and residential charging and advised that in order to access funding for the project there was a requirement to produce an evidence based plan. The Community Focus item came from Hugh O’Hagan of SAWA, which means welcome in Arabic. Hugh provided the Group with a presentation on the work of SAWA including the integration of new Scots into communities and helping them into job placements. He informed the Group on activities that a number of new Scots had been involved in such as the repair of old books at Mount Stuart; tree planting and a programme of trips to encourage integration. He further advised that the college were providing information on attending universities and that some participants would be undertaking a video course. Helensburgh & Lomond The Group noted that Sephton MacQuire (Dunbritton Housing Association) would no longer be attending the meetings and had therefore stepped down from the position of Vice-Chair. Following discussion, the Group appointed Sarah Davies (Helensburgh Community Council, Fun First and Plastic Free Helensburgh) as Vice-
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Chair for a period of 2 years. This appointment was welcomed as Sarah is very active across the area with a number of organisations. The Group heard a number of interesting updates from partners. The update from Duncan McLachlan noted that Arrochar and Tarbet Community Development Trust in conjunction with the local Community Council are currently conducting a community wide survey that will inform an updated Community Action Plan (Local Place Plan). The update also provided detail on a number of initiatives and projects that have taken place in the National Park which have improved the visitor experience to the area. An update from Destination Helensburgh advised that they had recently completed a contract for the Council to provide content for a new app “Discover Helensburgh” which features eight walking trails with associated points of interest. It was also noted that a number of promotional activities had taken place over the summer including the filming of some promotional videos. Rhona Grant provided an update in relation to Adult Learning and confirmed the recent recruitment of an Adult Learning Worker. She also introduced the Lead Youth Worker for Live Argyll, Thomas Guy-Conroy to the group. Thomas provided a short update on the work he has been undertaking in relation to tackling anti-social behaviour in youths, which included running a Friday night football session for 12 -16 year olds with input from the National Football Unit on hate crime and anti-social behaviour within communities. Thomas advised that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service had purchased the equipment needed to enable this session, and took the opportunity to thank them publically for their help and support. Thomas further advised of the Youth Action Group which was now up and running in the Helensburgh area. Angela Anderson provided information on events that are taking place in the area and supported by Plastic Free Helensburgh and Time for Change Argyll and Bute. It was noted that there have been a number of beach cleans across the area with more scheduled – disappointingly there is still a large volume of sewage related plastics and wipes on the beaches. Angela also advised that Plastic Free Helensburgh continue to attend meetings and had recently given a talk to pupils at Rhu Primary. The Community Focus item was provided by John Lewis of Males Tales/Females Tales who gave a short guided tour of the Mental Health and Wellbeing website, which provides a guide to Mental Health organisations and support groups throughout the Helensburgh and Lomond area. John highlighted the “Crisis and urgent assistance required” section of the website, which provided details of different types of crisis’ with information and details on the appropriate action to take and advised how other organisations and support groups could apply to have their information included on the website.
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The Group discussed arrangements for future meetings and it was agreed that a survey would be circulated to all Partners to ascertain the preference of the group on timings and locations for meetings with a report to the next meeting of the Group. Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands The Group considered the appointment of a Vice-Chair which had been vacant for a number of meetings. Councillor John Armour agreed to take on the role for an initial period of 6 months in the hope that there would be some renewed interest from the community after the Community Council Elections which are being held in October. The meeting was well attended with a number of updates from partners. Chiara Fingland from Architecture and Design Scotland provided an update on the work that had been undertaken since the last meeting of the Group with it being noted that they have supported Campbeltown Community Council to work with pupils from Campbeltown Grammar School to involve more young people in local decision making. Chiara also highlighted that that the learning from year 1 across all 7 Climate Action Towns has now been published and can be viewed using the link below. https://www.ads.org.uk/resource/climate-action-towns-year-one-lessons- report Alyson MacGillivray spoke to an update from South Islay Development (SID) which highlighted that SID had received 2 completed tenders from contracting companies who were willing to do the construction work for the new building on the Port Ellen Playing Fields. However due to the rising construction costs SID have since been unable to award the contract to either party. Margaret Wallace from Argyll TSI provided an update on their recent work including the progress of the Argyll and Bute Community Directory which now has over 872 organisation details included. It was agreed that there would be a demonstration of the Directory at a future meeting of the Group. Sergeant Shaw, Police Scotland gave an update which included information on the ongoing work of the Service and provided information on staff resourcing as well as a number of initiatives including Keep Safe – Ukranian Support and Doorstep Crime Guidance. Information in relation to road safety was also provided in the report. Sergeant Shaw also highlighted the increasing trend of drug drivers and drugs being brought into the area and added that road block operations had been in process and advised that they are increasing the footprint of these type of operations. Sergeant Shaw spoke of the public engagement activities helping improve the way the policing service is delivered in local communities and advised of the launch of this year’s annual Police survey. He urged Partners to go online and complete the survey and give their views. Discussion took place around the installation of Automatic Number
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Place Recognition Cameras on the A83; the recent Rural Crime event held in Kintyre and the possibility of running similar events in conjunction with neighbourhood watch meetings in future. Ryan MacIntyre introduced himself to the group as one of the newly elected Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament and provided an update on road shows that he had attended and other scheduled events. He added that the MSYP’s are trying to encourage young people to use their voices and are listening to young people’s issues. Ryan Highlighted that work on the Education Change programme was undertaken prior to it being presented to Council and highlighted that they are looking at ways to ensure young people’s voices are heard and considered. The Group received an update from James Paterson, Senior Economic Growth Officer in regard to the Argyll and Bute Settlement Programme. James highlighted his team’s continual work in trying to improve the barriers faced by people when taking up employment in Argyll and Bute’s most rural areas. He noted that four geographical areas are being focused on, Coll and Tiree; Kintyre, Bute and the Rosneath Peninsula. James added that they are in the process of recruiting a new Settlement Officer following the resignation of previous post holder. He advised that it is anticipated that a full report will be provided to Council in April next year. The Community Focus item was a presentation by Inveraray Community Council on the Inveraray Community Action Plan. Alyssa Stewart and Linda Divers spoke of the community engagement work undertaken including an open day held at a local church and the struggle with the lack of volunteers. They talked of the work that they are currently involved in with the Pier and added they are in discussion with young people to help create somewhere for them to play football, highlighting discussions with the local primary school who have an unused field that could be improved into a sports pitch for children. Partners were encouraged to look at the Community Action Plan and if they see themselves listed as potential partners to reach out to Inveraray Community Council to offer support. The Committee Manager provided a verbal update on the review of future meeting arrangements. She advised that the next meeting in November would be held in the afternoon. Shona highlighted the options for future meetings and asked for views on whether to continue with fully remote or hybrid where there is an option to meet in person with some joining via MS Teams. With all members in agreement it was decided that the next meeting would be held on a Hybrid Basis from the Council Chambers in Kilmory with the option available for members to join remotely. Oban, Lorn and the Isles The Area Community Planning Group were asked to consider appointing a Vice Chair to the Group. Ryan MacIntyre, Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament
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intimated his interest in the position, but as he was not a member of the Group it was agreed to continue consideration of this item to allow the membership to be reviewed. The Group considered a report from the Island Living Well Network which stated that funding had been sourced for the 8 Living Well Networks across Argyll and Bute to continue until the end of the current financial year. Partners also considered a report from Joan Best of Crossroads North Argyll which highlighted that they are now providing respite for 47 unpaid carers across Oban, Lorn and Mull. Joan advised that the needs of unpaid carers are changing, consequently, the organisation is becoming more flexible to address these needs going forward. Judith Hawcroft, on behalf of the Young Carers, reported that they currently have 711 registered carers, of which 629 are actively supported and 82 are still registered and remain connected but are not receiving regular emotional and practical support. 115 of active carers are young and young adult carers aged between 8 and 18. They also have 453 adult carers receiving ongoing support and 61 remain registered for bereavement support. There has been a significant increase in the number of new referrals and requests for Carer Support Plans; 66 new carers have been registered since the start of May 2022, compared with 25 in the same period last year, and 71 Carer Support Plans have been completed compared with 23 in the same period last year. Judith advised that work continues in partnership with colleagues in Social Work, Health and Welfare Rights, and with many third sector organisations, including Crossroads North Argyll, The Dove Centre, Hope Kitchen, Lorn and Oban Healthy Options, Curam and the Youth Café, to the benefit of unpaid carers. The lack of provision of home care due to issues around recruitment and retention is a primary concern for unpaid carers at this time and places greater pressure on carers who are having to provide additional support to fill the gaps. This is putting their health and wellbeing at critical risk and, should those carers reach breaking point, will negatively impact those they care for too. Ali Martin advised that £50,000 had been allocated between Duncholgan, Lochgilphead and Bayview, Oban for traveller site repairs; Ali advised that MECOPP (Minority Ethnic Carers of Older People Project) alongside ACHA and Argyll and Bute Council are working together to put a bid into the Scottish Government £20m Funding which is being made available to improve the lives of gypsy travellers. Duncan Martin, on behalf of Oban Community Council, advised that they have set up a sub group to respond to Argyll and Bute Council proposals for Oban Harbour. He reported that the Community Council feel there is not enough information available at present to assess the proposal fully. Duncan recognised the skeleton document and welcomed the opportunity for full consultation on the final version before it is submitted to Transport Scotland.
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4.1 Appointment of Vice Chairs We are pleased to note that the position of Vice Chair on the Helensburgh and Lomond Group has been filled with Sarah Davies of Helensburgh Community Council taking on the role. The Vice Chair on the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Group has also been filled with Councillor John Armour taking on that role for a temporary period of 6 months. The Vice Chair position on the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Group remains vacant but there is interest from Ryan Macintyre one of the MSYPs in taking on that role and that will be taken forward at the next meeting of the Group. 4.2 Community Council Elections The Community Council Elections are currently taking place with an Election date of 20th October 2022. Of the 56 Community Councils across the Argyll and Bute area, 39 have been automatically formed as they received enough validly nominated persons. There will be one full election carried out for Lochgoil Community Council as they had more nominations than spaces, this will be carried out on a fully postal basis with the counting of votes on 25th October 2022. There are 16 Community Councils who did not receive the required number of nominations, consequently the Council will carry out a by-election process with a view to forming these Community Councils. Following the Elections, each Community Council must hold their first meeting within 21 days – these meetings are called by the Returning Officer for Argyll and Bute Council and will be attended by an officer of the Council who will convene the meeting and provide relevant advice. These meetings will offer an opportunity to highlight the work of the Area Community Planning Groups and we hope to be able to encourage improved Community Council engagement. 4.3 Further Actions It is requested that the Management Committee note the report and the successful meetings held in August 2022. 5.0 Implications Strategic Implications Meetings of the Area Community Planning Group held in April 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
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may have a knock on effect on finance and/or staff resource Prevention Contributes to the prevention agenda Equalities Contributes toward reducing inequalities For More Information: Shona Barton, Committee Manager, shona.barton@argyll-bute.gov.uk