Public reports pack
Argyll and Bute Council · 2 May 2023
Back to Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group — 2 May 2023 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Kilmory, Lochgilphead, PA31 8RT Tel: 01546 602127 Fax: 01546 604435 DX 599700 LOCHGILPHEAD 24 April 2023 NOTICE OF MEETING A meeting of the BUTE AND COWAL COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP will be held BY MICROSOFT TEAMS on TUESDAY, 2 MAY 2023 at 10:00 AM, which you are requested to attend. Douglas Hendry Executive Director BUSINESS 1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 3. MINUTES (a) Meeting of the Bute and Cowal Community Planning Group held on 7 February 2023 (Pages 5 - 14) 4. IMPROVING LIVES IN ARGYLL AND BUTE Presentation by Community Planning and Development Team 5. COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE UPDATE (Pages 15 - 20) Report by Committee Manager 6. PARTNER UPDATES (a) Police Scotland Update (Pages 21 - 22) (b) Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Update (Pages 23 - 28) (c) UHI Argyll Update (Pages 29 - 30) Public Document Pack
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(d) Scenic Sandbank Update (Pages 31 - 32) (e) Argyll and Bute Council's Community Development Team Update (Pages 33 - 34) (f) Live Argyll - Community Learning Services Update (Pages 35 - 36) (g) Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau Update (Pages 37 - 50) (h) Opportunity for Verbal Updates 7. SHAPING PLACES FOR WELLBEING (Pages 51 - 54) Report by Project Lead - Dunoon 8. ARGYLL AND BUTE HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE PARTNERSHIP PUBLIC HEALTH ANNUAL REPORT (Pages 55 - 58) Report by Health Improvement Lead, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership 9. HOME ENERGY PLANS (Pages 59 - 70) Presentation by SSEN Engagement Delivery Team 10. COMMUNITY FOCUS (a) Grow Food, Grow Dunoon (Pages 71 - 72) Report by Martin Gerrish (b) Dunoon Gourock Ferry Action Group (DGFAG) Presentation by Robert Trybis 11. CLIMATE CHANGE (a) Climate Change Working Group Highlight Report - TO FOLLOW Report by Chair of Climate Change Working Group (b) Climate Action Hub Presentation by Argyll & Bute Regional Network Engagement Coordinator, Scottish Communities Climate Action Network (SCCAN) (c) Opportunity for verbal updates on community based initiatives 12. DATE OF NEXT MEETING The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 15 August 2023.
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Bute and Cowal Community Planning Group Contact: Julieann Small, Senior Committee Assistant - 01546 604043
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MINUTES of MEETING of the BUTE AND COWAL COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP held BY MICROSOFT TEAMS on TUESDAY, 7 FEBRUARY 2023 Present: Charles Dixon-Spain (Chair) Stuart McLean, Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council Ailie Law, Community Development Officer, Argyll and Bute Council Jackie Westerman, Home Energy Efficiency Project Officer, Argyll and Bute Council John McLuckie, Community Planning Partnership Lead, Argyll and Bute Council Councillor Liz McCabe Councillor Daniel Hampsey Councillor Gordon Blair Councillor Jan Brown Laura Stephenson, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership Rhona Grant, Community Learning Services, Live Argyll PS Helen Moffatt, Police Scotland Stephen Kelly, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Rhona Altin, Argyll College UHI Jen Broadhurst, Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) Alex Wilde, Shaping Places for Wellbeing, Improvement Service Becky Hothersall, Shaping Places for Wellbeing, Improvement Service Cathleen Russell, Colintraive & Glendaruel Development Trust John Weir, Bute BID Manager Douglas McHugh, Strachur Men’s Shed Susan MacRae, Skills Development Scotland Marie Stonehouse, Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network Reenie Kennedy-Boyle, Fyne Futures Dee Locke, Cormonachan Community Woodlands Sheena Findlay, Argyll College UHI Lauren Worrell, NFU Scotland Amanda Graham, Dunoon Community Council John Brint, Ardentinny Community Council Page 5 Agenda Item 3a
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Adrian Curtis, Cairndow Community Council Louise Brownlee, Cairndow Community Council Andrew Galloway, Local Democracy Reporter, Argyll and Bute 1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES The Chair welcomed everyone highlighting some new members of the Group including new Community Council representatives. The Chair also added his thanks to Councillor Liz McCabe who chaired the last meeting in his absence. Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of: Michelle Mundie, Chief Executive, Argyll Community Housing Association Ltd; Sandy McLeod, Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface; Becs Barker, Carr Gomm; Jean Maskall, Sandbank Community Development Trust; Councillor Audrey Forrest; Barry Colvan Scottish Fire and Rescue Service; Sergeant Eddie McGunnigal, Police Scotland; and Jean Moffat, Bute Community Council 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no declarations of interest intimated. 3. MINUTES (a) Meeting of the Bute and Cowal Community Planning Group held on 1 November 2022 The minutes of the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group meeting held on Tuesday 1 November 2022 were approved as a correct record. 4. GOVERNANCE (a) Area Community Planning Group Governance Arrangements The group gave consideration to a report which outlined the governance arrangements of the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group (Area CPG) specifically the Terms of Reference, membership and future meeting dates. The Committee Manager confirmed that organisational contacts could be updated as required, and noted that any suggestions for new organisations to join the group could be submitted to Stuart McLean or Julieann Small following the meeting. Page 6
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Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group: 1. considered and adopted the Terms of Reference submitted at Appendix 1 of the report and to agreed that they would be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure their ongoing currency and appropriateness for the work of the Area CPG as it developed over time; 2. considered and agreed the membership of the group at Appendix 2 of the report and agreed that the membership of the group would be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure currency and appropriateness for the work of the group as it developed over time; and 3. noted the dates for future meetings of Tuesday 2 May 2023, Tuesday 15 August 2023, Tuesday 31 October 2023, Tuesday 6 February 2024 and Tuesday 30 April 2024. (Reference: Report by, Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 7 February 2023, submitted) (b) Appointment of Vice-Chair of the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group The Group considered a report providing information relating to the appointment of a Vice-Chair of the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group and outlined the expected time commitment and information about the role. Fyne Futures representative, Reeni Kennedy-Boyle, indicated her willingness to accept this positon. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group agreed that Reeni Kennedy- Boyle be appointed as Vice-Chair. (Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 7 February 2023, submitted) 5. COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE UPDATE Consideration was given to a briefing note which provided information on matters discussed during a meeting of the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee, held on 7 December 2022. The Committee Manager outlined a number of key highlights from the meeting, with it being noted that the closing date for the consultation survey being conducted by the MSYP’s in respect of the review of the Argyll and Bute Outcome Improvement Plan had been extended until 14 February 2023. Partners were encouraged to take part in the consultation, which can be found at Improving lives in Argyll and Bute (argyll-bute.gov.uk) Page 7
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Decision The Bute and Cowal Community Planning Group considered and noted the briefing note. (Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 7 February 2023, submitted) 6. PARTNERS UPDATE (a) Police Scotland Update Consideration was given to an update by PS Helen Moffatt. The update included information on the ‘Not At Home Protocol’ which launched locally on the 9th of January 2023; The Distress Brief Intervention which is being rolled out throughout Argyll and Bute; the ‘Rural Watch Scotland’ extension of the Neighbourhood Watch Scotland movement; the Local policing plan which is due to be released; the Police youth volunteer programme and the Community speed watch. Discussion was had around sheep worrying and Lauren Worrell from NFU Scotland highlighted that she was in the process of organisation small events in relation to the Campaign and advised that she also had some signage which she was happy to distribute to members of the Group. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Police Scotland, submitted) (b) Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Update The Group considered a report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) FQ3 review of local performance across Bute and Cowal for the period 2022-23. The report included information on the local firefighter training plan, incidents during this time period and recent community engagement activities. Decision The Bute and Cowal Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, submitted) (c) Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership - Public Health Update The Group considered a public health update from Laura Stephenson, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership on the ongoing wellbeing and prevention activities overseen and delivered by the HSCP Public Health Team in Argyll and Bute. The update highlighted information on the launch of year 4 of the Living Well (Self-Management) community capacity building fund; the Community Link Working Page 8
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service; the newly launched Health Improvement website and health screening awareness. It was highlighted that further information on NHS Screening Programmes could be found at NHS Inform. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Health Improvement Lead, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, submitted) (d) UHI Argyll - Rothesay and Dunoon Update The Group gave consideration to an update by Rhona Altin, UHI Argyll. The update highlighted that all UHI Argyll Centres have provided additional support in response to the rising living costs; they are now offering a wide range of free access courses; intensive tuition in National 5 English and Maths is being offered for a fee which is more affordable than private tuition; opens days were held in all UHI Centres in November and January with a further open day scheduled for March; the Graduation Ceremony for 2022 graduates was held in September 2022 and The Sawa partnership project for New Scots reached completion in October 2022. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by UHI Argyll, dated 25 January 2023, submitted) (e) Live Argyll - Community Learning Services Update The Group gave consideration to an update from Rhona Grant, Live Argyll - Community Learning Service, which provided information on activities relating to the Sawa project Bute which concluded in October 2022; cooking on a budget youth sessions; Dunoon girls group; MSYPs consultation events and the new appointment of LiveArgyll Community Learning Services Youth Team Leader. It was also added that Adult Learning activities and classes on Bute will resume once the position for a new adult learning worker has been filled. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Rhona Grant, Team Leader – Community Learning Services, Live Argyll, submitted) (f) Department for Work and Pensions Update The Group gave consideration to a written update from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) providing statistical information on the number of customers Page 9
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claiming universal credit and legacy benefits; job seekers allowance; employment and support allowance; and income support. Further information was provided in relation to a number of targeted packages of support for the most vulnerable which included the benefit uprating; the new cost of living payments; the benefit cap rise and employment and support allowance. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group: 1. considered and noted the information provided; and 2. noted that in the absence of a representative from the DWP, any questions could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the Group. (Reference: Report by Employer & Partnership Manager, Department for Work and Pensions, dated 11 January 2023, submitted) (g) Argyll and Bute TSI Update The Group gave consideration to a written update by Argyll and Bute TSI which included information on the Argyll & Bute Community Directory’s Self Service Function which will allow organisations to update and maintain their listing themselves; useful resources and warm spaces information in relation to the Cost of Living Crisis; the TSI Inveraray Hub which is being offered as a warm space for Organisations; fully funded distance learning qualifications with Skills Network training and All our Children Network and the TSI Social Enterprise Network meetings on the 14th and 15th of February 2023. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group: 1. considered and noted the information provided; and 2. noted that in the absence of a representative from the Argyll and Bute TSI, any questions could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the Group. (Reference: Report by Argyll and Bute TSI, submitted) (h) Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau Update The Group gave consideration to an update report from Argyll and Bute Citizen’s Advice Bureau including information on the significant ongoing rise in requests from clients for advice and support with energy costs; the recruitment campaign for volunteer advisers; the annual consultation exercise and the research project for 2023. Partners noted that they could participate in the consultation which could be found at: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ABCABCommunityPartnersSurvey/ Page 10
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Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Argyll and Bute Citizen’s Advice Bureau, submitted) (i) Scenic Sandbank Update The Group gave consideration to a report by Scenic Sandbank which highlighted that they are a charitable community group run by volunteers which was created to improve the area around Sandbank for the benefit of residents and visitors. The report provided information on the Community Garden Project and the application to the Scottish Land Fund to buy the former land close to the former Sandbank Primary for a Community Garden, an outcome on this application is expected by early March 2023. There was no one in attendance from Scenic Sandbank to present the report. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group: 1. considered and noted the information provided; and 2. noted that in the absence of a representative from the Scenic Sandbank, any questions could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the Group. (Reference: Report by Scenic Sandbank, submitted) (j) Isle of Bute Business Improvement District (BID) Update The Group considered an update by John Weir, Bute BID Manager. The update included information provided within the associated November 2022 newsletter. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Bute BID, submitted) (k) Colintraive & Glendaruel Development Trust - Cost Of Living Crisis - Verbal Update Cathleen Russell from Colintraive & Glendaruel Development Trust provided the group with a verbal update on what the Organisation is doing to mitigate against the Cost of Living Crisis. Cathleen advised that in September 2022 they held a public meeting and brainstorming session to identify what the community wanted them to pursue, a selection of ideas was chosen such as the distribution of a small pocket of money to alleviate the cost of living crisis and the use of the Village hall as a community hub and warm space. Cathleen advised that the Development Trust continue to support members of the Community with a range of support available such as prescription delivery. Page 11
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Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Verbal update by Cathleen Russell, Colintraive & Glendaruel Development Trust) (l) Opportunity for verbal updates by Community Planning Partners Amanda Graham, Dunoon Community Council Amanda Graham, Secretary for Dunoon Community Council advised that the Community Council is now up and running and highlighted that they have their second Meeting on Monday 13th February 2023 at 7pm at the Queens Hall, with everyone welcome to attend. Susan McCrae, Skills Development Scotland Susan McCrae of Skills Development Scotland provided the Group with a verbal update on the ongoing work of the service. She highlighted many ongoing collaborations with organisations and provided information on the current Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) situation. Ailie Law, Community Development, Argyll and Bute Council Ailie Law, Community Development Officer provided the Group with an update on behalf of the Community Development Team. The update included information on the Outcome Improvement Plan which the team have been engaging recently with elderly and disabled people using a non-digital format. Ailie advised that if partners knew anyone who would like to complete the consultation by paper to get in contact with her. Reeni Kennedy-Boyle, Fyne Future Reenie Kennedy-Boyle of Fyne Futures provided the Group with a verbal update including information on the Argyll and Bute Employability Partnership; the development of a digital wallet employability passport to help the unemployed; the recent parental employment support fund pilot project focusing on child poverty and other ongoing collaboration work with a variety organisations. 7. SHAPING PLACES FOR WELLBEING Becky Hothersall, Community Link Lead for Shaping Places for Wellbeing Dunoon provided the Group with a verbal presentation. The presentation introduced the Shaping Places for Wellbeing project with it being highlighted that the overall aim of the project is to improve Scotland’s wellbeing by reducing the health inequality while addressing the health of the planet. Becky advised that there are 7 project towns and that the team will analyse a range of Public Health data sources to understand how Dunoon is performing within an Argyll and Bute and Scottish context. Page 12
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Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Verbal report by Becky Hothersall, Community Link Lead, Shaping Places for Wellbeing, Dunoon) 8. COMMUNITY FOCUS (a) Strachur Men's Shed The Group considered a verbal presentation by Douglas McHugh, Treasurer for Strachur Men’s Shed. Douglas advised that the Group first met back in February 2022 and advised that although it is named as a Men’s Shed it is a community shed with male and female members. He added that they have got over 70 people expressing an interest with many producing plants from their own sheds as they do not have a Community Shed. Douglas highlighted that they have applied for many grants but have been unsuccessful as they are not in a position to spend the money within the deadlines set by funders. It was highlighted that around £100K would be required to build a shed. Councillor Blair advised that the Supporting Community Grant Fund which can be accessed on the Argyll and Bute Council website may be of interest for the Group as the fund provides grants up to £2,500 which could help towards the costs. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Verbal report by Douglas McHugh, Treasurer, Strachur Men’s Shed) 9. CLIMATE CHANGE (a) Climate Change Working Group Highlight Report Consideration was given to a report which highlighted the ongoing work of the Climate Change Working Group. The report outlined the proposal to produce a strategic Action Plan as a means to address the climate emergency in Argyll and Bute; the development of governance arrangements and structures to support the Climate Change Project Officer post. It was highlighted that they are actively pursuing the recruitment of a Project Manager to start this Action Plan work and hope to have someone in post before the end of the financial year. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Chair of the Community Planning Partnership Climate Change Working Group, dated 20 January 2023, submitted) Page 13
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(b) Home Energy Efficiency Jackie Westerman, Home Energy Efficiency Project Officer for Argyll and Bute Council provided the Group with a verbal presentation on Home Energy Efficiency and the funds available to people within Argyll and Bute. Jackie highlighted that the premise of the Energy Efficient Scotland Scheme is to reduce carbon emissions to contribute to the Scottish Governments aim to have 0% emissions by 2040, adding that fuel poverty has been an important aspect of her work. Jackie reported that the Energy Efficient Scotland Area Based Scheme is available to home owners or private rented tenants with grant amounts dependent on property type and personal circumstances, with awards starting at £8,500 for a flat and a maximum of £13,500 for a detached property. Jackie highlighted that from July 2022 until now, £1.12million has been spent in Argyll and Bute and that more than 130 households in Argyll and Bute have been insulated in this year’s programme. Action – Jackie to send Stuart McLean Home Energy Efficiency leaflet and resources to circulate to the Group. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Verbal report by Jackie Westerman, Home Energy Efficiency Project Officer, Argyll and Bute Council) (c) Opportunity for verbal updates on community based initiatives Dee Locke from Cormonachan Community Woodlands gave a presentation to the Group which provided information on the woodlands which is located in Argyll Forest Park and the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. The presentation included information on the current work being carried out and what visitors can expect to find in the woodlands. It was highlighted that the woodlands received grants and donations which went towards their big project which was to create 2km of new paths which will be opened to the public between the end of April and early May 2023. More information can be found at: https://cormonachan-woodlands.co.uk Dee invited Partners to visit the Woodlands which is free and open 24/7 all year round. 10. DATE OF NEXT MEETING The Chair thanked everyone in attendance at the meeting, and thanked all partners for their continued proactive work in the community. The Group noted that the next meeting of the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group would take place on Tuesday, 2 May 2023 at 10am. Page 14
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Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group 2 May 2023 Community Planning Partnership Management Committee Update This briefing relates to the meeting of the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee which was held on 23rd March 2023. The briefing is for noting and relevant discussion. Summary HIGHLIGHTS Matters Arising from Area Community Planning Groups An update was provided on the discussions which had taken place at all 4 Area Community Planning Groups during the February 2023 cycle of meetings. The meetings had been well attended with the terms of reference and membership of each Group agreed. Of particular interest was the re-appointment of Councillor John Armour as Vice Chair of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre & the Islands (MAKI) Area Community Planning Group, and Kevin Champion as Chair for Oban, Lorn and the Isles (OLI). It was also noted that Reeni Kennedy-Boyle was appointed as Vice Chair in Bute and Cowal. The Management Committee noted the concerns raised by the MAKI and OLI ACPGs regarding the introduction of car parking charges by Forestry and Land Scotland, specifically the lack of engagement on the proposals and the negative effect charges may have on tourism and visitor numbers. The Management Committee agreed that the Chair would prepare a response on behalf of the Management Committee which will be forwarded to Forestry and Land Scotland. The CPP Management Committee met on the 23rd March 2023 with the meeting being held virtually. This update provides an overview of the discussion which took place. Reports which were discussed at the meeting can be found by following this link - Agenda for Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership - Management Committee on Thursday, 23 March 2023, 10:00 am - Argyll and Bute Council (argyll-bute.gov.uk) Page 15 Agenda Item 5
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CROSS CUTTING THEMES Climate Change Stan Philips provided a brief update report on the work of the Climate Change Working Group. It was noted that work continues to secure funding for a Climate Change Project Manager to take forward the development of a climate change action plan, with £90k of the required £120k secured. Pippa Milne added that the council had achieved bronze carbon literacy status, with 65% of elected members now trained by Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust. Child Poverty Mandy Sheridan advised that the associated report contained a summary of the framework on the requirements to achieve implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. She highlighted the importance of needing to move away from the idea that this is just an issue for child-facing departments and organisations, and requires a whole council approach. Pippa Milne and Councillor Robin Currie noted that the papers contained complex information on work that sits alongside many other council duties i.e. island impacts, environment and social. Mandy responded that it is her plan to hold an event once the action plan had been firmed up, to communicate to stakeholders that the implementation journey would need to build new skills and approaches and best practice may take time to develop. It was noted that a review of the Child Poverty Action Plan would begin shortly and is the first to include a target year of monitored work. Fiona Davies was optimistic that having come close to meeting current targets, the plan would help to achieve a reduction in child poverty in Argyll and Bute, she also advised that £197,000 had been awarded from the Scottish Government for Island Support. Financial Inclusion Fergus Walker highlighted the range of different work around financial inclusion, including crisis grants, concessionary housing payment, flexible fuel and food fund and the Love Local cards. Community Wealth Building (CWB) Takki Sulaiman advised that work was being taken forward on a CWB audit, and following consultation the brief had been split into separate lots. The separate lots being: - how we look at land and assets to how we currently procure, - identification of relevant replicable case studies, - development of strategy and action, and - can business cases and models be developed for us? Page 16
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Takki confirmed that CLD funding had allowed a collection of groups in Oban to explore opportunities that take advantage of CWB as a methodology. Digital Communities Iain MacInnes reported on the significant work regarding the R100 programme in the Oban area and shared the maps of completed premises that now have access to full fibre across Argyll and Bute. The Digital Scotland website shows where fibre is available or when it is expected. Iain highlighted there may now be residents in areas that can access full fibre but are not aware. Regarding the resilience of the Carradale mobile masts, Iain advised that the network coverage by EE is very good whereas other networks have poor signal. Iain confirmed that each ESN mast has power outage resilience via wind, solar or generator power as they must be active at all times. Iain advised that a contract to provide IT equipment to the island hubs (Islay, Coll, Jura and Tiree) has been agreed and that the equipment would be installed in late April 2023. Funding has been applied to extend this work further into 2023/24. Alex Edmonstone advised that the CLD Partnership will reconvene next month and that the digital sub-group has been working with Takki Sulaiman on digital mapping to review existing activity and identify the support need to deliver essential skills to communities. Building Back Better Kirsty Moyes advised that the Community Development Team had provided support to non-digital and hard to reach groups to support participation in the Argyll and Bute Outcome Improvement Plan (ABOIP) consultation. Takki Sulaiman provided a link to the TSI volunteer survey findings and gave an overview of the key points: - 106 responses to the survey covering 40 organisations and individual volunteers, - qualitative and quantitative findings aligned to national research by SCVO on the cost of living crisis and its impact on volunteering, - many organisations are struggling to recruit to volunteering roles - further conversations needed by TSI on how to provide support to volunteers - volunteers and organisations are interested in incentive schemes (discount cards etc). - results suggest that the cost of living crisis has not directly impacted volunteer behaviour but it has directly impacted volunteer families, and - the response regarding having a single volunteer system to on-board volunteers was inconclusive. Takki advised that a successful, family friendly, volunteering event took place in Hermitage Academy, Helensburgh, where Community Councils and 60 groups got together and matched those organisations with a surplus of volunteers to those with shortages. Page 17
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ARGYLL AND BUTE OUTCOME IMPROVEMENT PLAN CONSULTATION RESULTS AND NEXT STEPS. Rona Gold presented information on the Argyll and Bute Outcome Improvement Plan survey, methodology and participation rates, highlighting that over 1,900 responses had been received, over 1,000 paper copies of the survey were issued, with 230 posters and 500 fliers placed across Argyll and Bute to advertise the survey. The survey was also promoted via ebulletins, the Chief Executives podcast, twitter and Facebook. The team monitored the incoming survey results and then targeted promotion to increase participation across geographical areas and protected characteristics. Kirsty Moyes presented highlights on the support by the Community Development Team to engage potential non-digital and hard to reach groups to participate in the survey. Paper surveys were widely distributed and interactive sessions were provided to support the completion of the forms, adapting to the audience with easy to read resources, different voting methods including QR codes and bucket voting. Central collection points and prepaid envelopes were also provided to ensure no costs were associated with the return of completed paper surveys. Over 40 community groups were supported to participate covering approximately 520 individuals and a video showcasing the engagement was played to the attendees. Lucy Dunbar presented the work undertaken to engage young people. Promotion included church groups, young carers, development trusts, youth cafes, schools, scouts and guides. A further 18 youth organisations were contacted directly and there was also work with the LiveArgyll Youth Work team and CLD Partnership. Feedback received after targeted promotion was that young people were not engaged by the online survey, so an adapted single page survey was created in a more youth friendly format and language. John McLuckie highlighted the overall top 3 priorities for Argyll and Bute are Transport Infrastructure, Housing and Community Wellbeing. A fourth priority theme of Financial Inclusion was also identified. It was noted that the survey would close on 31 March 2023. Rona advised the next step would be to analyse the survey results in more depth at a development day. Rona advised that John was currently preparing a key and handbook for the anonymised data, other steps include: - sending thanks to all participants with an outline of next steps, - holding CPP development day (May / June dependent on diaries), - deep dive with online / offline groups over summer / autumn, - definitions of housing, community wellbeing and transport are agreed, - identify what needs to be improved, - long term actions agreed, - re-consult with stakeholders to ensure our understanding of the priorities and the actions proposed to address these matches those of our communities, - draft report published (with consultation at this point required under legislation), and - plan published. Page 18
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For further information, please contact: Stuart McLean, Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council (01436) 657605 Stuart.mclean@argyll-bute.gov.uk Page 19
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Police Scotland Update Road Safety Work is currently ongoing to develop short information videos for anyone planning on towing a trailer, boat, caravan or horsebox this year following a change to driving licence requirements meaning individuals no longer have to sit a separate test for towing certain trailers. These will be launched shortly on our social media channels for watching and sharing and are being developed with partners from Campbeltown including Roads Policing Officers and DVLA instructors. Youth Engagement The Dunoon and Rothesay Police Scotland Youth Volunteer (PSYV) is now back up and running with a number of young people, some from vulnerable backgrounds engaging with the PSVY programme that had ceased during Covid-19. Since the members are age-bound, a full new programme for recruitment has been ongoing for the past few months. Keep Safe Ambassador Training Days have been held at Dunoon Grammar School and Rothesay Joint Campus. Keep Safe is a national award winning initiative designed to tackle hate crime and provide those most vulnerable in our communities with safe places. The ambassador training enables young people to understand the impact bullying and hate crime has on an individual, their family and the wider community as well as how to recognise incidents of hate crime within the community and within school environments and how to safely report these. Internet Safety inputs have been provided to those in primary 6 and primary 7 at both Kirn and Dunoon Primary Schools. Our Youth Engagement Officers have also been involved with transition evenings at Dunoon Grammar School where safe social media use was promoted to the P7’s from all schools including Strachur, Lochgoilhead and Tighnabruaich. Fraud Prevention The scam savvy quiz was discussed with residents from Dalriada Grove in Innellan which was a great discussion with lots of inputs from local residents providing times where they have or nearly have fallen victim to scams and how we can all learn from this. Dunoon Emergency Services Day Planning is underway to hold an Emergency Services Day in Dunoon in June 2023. This will include Police Scotland, Ministry of Defence Police, HM Coastguard and others. Specialist units from the mounted branch, marine unit, dog branch and mountain rescue also hope to be in attendance. The event will be held at Dunoon Grammar School and more information will be shared when arrangements are finalised. Naloxone Roll Out The roll-out of Naloxone to our officers across Argyll and West Dunbartonshire is nearly complete. The intra-nasal sprays can reverse life-threatening opioid-related overdoses, and are being issued to all constables, sergeants and inspectors across Scotland to supplement their existing extensive first aid training. Nearly 450 officers now have access to these sprays carried in pouches for easy access. Officers complete an online course before receiving the first aid equipment. Since officers in Scotland started to carry Naloxone, it has been administered 128 times (correct as of 24/2/23), with positive outcomes on all but 5 of the incidents. Page 21 Agenda Item 6a
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Bute, Cowal and Dunoon CPG Briefing Report Q4 2022/2023 Performance & Activity Report From: 1st January 2023 To: 31st March 2023 Page 23 Agenda Item 6b
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Introduction Welcome to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Community Board Performance Report. This performance report is designed to provide citizens, stakeholders and partners with information relating to Community Board based activity undertaken by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Whilst using historic statistical benchmarking data, consideration must be taken of the somewhat random nature of fire related incidents and events, and how this can pose difficulties in interpreting emerging patterns and trends. This is of specific relevance where Community Board level data is analysed due to the relatively small number of actual incidents/events that occur in Community Board areas. However, regardless of statistical anomalies, emerging patterns and trends in fire related incidents and events can assist the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Community Planning Partners plan and implement preventative intervention initiatives to target reducing fire related incidents and events. Local Firefighter Training Plan Below is a list of subjects the operational crews have been focusing on within this period. Each subject has been covered both practically and theoretically and recorded in the Fire Service Training recording system. Training Subjects January/February/March CFBT Tac Vent Casualty Care RTC and Extrication Knott, Pumps & Ladders Incident Command Page 24
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Accidental Dwelling Fires (ADF) Ward 3 Year Average 2021/22 2022/23 Cowal 2.3 1 3 Dunoon 1.7 2 0 Isle of Bute 1.7 3 0 Community Board Total 5.7 6 3 ADF Casualties Ward 3 Year Average 2021/22 2022/23 Cowal 0.3 0 1 Dunoon 0.3 1 0 Isle of Bute 0 0 0 Community Board Total 0.7 1 1 Deliberate Secondary Fire Setting Ward 3 Year Average 2021/22 2022/23 Cowal 0.3 0 0 Dunoon 0.7 0 1 Isle of Bute 0.7 1 0 Community Board Total 1.7 1 1 Page 25
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Fires in Non-Domestic Property Ward 3 Year Average 2021/22 2022/23 Cowal 0 0 0 Dunoon 0.3 1 0 Isle of Bute 0 0 0 Community Board Total 0.3 1 0 Casualties from Non-Fire Emergencies Ward 3 Year Average 2021/22 2022/23 Cowal 1.3 3 0 Dunoon 1 2 0 Isle of Bute 1 3 0 Community Board Total 3.3 8 0 Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals Ward 3 Year Average 2021/22 2022/23 Cowal 9 11 9 Dunoon 9.3 4 17 Isle of Bute 23 13 19 Community Board Total 31.3 28 45 Page 26
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Incidents/Activities of Note Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals (UFAS) We’re continually working with partners and targeting our top offenders, which are Education including Infant/Primary/Secondary Schools, and Residential/Care Homes. A new UFAS mobilisation policy has been devised by a dedicated project team within SFRS with an aim at reducing UFAS Incidents further. This policy will go live 1st July 2023 and should result in a reduction of unwanted fire alarm signals. Road & Water Safety campaigns We’ve been working alongside Police Scotland, RNLI and various other Partners across all sectors, engaging with the local community at various identified hotspots. We provided advice and literature relevant to Road & Water Safety (including drug and alcohol misuse and ASB), as well as providing Throwline and CPR Training to local businesses and members of the public. Local Area liaison Officer WC McGloin attended a Road Safety Seminar at Edinburgh International Conference Centre on the 21st March. The Community Action Team also attended a PAWS Workshop at Hermitage Academy on the 30th March to roll out new water safety presentations to Argyll and Bute’s Schools – Various Partners in attendance including RNLI, Police Scotland, Water Safety Scotland and Education. Community Engagement Activities Post Domestic Incident Response (PDIR) following every domestic incident Fire, Water & Road Safety provided to schools and local community groups with practical demonstrations using new interactive scenario floorboards. Continue to deliver Fire Safety advice via HFSVs and provision of smoke detection Representation on Multi Agency Risk Assessment (MARAC) for those affected by domestic violence Continue to support ‘Make the Call’ campaign and On Call recruitment drive for retained and volunteer stations within Argyll and Bute Supporting Partnership Approach to Water Safety (PAWS) group and engaging with the public: #RESPECTTHEWATER campaign. Engaging with communities utilising winter/spring Thematic Action Plans TAP Victim support referral pathway set up Careers engagement pathway delivered to all schools for fire service employment EWDAB LSO Activities Continued roll out of new fleet SFRS Electric Vehicles within the area New Virtual Reality headsets acquired in preparation for road safety awareness within the community We held two On Call Seminars held at Oban Fire station for all of Argyll and Bute’s crews Watch Commander Tony McGloin joined EWDABs Community Action Team as a new Local area liaison officer Home Fire Safety As part of our commitment to building a safer Scotland we offer everyone in Scotland a free home fire safety visit. We'll help you sort out a fire escape plan and provide information about smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms. Page 27
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For a Free Home Fire Safety Visit, please: call 0800 0731 999 text "FIRE" to 80800 from your mobile phone. Twitter link: https://twitter.com/abewdhq Page 28
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UHI Argyll Update UHI Open Day 28th March We held another successful Open Day on Tues 28th March with a large number of online and face to face taster sessions organised. This provided prospective students with the opportunity to find out about our courses prior to applying. Modern Apprenticeships 6 – 10 March was Scottish Apprenticeship Week. A number of these events were attended by our Modern Apprenticeships Officer, Alana Mathers. The theme of the event was 'Unlocking Potential'. Courses Our commercial courses continue to be popular with regular First Aid at Work, Personal Licence and Food Hygiene courses running in various locations. We have also been offering language classes in Gaelic, Spanish and Italian. Funding We were recently awarded funding and employed Jo Oliver as our STEM Lego Facilitator to work with primary schools around Cowal and Oban delivering STEM Lego classes. We have also joined forces with Argyll & Bute Council to offer courses giving parents the chance to learn new skills with numbers that will help everyday life, like helping children with homework or budgeting money. Board of Governors UHI Argyll are currently seeking non-executive directors to join our board of Governors. We are particularly seeking members with experience of audit or learning and teaching. If you have experience in other areas which may add to the current board’s knowledge and expertise in delivering education and training to relevant sectors of the local economy, please get in touch. Applications close on 12th May. Page 29 Agenda Item 6c
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Scenic Sandbank Update I am pleased to be able to tell you that Scenic Sandbank has been awarded the funding from the Scottish Land Fund to purchase the vacant ground in Sandbank, that the Sandbank primary school was on, for a community garden. We are delighted at this outcome as it will be a great asset to the community of Sandbank and surrounding areas. Once the purchase is complete we can move on with the development of the garden once any permissions needed have been granted. Page 31 Agenda Item 6d
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Argyll and Bute Council’s Community Development Team Update The Community Development Team are undertaking assessments for Argyll and Bute Council’s 2022/2023 Supporting Communities Fund, which closed for applications on 30th March. Eligible organisations could apply for up to £2,500 under the categories of: - Fairer Communities – tackling poverty by sharing opportunities - Resilient Communities – capacity building, as well as repairing and rebuilding from the pandemic - Greener, Cleaner Communities – environmental action to support addressing climate change - Creative Communities - creativity for health and wellbeing. Assessments are made using a robust scoring criteria that is available to all at the time of application. Recommendations will be made to Elected Members at Area Committees in June for decision on which organisations receive funding. Page 33 Agenda Item 6e
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Community Learning Services LiveArgyll Update Youth Work Cowal Friday night football - the programme ran for 7 weeks 17/2-31/3 at the Black Park cages in Dunoon 8pm-10pm as a diversionary activity in partnership with Police Scotland and Football Development. It also allowed Youth Services and Police Scotland to build positive relationships with young people in a less formal environment. Over 100 young people S1-S6 took part over the course of the 7 weeks, improving their health and wellbeing, creating a friendly atmosphere and a sense of camaraderie. Evaluations have been very positive and almost all would like the programme to continue. Discussions with Police Scotland will take place in the coming weeks on moving forward with the programme. GIVE Programme – 38 young people 11-16 took part in the Easter GIVE Programme. The 2 volunteering days were held with Inspiring Innellan, building dens for the preschool children at the Yellow Chipped Road and planting flowers and laying bark at the school garden. The reward trips were to lazertag and 10 pin bowling at Braehead and Dunoon Cinema. School Programmes – working with DGS on 2 programmes. 1 on employability which will start when the timetable changes on 9 May for the full academic year with pupils working towards SQA units in Preparation for Employment and Personal Development as well as undertaking work placements. The other will be a short term alternative timetable group which will see the group out in the community working with community organisations while working teamwork, communication and problem solving skills. Scottish Youth Parliament Elections – The election will take place in November of this year. Any young person over 14 can stand as a candidate for Argyll & Bute for a 2 year term. Registration for any young person interested opens on 15 May. Youth Services staff will be promoting the upcoming election in schools from this week to generate interest. I will be coordinating the election process with Scottish Youth Parliament and Young Scot and attending training sessions and planning meetings from May until the end of October. SAWA New Scots/Refugee - Bute Mentoring – volunteers continue to meet separately with New Scots/refugees on a one to one throughout the week with ongoing mentoring support. On Tuesday of each week – An English language class for Beginners continues to run (face to face) and tutored by a Volunteer also continuing on Tuesday afternoons will be the book maintenance class at the library of Mount Stuart. Men’s Group meets every Thursday morning, and New Scots/ refugees and locals welcome. Bike repair group meets every Friday morning ten previously abandoned bicycles have now been repaired and given out mostly to the New Scots/refugees in addition the members have gone to the Page 35 Agenda Item 6f
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local secondary school, Rothesay Academy, to repair bikes , a constituted group has now been set up called ‘Positive Pedals’ Events – fundraiser for earthquakes in Turkey and Syria took place at the Bank of Ideas which raised £1,022 donated to the official UNICEF charity- also a special meal for Ramadan took place at the Greentree Café with food prepared by the Syrian and Sudanese communities- attended by New Scots /refugees and locals of all communities. Art Launch –an art launch took place at Dunoon Burgh Hall for an exhibition organised by SAWA for Ukrainian artist Volodymyr Durytski a bus took New Scots/ refugees and locals over from Rothesay to Dunoon the launch was well attended, the exhibition will continue for the next two months. Page 36
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Argyll & Bute Quarterly update By Jen Broadhurst Bureau Manager Page 37 Agenda Item 6g
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Argyll & Bute CAB > ABCAB is a registered Charity, with offices in Lochgilphead, and Helensburgh and Outreach services available in Dunoon, Oban, Campbeltown, & Mull > Established in 2002, we celebrate our 21st Birthday this year > 12 staff > 16 volunteers Page 38
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Twin Aims of the CAB All CAB’s have a twin aim: > To ensure individuals do not suffer through ignorance of their rights and responsibilities or of the services available; or through an inability to express their needs. > To exercise a responsible influence on the development of social policies and services both locally and nationally. Page 39
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Social Policy Work Last Year’s Private Rental Sector Research https://www.cas.org.uk/system/files/publications/argyll_a nd_bute_citizens_advice_bureau_research_into_the_privat e_rental_sector_executive_summary.pdf This year’s Research: Big Energy Saving Network Debt Happens Money and Mental Health Impact of cost of living crisis on Carers Page 40
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ABCAB in 2022/2023 • Advised 1,040 clients • 677 new clients • Helped clients gain £1.1 million • And provided 3,120 separate pieces of advice. • Advised 1845 clients • 1239 new clients • Helped clients gain £879,561 • And provided 10062 pieces of advice ABCAB in 2021/2022 Benefits 1450 Consumer 42 Debt 138 Employment 97 Charitable Support 205 Health/Pass Housing 207 Immigration 40 Legal 127 Relationship 85 Tax 127 Utilities 299 Benefits 1701 Consumer 23 Debt 146 Employment 100 Charitable Support 102 Health/PASS 420 Housing 157 Immigration 154 Legal 101 Relationship 69 Tax 138 Utilities 150 Page 41
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Quality is taken seriously We have a 3-yearly audit by Citizens Advice Scotland, and our latest one in 2021 saw us pass with no recommendations. We undertake quarterly assessment of our advice internally and this is in turn verified by CAS learning and standards team. This is in addition to weekly peer-to peer case checking by all advisers. We deliver competency based training on a monthly basis to all staff and volunteers in the Bureau. Page 42
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Volunteers are the life- blood of every CAB Generalist Adviser Training can take 6 months to complete We currently have 16 volunteer advisers and have reopened our recruitment period for our Spring intake Training Starts May 2023 Page 43
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Housing Debt/Money Advice • For those at risk of Repossession, eviction or debt related issues • Lay representation for some civil court action • Registered with the Financial Conduct Authority • Money Talk Plus Page 44
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Patient Advice and Support Service The Patient Advice and Support Service (PASS) is an independent service which provides free, accessible and confidential information, advice and support to patients, their carers and families about NHS Healthcare. The project offers the following support and assistance: • Support you if you are going to a meeting • Help you write letters and make phone calls • Help you access your medical and clinical records • Help you find health services and social care • Help you access the treatments, care and support you need Page 45
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Armed Services Advice Project We provide free, confidential, impartial information, advice and support to: • members of the armed forces, & merchant navy • their dependents • those who are currently serving • those who have left the armed forces whether they left yesterday or 20 years ago The service covers the whole of Argyll & Bute and advice ranges from benefits through housing and debt to relationship advice. Page 46
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Pensionwise Pension Wise is a free and impartial service to help people make informed decisions about how to access their pension savings and plan financial matters in retirement by providing people with guidance about their options. A Pension Wise appointment may help you if you: • Are approaching retirement or close to or over 50 • Have a defined contribution pension pot(s) Page 47
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Energy Best Deal Page 48
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We are looking for your views! As part of our processes we really need to know what our communities think of the work we do. https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ABCABCommunity PartnersSurvey/ We have shared this survey previously, but have had no responses from partners around the forum. Please help Argyll & Bute CAB to continue to help across the region by completing the linked survey Page 49
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Dunoon update Data gathering on inequalities in Dunoon This data is used to help inform decision-making by taking account of the key inequalities and people most impacted by them. Quantitative Data Using the data gathered by the Public Health Scotland’s Local Intelligence Support Team (LIST) the suggested priority areas to be considered within this Place and Wellbeing Assessment are: • People living in areas of deprivation • Individuals aged 15-44 in with diseases that limit life expectancy • People with addiction issues • People experiencing income and employment deprivation Reflections on our journey collecting the qualitative data so far are on our blog Qualitative data Feedback from interviews with key local stakeholders and from additional reports and surveys indicated the following key themes in terms of inequalities: • Mental health • Lack of affordable, flexible childcare • Cost of living (fuel poverty/ new demographics) • "Connectivity" • Reliance on third sector delivery of key public services Gaps in data / learning from data collection • Issues are cross-cutting – no discrete demographics identifiable • Lack of recent comprehensive community engagement • No specific projects for high SIMD areas to learn from • Lack of qualitative data about early death rates. GP data and insight could be key part of the picture. • Lack of mechanisms for sharing data across organisations Page 51 Agenda Item 7
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Who and what we have looked at Interviewees Pending meetings Carroll English, EsCAPE out of school care Kirsteen McGinn, ACHA Rachel McNicol, ALIEnergy Craig Baxter (follow-up meeting), Fyne Homes Reeni Kennedy-Boyle/Amanda Thorburn, Fyne Futurtes Alida McGregor, GP Cluster Lead for Cowal Dee James, Cowal Living Well Network, Rape Crisis, Addiction Recovery Café Rhone Grant/Ann Kennovin, Live Argyll Louise Cassidy , With You Ros Harkins, The Meeting Place Sandy MacLeod , TSI Ali McCrossan, Healthcare Improvement Scotland Abigail Apps, Social Worker, Argyll and Bute Council Kelly Ferns, Empty Homes Officer, Argyll and Bute Council Mark Bamford, Branching Out (ACT) Ross Moreland , Elected Member for Dunoon Margaret McLaughlin, GamCare Documents reviewed Argyll and Bute Rape Crisis survey, 2022 HSCP Joint Strategic Plan engagement report Co-works surveys, 2019/2022 Housing Profile January 2023 HELP Project impact report 2017-21 (support for vulnerable young people) DWP Partner Update January 2023 HIE Dunoon profile 2014 Living Well strategy engagement report (Living Well Network) Charette Report 2017 Cowal and Bute Living Well Network Action Plan 2021-22 Place Standard exercise 2019 Healthcare Improvement Scotland Chronic Pain survey 2022 Page 52
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Place and Wellbeing Assessments Complete Agreed Future assessments Waterfront regeneration proposal (Levelling Up Bid) Police plan Local Outcomes Improvement Plan Dunoon Active Travel Hub HSCP Joint strategic plan and joint commissioning strategy Economic strategy Local Place Plan Community STEM Hub A guide to Place and Wellbeing Assessments has been produced that anyone can use to do their own assessments on plans, strategies, proposals and other decision-making processes. Follow up from assessments Assessment Follow up actions Waterfront regeneration proposal Support conversations creating links across projects related to the waterfront area on health and wellbeing Support Rural Growth Deal with Outline Business Case for Tourism and Place strand and ongoing stakeholder engagement related to Dunoon projects. Support on targeted engagement of inequality groups identified by data collection Attend Active Travel Link stakeholder engagement sessions to bring Place and Wellbeing perspective Support discussion on activation of spaces around the waterfront Active Travel Hub Support conversations about community involvement in design and management of public space Research case studies on community led active travel hubs Further follow up from the recommendations is being progressed with the Dunoon Development Trust and the Council including teams in Economic Growth, Active Travel, Rural Growth Deal. Page 53
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This has been produced to show the intended short and longterm outcomes of the programme. Further contact and information Programme website https://www.improvementservice.org.uk/products-and-services/consultancy-and- support/shaping-places-for-wellbeing-programme Keep in touch via our twitter account https://twitter.com/place4wellbeing/status/1478748497566445570 If you want to share your own projects, approaches and learning relevant to Shaping Places for Wellbeing join our Knowledge Hub https://khub.net/web/shaping-places-for-wellbeing- programme Page 54
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1 Argyll & Bute Community Planning Partnership Area Meetings Date: April 2023 Partner update – Public Health The paper provides an update on ongoing wellbeing and prevention activity overseen and delivered by the HSCP Public Health Team in Argyll and Bute. Director of Public Health Report 2022 – Prevention Prevention is better than cure and this valuable report provides an evidence based rationale for moving upstream to a preventative approach where instead of rescuing people from river downstream, we prevent them falling into the river in the first place. Prevention is about looking upstream and taking the actions that are needed to stop people from becoming ill, or reducing the severity of their illness. The report provides examples of where preventative action can and does improve health and prevent the need for more intensive and costly treatment. The report highlights the importance of prevention as a vital and integral part of healthcare and of wider community activities and makes a compelling case for investing in systemic preventive action. The report provides a number of evidence based examples of projects which deliver prevention and early intervention and result in improved health outcomes and is cost effective. Key Messages Investment in preventative measures which promote, protect and improve health and wellbeing is essential to ensure the future sustainability of the health and care system. There are many examples of preventative actions that have already helped achieve major improvements in health, for example, improved social conditions, vaccination against communicable diseases and national screening programmes. The effects of prevention work have contributed to a decline in cancer and cardiovascular disease mortality rates. Priority should continue to be given to preventing cardiovascular and smoking related conditions and there must be continued efforts to improve early diagnosis for effective treatment. There are thousands of avoidable deaths and preventable health conditions every year in NHS Highland. Estimates of health loss and avoidable mortality should be used to help inform priorities for health and care service planning and redesign, and for disease prevention. Page 55 Agenda Item 8
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2 Actions to address modifiable risk factors, such as high blood pressure, smoking, alcohol and drug use, healthy weight and physical activity, presents a sizeable opportunity to improve health, add years to life and to reduce existing inequalities in these measures. A life course approach to prevention should be used to identify potential areas of action relating to both the individual and the community. The characteristics of effective prevention work should be considered when planning programmes of work and training to ensure existing health inequalities are not reinforced. The ‘best buys’ in prevention should meet one or more of these objectives: cost-effective; likely to reduce health inequalities; likely to reduce avoidable health and social care problems. The NHS has an important role to play in prevention as an employer, researcher, collaborative partner and commissioner of services. Ensuring prevention is seen as part of everyone’s role, and that time and resources are allocated to it may be key to supporting the fundamental shift towards prevention that is required for the future sustainability of health and care systems. There are many examples and evidence of preventative interventions that provide a return on investment and have the potential to deliver savings to the NHS in the short and longer term. These should be used to inform priorities for action. The Annual Report of the Director of Public Health 2022 Prevention – Moving Upstream: https://indd.adobe.com/view/45cbb2d9-8f8d-44dd-a040-efe28296701c Living Well Networks Following a pilot a new model of delivery has been implemented for our Living Well Networks. There are Co-ordinators in place in each locality and a new administrator role to deliver the valuable engagement and capacity building work of the networks. The networks contribute to improving the health of the people in Argyll and Bute by working in partnership with a range of stakeholders and community members and joining structures such as the Locality Planning Groups. The funding for the networks has been secured for two years. Further information and contact details for the networks can be found here: https://www.ablivingwell.org/living-well-networks Adult Health and Wellbeing Profiles Public health partnership profile reports have been published for the four localities in Argyll and Bute local authority. These partnership areas are the focus of action to improve the health of the people and communities in the area covered by NHS Highland Health Board. The profile reports present information across a range of Page 56
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3 health and wellbeing topics. They are designed to support staff and partners to make decisions and plans to improve population health and reduce inequalities. They bring together in one valuable resource, data on a wide range of topics and are themed into two profiles with further profiles for child health and wellbeing, and health inequalities being released in the coming months: Demography and deprivation Adult health and wellbeing We encourage partners to take a look at this valuable resource which can be found at: Public health profiles | NHS Highland (scot.nhs.uk) Children and Young People The Health Improvement Team and the Education Department have been working closely with schools, statutory and third sector partners to deliver the Smoke Free Programme and S3 Health Drama Programme in March 2023. The Smoke Free Programme consists of five interactive lessons plans covering the effects of tobacco on health, the slave trade, black lives matters, the environment and financial cost. Aimed at P6/P7 pupils and offered to all primary schools, the programme is completed with a drama tour which has proven to be a impactful but also fun and memorable element to the programme which allows the pupils to sing the songs they have learnt and demonstrate their knowledge. The S3 Health Programme “You Are Not Alone” is an impactful and meaningful part of the curriculum. Three lesson plans are delivered in PSE classes to compliment the messages in the drama production which contains three vignettes based on real life stories covering smoking, vaping, mental health, bullying, sending nude photos and alcohol. Each pupil receives a localised booklet for them to complete, takes part in discussions, and Q&As with service providers. The overall message of this programme is to access help, the evaluation of this year’s programme is still being collated but in previous years the programme has been successful in raising awareness of the help available for young people and results in young people accessing much needed support. With thanks to Raenbow Productions who delivered 16 productions during March the tour reached the length and breadth of Argyll and Bute including the Island of Islay and Island of Bute, with IT support offered to Tiree and Mull. The success of this programme is also due to the partnership working within school, statutory and third partners. Cool2Talk Page 57
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4 We are pleased to share that this valuable service has secured funding from Children and Families, the Alcohol and Drugs Partnership and Public Health for a further year. Cool2Talk is a website aimed at young people 12-24 years old where they can post a question and receive a bespoke response within 24 hours. The answers are evidence based and provide young people with accurate and safe health information and link to local and national services for support. There are also information resources on the site. The site can be accessed at: https://cool2talk.org REPORT AUTHOR AND CONTACT Author Names: Sam Campbell, (Interim Health Improvement Principal); Laura Stephenson and Jenny Dryden (Health Improvement Leads) Email: nhsh.abhealthimprovement@nhs.scot Page 58
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HOME EMERGENCY PLANS SSEN Distribution Page 59 Agenda Item 9
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2 SSEN – WHO WE ARE We deliver power to over 3.9 million homes and businesses across the north of Scotland and central southern England, serving the urban and rural communities we live in. We are not an energy supplier and customers do not pay us for their electricity or gas bills Page 60
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3 WHAT IS A HOME EMERGENCY PLAN? A Home Emergency Plan is document to help you think carefully and plan ahead what you would do in an emergency before it happens. The Home Emergency Plan holds key details, check lists and contact information in one safe place. Page 61
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4 WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A HOME EMERGENCY PLAN? • Help you feel more organised and prepared in an emergency situation, feeling less panic or stress • Increased personal resilience in an emergency situation • Reduce the harm that unexpected events can cause you and your family • Ensure that you get any extra help you might need • Put you in a good position to help those around you Page 62
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5 WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A HOME EMERGENCY PLAN? • Local Radio stations often provide updates during an emergency situation • Pick a meeting place which you are familiar with • Make sure your friend knows you will be calling them • Not every area has a local rest centre but find out which community centres / halls are in your area Page 63
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6 WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A HOME EMERGENCY PLAN? • Keeping an emergency kit ready packed isn’t always possible • If you can’t keep an emergency bag ready, make sure you know where the essentials are in case you need to leave your home suddenly Page 64
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7 WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A HOME EMERGENCY PLAN? • Keeping a separate record of essential numbers is recommended • Ensure you write these numbers down in case you loss your mobile or the battery runs out Page 65
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8 PRIORITY SERVICES REGISTER We know that a power cut can be worrying or difficult, that’s why we offer free extra help and support through the Priority Services Register (PSR). We can help you better, and quicker, if we know in advance your needs. You may want to be on our register if you • Use medical equipment / aids reliant on electricity • Have a chronic illness • Are deaf or hard of hearing • Have a disability • Live with children under five • Are over 60 • Temporarily need extra support How to register: • Call us free on 0800 294 3259 • Visit ssen.co.uk/psr and complete the on-line form • Complete our PSR leaflet . Page 66
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9 WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF JOINING THE PRIOIRTY SERVICES REGISTER Benefits of joining the Priority Service Register are: • Dedicated 24 hour telephone number • Security password • Nominate an alternative contact • Information provided in alternative formats where requested eg Braille, Audio CD, alternative language • 24 hours power cut alerts when we are aware of a power cut in a customers area • Priority updates during a power cut. • Prewarn texts / calls when aware of a major weather event. • Energy Efficiency referrals can be made to HES / YES • Extra support in the event of a prolonged power cut eg food, charging points etc Page 67
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10 ENERGY ADVICE SSEN have partnered with Home Energy Scotland (HES), in the north of Scotland and YES Energy Solutions (YES), in central southern England to offer our customers free and impartial expert energy efficiency advice on: • Saving energy • Grants and funding available for insulation & heating systems • Money you could be claiming such as Warm Home Discount and Winter Fuel Payment • Heating hot water and thermostat advice • Income maximization Referring is easy…. • Call us free on 0800 294 3259 • Visit ssen.co.uk/energyadvice and complete the on-line form • Tick the box on our PSR leaflet which allows us to pass on your details Page 68
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11 ENERGY EDDIE Although we’re not an energy supplier, we appreciate that it can be difficult to understand what you can do to reduce your energy bills and ensuring your household has optimal energy efficiency. Simply changing some habits and understanding which appliances cost the most to run can make a notable difference to your bills and to help explain this, we've worked with our partners at Energy Savings Trust to develop an easy-to-use tool. The tool will take you through the home in a few short minutes and ask you a series of questions. As you step through, it’ll provide you with helpful advice and once you’ve finished using the tool, you’ll have an option to receive your advice combined into a single handy report. It’s easy to use and provides you with advice on the little things you can do to save money on your bills. Visit www.ssen.co.uk/energyadvice Page 69
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THANK YOU Page 70
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The Grow Food Project Not only are home grown fruit and vegetables nutritious and tasty, they may soon be necessary. Climate change, loss of biodiversity, pollution, soil depletion, political, economic and other global dynamics are threatening our food production and supply. However, growing food is hard work. It takes knowledge, skill and commitment. Which is why a group of us came together and we work as a team. Gardening in your own garden or allotment can feel overwhelming, there is so much to do. Working as a team means the load is shared and different people bring different skills to the project. One person might be skilled at sowing seeds, another at creating compost, one might love weeding, another digging holes, and so on. When you’re working with others, the whole process becomes easier and more enjoyable. You can also produce far more. We use a highly productive food growing approach - a ten-bed rotation system which divides vegetables into heavy and light feeders as well as using the classic crop rotation. This way of growing vegetables produces a high yield in a relatively small space. Currently we grow enough vegetables for our team of 8 to enjoy and also to sell at Farmers Markets and at the site on weekends in summer. Though there are more people wanting to join which is why we are looking for more land. Our first project is with the Dunoon Community Development Trust and Kirn Primary school called Grow Food Grow Dunoon. We have a polytunnel, built raised beds, propagated plants and planted herbs and vegetables. We teach children how to sow seeds, water plants, enrich soil with compost and seaweed and other useful skills they may need in the future. We have documented and had a short film made of the first year of the project in order to provide a model for other Grow Food Projects elsewhere. You can see the film and also a slide show of the pupils talking about their experience in the garden at www.thegrowfoodproject.co.uk We also are beginning a teaching programme. We have run a very successful course in basic vegetable growing. We are planning more courses covering herb growing, fruit and vegetable growing, seeding, compost, bee keeping, bush craft and caring for trees and orchards. We are also developing the Bulwood Nature trail which will provide a facility for many community and educational groups to learn about and explore nature. Page 71 Agenda Item 10a
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