Argyll and Bute Council’s Community Development Team Update

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Community Development 
H&L Area Community Planning Group Update
• Community Development continue to develop the Recovery Orientated Systems of Care
Network (ROSC) - which is funded by the Alcohol and Drugs Partnership. This is looking to
coordinate wraparound services for those recovering from addiction with service user
involvement in the shaping and coordination of services. Meetings are quarterly, however
CDOs work with local recovery groups on a regular basis to assist in strengthening the
governance and offer from voluntary groups. Recent involvement has included signposting
partners including Cycling Scotland and also Live Argyll to help recovery café members
access both cycles and IT equipment. 
• Princess Louise Hall: continued support has been offered to the group, with the newly
elected committee meeting council officers in November to discuss potential next steps in
their plans to renovate the building. The chair and group members have been in dialogue
with Estates over the last few weeks to redefine their plans. The group are meeting the CDO
to discuss funding opportunities. 
• Assets: Ongoing discussion regarding community facilities in Helensburgh, Rhu, and
Garelochhead with hall committees, youth and sports groups exploring extending current
lease terms or uptake of new lease.   
• Welcoming Spaces – working with Caryl McLean from TSI to update Welcoming spaces
information on TSI and council websites for Helensburgh and Lomond. This has involved
visiting and engaging with existing and new warm space provision. The exercise has been
worthwhile as many groups have slightly altered their times for the coming winter season.  
• Aspiring Places - All CDOs have been participating in discussions around the Aspiring Places
project to inform the platform design, and promoting the perspective of local community
organisations. This online platform shall allow community groups to share their future plans
and projects, with officers, CPP partners and the public, which will help define the resources
and next steps required. This is not directly linked to funding; though shall provide groups
with a statement of ambition / project plan from which to prepare future and longer term
projects. This will be useful for more complex long term projects – for example building
renovations / capital projects.   
• Friends of Hermitage Park – have held their 2nd meeting of Park Users Group in Early
November, facilitated by the CDO. This group links into Council Park Steering group and
gives a forum for community groups and individuals to share suggestions regarding the
management of the park.   
• H&L Community Councils - CDO facilitating joint forum meeting of Community Council in the
H&L area at Hermitage Park Pavilion Thursday 7th November – prior to the next ACPG. This is
open to all Community Councils in H&L and the next meeting shall take place 2 weeks before
our next ACPG.