Public reports pack
Argyll and Bute Council · 22 August 2023
Back to Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group — 22 August 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 15 August 2023 NOTICE OF MEETING A meeting of the HELENSBURGH AND LOMOND COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP will be held ON A HYBRID BASIS BY MICROSOFT TEAMS AND IN THE MARRIAGE SUITE IN THE HELENSBURGH AND LOMOND CIVIC CENTRE on TUESDAY, 22 AUGUST 2023 at 10:00 AM, which you are requested to attend. BUSINESS 1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 3. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE HELENSBURGH AND LOMOND COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP HELD ON TUESDAY 9 MAY 2023 (Pages 5 - 14) 4. COMMUNITY PLANNING Presentation by Community Development Officer 5. TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE (a) Transport Update - Argyll and Bute Council - TO FOLLOW Report by Contract Officer, Argyll and Bute Council (b) Access to Argyll and Bute (A83) Presentation by Transport Scotland 6. COMMUNITY WEALTH BUILDING Presentation by CLES Public Document Pack
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7. PARTNER UPDATES (a) Police Scotland Update (Pages 15 - 18) (b) Ministry of Defence Police Update (Pages 19 - 20) (c) Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Update (Pages 21 - 26) (d) Helensburgh Community Council Update (Pages 27 - 30) (e) Argyll and Bute Council’s Community Development Team Update (Pages 31 - 32) (f) Live Argyll - Community Learning Services Update (Pages 33 - 34) (g) Skills Development Scotland Update (Pages 35 - 38) (h) UHI Argyll Update (Pages 39 - 40) (i) Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership - Public Health Update (Pages 41 - 44) (j) Argyll and Bute TSI Update (Pages 45 - 46) (k) Helensburgh Community Hub Update (Pages 47 - 48) (l) Jean’s Bothy Update (Pages 49 - 50) (m) Opportunity for Verbal Updates 8. COMMUNITY FOCUS (a) Helensburgh Army Cadets 9. CLIMATE CHANGE (a) Climate Change Working Group Highlight Report (Pages 51 - 54) Report by Chair of Climate Change Working Group (b) Progress on Argyll and Bute Climate Hub (Pages 55 - 56) Written update by Argyll and Bute TSI 10. COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE UPDATE Report By Committee Manager (Pages 57 - 62) 11. DATE OF NEXT MEETING The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 7 November 2023 Helensburgh and Lomond Community Planning Group
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Sarah Davies (Vice-Chair) David Moore (Chair) Contact: Julieann Small, Senior Committee Assistant - 01546 604043
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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE HELENSBURGH AND LOMOND COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP HELD ON A HYBRID BASIS BY MICROSOFT TEAMS AND IN THE MARRIAGE SUITE IN THE HELENSBURGH AND LOMOND CIVIC CENTRE ON TUESDAY, 9 MAY 2023 Present: Councillor Fiona Howard (Chair) Stuart McLean, Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council Allan Comrie, Strathclyde Passenger Transport, (SPT) David Hagerty, Community Development Officer, Argyll and Bute Council John McLuckie, Community Planning Partnership Lead, Argyll and Bute Council Kirsty Moyes, Community Planning Partnership Team Leader, Argyll and Bute Council Lucy Dunbar, Community Planning Officer, Argyll and Bute Council Susan Tuite, Senior Welfare Rights Officer, Argyll and Bute Council Gill Simpson, Helensburgh Community Hub Victoria Daveney, Argyll UHI Laura Eales, Home Start Lomond Andy McClay, Luss and Arden Community Council Paula Darbyshire, Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface Sam Campbell, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership Susan MacRae, Skills Development Scotland Sergeant Eddie McGunnigal, Police Scotland Angela Anderson, Time for Change Argyll and Bute/Plastic Free Helensburgh Gail Broadhurst, Helensburgh Winter Festival Tony McGloin, Scottish Fire and Rescue Rhona Grant, Community Learning Services, Live Argyll Jen Broadhurst, Citizens Advice Bureau Jayne Burnett, Visiting Friends Duncan MacLachlan, Arrochar & Tarbet Community Development Trust/Friends of Loch Lomond & the Trossachs Councillor Paul Donald-Kennedy Carole-Anne McDade, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership Vicky Brindley, Naval Families Federation Neil MacFarlane, Transport Scotland Andy Galloway, Local Democracy Reporter 1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES The Committee Manager welcomed everyone to the meeting and highlighted that both the Chair and Vice-Chair were unable to attend and had submitted apologies for the meeting. Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of: David Moore (Chair), Scottish Fire and Rescue Service; Sarah Davies (Vice-Chair), Fun First/Plastic Free Helensburgh/Helensburgh Community Council; Fiona Baker, Destination Helensburgh; Page 5 Agenda Item 3
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Katrina Sayer, Jean’s Bothy; Alasdair MacCuish, Helensburgh Gaelic Group; Anthony Mallon, Scottish Fire and Rescue Services; and Councillor Mark Irvine. In the absence of the Chair and Vice-Chair, Councillor Fiona Howard chaired the meeting. 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no declarations of interest intimated. 3. MINUTES (a) Meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Community Planning Group held on 14 February 2023 The Minutes of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group meeting held on Tuesday 14 February 2023 were approved as a correct record. 4. IMPROVING LIVES IN ARGYLL AND BUTE Consideration was given to a presentation by the Council’s Community Planning team on their recent consultation ‘Improving Lives in Argyll and Bute’. The presentation included information on the promotion of the consultation; the support provided for non-digital participation and Community Groups and the responses received from the survey. It was noted that the top three priorities were transport and infrastructure, housing and community wellbeing. Information on how the information collated from the consultation would be used to progress the 2023-2033 iteration of the Argyll and Bute Outcome Improvement Plan (ABOIP) was also provided. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Presentation by Community Planning and Development Team, Argyll and Bute Council) 5. PARTNER UPDATES (a) Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Update The Group gave consideration to a report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) FQ4 review of local performance across Helensburgh and Lomond for the period 2022-23. The report included information on the local firefighter training plan; incidents during this time period; unwanted fire alarm signals; road and water safety campaigns; community engagement activities; East and West Dumbartonshire and Argyll and Bute Local Senior Officer Activities and home fire safety. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and Page 6
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noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, submitted) (b) Police Scotland Update Consideration was given to an update which included information on the ongoing work of the Service and provided information on the start-up of the Police Scotland Youth Volunteer (PSYV); internet safety school sessions; the Helensburgh Drive Scot Free road safety event and the roll-out of Naloxone to officers in Argyll and West Dunbartonshire. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Police Scotland, submitted) (c) Ministry of Defence Police Update Consideration was given to a written update by PC Drew Omand, Ministry of Defence Police. The update included information on arrests made at protests which took place at HMNB Clyde; temporary traffic control on the A814 at the North Gate of HMNB Clyde; the collaboration with Police Scotland on holding a Community Drop in and the work with the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers (PSYV). It was noted that if any organisation have any ideas or would like assistance from the PSYV’s then to contact PC Drew Omand or the Youth engagement officer PC Mark Toner. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group: 1. considered and noted the information provided; and 2. noted that in the absence of a representative from Ministry of Defence Police, any questions could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the Group. (Reference: Report by Ministry of Defence Police, submitted) (d) Transport Scotland Update The Group gave consideration to an update from Neil MacFarlane from Transport Scotland. The update advised that road resurfacing would be getting carried out at the Rest and be Thankful from the 31 May until the 11 June, with no works being carried out on Friday and Saturday nights. Mr MacFarlane further advised that layby and cycleway vegetation cut-backs had been carried out on the A82 Loch Lomondside with more planned and Solar bollards had been installed at Loch Lomondside laybys and an overhaul of the brown and white tourist signage at the same location is also in planning. Page 7
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Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Transport Scotland, submitted) (e) Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau Update Consideration was given to a quarterly update from Argyll and Bute Citizen’s Advice Bureau which provided statistical information highlighting the rise of clients and advice being given by the Bureau in 2022/23 compared to 2021/22. The update also provided information on the recruitment of volunteer advisors and the advice and support CAB can provide. Partners noted that they could participate in a survey and give their views on the work that the Bureau does in the community, which could be found at: Argyll and Bute CAB Community Partner Survey 2023 (smartsurvey.co.uk) Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Argyll and Bute Citizen’s Advice Bureau, submitted) (f) Argyll and Bute Council’s Community Development Team Update Consideration was given to an update from David Haggerty, Community Development Officer at Argyll and Bute Council. The update included information on assessments which are currently being undertaken for Argyll and Bute Council’s 2023/2024 Supporting Communities Fund which closed for applications on 30 March 2023. The Group noted that recommendations would be made to Elected Members at Area Committees in June for consideration on which organisations would receive funding. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Community Development Officer, Argyll and Bute Council, submitted) (g) Argyll and Bute TSI Update The group gave consideration to an update by Paula Darbyshire of Argyll and Bute TSI which included information on local strategic partnerships; year 3 funding for the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund; future networking breakfasts; the Argyll and Bute Community Directory; volunteer of the year awards and the Argyll and Bute Positive Destinations project. Page 8
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Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Argyll and Bute TSI, submitted) (h) UHI Argyll Update Consideration was given to an update by UHI Argyll. The update highlighted that all staff have now returned to working from their local learning centre and that they expect all students to return to the centres from August. The update also advised that all UHI centres continue to provide additional support in response to rising living costs; that they will be holding an open day at the beginning of June and that they will be having a stall at the Helensburgh Highland Games on Saturday 3rd June. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by UHI Argyll, submitted) (i) Live Argyll - Community Learning Services Update The Group gave consideration to an update by Rhona Grant, Live Argyll - Community Learning Service, which provided information on the Scottish Youth Parliament Elections which are due to take place in November and information on the new Youth Work Services Team Leader, Wendy Reid. The update also provided information relating to adult learning in Helensburgh which includes a family reading group on Wednesday afternoons and basic IT classes running on Tuesday afternoons. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Team Leader – Community Learning Services, Live Argyll, submitted) (j) Jean's Bothy Update The Group considered a written update from Katrina Sayer, Jean’s Bothy. The update included information on the current membership numbers; the monthly programme of activities and groups; fundraising events planned; the collaboration work on the Big Community Bake Sale; the ‘Peace of Mind’ book; Jean’s Bothy ‘on location’; mental health awareness week and The Life Aquatic Project” expedition. It was also noted that Katrina Sayer the Development Manager had been shortlisted in the Argyll & Bute HSCP Excellence Awards in the Partner Category with her and 2 members from Jean’s Bothy due to attend the Ceremony on the 12 May. Page 9
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Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group: 1. considered and noted the information provided; and 2. noted that in the absence of a representative from Jean’s Bothy, any questions could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the Group. (Reference: Report by Development Manager, Jean’s Bothy, dated May 2023, submitted) (k) Plastic Free Helensburgh Update The Group considered an update by Angela Anderson of Plastic Free Helensburgh, the update provided information on beach cleans that resumed in January; the Keep Scotland Beautiful Upstream Battle anchor group meeting and the Coastal Communities and Scottish Island Federation Marine Litter Conference which representatives had attended. It was highlighted that Plastic Free Helensburgh are continuing to explore ways in which they can sustainably dispose of the huge quantities of plastic contaminated debris washed up during the winter storms and discourage littering. Angela highlighted her thanks to Councillors for supporting the ban on single use vapes. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Plastic Free Helensburgh, submitted) (l) Helensburgh Community Council Update Consideration was given to a written update from Sarah Davies, Helensburgh Community Council, which provided an overview of the Community Council’s activities. The update provided information on The Community Clubs event which was a great success; a survey conducted in relation to the waterfront development; a local businesses meeting; the monthly beach cleans and the cleaning and tidying up of the shrub beds in Colqhuon Square. It was noted that Helensburgh Community Council have applied for a grant through the Supporting Communities Fund so that they can pay for skips to continue to remove the marine litter from Helensburgh beaches and the Clyde. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group: Page 10
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1. considered and noted the information provided; and 2. noted that in the absence of a representative from Helensburgh Community Council any questions could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the Group. (Reference: Report by Helensburgh Community Council, submitted) (m) Opportunity for Verbal Updates Helensburgh Community Hub Gill Simpson highlighted that the Hub had been working on tackling unexplored topics such as death advising that they had held events on demystifying death week which had brought a lot of conversation with Gill encouraging partners to get involved. Gill also advised of the Menopause cafe which is held every month and the building of their volunteer offers, highlighting that they are holding a volunteer recognition event for local groups and informal volunteers with it being noted that if anyone knows anyone who should be invited then to get In touch. It was also advised that there is a Big Community Bake Sale with the Hub raising funds for the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) Allan Comrie highlighted that the bus network in Helensburgh and Lomond is stable with no changes to the concessionary fares and the uptake of the under 22 free bus travel scheme is much greater now with more young people taking advantage of the scheme. 6. ARGYLL AND BUTE HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE PARTNERSHIP PUBLIC HEALTH ANNUAL REPORT The Group considered a public health report on the ongoing wellbeing and prevention activities overseen and delivered by the HSCP Public Health Team in Argyll and Bute. The Interim Health Improvement Lead presented a number of key messages from the 2022 annual report of the Director of Public Health on Prevention. The full report can be found at: NHSH DPH Annual Report 2022 (adobe.com) Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Interim Health Improvement Lead, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, submitted) 7. WELFARE RIGHTS, ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL Consideration was given to a presentation by Susan Tuite, Senior Welfare Rights Officer. The presentation included information on the welfare rights service; their aims and roles; Page 11
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what information/advice and help they can provide; partnership working; 2022/23 highlights; customer satisfaction and information on how to contact the Welfare Rights team. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Presentation by Senior Welfare Rights Officer, Argyll and Bute Council) 8. LUSS & ARDEN LOCAL PLACE PLAN The Group gave consideration to a presentation by Andy McClay, Luss and Arden Community Council. The presentation included an introduction to the Luss and Arden Local Place Plan; information on community issues and aspirations; priority actions and next steps. It was noted that the Plan is available to view at www.bit.ly/luss-arden-LPP. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Local Place Plan by Luss and Arden Community Council, submitted) 9. COMMUNITY FOCUS (a) Home Start Lomond The Group gave consideration to a presentation by Laura Eales from Home Start Lomond. The presentation included information on who Home Start are and what they do; the impact they have on parents; the volunteers and staff; the support and services they provide and the families they support. Laura also provided information on referrals; direct support activities and the great feedback they have received from families they’ve helped. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report Manager, Home Start Lomond, submitted) (b) Helensburgh Winter Festival Consideration was given to a verbal update by Gail Broadhurst on behalf of the Helensburgh Winter Festival. Gail provided information on the initial plans for the Festival this winter and the work being taken forward regarding encouraging other organisations to participate. It was also highlighted that the Festival is to celebrate Helensburgh and attract people to the town. Decision Page 12
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The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Verbal report by Gail Broadhurst, Helensburgh Winter Festival) 10. 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 approved governance arrangements to support the Climate Change Project Manager post and the ongoing work on the recruitment of a Project Manager. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Chair of the Community Planning Partnership Climate Change Working Group, dated 27 April 2023, submitted) 11. 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 23 March 2023. The Committee Manager outlined a number of key highlights from the meeting including the Child Poverty Report; the work around financial Inclusion; the community wealth building audit and the digital communities work. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the briefing note. (Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, submitted) 12. 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 Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group would take place on Tuesday 22 August 2023. Page 13
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POLICE SCOTLAND UPDATE Partners Intelligence Portal Police Scotland is committed to Keeping People Safe. Our priority is on the protection of those at risk of harm through prevention, early intervention and the robust investigation of those who pose such a risk. We are committed to working with our Partners in the public, private and third sectors to ensure our approach to Public Protection is focused, meaningful and collaborative. This commitment allows us to continually improve the service and support provided to victims and their families, whilst working towards protecting those at risk of harm. Crimes such as child sexual abuse, human trafficking, sexual offences or domestic offences are often concealed from authorities, and may have occurred recently or in the past, all of which contributes to challenging, complex and sensitive enquiries. It may be that our partners have information which could be vital in contributing to a bigger picture. As part of our commitment and drive to improve, we are expanding the use of the Partners Intelligence Portal (PIP) through awareness and training to relevant organisations. PIP is a secure and confidential electronic system, developed by the Police Service to enable partner agencies to share important information they receive during the course of their work. This portal provides capable partners with the means to securely and discreetly submit key information, whilst maintaining safeguards which protect the source of the information. PIP is an information collection portal, and does not replace current incident or crime reporting methods, in particular the mechanism for child or adult referral. PIP is a tool which should enhance the procedures already in place for all. The information provided through the PIP portal will be dealt with as intelligence by Police Scotland. Intelligence is the useable form of information which has been subject to recognised processes to risk assess and determine how freely it can be used. This process is aimed at developing information around the threat, risk and harm posed by perpetrators and locations. By trying to capture what you already see, hear and know it will provide invaluable opportunities to target those who pose risk and protect those at risk of harm. The key aim is to provide a safe and secure pathway for Partner Agencies to share information that they believe the police need to know about in the investigation and prevention of crime. This training has been delivered to a number of housing associations in Helensburgh and Lomond and we will continue to roll this out wider. If you require any further information please contact ArgyllDumbartonshireCommunityEngagementTeam@scotland.police.uk Retailers Support in Helensburgh Our Community Engagement Officers have engaged with the local retailers group in Helensburgh. This has provided the opportunity to offer security advice visits and crime prevention surveys. Work is also ongoing to create a Neighbourhood Watch Scotland alert group for retailers as a means of sharing information and advice. Move In May Congratulations to the over 2,000 Police Scotland staff who competed in this year’s challenge by running, cycling, participating in Copstrong classes, and more! Page 15 Agenda Item 7a
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Unfortunately Argyll and West Dunbartonshire’s Divisional elite athletes didn’t quite make the top 10, however congratulations to 3 local teams who took home the local Gold, Silver and Bronze awards and earned themselves a gift card for their efforts. Progress Pride flag completes its journey around Argyll and West Dunbartonshire Division for Pride Month The Progress Pride flag has reached the end of its journey around Argyll and West Dunbartonshire Division, with Chief Superintendent Lynn Ratcliff being the final person to add their signature as an ally to mark Pride Month. The flag made its way around all of the offices in the division throughout June to allow all colleagues the opportunity to become allies if they wish to do so by signing the flag thereby helping to drive change by challenging negative attitudes and outdated stereotypes. It started its tour of the area on 1st June when our Equality, Diversion and Inclusion lead CI Ryan McMurdo became the first signatory to pledge his allyship. Pride Month is an annual celebration and commemoration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT+) pride. It began after the Stonewall riots, a series of gay liberation protests in 1969, and has since spread outside of the United States and around the world. The modern-day Pride Month both honours the movement for LGBT rights and celebrates LGBT culture. It is also a great opportunity for us all to show our support for LGBT+ officers, staff and communities and to challenge LGBT+ discrimination internally and externally. One of the themes of this year’s Pride Month is allyship. An LGBT ally is any police officer, member of staff or special constable who advocates for and champions LGBT+ colleagues in the workplace. Anyone can become an ally, whether you are part of the LGBT+ community or not. A recent Scottish Government report found that one in four hate crimes in 2020-21 involved a victim who was a police officer and in almost half of crimes experienced by police officers, the perpetrator showed a prejudice towards the LGBT+ community. It’s important we don’t underestimate the impact this has on our LGBT+ colleagues. Chief Supt. Ratcliff said: “My vision is for L Division to be the most inclusive area in Police Scotland, where our officers and staff feel a true sense of belonging and our communities feel supported, listened to and have total confidence in the service we deliver for them. It has never been more important for us to demonstrate our support for LGBT+ officers, staff and communities and I am proud to add my signature to the flag as a visibly ally.” Page 16
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Keep Safe in Helensburgh and Lomond A further Keep Safe business has been trained up in Helensburgh and Lomond. The Drumfork Centre joins our list of amazing community businesses and organisations who commit to supporting vulnerable people through the award winning Keep Safe Initiative. Interested businesses or groups have background checks carried out to ensure they are suitable and then have face to face training to learn about Keep Safe. From there they are issued with business packs including a window sticker to proudly display to let anyone passing know they are a Keep Safe place. If you are interesting in learning more please visit https://www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/keep-safe- scheme/ Page 17
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Ministry of Defence Police Update Roadworks on the A814 at HMNB Clyde will continue until December 2023. We do apologise for any inconvenience when entering or leaving the base especially at peak times. Traffic control will continue and MDP will attempt to alleviate any congestion. Community Police Drop in's have been introduced in previous months for local residents and base employees to discuss any issues/concerns they have. Police Scotland, Royal Navy Police and Ministry of Defence Police have worked together to increase community engagement. Police Scotland Youth Volunteers have continued to prosper through attending different events such as the Lomond Games and the King's Coronation in Edinburgh. PSYV aim to continue community engagement through events and initiatives. If any groups are looking for PSYV to help at their event in future, then please get in touch with PC Mark Toner of Police Scotland (mark.toner@scotland.police.uk) or PC Andrew Omand of the Ministry of Defence Police (andrew.omand100@mod.gov.uk). Midnight League has restarted for the summer which allows 12-18 year old's FREE football at Hermitage Academy. It takes place every Friday night and it is a great way to get youngsters engaging with officers and break barriers. It takes place between 8.30pm and 10pm to target hours of potential anti social behaviour which we want to reduce. Last one will be 11th August when the schools return. Page 19 Agenda Item 7b
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Helensburgh and Lomond CPG Briefing Report Q1 2023/24 Performance & Activity Report From: 1st April 2023 To: 30th June 2023 Page 21 Agenda Item 7c
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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 April /May/June CFBT Tac Vent Casualty Care RTC and Extrication Knotts, Ladders & Pumps Marine Firefighting Page 22
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Accidental Dwelling Fires (ADF) Ward 3 Year Average 2022/23 2023/24 Helensburgh & Lomond South 0.7 1 0 Helensburgh Central 4 4 4 Lomond North 1 1 2 Community Board Total 6 6 6 ADF Casualties Ward 3 Year Average 2022/23 2023/24 Helensburgh & Lomond South 0 0 0 Helensburgh Central 0.7 0 0 Lomond North 0 0 0 Community Board Total 0.7 0 0 Deliberate Secondary Fire Setting Ward 3 Year Average 2022/23 2023/24 Helensburgh & Lomond South 7 8 4 Helensburgh Central 6 6 2 Lomond North 7 6 4 Community Board Total 20 20 10 Fires in Non-Domestic Property Page 23
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Ward 3 Year Average 2022/23 2023/24 Helensburgh & Lomond South 0 0 0 Helensburgh Central 0.3 1 0 Lomond North 0.7 0 2 Community Board Total 1.7 1 2 Casualties from Non-Fire Emergencies Ward 3 Year Average 2022/23 2023/24 Helensburgh & Lomond South 0 0 0 Helensburgh Central 2 1 1 Lomond North 2 2 3 Community Board Total 4 3 4 Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals Ward 3 Year Average 2022/23 2023/24 Helensburgh & Lomond South 5.7 5 6 Helensburgh Central 15.7 15 16 Lomond North 8.3 9 9 Community Board Total 29.7 29 31 Page 24
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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 is now live (from 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, Loch Lomond Park Rangers 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). We have maintained a presence through Operation Ballaton meetings (Chaired by Police Scotland), allowing us to provide attendance of operational crews to support both Police and Loch Lomond Park Rangers, at specific hotspots in the park across busy summer weekends. Community Action Team and LALOs have received training on the use of VR Headsets in preparation for delivering new, engaging and immersive Road Safety lessons. Community Engagement Activities • Post Domestic Incident Response (PDIR) following every domestic incident • Community Action Team (CAT) visited Rhu Marina to promote Boat Fire Safety Week • Crews attended “Drive Scot Free Event” held at Hermitage Academy Helensburgh, to help provide further road safety awareness. • 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 Spring/Summer Thematic Action Plans TAP EWDAB LSO Activities • Continued roll out of new fleet SFRS Electric Vehicles and on-station charging points within the area • Beginning of training sessions on new Virtual Reality headsets in preparation for road safety awareness within the community • Ongoing On-call recruitment campaigns – Participation in Practical Selection Tests for new candidates as well as successful completion of Task and Task Management by new On-call Firefighters across the area. • Watch Commander Chris Spence joined EWDABs Community Action Team as one of our Local Area Liaison Officers • Completion of multi-agency training exercise “Antonine” at Craigend Quarry, Mugdock Park. Utilising personnel from across the EWDAB area. • Congratulations to Tarbert WC Dennis on completion of his fundraising bike ride from Carlisle to Cramond Beach. A fantastic total of over £2000 has been raised so far. Page 25
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• In May WC Tony McGloin attended DYW Argyll and Bute Opportunities for young people and employers conference at Queens Hall, Dunoon. The event allowed partners from various sectors to discuss opportunities for young people across Argyll & Bute. 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. 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 26
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Helensburgh Community Council Annual Report 2022-2023 Acknowledgement A great number of members of the community support the town in a variety of ways, none more so than Stewart Noble the Community Council Treasurer. Under the rules of the game he has to demit office having completed slightly more than eight years in post. In addition to his function as treasurer he has been a stalwart member of the Heritage Trust for many years and is a notable historian in his own right. He continues to lead tourist parties around the area and remains on the planning committee for the John Logie Baird centenary event which takes place in 2025/2026. He continues as a community councillor, but his financial management and expertise over the period was greatly appreciated and is formally recognised. General An annual review of the work of the HCC reveals the wide scope of our interests in support of the community. Much has happened in the intervening period from our last AGM in June last year to the present. In many instances it represents a continuation of action yet to be resolved, but it is perseverance that prevails in local government, not dynamic energy. We are also extremely fortunate in having a full complement of 20 members serving on the HCC since our local elections in October 2022. We are a fine mix of professional and experienced individuals who bring considerable expertise and knowledge to bear in benefiting the town. We maintain close links with the various support agencies and voluntary groups who support the social fabric of the town and lend assistance when required. Because of their diverse and broad-ranging interests, in addition to the work of the HCC, our community councillors have an embracing knowledge of the underlying aims and ambitions of the community. There are limits of course. Lack of funding and resources bedevil both Argyll & Bute Council and ourselves in maintaining the infrastructure of the town to a reasonable standard. There are also aspects outside our control which the public could improve with self-education on such as, disposal of litter and dog refuse. Nevertheless, we need to persevere in maintaining standards in the town if we wish to capitalise on attracting visitors and tourists to enjoy our amenities. Major Projections There are two major items foreseen in the future which will impact the town. The first is the outcome of discussions on the Waterfront development currently underway. The HCC ran an engagement programme with the community from 2019, culminating in a two-day public exhibition in March 2022, called Visions for Helensburgh, in which the community expressed Page 27 Agenda Item 7d
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their wishes. The details and data are on our website. Argyll & Bute Council have also recently commissioned a commercial consultation along similar lines. As the situation develops it is worthwhile emphasising that any development in the centre of Helensburgh has got to be the best solution that will enhance the town for the future, particularly for our young families and our youth. We should not have to bear the consequences of any overbearing agenda on financial gain which we will have to live with for many years. Luckily, Peter Brown our Vice Convener and Norman McNally have a wealth of experience and knowledge to make sure that the interests of the town are paramount. The second project is the Taylor Wimpey golf course housing development of circa 300 homes. This is obviously a major undertaking and we wish it well. There are evident problems of the potential disturbance of peatlands during construction, but equally, thought has to be given to the impact of a considerable influx of inhabitants who will require the service support of schools, medical services and access to convenient shopping. It is hoped that due consideration is given to these matters as the project proceeds. Community Clubs and Societies Event In March, in conjunction with the Rotary Club, we held a day-long exhibition for the local sports clubs and societies to advertise the varied talent and expertise they offer to the community. The event was organised by Elizabeth Lambert in the Hermitage Academy with the kind permission of the Headmaster and was very well received by the strong public attendance at the exhibition. Environment We have formed a strong alliance with a voluntary environment group called Plastic Free Helensburgh. Several of our community councillors are members and we seek common cause in trying to reduce the amount of plastic and marine detritus that pollutes our coastline. It is a thankless task but authorities are beginning to sit up and take notice, so hope springs eternal. Beach Cleans The HCC has been organising routine beach cleans for a number of years and the evidence of our effectiveness is apparent. It presents the town in a favourable light to our visitors. We are deeply indebted to our community volunteers who regularly support us and without the support of our local farmer Davie Howie and his tractor to do the heavy lifting, we would be disadvantaged. Shrub Beds in the Square The HCC continues to maintain the shrub beds in Colquhoun Square and we rely again on our marvellous volunteers to help us. It is a work in progress because much of the original planting did not work in the beds. But we are getting to a more colourful and settled horticultural arrangement. Our collective appreciation goes to Roger Clarke for his efforts. Much of our work goes unheralded and unsung but as a flavour here are the more prominent initiatives. Page 28
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McColl Shop at Churchill closure The shop operated under the stewardship of Morrisons and its closure for commercial reasons left the local community without a convenience store in the area. Despite our best efforts under the direction of Polly Jones and driven by our young co-opted member, Taylor Cameron, - running a petition, organising a public awareness event at the main Morrisons store in town and direct correspondence with the head office of Morrisons management, we were unsuccessful in overturning the decision. Further developments on the future of the shop are awaited. The Pier The completion of the leisure centre threw into stark contrast a multi-million infrastructure build adjacent to a rundown historic pier in need of care and attention. At our Visions for Helensburgh exhibition in March 2022 there was unanimous support for remedial action to be undertaken to make the pier a functioning entity for marine traffic and the possible economic benefits that could result. We are now carefully examining the situation. It is a work in progress and there is no good reason not to re-vitalise this potential asset for the town. Litter Bins In July/August 2021 in conjunction with Plastic Free Helensburgh we conducted a survey of the disposition and functionality of litter bins in the town. The disposal of litter especially during the summer months is a continuing problem as is the poor design and mechanical breakdown of the ‘designer’ stainless steel bins deployed in the CHORD project. Hopefully, we see an end to the problem with high capacity replacement bins procured by Argyll & Bute Council and the removal of all broken down steel bins. We are grateful for the Council's support in this matter. Retail Support We have a number of retailers serving on the Community Council and it seemed sensible to employ their expertise in getting to know the retail scene in the town and support their aims and ambitions. We held our first meeting in March this year and it was warmly received to the extent that the retailers suggested holding another. This will take place in June the day before our AGM. Cycleway We maintain a close interest in the project which procedurally has taken and will take many years to complete. The project officer gave the HCC an update on progress which remains slow. Cardross Community Council are particularly keen on injecting some impetus to proceedings and we shall be engaging with them shortly to examine how best to support the continuation of the project. Cruise Ship Interest A recent event which may augur well for the future was the berthing of a small cruise ship at the Marina. Cameron Foy fronted up HCC interest in this potential development which may point to a further avenue of tourist interest. Page 29
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Possible Twinning Arrangement Tariq Durrani and Nigel Millar fronted up a visit by a delegation from the French town of Le Taillan-Medoc in response to an approach for possible twinning by them. The delegation were looked after very hospitably and enjoyed their visit. A letter of appreciation has been received from Le Tallian for the hospitality and friendliness extended to them and the formal examination of the twinning process will continue. Music in the Square It has long been our aim to bring some form of music onto the square and beyond in the town for the enjoyment of the public in good weather. Helensburgh has a wealth of music talent especially within the school community and it would be great for young musicians to gain public recognition. Nigel and Tariq have also fronted this development. In conjunction with the organisational skills of Elizabeth Lambert they have brought a ‘Helensburgh’s Got Talent’ event at Hermitage Academy to continue this aim. Post-script - the event was well attended and received by both performers and audience. Summary It has been a delight to welcome a full complement of volunteers to the HCC and to acknowledge the range and diversity of skills they bring in support. Each one has links to other interests, e.g. our secretary Sarah Davies is a member of Friends of Hermitage Park, among others. It serves to illustrate that collectively we have a connection to the community that allows us to represent with confidence the views of the community we serve. We have a new website courtesy of Jonathan Meuli, Stewart Steel and Cameron Foy and we find that more individuals are making contact through this medium for help and advice. We shall continue to utilise this facility for the passage of information. We are more than fortunate to have a steady stream of community volunteers helping with litter, beach cleans and the shrub beds in the square and it is this sense of engagement that we would encourage within the community to take an interest in town business and come forward with suggestions and advice on how to make the town better. We should be in charge of our own destiny and not rely on anyone else to decide our future. We have broken new ground in other areas. The forum for discussion on the vitally important aspect of ensuring that our retail scene remains alive and vibrant is an indication of how these issues can become raised to public awareness and examined in detail. This was also evident in the Visions for Helensburgh exhibition that enabled the public to become informed and as a result become full participants in the process. Much more can be done on similar issues of concern in the town. I shall finish this report by thanking most sincerely all members of the Helensburgh Community Council for their support and commitment to the town which continues to be our collective priority. Norman Muir Convener Helensburgh Community Council 26 June 2023 Page 30
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Area Community Planning Group: Community Development Update Community Development continue to work with a range of voluntary organisations around the Helensburgh and Lomond area. The CDO has been in contact with both successful and unsuccessful groups from the recent Supporting Communities Fund. For unsuccessful applicants, this has included the offer of help to identify alternative sources of funding, or to discuss future plans and development needs. Below are some of the latest developments for a number of groups supported by Community Development; many looking for involvement from individuals, community groups, Community Planning partners and agencies. Princess Louise Hall Committee The PLH hall committee are close to completing their planned asset transfer of the PLH and Howie Pavilion to community ownership; from the council. The group are in the final stages of agreeing a lease. In the months following, the PLH committee are undertaking community engagement exercises to explore future potential uses of the building; and are making a call out to any community members and agencies who may be interested in using this space. Welcome In The Welcome In Recovery Café have set provisional relaunch date of the 28th September 2023. The group is a support for people recovering from addictions and will be peer lead. The group are currently undertaking training, including food hygiene with laptops being provided by Live Argyll. Community Development involvement has been helping the volunteers identify and access training opportunities, to assist in its reopening. Kirkmichael Community Development Group The group have recently with help of Community Development made links with Victora Daveny at UHI Argyll and are in discussions of launching an informal gardening group. This is to make use of vegetable growing beds at the college, and as a means of wider community engagement. The group have also started their Volunteer Scotland Disclosure process and have set the aim of delivering holiday time football sessions to local children, through an insured and reputable sports provider. The group have recognised the need to engage new active members and consider the garden and football projects as a means to strengthen the group. As such the KCDG, has made a general call for involvement by any community members or agencies in the area Page 31 Agenda Item 7e
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Climate Action Plan – Working group Following the identification of Climate Change as one of the top 3 concerns for residents in H&L, a range of community groups have come together to discuss the potential of a local climate action plan for Helensburgh and the immediate surrounds. Representatives from the Helensburgh Community Council, Plastic Free Helensburgh, Cardross CAN and GRAB Trust have met with David Hagerty (Comm. Development) and Tracey Wightwick (Climate Change Officer) to discuss this idea. As a follow up, all groups have been informed of options from both Keep Scotland Beautiful and Adaptation Scotland on how a plan could be formed. Future meetings are planned for September onwards - again with an open invite for community groups looking to be involved in creating and delivering this climate action plan. 28/07/23 Page 32
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Community Learning Services LiveArgyll Update In addition to the continued ongoing Youth work and Adult Learning activities below is a brief update on Youth Work in Helensburgh and contact details for Adult Learning Provision and for further infomration. Youth Work Helensburgh Summer GIVE Programme has been very successful with inputs from SFRS on Water/Home Safety, LiveArgyll on CPR Skills. The young people also volunteered to help Helensburgh Library, for their participation and volunteering the young people were rewarded with trips to Castle Semple to do kayaking and TeamSport in Clydebank for some go-karting and lasertag. Friday Night Football is also back and will finish on 11th August, even though we have had good numbers in attendance this year we have re-advertised it to try boost numbers for the final weeks. Once the Schools return after the summer break Youth Work Services will continue to offer Wider Achievement opportunities, accredited learning and Youth Service support to young people. For further information contact Thomas.Guy-Conroy@liveargyll.co.uk telephone 01436 658817 Adult Learning Helensburgh Adult learning has continued over the summer period and Caroline is currently looking at Adult Learning opportunities and engaging /working with Partners to identify some of the current needs/provision required. For further information and to find out what is happening contact details for Caroline are: Caroline Whitson email Caroline.Whitson@liveargyll.co.uk telephone 01436 658707 Page 33 Agenda Item 7f
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Skills Development Scotland Helensburgh and Lomond Update August 2023 Page 35 Agenda Item 7g
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Service Delivery in Helensburgh and Lomond School Service Offer Hermitage Academy Our careers advisers work delivering career guidance to enable young people from S1-S6 to develop their Career Management Skills via a range of group work and 1-1 coaching conversations. We work closely with our partners within the school to identify young people who are considered most at risk of not making a positive progression from school. Helping those young people to develop their career management skills and move onto education, employment, or training when they leave school. For more information click this link What We Do - Scotland’s Career Service Update School Leaver Destinations Follow Up Over the school holidays we are currently contacting all school leavers from (approx.200 pupils) to ensure that they have secured a positive destination post leaving school and offer support to any that haven’t. These results will be published by the Scottish Government sometime in the new year. Please click here to see last year’s results.Scottish Government School Leaver Destinations. Exam Results Helpline Almost 145,000 learners across Scotland will receive their SQA results on Tuesday 8 August 2023 Skills Development Scotland’s (SDS) Results Helpline will be there to offer information, advice and guidance to Scotland’s young people and their parents and carers. The SDS Results Helpline number is 0808 100 8000 – this goes live on results day and SDS’s expert advisers will have access to information on course vacancies at UK colleges and universities, Confirmation and Clearing, advice about Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships and jobs, volunteering, training, or staying on at school. The 2023 Results Helpline opening hours are: Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 August - 8am to 8pm Thursday 10 and Friday 11 August – 9am to 5pm Post School Service Offer Our Next Steps service supports young people aged 16 – 18 (extended to 26 for care experienced young people) who are unemployed, helping them to build up their career management skills and move on to and sustain a range of options as appropriate. We also offer a service to any adult who wishes to develop their career management and employability skills and move into employment or support a career change. Individuals can access face to face help at our local centre based within JobCentre Plus, 5-7 Charlotte Street, Helensburgh, G84 7PH We also offer virtual and telephone support. Please contact 01389 761 421 for an appointment. Page 36
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PACE: Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) PACE is the Scottish Government’s initiative dedicated to responding to redundancy situations. Through providing skills development and employability support, PACE aims to minimise the time individuals affected by redundancy are out of work. PACE brings together 24 organisations, together with the Scottish Government to provide free and impartial advice, guidance and support for individuals affected by redundancy. Our PACE activity is co-ordinated by our Chair Pamela Little. Update In the current quarter of the financial year, we have had limited PACE activity. Please contact pacenationalteam@sds.co.uk for any further information Annual Participation Measure The Annual Participation Measure (APM) reports on the education and employment activity of 16 to 19 year olds in Scotland. It is the source of the Scottish government's national performance indicator “Percentage of young adults 16 to 19 year olds participating in education, training or employment”. The APM method takes account of all status of 16- to 19-year-olds in Scotland over one calendar year from the 1st of April to the 31st of March. We report on if they are participating, not participating and unconfirmed is based on which status an individual spent to the greatest numbers of days within the year. See below the Annual Participation Measure from 2022 Update The 2023 Annual Participation Measure if due to be published on 31st August. Page 37
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This link will take you to the where the information will be published Link to Annual Participation Measure Local Partnership Support SDS local teams are involved in supporting the following partnerships. DYW – supporting our DYW colleagues with employer events in schools. Local Employability Partnership - member of the LEP Corporate Parent responsibilities – supporting Corporate Parent Board and working closely with the Through Care Forums CLD – supporting CLD Partnership Board Community Justice – member of Community Justice Board Skills Development Scotland - General Update Review of Skills Landscape Published Scottish Government has published the report and recommendations from the Independent Review of the Skills Delivery Landscape. It was led by James Withers, formerly Chief Executive of Scotland Food & Drink. This report follows consultation, a call for evidence and submissions from a range of stakeholders. The full report and recommendations are available here Fit for Future: developing a post school learning system to fuel economic transformation Employer Support Skills Development Scotland works directly with employers across Scotland, providing trusted advice that helps employers invest in existing skills, develop new talent using equal and inclusive recruitment, and get the right products to grow their business. Update Find out more at our new employer hub SDS Employer Hub or contacting us on 0800 783 6000 Local contact Susan MacRae Area Manager Argyll & Bute and Eilean Siar susan.macrae@sds.co.uk Further information skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk - Corporate Website myworldofwork.co.uk - for all your work, skills and learning needs apprenticeships.scot - for all the latest on apprenticeships Page 38
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This is a busy period for the college as we prepare to welcome our new and returning students; w/c 28th August for FE courses and w/c 4th September for HN courses. All students are expected to join classes from their local learning centre this year. We have several new courses beginning this academic year, some of which are one semester long (17 weeks) allowing students to progress to the next level within the same year: NQ Health & Social Care Access to Care (January start one semester) Access to Social Sciences (one semester) NQ Business, Marketing & Enterprise An Introduction to Organic Gardening & Planting Design (one semester) NC Horticulture (January start newly modified to run over one semester) Our lecturers recommence teaching at Hermitage Academy w/c 14th August, courses delivered this year include: Hairdressing Beauty Skills Make up Skills Higher Psychology Higher Sociology NPA Criminology We have approval for building works to commence in the next few months which will increase the number of classrooms and create a more functional and welcoming reception area. This will improve both the student experience and the external appearance of the centre for the local community. Page 39 Agenda Item 7h
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1 Argyll & Bute Community Planning Partnership Area Community Planning Group Partnership update Date: August 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. Public Health Intelligence Saskia Schmitz has now joined the Public Health team in Argyll and Bute as Public Health Intelligence Specialist. The Public Health Intelligence team (PHIT) are part of the Public Health Directorate and provide an expert resource on epidemiology, demography and population health evidence. A key piece of work for the PHIT has been developing profiles for the four community planning partnerships in Argyll and Bute. Saskia is currently contributing to the Children’s Health and Wellbeing Profiles Project, which aims to illustrate central aspects of the health and wellbeing of children and young people in the NHS Highland board area. The Children’s Health and Wellbeing profile reports will present an overview of indicators relevant to the health of children in each partnership area. Going forward, Saskia will support PH projects and will work closely with the NHS Highland Health Intelligence team. Money Counts The Money Counts Level 1 awareness raising sessions continue to be delivered remotely. These sessions help to highlight and promote the Argyll & Bute Worrying about Money leaflet produced by the Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN). As well as being available in English, the Worrying about Money leaflet is also available in Arabic, Gaelic, Polish and Ukrainian, and, following a suggestion from a participant, it is now available in an Easy Read version. To access these leaflets, follow the link below then go to the Argyll & Bute section of the website. Some paper copies are also available. Please contact nhsh.abhealthimprovement@nhs.scot if you would like any paper copies for your organisation. Cash First Leaflets | IFAN (foodaidnetwork.org.uk) Living Well Networks In April 2023, a new model of delivery was implemented, there is now a lead Living Well Network (LWN) Coordinator for each Locality, with a two-year Service Level Agreement in place. Although there has been a reduction in the number of LWN Coordinators, quarterly LWN meetings are still currently being held in each. Page 41 Agenda Item 7i
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2 The LWNs provide an opportunity for people to come together to find out what issues matter to local communities; to plan activities and events together; and to network with individuals, services and organisations. The LWNs will now work in partnership with Locality Planning Groups, by supporting engagement work within communities, sharing any identified local needs, raising issues and providing feedback to/from communities. The vacant LWN Coordinator post in Helensburgh and Lomond has now been recruited to with a new LWN Coordinator starting on 15th August. Further information on the LWNs and contact details for your area can be found here: https://www.ablivingwell.org/living-well-networks Living Well Strategy and Prevention Board In June of 2023, the Living Well Steering Group and the Prevention Board agreed to a merger with an aspiration of embodying a philosophy of prevention, by focussing on wellness, not illness, empowering those within Argyll and Bute to live well. The five-year Argyll and Bute Living Well Strategy and Living Well branding will be retained and utilised to achieve the aspiration outlined above. A copy of the strategy is available at www.ablivingwell.org/living-well-strategy. The Living Well Steering Group and the Prevention Board will be replaced by the ‘Living Well’ Board. The Living Well board will provide strategic direction to the Living Well and Prevention agenda, with the aim of creating supports and services which take a preventative approach to improving the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of people across Argyll and Bute, enabling them to live well. The Living Well board will ensure that all a multi-agency approach is taken, with all partners working together with a shared vision and responsibility to provide cohesion and clarity around wellbeing services. This will include ensuring funding is allocated wisely, aligned with the shared vision of all partners, avoiding duplication across partners. The Living Well board will coordinate the efforts of all associated subgroups, providing strategic direction, authorisation, accountability and support to their respective aims. They will monitor the progress, and resolve any issues arising, reviewing and make recommendations on any business cases or proposals arising from the subgroups. Subgroups include frailty, wellbeing project and community assets/coproduction. The 2019-2024 Living Well Strategy was developed following extensive engagement and consultation with our communities, our staff and our third sector partners, reflecting what people told us was needed to improve self-management across Argyll and Bute. The outcomes of this engagement resulted in four themes: Page 42
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3 People – People living in Argyll and Bute have the tools and support they need to support them to Live Well Community – There are a wide range of local services to support people to Live Well Workforce - Staff are able and motivated to support the people they see to Live Well Leadership – Effective Leadership is in place to support the delivery of the Living Well strategy Following further engagement through the Prevention Board, both the Living Well Steering group and Prevention Programme board agreed to merge Living Well and the Health and Wellbeing Programme. The above themes and corresponding action plans have therefore been incorporated into the programme structure and action planning. REPORT AUTHOR AND CONTACT Author Names: Sam Campbell (Health Improvement Principal); Rory Munro (interim Health Improvement Lead); Angela Coll (Health Improvement Senior); Heather McAdam (Health Improvement Senior); Saskia Schmitz (Health Intelligence Specialist). Email: nhsh.abhealthimprovement@nhs.scot Page 43
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Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface Partner Update – Helensburgh & Lomond Area Community Planning Group 22nd August 2023 Community Wealth Building The Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) and the Resource Collective have been commissioned by Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership (CPP) to undertake research into advancing Community Wealth Building (CWB) locally. The Scottish Government has adopted a community wealth building approach as a key practical means to achieve wellbeing economy objectives outlined in the National Strategy for Economic Transformation (NSET), and many areas and communities, across Scotland are advancing the agenda. There are already great things happening in our communities and places across Argyll and Bute, and they'd love to have your views and voice heard as part of this consultation. No prior knowledge of CWB is required. It will all be explained on the day, with ample time for your own input to help shape this agenda moving forward and advance your own work. The Helensburgh and Lomond session will be held on Friday 8th September, 1.30 – 4.30pm, at Helensburgh Parish Church Halls. Please register at Helensburgh & Lomond: Citizen Led Community Wealth Building Workshop Tickets, Fri 8 Sep 2023 at 13:30 | Eventbrite Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund – Year 3 The Scottish Government has confirmed that the funding amount for Year 3 of the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund in Argyll and Bute will be £282,303.16. More details will follow soon. Positive Destinations Argyll and Bute Positive Destinations is still accepting referrals. The programme is funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Funds and enables support for anyone over the age of 15 with barriers to further education or employment by offering a 6-month volunteering placement in organisations across Argyll and Bute, with mentors to support personal development. To register go to Register (argylltsi-funding.org.uk) Volunteering A Volunteering Conference will be held in Helensburgh on Thursday 16th November at Helensburgh Parish Church Halls. Further details to follow. VolunteerArgyllandBute.org is a new and improved digital platform for volunteering, where people can search for the latest opportunities and register with the ones that suit them most. Groups and individuals can create their own online accounts to: Register their interest in opportunities that match their interests. Communicate directly with organisations offering opportunities. Page 45 Agenda Item 7j
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Log any hours spent volunteering. Provide feedback on the quality of the volunteering experience. Receive regular updates on new opportunities when they go live. Groups can advertise multiple volunteering opportunities on the portal. Argyll and Bute Community Directory The A&B TSI database contains over 1400 services across the region and has powered the Argyll and Bute Community Directory which launched on 6th September 2022 (https://abcd.scot/). The directory provides a referral route for third sector services (and some statutory services) and it provides a means to analyse the strengths and gaps in local provision as well as map this against data such as that on poverty, health inequality and demographics. Page 46
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Helensburgh Community Hub – H&L Community Planning Group update, August 2023 #essential sector campaign – The Hub is delighted to be one of ten organisations chosen from across Scotland by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations to feature in a new nationwide campaign showcasing the impact and diversity of the sector. The campaign will be launched at the SCVO’s The Gathering conference in November. Volunteer recognition event – around 130 volunteers from 20+ Volunteer Involving Organisations across Helensburgh and Lomond joined us for a hugely successful celebration lunch at the Civic Centre on Sunday 4 June as part Volunteers' Week Scotland. This was a great collaboration with Visiting Friends and we want to build on this local recognition and celebration of volunteering and would ask any organisations interested in getting involved to contact Hub Development Manager Gill Simpson(contact details below). Restructured membership – we have restructured the Hub membership in line with the development of the workings of the organisation. A new category of “supporter” has been created for those people who wish to follow, support and participate in the Hub’s activities but with no liability for debts on winding up and with no voting role at the AGM. All existing members have been offered the choice between remaining as full members or becoming Hub supporters. Update on activities in the Hub: - The Book Nook has slightly changed opening hours. The new opening times are: Mondays 2- 5pm, Tuesdays 10am-2pm, Wednesdays 10am-4pm and Saturdays 10am-1pm. We are looking for more volunteers to support our increased opening. - Following the closure of Males Tales, the Hub was approached by a former committee member to start a men's talking group in the Hub. The first Time to Talk session was held in July and will continue to meet on the third Thursday of the month in the Book Nook. - The Hub is working with a Helensburgh writers’ group to try to start a regular writing group for young people. - The Hub is supporting a new creative moment session for people with a dementia diagnosis, their families and carers. This will be run by Spin Turn on the last Sunday of the month. - Following a summer break the Hub community yoga returns on Mondays from 5-6pm. The focus of the Gentle Yoga for Relaxation sessions (which are on a donation basis) is on breathing, meditation and relaxation. - Following discussion in our monthly Menopause Café the Hub will hold a Making Menopause Better event as part of World Menopause Month in October. Details tbc. - The Hub has been working with Community Link worker Louise Cassidy to offer volunteer- led crafting sessions for people dealing with depression, anxiety and social isolation. The feedback has been exceptionally positive: “I was really low and this has turned me around. If someone had told me I would sew and make an elephant or make bags for my grandkids I would never have dreamt of doing it and now I love it.” (It’s a Design Feature participant). For more information on anything in this update please contact Hub Development Manager Gill Simpson on 01436 678088 or manager@helensburghcommunityhub.org.uk Page 47 Agenda Item 7k
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Jean’s Bothy update – August 2023 Our membership continues to grow with now 360 members having joined since we opened in September 2018. We had our first “ on location” day on 10th June at Geilston Gardens. Relocating a number of our activities to this beautiful location for the day members had access to art, chair yoga, mindfulness, herb walks, creative writing and photography. 21 members took part and as a result we are now looking at where our next in location day will be. On 24th June 12 members climbed Ben Lomond, it was a tough day for them all, and not without its challenges and changes in weather conditions but they made it to the top. Great sense of achievement all round. We had a successful open day on Friday 21st July where we raised over £700, welcomed new people into the bothy, signed up new members and gave families the opportunity to spend some time with us at Jean’s Bothy. . On 2nd July we held a car boot sale in partnership with Colgrain Bowling Club, although we moved it inside due to weather it was a success and hope to be able to make it a more regular event. At Jean’s Bothy we aim to support our members to facilitate, deliver and run their own groups if that’s what they would like to do. Over the last month we have supported another 4 members to start their own groups – diamond painting; expressionism painting; painting with colour and also a new gaming group. We have also supported a member who delivers 2 sewing groups in the bothy to attend a in depth know your sewing machine course which she will run for the first time in September. Our fundraising and events team continue to plan ahead for events later this year including a community Halloween event and Christmas activities. SMHFA course completed with Macdonald MacMillan Training. 10 completed the 2 day course. Helensburgh savoy held fundraiser in aid of Jean’s Bothy and raised £1305 for us. We thanked everyone who attended their Variety at the Vic event and donated on the night. We continue to feature in the Maid of the loch exhibition and have had 1 purchase so far which is amazing for the member involved. The exhibition remains open every weekend 11-4 until end of October. Kath Polley is currently working with members on a Photography project of members portraits. We hope to be able to display these in the bothy before the end of the year. Dates coming up 18 Aug – joint herb walk with carers 5th Sep – Millport cycle – our annual trip across to the Isle of Cumbrae is open to be whole community to join us. Registration will be open this month. 6th Sep – Pain & Wellbeing Event Planned joint book club meet with Helensburgh Community Hun and Helensburgh & Lomond Carers Page 49 Agenda Item 7l
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We are planning to carry out an independent evaluation of our service over the next 6 months with support from ENABLE and will be looking for feedback from partners etc in the coming months. . Page 50
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Climate Change Working Group Date: 2 August 2023 Climate Change Working Group Highlight Report Argyll and Bute Climate Action 1.0 Executive Summary This CPP sub-group, known as the Climate Change Working Group are planning the production of a Climate Change Action Plan for Argyll and Bute. The Action Plan is proposed to be produced by employing a Climate Change Project Manager to lead the process. The Climate Change Working Group recently agreed to start the project by recruiting a Project Manager this financial year. The project has been delayed due to underestimating the time taken to conclude a Memorandum of Agreement. 2.0 Highlight Report 2.1 Action Plan background The purpose of the Action Plan is to establish a region-wide climate risk assessment and to develop an integrated set of adaptation, mitigation and engagement actions. The proposed post of Climate Change Project Manager will bring organisations, businesses and communities together to develop a shared vision and understanding of climate change risks and opportunities across the Argyll and Bute region. It will identify priorities for communities, areas and sectors that will establish where (both spatially and thematically) and how the region can increase resilience and adapt, mitigate and engage on climate change issues. It will identify, but not reproduce, climate change work either already happening or part of an organisation or business’s own responsibilities. 2.2 Funding The Climate Change Working Group are currently pulling together a funding package to support the post of the Climate Change Project Manager. Page 51 Agenda Item 9a
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The cost of a Project Manager post is estimated to be in the region of £120,000 over two years, which would include the salary of an appropriately qualified climate leader, associated employer costs, T&S costs, etc. Subsequent to previous calls for funding contributions, we had two firm contributions from partners: £20,000 NHS Highland - Argyll & Bute Health and Social Care Partnership £50,000 Argyll and Bute Council We have also the following bids in with the following organisations and are awaiting news on the success or otherwise of these bids: £15,000 NatureScot Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (TSI) are also supportive of the proposal in principle and are exploring funding opportunities. 2.3 Progress The Climate Change working Group decided to start the project with the budget we currently have. The finalisation of the Memorandum of Agreement between the CPP and the hosting body (Argyll Countryside Trust) is now complete, which was required to establish the governance arrangements. The Project Manager post is now advertised and can be viewed here: https://www.act-now.org.uk/news/new-climate-change-action-project-manager-vacancy We’d appreciate it if this opportunity was circulated widely amongst your contacts. 3.0 Summary 1. We propose producing a strategic Action Plan process as the best, and most thorough, way to address the climate emergency in Argyll and Bute. 2. We have an approved governance arrangement for the Climate Change Project Manager post. 3. We are actively pursuing the recruitment of a Project Manager to start this Action Plan work and hope to have someone in post shortly, once we have completed the recruitment processes. Stan Phillips, Chair, CPP Climate Change Working Group Page 52
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For more information, please contact: Stan Phillips, Operations Manager, NatureScot stan.phillips@nature.scot Page 53
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Version 2 – Takki Sulaiman, CEO, Argyll and Bute TSI, August 2023 takkisulaiman@argylltis.org.uk Towards an Argyll and Bute Climate Action Hub – a proposal (updated August 2023) 1. Introduction Argyll and Bute has a long history of community action taking forward environmental and social change but as with much of our local voluntary, third and social enterprise sector organisations tend to be focused in particular localities and/or sometimes lack the scale and/or profile for pan-Argyll and Bute action. This is evidenced by a large number of small organisations (circa 900) serving a population of 86,000 across a large area. This updated outline proposal for community discussion seeks to change that picture by drawing together a range of community actors to coordinate, map and network build for the purposes of increasing community awareness about climate action. This will take the form of fostering deep engagement with communities, promoting learning and development, supporting the design and delivery of mitigation and adaptation projects and identifying barriers to climate action. A number of meetings have been held across Argyll and Bute to generate interest in a Climate Action Hub proposal over the past eighteen months.This community led Hub proposal complements parallels steps being taken by anchor Community Planning Partners taking forward plans to recruit a Climate Change Planning Manager who will prepare a Climate Change Action Plan. Initial funding from the Scottish Government, subject to a full application, is available up to £100,000 per annum for three years. 2. What form could our proposed Climate Action Hub take? The Scottish Government guidance talks about the importance of either using an already established group or setting up a new group. The latter has been ruled out as it would take too long for instance to set up a new bank account or constitute a new group. So, our proposal seeks to leapfrog this stage by utilising existing community organisations, assets and expertise by establishing a consortium model underpinned by democratic legitimacy. Partnering with another locality might have the impact of distancing climate action from Argyll’s communities so we need a structure that reflects our dispersed population centres yet also preserves accountability. We would seek to use the infrastructure of existing umbrella organisations to provide the administrative functions of the consortia – i.e. banking, payroll, HR, secretariat, office space, ICT, grant distribution systems. Some of this would be provided free but where a direct cost would be incurred this would be called off from the Hub project funding stream. The intention is to share, for free if possible, admin/back-office resources so that maximum value can be ploughed into network and hub activity. Page 55 Agenda Item 9b
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Version 2 – Takki Sulaiman, CEO, Argyll and Bute TSI, August 2023 takkisulaiman@argylltis.org.uk The Argyll and Bute TSI could provide some of the back-office functionality with ACT, subject to further discussion, bidding to local consortia to deliver an SLA that would include line management of hub staff and their project plans. 3. How would the consortium model function in terms of governance? It is proposed that each of the four administrative areas of Argyll and Bute (Oban, Lorn and the Isles, Mid-Argyll and Kintyre, Cowal and Bute, Helensburgh and Lomond) elect two representatives in an election to be hosted by Argyll and Bute TSI with the support of SSCAN. This group might then elect a convenor on an annual basis and they will lead the consortia in the commission and contract review of an SLA that will deliver the main activities of the Climate Action Hub.Secretariat services would be provided by the Argyll and Bute TSI as would banking services – subject to discussions with the TSI board. The TSI has also built a grant distribution platform which could also be provided to the consortia when looking to provide seed capital funding for community projects. Expert advisers to the Hub consortia would take the form of the soon to be appointed Climate Change Project Manager who will be funded by Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partners. This would ensure no overlap of activity and integration of actions with the proposed CPP Argyll and Bute Climate Action Plan. Other advisers to the consortia may include other parties to be identified including postholders working on the Climate Action Towns initiatives. 4. Indicative project timeline and next steps All of the following have been subject to discussion. Task When Who Finalise overall approach through sector discussion May 2023 – early June 2023 CAN participants to date, wider stakeholders Prepare more detailed proposal for discussion with Scottish Government June - August 2023 SSCAN, TSI, ACT Elect regional hub consortia representatives who then select a convenor Late 2023/early 2024 TSI to run elections for community organisations of all types to vote Meet as hub consortia to develop and deliver key hub objectives, finalise application and identify next steps August-September 2023 Consortia facilitated by SSCAN, TSI and ACT will circulate draft application locally for comment prior to submission. Scottish Government panel approves hub consortia bid October 2023 Preparation of virtual back office functions to support the hub in terms of governance and operations October 2023 SSCAN, ACT, TSI and others SLA out to tender Oct -Nov 2023 Consortia Page 56
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Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group 22 August 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 22nd June 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 April 2023 cycle of meetings. The Management Committee were advised that the utilisation of hybrid meeting equipment in Helensburgh and Lomond (HL) and Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands (MAKI) continues to be positive. The Community Planning Partnership Management Committee recognised the issues raised by the Dunoon Gourock Ferry Action Group and would request clarification on the specific ask from the Bute and Cowal ACPG as it mentions that it wants to see ‘action’ from the Management Committee however it’s not clear what action it wants to see in reference to this matter. If deemed appropriate as a next step, the Community Planning team could facilitate a discussion between the Chair of the CPP Management Committee, the Chair of Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group and the Chair of the Dunoon Gourock Ferry Action Group. The CPP Management Committee met on the 22nd June 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, 22 June 2023, 10:00 am - Argyll and Bute Council (argyll-bute.gov.uk) Page 57 Agenda Item 10
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The Management Committee is also interested to know more about any existing community partner involvement regarding this issue within the Bute and Cowal area. Transport Infrastructure is one of the top three priorities identified through the consultation process earlier this year which will feed in to the forthcoming focus group discussions to help inform the new 10-year Outcomes Improvement Plan. The Area Community Action Plan for Bute and Cowal will also be updated in 2024 and there will be opportunities to discuss transport issues in Dunoon and surrounding area within that engagement process. CROSS CUTTING THEMES Climate Change Stan Philips provided a presentation in addition to his paper on Addressing the Climate Emergency in Argyll and Bute project by the Climate Change Working Group (CCWG). Consideration was also given to who should sit on the Climate Change Steering Group (CCSG) which will manage the climate change action plan project over the next two years. Mr Philips advised that, once established, the CCWG would manage the function and support the CCSG, continue to seek funding, monitor the action plan and continue to report progress to the CPP Management Committee. Cllr Currie added that the Council had declared a climate emergency and was open to suggestions on what else the Council could be doing to be more involved in this. It was also noted that Stan intends to step down as the Chair of the CCWG once the climate change action plan project is established. Financial Inclusion Fergus Walker highlighted the range of work being delivered around financial inclusion, including Scottish Welfare Fund, Discretionary Housing Payments and School Clothing Project. Mr Walker advised that he is looking to further enhance data matching to better identify communities in particular need and that a 2 year project is about to start in partnership with the Poverty Alliance and the Third Sector to evidence local and national factors that affect poverty. Community Wealth Building (CWB) Takki Sulaiman advised that work was being taken forward on a CWB - Audit, Strategy and Business Plans with CLES having been appointed as consultants. The plans will look at the five pillars of CWB (plural ownership of the economy, making financial power work for local places, fair employment and just labour markets, progressive procurement of goods and service and socially just use of land and property). Page 58
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The work CLES are being asked to do has been divided into lots: Lot 1 is an audit of existing best practice and a mapping exercise against each of the five pillars, Lot 2 is to identify case studies that can be replicated across Argyll and Bute and identify opportunities relevant to our local and strategic plans, Lot 3 is the development of a CWB strategy and action plan, and Lots 4 and 5 are the development of 2 business cases and models to move actions forward in two areas (proposed to explore a business model for Community Energy and a food hub but the final focus will be determined by the audit and mapping exercise). Digital Communities Alex Edmonstone provided an update on the CLD Partnership, advising that Digital Skills is a key theme in the 3 year strategy. As such, a digital work stream group has been created to look at digital inclusion and complete a mapping exercise. Alex also advised that a pilot to provide free Wi-Fi access (dongles) to those with an identified learning need in Helensburgh had gone well and it was hoped this could be rolled out across a wider area. Iain MacInnes advised the R100 fibre roll out is progressing in Argyll and Bute, with installation currently being undertaken at Ardfern. Unfortunately, the roll out had experienced delays due to lack of accommodation available for contractors. As part of the Shared Rural Network Infrastructure programme to install 4-5G in rural areas, the Argyll and Bute area is due to have 50 new mobile masts installed. Iain advised that this is a considerable investment in the area to target partial and not spots in network coverage. Three have gone live and there are 18 more at the planning stages across the area. Digital Hubs have been installed and are operating on Iona and Islay and drop in sessions have been organised to show residents how the hubs work. Digital hubs are also planned for Coll and Tiree but there have been some supply issues that have delayed the start of work at those sites. Building Back Better Kirsty Moyes detailed the successful structures and ways of working with the community that have been developed since the start of the pandemic and gave an overview of the engagement undertaken with communities. This included regular meetings, peer to peer working, targeting funding to meet needs and the Argyll and Bute Outcome Improvement Plan consultation. Kirsty also outlined what is happening in partnership work on the identified themes with recommendations on how to progress on gaps and building this work with communities going forward, taking learning from the positives and challenges during that time. Page 59
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DEVELOPMENT OF NEW OUTCOME IMPROVEMENT PLAN John McLuckie provided an update on the ongoing work on the new Outcome Improvement Plan, specifically the top 3 themes (Transport Infrastructure, Housing and Community Wellbeing). John advised that the themes had been discussed in detail at a CPP Management Committee Development Day in Arrochar on 18 May 2023. This was followed up with a survey which was circulated to all partners to complete to gather intelligence and insight on the top themes. Output from the Development Day included the preference to meet in person and extended meetings as required to deep dive into topics and to create a steering group to direct the creation of the ABOIP over the next few months. The steering group would ideally look to be in place by July / August consisting of 3 - 4 members of the CPP Management Committee, focus groups would happen in September / October and then the data will be analysed before the ABOIP is published in November / December. UPDATE ON WIDER PARTNERSHIP WORK David Adams-McGilp, VisitScotland Regional Director, Argyll and the Isles, and Cathy Craig, CEO Argyll and the Isles Tourism Co-operative, gave a presentation on the VisitScotland Action Plan and the current state of tourism in Argyll and Bute. David explained the outcomes of the national plan are across four strategic outcomes: SPREAD includes easing visitor number pressure in certain areas and encouraging/promoting visitors to areas with more capacity and looking at extending the traditional visitor season. There is work ongoing on how to measure how successful this strategy will be and David noted that Scottish tourism is still in a post Covid recovery and growth phase. SPEND covers public and private investment in our tourism facilities, destinations and experiences to improve visitor experience in Argyll and Bute. SUSTAINABILITY is a key part of the action plan and the current Scottish Government Tourism strategy and the National Strategy For Economic Transformation (NSET) both share a commitment to destination net zero. SATISFACTION looks at ensuring positive local attitudes to area tourism using community engagement, visitor management, the rural tourism infrastructure fund and industry / tourist satisfaction. It is important that communities do not have development imposed upon them but that they are part of the planning to make the most of local assets. Cathy gave an overview of the tourism industry in Argyll and Bute, advising that the value of the local tourism market had not recovered post pandemic with visitor numbers down with continued negative effect to local businesses. The 2023 visitor Page 60
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survey is currently underway and although tourism is making progress, this year’s market is looking to be more depressed than last year, with over half of businesses surveyed in the area saying they were struggling financially. In 2023 a new area tourism website was launched and there had been various marketing campaigns to attract visitors to the area, especially to boost low visitor numbers in Mid Argyll and Kintyre. Recruitment of staff within businesses in Argyll and Bute remains a critical challenge. On a positive note, interest in our area is high and funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise had enabled the recruitment of a travel trade expert who represented Argyll and Bute at national exhibitions and secured sign up by 21 new travel operators to add Argyll and Bute destinations to their itineraries. ARGYLL AND BUTE HOUSING EMERGENCY Cllr Robin Currie notified the Management Committee that the Council had declared a housing emergency and encouraged all partners to attend a Council housing summit that is due to be held in October / November to agree action on how this can be addressed. Morag Goodfellow, Highland and Island Enterprise, added that as housing had been identified as a priority in the ABOIP consultation this can be taken forward by the CPP Management Committee via the Strategic Housing Forum. For further information, please contact: Stuart McLean, Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council (01436) 657605 Stuart.mclean@argyll-bute.gov.uk Page 61
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