Supporting Communities Fund - Monitoring of Projects Funded
Argyll and Bute Council · 6 September 2023
Back to Mid Argyll, Kintyre & the Islands Area Committee — 6 September 2023 and its agenda
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL MID ARGYLL, KINTYRE AND THE ISLANDS AREA COMMITTEE COMMUNITY PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 6 September 2023 SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES FUND - Monitoring of Projects Funded 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 The purpose of this report is to provide monitoring information on the funding given to community projects from the council’s Supporting Communities Fund. 1.2 The time period of this report covers projects funded within 2019/20, 2020/21 and 2021/22. Due to the disruption of Covid 19 on the planned funded projects of community groups, the council agreed to lengthen the time projects had to be delivered. Therefore this report summarises projects completed within the years disrupted by Covid 19. 1.3 Members are asked to consider the contents of the report showing a summary of the information supplied by organisations in their End of Project Monitoring Reports. 1.4 Members are asked to note the return of monies and that these will be available to fund projects in future rounds of the Supporting Communities Fund.
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL MID ARGYLL, KINTYRE AND THE ISLANDS AREA COMMITTEE COMMUNITY PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 6 September 2023 SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES FUND - Monitoring of Projects Funded 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 This report highlights the positive outcomes for communities in Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands through the allocation of the Council’s Supporting Communities Fund between 2019/20 and 2021/22. 2.2 A total of 40 projects were awarded funding. Due to the challenges throughout that period for community groups and adjustments that had to be made to the running of their projects, it has been more challenging to receive an End of Project Monitoring Report from all awards of funding. These were exceptional years and we are grateful to all community organisations who were able to submit information for this report. These were exceptional years and we are grateful to the 37 grant recipients who were able to submit information for this report. 2.3 A total of £3,425 has been returned, £3,425 has been included in the distribution of the SCF for 2023/24. 3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS It is recommended that the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Committee: 3.1 Note and consider the positive contribution of the Supporting Communities Fund detailed in section 4 and the attached table. 3.2 Note that a total of £3,425 has been returned, £3,425 has been included in the distribution of the SCF for 2023/24. 4.0 DETAIL 4.1 The funded projects supported approximately 6,580 people to participate in a variety of activities including outdoor activities, sports, music and mental health. Highlights include:
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The number of groups who were able to adapt and demonstrate their resilience during the pandemic years, and support to overcome the terrible loneliness and isolation of that time was in abundance. For example, Shopper Aide took folk out on picnics in small groups to build up their confidence in socialising in a safe way, and Whitehouse village hall improved their outdoor space for an annual event to find it being popular all year round. Even the Lochgilphead 19th Scouts adjusted their plans and held camps in local locations allowing young people to re-build their social skills and learn new things, when travel became unsafe. Another highlight is MYFOS’ Tuesday Teas group which delivered multiple outcomes, providing benefits both to the diners who enjoyed teas and to the servers and bakers who learnt new work skills. 4.2 The attached table summarises information received from individual projects. 4.3 37 grant recipients have submitted an End of Project Monitoring Report. 4.4 A total of £3,425 has been returned. The return of funds is a combination of projects under budget or funds unable to be spent. 4.5 Mid Argyll Music Festival were granted an extension, until September 2023, and is listed as No 10 in the 2020/21 funding cycle table below.
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2019/20 SCF Round of Funding No Organisation Project Funded Award End of Project Achievements No. of people in communities benefitting 1 ACT - Argyll & the Isles Coast & Countryside Trust Moving On sessions to maintain continuity of activities for participants of ‘Branching Out’ aimed at those affected by mental health £1,254.00 Overall our participants responded that they look forward to and benefit from the social interaction, the fresh air, the meaningful activity and that regular sessions are a useful tool that helps to manage long-term conditions and stay connected. 7 2 Heart of Argyll Restoration of wild oyster beds £954.00 We developed a classroom lesson on oyster reintroduction and the benefits this species will bring to a marine ecosystem. We delivered this lesson at Craignish Primary School in November 2019 to both the younger and older children. We developed a teaching pack for primary schools during the summer of 2019 that can be used either independently of the project or as an introduction for active participation in the future monitoring of the wider Heritage Lottery funded project of which this pilot scheme formed part of the feasibility study. 16 3 Inveraray Senior Citizens Running costs to free up funds for purchase of new tables £1,000.00 The grant enabled us to purchase new folding tables and other decorating work which has given the hall a much better ambience. 90 4 Islay High School Parent Council School Trip to India £2,215.00 The students have a far greater understanding of sustainability and the impact that they can have when making even small changes i.e. using a re-usable water bottle, getting by on limited clothing and what is actually necessary, and importantly trying to limit food waste 20 5 Islay Link Club Bee Friendly gardening for those affected by mental health £305.00 Working outside in autumn last year was a great collaboration with each other learning about plants; it boosted our mood giving us natural good mental health. Not given 6 Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust Fees towards design of multi-use games area £1,750.00 The project enabled the young people of Gigha to come together to develop initial feasibility based on their ideas and needs, and address the negative impact of rural isolation. 20
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2019/20 SCF Round of Funding 7 Jura Village Hall Running costs for community hall £1,012.00 As a result of getting our toilets refurbished, the standard of hygiene has greatly improved. 202 8 Kintyre Seasports Regatta giving free dinghy training - cost of trainers £1,055.00 The regatta and the training programme were extremely successful. Regatta numbers were up by 50% from the previous year. In addition club memberships increased to 200. The training programme saw a repeat in interest from the community and many young people took advantage of a total of 6 weeks training which was 4 weeks more than we originally had hoped to provide. 123 9 Loch Fyne Viking Festival Woodworking sessions to be delivered £2,250.00 The festival started on Saturday morning (12/7) with the arrival of Magnus Barfot, sailing into Tarbert Harbour with two longships. Magnus and his Vikings landed on Harbour Road welcomed by Anne Horn (local councillor) and a group of spectators. The workshops were well organised and well executed. The participants and the organisers were pleased with how the workshops went. Not Given 10 M S Centre Room hire & therapy sessions £2,484.00 Our members felt less isolated and lonely. Having a group designed to support people who could not come to the Centre during the day allowed a safe space for members to discuss the impact of working with a long term condition. Being able to share feelings and perceptions in confidence with peers was valuable. 10 11 PACTMAK Trips and events for people living with learning disability £2,090.00 The range of activities meant that all members derived benefit from the programme and the shared activities supported group bonding – this is demonstrated through the interaction on the Group FaceBook page. Work with both Heads Up (Lochgilphead) and the Chit Chat (Islay) groups has been very successful and we are looking forward to return visits. Partnership working has also proved valuable in pooling resources and value for money. 20 12 Shopper Aide Hall Fees for Elderberries group & lunch club £2,500.00 The Elderberries group is attended by up to 25 people per day with the majority having lunch there, there is a wide variety of activities for everyone including an exercise session, music, dancing, crafts, quizzes, bingo etc or just chatting to friends. Having lunch at the 35
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2019/20 SCF Round of Funding club helped some have a more varied diet particularly as the soup was home made every day. 13 South Kintyre Development Trust Lunch club for those on low income £2,000.00 An agreed alternative project took place whereby SKDT set up a community drop-in for 2 days a week where soup and refreshments were offered alongside support, signposting and referrals. This resulted in 12 new referrals to the Kintyre foodbank and 15 introductions to Shopper Aide, as well as a general uplift in mental health and increased confidence in coming back out to all attendees. They hope to run similar in the coming winter. 64 14 Tarbert and Skipness Community Trust Tourist information point & hub £2,500.00 The project involved up to 20 local volunteers who worked on the display and provided opportunities for local people to tell their story to visitors. Also, provided visitor information through leaflets and local knowledge. 1,000 15 Tayinloan Villagers Association Lease & digger to update site: playing fields £2,500.00 The playpark has only just been completed within the last week and already we have received very positive feedback. The children are delighted and one resident said that it had breathed new life back into the village. 65
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2020/21 SCF Round of Funding No Organisation Project Funded Award End of Project Achievements No. of people in communities benefitting 1 19th Argyll (Lochgilphead) Scout Group Towards an adventure weekend £2,500.00 The aims of the project were fully met, however the method of delivery changed radically due to the Covid 19 pandemic. In the period from August 2021 to December 2021 the group organised and delivered four adventure weekends that allowed to group to come together, enjoy a raft of adventurous activities and celebrate 50 years of Scouting in Lochgilphead. Camps took place at Dunaad, Ford and Glen Coe. New skills were learned by the young people and confidence gained. 189 2 Carradale Music Festival Towards the 3rd Carradale Music Festival £1,500.00 The event brought more people to the village, meaning that all local businesses benefitted as well as getting Carradale back on the map. 250 3 Dalintober & Milknowe Senior Citizens Monday Social Club 4 tea dances for Campbeltown Senior Citizens £720.00 Tea dances for senior citizens were held in the local Masonic Hall, free of charge and with afternoon tea provided. Those attending enjoyed lively music, many danced though not all were physically able to join in. Others sang along to well- known songs, bringing back memories of happy times. Conversations were warm, acquaintances re-kindled, and for residents of the local care home as well as for staff, a welcome break from routine. Loneliness was forgotten for a time. 180 4 Islay & Jura Community Enterprises Limited Towards continuation of a part-time Link Worker post £2,000.00 Towards the costs of a project worker who supported the clients of “Chit Chat” remotely and offline with activities and phone calls. Activities included a programme of social, arts, music and exercise and was replicated offline, as people increased their confidence and began to come out again. This work reported multiple benefits to health and wellbeing including improved self management skills and health. 19 5 Islay Community Council To hire a consultant to complete a Community-led £2,500.00 Funds returned. £2500 confirmed
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2020/21 SCF Round of Funding Action Plan returned 6 Keeping it local CIC Business overheads towards development of this CIC £2,500.00 Delivered safety information on Digital screens during pandemic. Not given. 7 Kintyre Link Club 20th anniversary celebration £1,348.00 Our 20th anniversary celebrations did go ahead although later than first planned and a bit more subdued due to COVID and people still being very nervous about mixing. We also managed an advert in the local paper in their health and wellbeing special which we have since had 3 enquiries from. New leaflets were produced and craft sessions with our new equipment have been very well attended. Items produced will be available for sale at local events once we have mastered the art of pyrography! 26 8 Lochgilphead Community Council 5th annual Lochgilphead Celtic and Pictish Festival £2,500.00 We had a very successful day of live music, re-enactments, living history demonstrations, story-telling and all round celebration of cultural heritage. Demonstrators reported high levels of visitor engagement throughout the day. Local shops and cafes reported increased footfall and sales during the event and new potential demonstrators and volunteers have come forward expressing a wish to get involved in the next event. 500 9 MacTaggart Community Cybercafé now known as MYFOS Sessional worker for 3 hours a week £1,368.00 Mactaggart Cyber Café provided a Tuesday Teas Group with this funding. It allowed for people to come together, promoted social inclusion and was affordable to all in the community. It encouraged volunteering to work at the Teas and provide baking etc which helped people learn new skills and develop in self esteem and confidence. 186 10 Mid Argyll Music Festival 2021 Mid Argyll Music Festival £1,500.00 Extension offered to end June 2023. Event now postponed to September 2023 and update has been requested. N/a 11 Shopper-Aide Ltd Towards the running costs of the 4 vehicles £1,561.29 During the Covid pandemic our delivery of shopping doubled in numbers. We covered the whole Kintyre peninsula delivering shopping, Virtual Afternoon Bags, crafts, books and many other items to keep our clients motivated and feel less isolated during these difficult times. 240 12 Tarbert Soccer Centre Winter sports kit £2,500.00 Thanks to the Supporting Communities Funding we received, the aims of our project were met in full. Every child registered with 79
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2020/21 SCF Round of Funding Tarbert Soccer Centre were issues with a training kit and a winter tracksuit and every coach was provided with a winter top. 13 Tarbert Village Hall Produce and industries show £925.00 Funds Returned. £925 returned confirmed 2021/22 SCF Round of Funding No Organisation Project Funded Award End of Project Achievements No. of people in communities benefitting 1 CHARTS Support pilot project offering simultaneous translation at community meetings within Gaelic speaking communities. £400.00 The project succeeded to assist the Culture, Heritage and Arts Assembly membership-network to encourage use of the Gaelic language and assisted to evidence the need for a Gaelic Culture Officer, later funded by Bòrd na Gàidhlig. 90 2 East Kintyre Community Council Purchase of tools and equipment, trees, wildlife habitats, picnic bench and groundworks at Wellpark Wood community space, to develop an accessible community garden with covered seating area. £2,500.00 Carradale primary school intend to work in this area with the children to watch wild life and learn about gardening and wildlife while tending to the new garden area. The project includes the installation of wildlife cameras. This will greatly enhance the learning opportunities for our local school children and will enable identification and record keeping skills. The Gardening Club, for older members of the community, are hoping to work along-side the children during the spring and summer to encourage intergenerational friendships and co-operation. 475 3 Inverary Community Council Hire of a consultant to complete a Community Action Plan for Inveraray Community Council. £2,500.00 The Action Plan was finalised and details enabling the Community Council and the community to understand the aspirations and concerns of the community. Specific projects and activities have been organised and taken forward to meet the objectives of the community. The community action plan identified what the community want to accomplish, addressing social, economic, and environmental concerns, and what activities are required. 35 4 Islay & Jura Community Enterprises Limited Weekly swimming therapy sessions for 13 children with £2,275.00 Our pods enable children to use the swimming pool who would ordinarily find it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to use 26
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physical and mental disabilities in the swimming pool and Development of a small user group to represent needs of disabled children and influence project activities and direction. otherwise. They provide additional sensory and physical stimulation, increase fitness and help with weight reduction. Our ASN instructor is able to provide a little more structure to a swimming session and this has led to an increase in sports participation and learning. Our free passes enable families to have one free swim per week, bringing an increase to physical health. 5 Live Music Now Scotland Six intergenerational music residencies, shared musical enjoyment for older people in Ardfenaig and Kintyre care homes and pre-school children in Ardrishaig and Campbeltown. £2,184.00 All activities went ahead successfully, albeit later than as planned due to covid. The residencies brought care home residents together with pre-school children for shared musical enjoyment of the three participatory/interactive performances meeting all aims of the project. 42 6 Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Mid Argyll Printing of 12 x booklets written by the Scots Literacy Project and support for outreach visits or phone calls using the booklet as a focus, to reduce isolation and boost mental health and wellbeing in older, isolated members of the community. £2,500.00 We used the Scots Literacy Guide and also invested in reproducing a lot of old photos of our local area, we bought wellbeing supplies and started a Time to Talk session, and our Wellbeing Worker trained as Sporting Memories coach and now runs a group which focuses on memories as well as chair based physical activity. 105 7 Shopper-Aide Ltd Accompanied excursions for older people with afternoon tea for 24 people to see the countryside, building confidence outwith the home for those most affected by the Covid situation. £2,500.00 The funding allowed us to undertake the proposed ‘Bubble’ afternoon tea trips with our clients, with trips on up to 4 days a week depending on staff availability. The project had the intended effect of easing our clients’ transition from isolating at home to being back out in the community. The trips were run until the relaxing of restrictions allowed us to restart our social groups fully, bringing together larger number of our clients. One of our ‘Bubbles’ clients said: “You have no idea how much pleasure this has given me” after her first outing with the project. 20 8 Tarbert & Skipness Community Trust Restoration of White Shore Path at Tarbert Harbour. £1,500.00 The White Shore Path has always been a favourite path for locals, leading to the shore where in the summer, safe swimming is 2,000
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Provision of hand tools and PPE, timber, aggregate and chicken wire to replace eroded sections of the path, and machine hire. available, The path is 1.9 km and is considered moderate, enabling people to undertake aerobic exercise on their door steps without the need for transport. Feedback from the village has been very positive, by word of mouth and on All Things Tarbert Facebook page. 9 Tarbert Soup Group Twice weekly x 2 hour healthy cooking and eating sessions for younger people ages 8-18. Two food storage cupboards, running costs including rent, insurance, electricity and staffing. £2,204.00 We supported many people in the period we were funded and beyond, the project has been entirely successful and provided people with a place to belong, bringing people together, working with other groups and agencies ensure everyone has access to food and support. We did meal kits to take away and prepared meals with the young people, doorstop deliveries to all elderly. We have evolved from this and are now running groups three times a week to provide a warm space, companionship, access to information, advice and to improve wellbeing, reducing isolation and loneliness. 220 10 The Community Bureau SCIO Costs to staff and run outdoor activities for older people, people with long- term health conditions and people with mental health issues, to support them with the impact of lockdown. £1,240.00 The main activities were provision of low level walks, themed around exploring our woodlands. This aimed to bring people and communities together who had been pulled apart and isolated by Covid. Each walk over the better weather taking place in different location, alongside other outdoor and fun activities (an example was wild swimming). Enabling people to engage with each other, gain confidence and new skills; also to improve mobility for those who have largely been confined to their homes for long periods. 99 11 The Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust 10 x Countryside Ranger sessions with Gigha Primary School on 5 Environmental Science topics to include provision of resources for repeatable activities. £2,202.00 Our project aims were based on integrating outdoor learning into the school curriculum and young people’s development, by applying the natural world to aspects of the curriculum as a medium to understand science and make this more relatable and inclusive to all. The project was altered slightly to work with the school’s programme and support their history curriculum activities as well as the science curriculum activities. 21 12 Whitehouse Village Hall Development of outside space at Whitehouse Village Hall for community ‘Grow and Show’ events. £495.00 The gazebos were invaluable and allowed the community to utilise their beautiful outside space regardless of the weather, with good attendance and high enjoyment levels at their annual ‘Grow and Show’. With the enhanced planting the outside space is popular 70 - 100
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and even used as a picnic space when there is no event on.
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5.0 CONCLUSION 5.1 The project monitoring form has a section asking for comments on the grant process. Not all applicants have completed this section but of those received, the comments have largely been very positive. 6.0 IMPLICATIONS 6.1 Policy: None 6.2 Financial: The report sets out the expenditure from the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands area 2018/19 budget for the allocation of Supporting Communities Fund 6.3 Legal: None 6.4 HR: None 6.5 Fairer Scotland Duty/Equalities/Islands: Compliant with policy and noting that 9 of the funded projects were on islands. 6.6 Risk: None 6.7 Customer Service: None Chief Executive – Pippa Milne Policy Lead - Cllr Alistair Redman Community Planning Manager – Rona Gold 06/09/2023 For further information contact: Community Development Officer Antonia Baird on 01546 604270 / antonia.baird@argyll-bute.gov.uk.