12 - Participation Strategy and Locality Planning Update
North Ayrshire Council · 4 June 2024
Back to Cabinet — 4 June 2024 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 4th June 2024 Cabinet Title: Participation Strategy and Locality Planning Update Purpose: To seek Cabinet approval of the proposed North Ayrshire Participation Strategy and provide an update on proposed next steps in relation to North Ayrshire’s locality planning approach to support the implementation of the strategy. Recommendation: That Cabinet: a) Approves the proposed North Ayrshire Participation Strategy at Appendix 1 for publication; and b) Approves the proposed next steps at paragraphs 2.15-17 to develop the locality planning approach further and agrees to receive a further report to Cabinet on the outcome of this work. 1. Executive Summary 1.1 North Ayrshire Council has an excellent reputation for the manner in which it works with its communities and has long recognised the importance of participative democracy in co-designing and delivering the best possible services alongside its partners and communities. For democracy to thrive, people must be encouraged and supported to take part in decision making at all levels. The proposed Participation Strategy at Appendix 1 is an overarching commitment to our ambition for the continuing development of this collaborative and participative working and a resource for staff and community members to use when designing, delivering and participating in their communities. 1.2 This strategy builds on the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, Scottish Government and COSLA joint Review of Local Governance (encompassing the Democracy Matters and Democracy Matters 2 conversations) as well as the learning from the joint working during the coronavirus pandemic conversations, which informed the Scottish Government’s Social Renewal Advisory Board. It is written for our communities and offers them pathways and support to encourage them to participate in democratic and community life in North Ayrshire and beyond. 1.3 The ambition of the proposed Strategy is to build upon the excellent work and reputation of North Ayrshire and to continue to find new and innovative ways in which to support participation and ensure that residents are placed at the centre of decision making and democracy.
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that further the transparency of decision making. 197 1.4 The proposed Strategy comprises three sections – firstly, an explanation of what participation is, who can be involved and the standards which we hold ourselves to in our work; effectively a way of explaining how it should feel to be involved in participative activity within North Ayrshire and what that might look like. The second section is a community pathway, a live document containing information on the various groups, routes and activities within communities that individuals can be involved in, depending on their areas of interest and needs. The final section is a staff resource which supports the work of the Community Planning Partnership’s Community Engagement Network in providing a centre of expertise and excellence for networking, idea and resource sharing and a joint calendar of engagement activity. 1.5 Locality planning is one of the key levers used in North Ayrshire to encourage communities to have their say on the issues which are important to them and work together to co-produce solutions. Using the proposed new North Ayrshire Participation Strategy as a catalyst, a programme of self-assessment work in relation to locality planning has been developed and is set out at paragraphs 2.15-17. Some of the early actions which will support the implementation of the strategy are geared around raising the profile and further development of the locality planning approach. 1.6 This report sets out the proposed new North Ayrshire Participation Strategy at Appendix 1, along with proposals for self-assessment work in relation to our locality approach. The results of the latter will be the subject of a future report and recommendations to Cabinet. 2. Background 2.1 Participation encourages collaboration, cooperation and collective action which lead to improved outcomes for people, and open, transparent and participatory government is fundamental to democracy. Over the past decade, North Ayrshire Council has been building its approach to community empowerment, strengthening communities and supporting community organisations. The Christie Commission in 2011 recognised the importance of this as a way of working and as a driver for public sector reform. This was further enhanced by the introduction of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act in 2015. The proposed new Human Rights Bill for Scotland is likely to enshrine participation as a right for citizens. 2.2 North Ayrshire has always valued the participation of its communities through sharing their lived experience and working together to co-design local solutions to improve outcomes for residents. There are a variety of different ways that people in North Ayrshire can currently participate in local decision making and democracy. The importance of this work is embedded within the North Ayrshire Partnership Plan and recognised through the inclusion of “Communities and Local Democracy” as one of the four key priorities of the Council Plan, with the aim being that we will have active, inclusive and resilient communities. 2.3 The 2020 Best Value Audit Report recognised that the Council proactively engages with communities, including hard-to-reach groups and its most vulnerable communities. In the 2021-22 Best Value statement, Audit Scotland identified that “The Council continues to be open and transparent and demonstrates a culture of continuous improvement”. The proposed new Participation Strategy seeks to further that continuous improvement by setting out our overarching approach to participation, offering an accessible pathway for communities to participate and a commitment to developing new, innovative and inclusive methods for participation
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198 2.4 There are a range of existing plans and strategies supporting the participation of specific sections of the community, such the Youth Participation and Citizenship Strategy 2021-2025, the Housing Services Customer Participation Strategy, the HSCP Participation & Engagement Strategy, and the work with older people included in the priorities set out in North Ayrshire Council’s Strategic Community Learning & Development Plan 2021-2024. The creation of the new Communities and Housing Directorate within the Council offers the opportunity for these areas of work to be more closely aligned to support each other and work together. 2.5 The proposed North Ayrshire Strategy does not attempt to replicate any of the existing participation work, but rather provide an overarching ambition and articulate the ongoing commitment of the Council in supporting both existing and new and innovative participative approaches and ensuring that as many people as possible in communities are able to take part in decision making in ways which are proportionate and appropriate for their needs and capacities. It offers an opportunity to bring together the various strategies across the Council which support participation and coordinate further both their implementation and the use of the feedback which is received. It also makes it easier for those within communities to find the various routes through which they can participate. 2.6 The development of mini-enquiries to conduct deep dives into key topics shows a move towards further deliberative dialogue and co-design of solutions between communities and partners. The entire strategy supports the continuation of ongoing dialogue between communities, partners and the council and recognises that each community, whether geographical or of interest, is unique. This means that consideration needs to be given to the specific needs of each community and which methods of participation are most suitable for them. The commitment of the Strategy is to continue to work with communities to find new and innovative ways in which participation can be supported and increased, and which meet these unique needs. 2.7 The Strategy is written for community members. It is designed to be as clear as possible, and to provide them with the information they need to support their participation. The Strategy comprises three sections – firstly, an explanation of what participation is, who can be involved and the standards which we hold ourselves to in our work; effectively a way of explaining how it should feel to be involved in participative activity within North Ayrshire and what that might look like. The second section is a community pathway, a live document containing information on the various groups, routes and activities within communities that individuals can be involved in, depending on their areas of interest and needs. The final section is a staff resource which supports the work of the Community Planning Partnership’s Community Engagement Network in providing a centre of expertise and excellence for networking, idea and resource sharing and a joint calendar of engagement activity. 2.8 Our Community Planning Partners were directly involved in the development of the strategy, with representatives joining a working group to help write the content and influencing the style based upon their own engagement with communities to ensure it was as accessible and understandable as possible. With this in mind, the Strategy acknowledges the work and contribution of partners and will be presented to the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Board subject to Cabinet approval.
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199 2.9 During late 2023 and early 2024, a Members and Officers Working Group considered representation in participation across North Ayrshire. The discussions and conclusions of this group supported the development of the strategy, and the consideration of the actions which needed to be taken to support its roll out. In addition, the proposed North Ayrshire Participation Strategy was considered at the Council’s Policy Advisory Panel in April 2024, where discussion with elected members again reinforced the need to ensure that the information contained in it is available as widely as possible to support participation by all sections of the community. We have considered this in both the online presentation and publicity of the strategy and in the ways we will make it available for those less able or willing to use digital resources. 2.10 The delivery of the first year of the strategy will focus on the following actions: • Promote and raise awareness of the strategy and the ways in which people can be involved • Gather examples of effective engagement, participation and change to share • Enhance our budget consultation process • Work to further develop and promote our locality planning approach 2.11 Another way in which the new Strategy will be implemented is through the budget consultation process. The Council has previously concentrated its public facing budget engagement exercise into the latter part of the year, seeking views from groups and organisations mandated to represent their communities, supplemented with online surveys which gather information from the wider public. This year, the proposal is that the consultation becomes a conversation over a longer time period, working with the various networks for participation identified within the strategy, to discuss priorities with communities. This allows direct engagement with some of the community groups and members who are less likely to participate in a specific budget engagement session but who may be highly impacted by the decisions made around the budget. The information received can then be used to shape the content of the final engagement sessions late in the year. This represents a step towards greater dialogue and co-design of core services with our communities. 2.12 The Strategy is presented as a hard copy document attached as Appendix 1 for consideration. In reality, it will be a live document hosted within the new CPP website, which can be updated regularly. While our commitment to participative working and the standards which we work to will remain, the methods used and the pathway which the community can access are iterative and evolving in response to the changing needs of our communities and the ongoing engagement we have with them about the best ways for them to participate which helped inform this initial version of the strategy. 2.13 We will ensure the Strategy is visible through the Council’s online resources, including the website and social media. We will also seek to promote the Strategy widely across partners. It is recognised that not everyone is able or willing to use digital resources and, in line with the inclusive principles of the strategy, information will be available in other formats as required, and awareness will be raised amongst Council staff and partners regarding the Strategy and the importance of promoting participation to their service users.
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4.3 None. 200 Locality Planning Approach 2.14 One of the key routes for participation in North Ayrshire is through locality planning, including the work of the locality partnerships which bring our Community Planning Partners, elected members and community representatives together to jointly address local priorities. Locality planning is a process which we seek to constantly improve, with the last development being a review of the partnership Terms of Reference and membership criteria in 2022. 2.15 Using the proposed new North Ayrshire Participation Strategy as a catalyst, a programme of self-assessment work in relation to locality planning has been developed. This reflects our ambition to continue to grow and improve the local governance framework, using locality planning as a key lever to do so, and reflecting the ambitions of communities across Scotland which have been identified so far through the progress around the Local Governance Review and Democracy Matters 2 conversation. 2.16 The self-assessment exercise will take place over summer/autumn 2024 and will include the following areas of work: • Surveys with key locality representatives to gain a deeper understanding and identify what is currently working well, what the challenges to locality working are and what the opportunities are to develop the collective contribution. • A wider review of the best of practice across national networks to inform our locality planning approach, tailored to local circumstances as required. 2.17 Following this exercise, officers will bring a further report to Cabinet later in the year outlining recommendations for the next phase of developing our locality planning approach. The work is also expected to contribute towards the updated locality partnership plans for 2024/25. 3. Proposals It is proposed that Cabinet: a) Approves the proposed North Ayrshire Participation Strategy at Appendix 1 for publication; and b) Approves the proposed next steps at paragraphs 2.15-17 to develop the locality planning approach further and agrees to receive a further report to Cabinet on the outcome of this work. 4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty Financial 4.1 The delivery of the strategy will be carried out using existing resources. Human Resources 4.2 There are no human resources implications arising from the report. Legal
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201 Equality/Socio-economic 4.4 The purpose of the Participation Strategy is to reduce inequalities, widen democratic participation and advance community empowerment by encouraging people to become involved in their community and simplifying the way they can do so. North Ayrshire strives to engage well with all parts of the community and partners to address poverty and inequalities, in order to learn from the voices of lived experience. Environmental and Sustainability 4.5 Participation can support sustainability through, for example, community involvement and volunteering in environmental projects, as well as developing the capacity of communities to source and manage funding for projects which contribute towards their sustainability. Key Priorities 4.5 Community participation supports the North Ayrshire Council Plan strategic aims: • To transition to a wellbeing economy, delivering prosperity, wellbeing and resilience for local people. • We will have active, inclusive and resilient communities. • A Community Wealth Building Council that is efficient and accessible, maximising investment and focusing resources towards our priorities. Community Wealth Building 4.6 The Strategy encourages increased democratic participation and greater awareness of opportunities, for example, for community ownership of land and assets and plural ownership of the local economy through inclusive ownership models. 5. Consultation 5.1. The Strategy has been developed in response to the ongoing dialogue with communities and groups and in partnership with our key stakeholders and CPP partners. David Hammond Executive Director Communities and Housing For further information please contact Rhonda Leith, Head of Service (Connected Communities), on (01294) 324415. Background Papers
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202 Appendix 1 - Draft Participation Strategy
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203 Who is this strategy for? This strategy is for everyone who lives and works in North Ayrshire. It shows the ways you can participate in decisions that affect you and the people that matter to you. It also shows what you can expect when you get involved and how you will be treated, through the National Standards for Community Engagement. Which organisations are involved in this strategy? What does this strategy cover? • This strategy shows how we want to support communities to be involved in engagement and participation in North Ayrshire. • On the North Ayrshire Community Planning Engagement Hub you can find resources that can help communities and partners get involved in or design different types of participation, information on what has happened, and examples of changes that have happened through local people getting involved in decision making in North Ayrshire. • The strategy is intended to encourage more involvement in local decision making and provide a route for young people from the Youth Participation and Citizenship Strategy 2021-2025. • We want to make sure all sections of our communities can participate, including those who may find it more difficult to do so; help you to feel that getting involved can make a difference; increase democratic involvement in North Ayrshire; and help you to feel a greater sense of ownership and control over what is happening locally. What is our commitment to you?
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204 In the first year of this strategy, we will: 1. Enhance the North Ayrshire budget consultation process; 2. Further develop and promote locality planning; 3. Gather more examples of effective engagement participation and change; and 4. Promote and raise aware ness of the strategy and how people can get involved. The National Standards for Community Engagement In North Ayrshire we work to the National Standards for Community Engagement. They are a set of principles designed to improve and guide the process of community engagement. They are intended to support and inform the process of community engagement and improve outcomes. There are seven standards: 1. Inclusion 2. Support 3. Planning 4. Working together 5. Methods 6. Communication 7. Impact. These standards are not designed to replace existing community engagement or participation frameworks but are intended to act as a benchmark and reference point for best practice. “Our commitment in this strategy is that we will involve local people in decisions that affect their lives, and that we will do this in a way which is accountable, open and transparent.” You can find out more about the National Standards here: National Standards for Community Engagement | SCDC - We believe communities matter
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205 Why should you get involved in local decision making? In North Ayrshire we want decisions to be made as close to the communities they affect as possible, and we are committed to local democracy. It strengthens local and community decision-making in ways that improve outcomes, grow the economy for everyone’s benefit, support communities to focus on their priorities, and help new ideas to flourish. We understand that what is right for one place will not necessarily be right for another and decision-making arrangements will vary. We also recognise the role our communities are playing in tackling inequalities and driving inclusive growth through community wealth building. This includes taking a leading role in designing and delivering services, managing and owning community facilities and planning for the future with local people and the Community Planning Partners. All of this helps our communities to have a sense of ownership, pride and control and can be inspirational and rewarding to be part of. How and where can you find ways to participate? We have a stack of engagement case studies on our Engagement Hub. You can also access them here.
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206 There is more detailed information on the different ways you can be involved in using the Community Pathway Tool on the Community Planning website. (LINK once content is live) Our Online Engagement Calendar will show you what is happening and when, as well as how to get involved. How will we know what we are doing is working? ✓ We will keep talking to you about your experiences when you are involved in participation in North Ayrshire. This helps us to understand how it feels for you to be part of decision making and democratic processes, what we are doing well and what we can change to improve things. ✓ We will report on progress through the CPP Annual Report. ✓ Through the feedback to you, we can show the difference that your participation has made and the decisions that have been affected. Feedback methods will be different for each participation process and in some cases will include formal reporting, such as the annual reports we produce showing the progress our locality partnerships are making against each of their priorities. In other cases, feedback will be more informal, but we commit to making sure we tell you the difference being made through your involvement. ✓ You can find case studies around engagement taking place across North Ayrshire on the Community Planning website. Have a question? If you have a question about any the strategy or any of resources on the website, you can contact the partners involved directly to ask them. You can also contact the Community Planning Team at North Ayrshire Council, who will be happy to put you in touch with the right person who can answer your query. ➢ communityplanning@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
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207 Appendix 1: Strategy Resources Hosted on the new CPP website Engagement Hub The Participation Strategy resources are hyperlinked below: 1. Our Participation Approach: Strategy Text • Access at https://northayrshire.community/the-participation-hub/ 2. Engagement Resources for staff and Partners • Live online Toolkit in Sway including links to partner resources, strategies and case studies • Community Engagement Network • North Ayrshire Community Directory • Online Engagement Calendar 3. Engagement Resources for the Community: For Community Members and Groups • Online signposting to engagement resources via the Engagement Toolkit • Community Roadmap Tool: Ways to get involved in North Ayrshire- See draft content at Appendix 2. • North Ayrshire Community Directory
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207 Appendix 2: Community Engagement Roadmap: Ways to Get Involved in North Ayrshire- Draft Content Theme Participation Method Purpose How to get involved Wider Community Community Councils In terms of Section 51(2) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the purpose of a Community Council, in addition to any other purpose which it may pursue, shall be “to ascertain, co-ordinate and express to the local authorities for its area, and to public authorities, the views of the community which it represents, in relation to matters for which those authorities are responsible, and to take such action in the interests of that community as appears to it to be expedient and practicable”. You can find general information at www.communitycouncils.scot You can contact your local community council for further information on meeting dates and arrangements. If the community council in your area is not currently active and you are interested in helping to re-establish it, please contact the Committee Services team (committeeservices@north-ayrshire.gov.uk or 01294 324131) to find out how. Locality Partnerships Our Locality Partnerships are how we fulfil the duty in the Community Empowerment Act 2015 to have locality arrangements. There are six Locality Partnerships in North Ayrshire, which cover the whole local authority. Locality Planning in Scotland is about reducing inequalities and enabling communities to participate in decision making at a neighbourhood level. Our Locality Partnerships have developed locality priorities that are set out and progressed through annual Locality Action Plans. To find out more or get involved you can use the CPP website at https://northayrshire.community/your- community/ or email communityplannng@north-ayrshire.gov.uk Locality Subgroups Some of our Locality Partnerships have subgroups that meet between formal Locality Meetings to progress locality priorities. To find out more about the Locality Subgroup for your area please email communityplanning@north-ayrshire.gov.uk Locality Chit Chats Chit Chats give the community an opportunity to come forward and express how they feel about the specific topics and giving input on how they feel. Engagement such as this takes the community on a journey by showing them the plans and To find out about previous or planned Chit Chats across the localities, please contact communityplanning@north-ayrshire.gov.uk in the first instance.
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208 developments put in place from the feedback received. Community Associations and Committees A Community Association or Committee is an organization of people and groups working for the common good of a neighbourhood, usually operating under a written constitution. Find out how to contact your local Community Association at on the Council’s website at https://www.north- ayrshire.gov.uk/your- community/facilities/community-centres-and- halls.aspx Participatory Budgeting Participatory Budgeting (PB) is an inclusive way for local communities to decide how they want to spend public funds. It began in Brazil in 1989 and has since been used in many countries around the world including the USA, Sweden, the Dominican Republic, Italy and many more. Find out more about PB in North Ayrshire on the CPP Website at https://northayrshire.community/community- empowerment/participatory-budgeting-in- north-ayrshire/ North Ayrshire Peoples Panel The People’s Panel a survey of 1,500 residents who have agreed to answer questions and provide their views on the areas in which they live. For more information please contact communityplanning@north-ayrshire.gov.uk in the first instance. The People’s Panel Survey was originally carried out annually but is now every two years. The Partnership uses this information to decide what action to take on the issues that local residents tell us need to be improved. Volunteering There are hundreds of community groups and organisations across North Ayrshire all being driven by local people who volunteer to help. To find out more and for links to our Third Sector Interface, please go to https://northayrshire.community/community- empowerment/volunteering/ These range from community associations, advice and advocacy agencies, targeted support groups, therapy and wellness organisations, agencies providing public services such as caring for the elderly, to children’s groups, clubs for enthusiasts and hobbyists such as gardening, cooking, reading and chess, knitting bees, historical societies and walking clubs. What could you do? What are you good at? What do you care about? How can you help your community?
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209 Whatever your choice there is a community group or organisation for you. Participation Requests Part 3 of the Community Empowerment Act 2015 enables communities to request to participate in decisions and processes which are aimed at improving outcomes. You can access the North Ayrshire Participation Request form and guidance at https://northayrshire.community/community- empowerment/community-empowerment- act-duties/ Read The Participation Request (Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 2017 at https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2017/39/contents/made CPP Website Engagement Calendar The Community Planning Partnership website has a list of engagements and consultations taking place in North Ayrshire. Access the list here https://northayrshire.community/consultation/ Adult Carers (North Ayrshire Carers Centre) An adult carer is anyone 18 years or older who cares unpaid for a relative or friend who needs help because of an illness, drug or alcohol misuse, disability, mental health issues or requires extra help as they grow older. It is important that carers have a say on the type of caring they are comfortable with providing and are able and willing. The time spent caring should not get in the way of being able to have the same opportunities as other people. North Ayrshire Carers Centre offers support with the following: • Information on any carers issues e.g. benefits, respite and transport • Advice on carers rights • Contact with other carers • Help with form-filling • Advocacy representing carers • 1:1 support • Relaxation in the form of alternative therapies, at locations throughout North Ayrshire (there is a charge for this service) • Support groups at various locations throughout North Ayrshire • Outreach • Training • Information on Adult Carer Support Plans For more information, please contact: North Ayrshire Carers Centre
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210 174 High Street, Irvine, KA12 8AN northayrshire.carers@unity-enterprise.com 01294 311333 Food North Ayrshire Fairer Food Network The North Ayrshire Fairer Food community food network of larders provide an accessible and affordable source of food to anyone in these areas who needs it. The larders are run by our community, for our community. A map of the fairer food places across North Ayrshire can be accessed via the below link: North Ayrshire Fairer Food Community Food Places – Google My Maps North Ayrshire Food Forum The North Ayrshire Food Forum pledges to enhance the well-being of individuals and communities through access to good food. elainewright1@north-ayrshire.gov.uk North Ayrshire Foodbank Provide three days nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to them in crisis. Email: info@northayrshire.foodbank.org.uk Tel: 01294 601312 (Mon – Fri 10am – 2pm) Address: 150 A Glasgow Street, Ardrossan, KA22 8EU Website - North Ayrshire Foodbank | Helping Local People in Crisis Outdoors & Green Health Allotments The Arran Community Land Initiative - Their main objectives are to foster participation in land-based education, recreation, and sport. Eglinton Growers – An allotment society for Irvine, Kilwinning and surrounding villages. The group promote the opportunity for physical and mental wellbeing through gardening and encourage health living through the local production of fruits/veg/flowers Organic Growers of Fairlie – members can enjoy the benefits of gardening in an organic way using raised beds and polytunnels. Garnock Valley Allotment Association - was established to allow local people to start up a plot for the purpose of growing their own food and improving their life through horticulture. Email: arranacli@gmail.com Website: Home | Acli (arranland.org) Email: contactus@eglintongrowers.co.uk Website: Eglinton Growers – Community Allotments and Garden Association Tel: 07780 727579 Social media - (20+) Facebook Email: info@gvaa.co.uk
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211 Three Towns Growers - are an allotment and community garden site situated in Ardrossan. The group provide growing space and educational opportunities to all members of the community. West Kilbride Allotment Association – are an allotments association located just outside of West Kilbride and have been operational since 2007. Setting up an Allotment – North Ayrshire Council Allotments Team can advise on: Social media - (20+) Facebook Email: info@threetownsgrowers.org Website: Three Towns Growers – Cultivating Communities • Setting up a constituted allotment association • Sources of funding • Locations of suitable plots • How to develop and manage land Website: About - West Kilbride Allotment Association (weebly.com) Contact form: Contact - West Kilbride Allotment Association (weebly.com) Email: allotments@north-ayrshire.gov.uk Website: Setting up an allotment (north- ayrshire.gov.uk) Community Gardens Eglington Community Garden - is an initiative that embraces horticulture and nature-based activities to promote positive mental health and wellbeing, inclusion and equity, and opportunities for volunteering for people within the community. Email: lindatedford@north-ayrshire.gov.uk Tel: 07966 527094 Social media: (20+) Facebook Organic Growers of Fairlie: Are sustainable community garden who grow for themselves and the community. They have wild areas and wildflower beds, and actively seek to reduce climate impact with tree planting and other practices. The group involve the community and welcome other groups and visitors to their garden. Tel: 07780 727579 Social media - Facebook
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212 Clean Up Crews Irvine Clean Up Crew Their mission is to rid the whole town of litter by empowering every resident to get rid of plastics. Email: Irvinecleanupcrew@gmail.com Social media - Facebook Three Towns Clean Up Crew Are group looking to target areas within the Three Towns of Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston which are blighted with litter, following suggestions by locals. Email: 3townscleanupcrew@gmail.com Social media - Facebook Garnock Valley Litter Heros Organise litter picks and help make our towns and countryside clean. Social Media - Garnock Valley Litter Heroes | Facebook Kilwinning Community Litter Pickers Organise litter picks to help make Kilwinning a better place. Social Media - Kilwinning Litter pickers | Facebook Overall Health Health & Social Care Partnership Locality Conversations The North Ayrshire HSCP Engagement Team host Locality Conversation events across North Ayrshire twice per year. These compliment and feed into the HSCP Locality Planning Forums to allow the priorities to be discussed by Locality Forums, along with identifying any new and emerging community needs in relation to health and social care. Details of the Locality Conversation events will be posted via channels below: Social Media - North Ayrshire HSCP (@NAHSCP) / X (twitter.com) Website- Home Page (nahscp.org) Men’s Sheds Harbourside Men's Shed The Group encourages groups of men to get together and participate in activities, normally found in a garden shed – from engineering to creative writing and everything in between – for the benefit of men’s health and wellbeing. Email: harboursidemensshed.irvine@gmail.com Social media - Facebook Irvine Newtown Men’s Shed Tel: 01294 214240 Social Media - Facebook
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213 The group provides recreational facilities and advances the social needs, health and wellbeing of men of all ages and backgrounds living in Irvine and surrounding areas. Three Towns Men’s Shed The group want to eliminate loneliness and isolation among men by providing friendship and a place to work together by sharing and learning new skills. Garnock Valley Men’s Shed The group address men’s health, loneliness and social isolation in the Garnock Valley. They provide free workshop space and access to free food in a sociable, friendly and welcoming environment designed to encourage men to connect with other like-minded individuals and the wider community. Men’s Shed Dalry A community group who helps support and enhance the wellbeing of men in Dalry. They offer the Fly Tying, Model Building, Bicycle Maintenance and Woodworking. Email: 3townsmensshed@gmail.com Social media - Facebook Email: gvms@btinternet.com Social media - Facebook Email: mens.shed.dalry@btinternet.com Social media - Facebook Recovery Groups There are a number of groups across the six locality areas in North Ayrshire who support with Prevention, Early intervention and Recovery relating to alcohol and drugs. (communityjusticeayrshire.org.uk) Café Solace Community Café that helps those in recovery to get back into work by gaining transferable skills through voilunteering at the Café, The Café also provides low-cost food for the community. Café Solace Kilbirnie Email: cafesolace123@gmail.com Facebook: Facebook Open every Friday at Bridgend Community Centre for lunch 12-1.30 pm and dinner 5-7 pm
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214 Café Solace Irvine Tel: 01294 273741 Facebook: Facebook Open every Tuesday for dinner from 5-6.30 pm at Fullarton ConneXions. Mental Health Support Groups A wide range of wellbeing, emotional and practical support services are available to residents in North Ayrshire. North Ayrshire HSCP Website: Care and support services (nahscp.org) North Ayrshire CPP Community Directory : Housing Registered Tenant Organisations Registered Tenant Organisations are groups of people, acting in a voluntary capacity. They put forward views and concerns on behalf of tenants and / or residents in their area. There are 5 in North Ayrshire. • Bourtreehill and Broomlands Tenants & Residents Association • Castlepark & Eglinton Tenants & Residents Group • Hayocks Tenants & Residents Association • Redburn Grove Tenants Group • Saltcoats High Flats Tenants & Residents Association To contact one of our Registered Tenant Organisations: Telephone: 01294 324869 Email: tenantparticipation@north- ayrshire.gov.uk More info: Register of Tenant Organisations (north-ayrshire.gov.uk) Sheltered Housing Local Groups The Council’s Tenant Participation Team work in partnership with tenants and customers is key to delivering excellent housing services to the people of North Ayrshire. Telephone: 01294 324869 Email: tenantparticipation@north- ayrshire.gov.uk Further info - Customer Connections Strategy (north-ayrshire.gov.uk)
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215 Housing Forum The Council’s Tenant Participation Team work in partnership with tenants and customers is key to delivering excellent housing services to the people of North Ayrshire. Telephone: 01294 324869 Email: tenantparticipation@north- ayrshire.gov.uk Further info - Customer Connections Strategy (north-ayrshire.gov.uk) Tenants Surveys The Council’s Tenant Participation Team work in partnership with tenants and customers is key to delivering excellent housing services to the people of North Ayrshire. Telephone: 01294 324869 Email: tenantparticipation@north- ayrshire.gov.uk Further info - Customer Connections Strategy (north-ayrshire.gov.uk) Older People Older People's Voice A North Ayrshire-wide representation forum where discussion on the real life challenges faced by older people and provided a networking opportunity to get older people connected with each other. Email: Commuityplanning@north- ayrshire.gov.uk Elderly Forums There is currently one Elderly Forum in North Ayrshire based in Irvine. The forum is for people over 50, who would like to be part of a local group supporting the interests of senior citizens in the Irvine area. Campaigning on issues that are relevant to seniors. Email: Commuityplanning@north- ayrshire.gov.uk Engagement Hub Committees Committees consult with our residents and community and provide services they want, whether it is a coffee morning, a health and well-being focus or initiatives to tackle social isolation and loneliness. Email: Commuityplanning@north- ayrshire.gov.uk Young People Joint Cabinet Joint Cabinets are unique to North Ayrshire in the way decision makers engage with our young people. These meetings give the young people a chance to speak to Cabinet Members, Chief Officers, the Council Leader Contact: Ask your school if you want to get involved
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216 and North Ayrshire Council’s Chief Executive and work collaboratively to address any issues which may arise that the young may have identified. Feedback from these meetings and engagements is formulated into a report to be actioned by relevant partners. Open to: Secondary school young people P7 Youth Council North Ayrshire Youth Council meets three times per year. The membership is made up of young people from each locality in North Ayrshire as well as specific young people from targeted groups. The agenda for each of the meetings are informed from all of the above areas of Youth Engagement and any feedback or information from these meetings are then fed through all areas of Youth Participation and Engagement, locality partnerships and relevant partners. We engage with Primary 7s to allow them to attend with their school. Primary schools are offered places and they allocate pupils to come along Youth Council Executive The Executive Youth Council is North Ayrshire’s representative voice for young people. This group of young people consult and engage with their peers, create local projects and events, engage with key decision makers and are involved in working groups, meetings and various workstreams. The group is open to any young person that wants to participate Open to: Young people aged 12+ people living in the North Ayrshire To join email youthwork@north- ayrshire.gov.uk Young Carers A young carer is someone under 18 years old or who has reached the age of 18 years and remains a pupil at school. They take responsibility for the care of family members or friends who need help due to illness, drug or alcohol misuse, disability, mental health issues or need extra help as they grow older. For more information, please contact: North Ayrshire Carers Centre 174 High Street, Irvine, KA12 8AN 01294 311333
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217 LGBTQI national and locally In North Ayrshire there is localised support for young LGBT people, including: • a private Facebook support page (search for Open Ayrshire) • LGBT support groups across North Ayrshire for 12 to 18 year olds where you can meet others, have some fun and be yourself (you can bring a friend or family member for support). We have groups in the North Coast, Kilwinning, Garnock Valley and Irvine. LGBT services These services provide lots of information and support outside of North Ayrshire. They are a great resource for you, your parents or anyone that would like to know more. The Steve Retson Project The Steve Retson Project is a sexual health service for gay and bisexual men, based in Glasgow. The project offers full screening for sexually transmitted infections, HIV testing and counselling for all men who have sex with men. Please phone: Terrence Higgins Trust Scotland Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) Scotland is the largest HIV charity in Europe and provides services across Scotland. In Ayrshire, THT Scotland provides: services to gay and bisexual men support to the wider LGBT community and people who are HIV positive Local Contact: To find out more, please email the Youth Work Team. youthwork@north- ayrshire.gov.uk The Steve Retson Project 0141 211 8628 to make an appointment 0141 211 8130 for enquiries Terence Higgins Trust Scotland For details of these and other services offered by THT Scotland, please contact: THT Scotland, 134 Douglas Street, Glasgow, G2 4HF phone: 0141 332 3838, email: david.bingham@tht.org.uk
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218 Services include: one to one support outreach group work for LGBT people advocacy and support for people living with HIV training on HIV, homophobia, diversity and sexual health Other services Get Rubbered - a condoms and lube postal scheme for gay and bisexual men in Ayrshire, delivered free of charge to your door on a monthly or bi monthly basis LGBT Helpline Scotland - for young people who need support Scotsgay - the magazine from Scotland for Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals LGBT Youth Scotland - provides help and support for 13 to 25 year olds Stonewall Scotland Equality Network Mermaids - supporting transgender, non- binary and gender diverse young people and their families British Youth Council We empower young people aged 25 and under to influence and inform the decisions that affect their lives. We support young people to get involved in their communities and democracy locally, nationally and internationally, making a difference as volunteers, campaigners, decision-makers and leaders. Our vision A world in which every young person is empowered to create social and political change. Our mission As the national youth council of the UK, the British Youth Council brings young people together to find their voice and use to improve the lives of young people. We work with others to amplify young people’s voices to create an British Youth Council | Home (byc.org.uk) Email us: info@byc.org.uk Call us: 020 4529 5927
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219 environment in which young people views are valued, sought and acted upon. Our values Youth led – young people are active citizens and are always at the forefront of our work. As a youth-led charity, young people lead and shape our work through our governance structures. We support them to define their own action for change. We champion youth leadership across all sections of society, evidencing the benefits of engaging young people in decision making and delivery and supporting that to happen. Collaborative – we actively seek to collaborate with others to make positive change happen. We seek to work with relevant partners to add value to our campaigns and activity, and to be more creative in our approach to making change happen with and for young people. And we recognise the skills, knowledge and experience of young people, volunteers, staff and partners, and strive to achieve more by maximising the opportunities that collaboration provides. Inclusive – we respect and value diversity and act in a way that includes all. We ensure that all our activities our inclusive, recognising the needs of young people across different communities, and bring young people and partners together to learn from each other Joint Youth Forum North Ayrshires youth forums meets four times per year. The membership is made up of young people from all locality youth forums, sports leaders, young Syrian refugees, young carers, care experienced young people and voluntary youth provisions. The agenda for each of the meetings are informed by North Ayrshire wide You can attend this by attending your local youth forum or youth voice group – for more details on these please email youthwork@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
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220 activities, events or areas of concern where youth forums to work together. Climate Change Ambassadors This group meets fortnightly with young people from across North Ayrshire that are interested in climate change, sustainability and green action. This is for S1 plus. You have the opportunity to affect change, design events and promotional campaigns and be the representative voice for Climate Change in North Ayrshire To join email youthwork@north- ayrshire.gov.uk Mental Health Ambassadors This programme allows young people who are between 16 and 21 the chance to support and share learning with other young people who are aged 11 and 12. The young group are mini ambassadors within their school community allowing them to further pass on this learning to help support younger pupils emotional awareness. As an Ambassadors you will have the opportunity to complete Mental Health First Aid and/or the Mental Health UKs Your Resilience. To join email youthwork@north- ayrshire.gov.uk MSYPs In North Ayrshire we have 4 elected Members of Scottish Youth Parliament. They hold their position for 2 years and are the local and national representative in ensuring that the voices of young people are heard and actioned. If you want to engage with your local MSYP go to https://syp.org.uk/members/find-your-msyp/. If you are interested in running as an MSYP you can contact your school or local Community Worker. Open to: young people aged 14+ (MSYP), aged 12-25 if you want to engage with your MSYP Contact: Contact your local Community Worker or MSYP. Equalities Forum The equalities forum is an inclusion group for 12 – 18 year olds. Young people who attend the group, want to be proactive in their local community, to ensure that all young people are all equal - not only those who are protected by the characteristics but allies of these young To join email youthwork@north- ayrshire.gov.uk Twitter Page - North Ayrshire Corporate Parenting One Voice Care Experienced
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220 Forum (Twitter Page) people too. To lift and empower each other and raise the voices of young people who may be a part of this group or represent these characteristics. The project is designed by the young people's needs and wants, in a hope to speak truth to power and empower our young people to make positive change within their communities in a safe and nurturing environment. North Ayrshire Champions Board are a group of care experienced young people who come together to look at how they can use their views and experiences to help shape a better care system feeding into The Promise. The group plan events and outings for young people which is staffed by North Ayrshire Council's Coporate Parenting team. We have hopes that a new shaped Champions Board will take place monthly in schools with the hopes to bring representatives from each school together quarterly to share their views and plans with one another. Currently, the group has been paused due to the young people moving on to next steps and so we are looking at our relaunch process. Laurissa Monaghan - LaurissaMonaghan@north-ayrshire.gov.uk New Scots & Gaelic Ukrainian Community in North Ayrshire Contact Ukraine Support Email: ukrainesupport@north- ayrshire.gov.uk Telephone 01294 445250 Spike Wheat Scots We are a community Group whose aim is to support new Scots living in North Ayrshire (Spike Wheat Scots) Facebook Suas Leis a Ghaildhlig All you need is a reasonable singing voice and an interest in the Gaelic language. Largs Gaelic Choir marianne_cain@hotmail.com Tel: 01475 670187
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