Cost of Living Support Update - Appendix 1
North Ayrshire Council · 29 October 2024
Back to Cabinet — 29 October 2024 and its agenda
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1 Energy Advice and Support Food, Clothing and Essentials Finance and Benefits Children and Families Health and Wellbeing Business and Community including transport to work Support for Communities Employee Wellbeing North Ayrshire Council Cabinet Cost of Living Themes and Updates – October 2024 Appendix 1
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2 Community based energy support 1. Description of funding stream, date and amount £1.726m Energy Smart Scheme was secured from funds as part of the 2022/23 Council budget setting process. The £1.726m investment was supplemented by an additional £0.450m to support the crisis payment element of the scheme by Cabinet on 23 August 2022. At the Council budget of 1/3/23, a further commitment to invest any year end underspend in excess of £1m. This has resulted in an additional £0.524m being added to the budget to support the crisis payment element, as reported to Cabinet on 30/5/23. 2. Intended impact The key objective is to support residents of North Ayrshire through the cost-of-living crisis by reducing fuel poverty, increasing affordable warmth and reducing carbon emissions. 3. Progress to date against milestones, including expenditure There are three elements of the Council’s Energy Smart programme, and an update on each is provided below. • Offer of free and impartial energy efficiency advice through the Home Energy Scotland (HES) helpline o A partnership with the Energy Agency (a charitable organisation appointed by Scottish Government to manage the HES programme) was launched on 19 September 2022 and 8,750 North Ayrshire households have received energy advice since that date to help lower their bills. • The Energy Smart Emergency Support scheme launched on 31 October 2022 to provide financial assistance over the winter periods, in the form of a crisis payment. A communications campaign lead to the allocation of support payments: 2022/23 - £441k to 1,489 households 2023/24 - £192k to 1,200 households Energy Advice and Support
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3 2024/25 - £342k available o Posters and awareness materials are provided to various locations including food larders, libraries, community centres, GP surgeries, churches and community shops, information is shared with schools via head teachers, and to Council employees through message on payslips. Display screens in libraries and offices are also used to promote the scheme. • The creation of a £1.726 million fund to carry out home improvements to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy bills has enabled the appointment of an installation contractor. The scheme offers low cost insulation measures to low-income households. o A procurement exercise with Scotland Excel has resulted in the appointment of the Valley Group to install measures. Momentum 4 have also been appointed as a managing agent in order to ensure a simple and satisfactory customer journey. o Energy Smart supports a wider programme of energy efficiency measures made available to residents in North Ayrshire. The Council also manage the Area Based Scheme, and support access to the ECO4 Flex and Great British Insulation Scheme funding routes. By simplifying a complex funding landscape by having a single point of contact who will identify the most suitable funding route to maximise affordable heating, we hope to increase the amount of help available to residents. 4. What difference has the investment made? The following Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) monitor the success of the programme: 1) Number of households in fuel poverty helped with energy efficiency advice. 2) Number of households in receipt of crisis support. 3) Number of households granted financial assistance for energy efficiency measures. 4) Estimated annual savings on fuel bills. 5) Estimated carbon emissions saved through installing energy efficiency measures. 5. Next steps and timescales The focus over this next heating season is on communicating the availability of the crisis payments and maximising uptake of the physical measures with the Valley Group. 6. Comments The Energy Smart model aims to support residents of North Ayrshire through the cost-of-living crisis by reducing fuel poverty and increasing affordable warmth, whilst reducing carbon emissions. Delivery of the sustainability initiative is being implemented across three stages and incorporating energy efficiency and low carbon behaviour advice, crisis support payment and implementation of physical energy efficiency measures.
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5 Fairer Food 1. Description of funding stream, date and amount Fairer Food System Fund: Recovery and Renewal Investment Fund - £0.150m Support to Fairer Food Network Fund: Tackling Financial Insecurity SG – 2021/22 Winter - £0.247m North Ayrshire Fairer Food Network Fund: North Ayrshire COVID Economic Recovery Fund - SG Funding - £0.142m Community Food Network Fund: Original Investment Fund - £0.500m Cost of School Day Food allocation: £150,000 2. Intended impact The prevention of food poverty through the provision of food with dignity. The aim is to reduce the cost of the weekly shop, not to provide a full shop, so that family budgets go further. This minimises pressure on the foodbank. Funding has been used for food vouchers during holidays and the provision of warm clothing/footwear/outdoor wear and basic household items, such as toiletries. It also includes support for self-isolation on islands, mental health, energy, and money advice. 3. Progress to date against milestones, including expenditure A network of community food larders has been established with North Ayrshire Fairer Food branding. The Council provides support in food safety, health and safety and other regulations. The NA Fairer Food Network of community food providers meet regularly and have been co-developing, sharing good practice and piloting bulk-buying, as well as establishing community benefit partnerships. Fairer Food System Allocation fully spent. This was the initial funding allocation that started off the establishment of the network. Expenditure included shelving, tills, resources for cooking & food preparation areas, initial stock, branding, fridges, freezers, chill cabinets etc. £0.150m Support to Fairer Food Network • NA Food Resilience (Community Hubs and NA Foodbank) Peripatetic Support Officer supports the transportation of supplies such as emergency parcels, larder top up stock, delivery, and uplifts of stocks/equipment/materials across all sites. Funding to cover additional Venue Assistants for food support at Whitlees Centre. Emergency stock supplies and equipment investment for emergency situations including BBQs for each larder site. Additional urns, crockery and twelve months Foodbank Co-ordinator and cook costs: £0.077. Food, Clothing and Essentials
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6 • Food Larder Development: Top up for winter food supplies, marketing and promotion, equipment and adaptations, training of staff – The Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS), Elementary Food Hygiene, Financial Regulations: £0.143m. • Community Cafes: Costs for food, supplies to host free soup days, coffee mornings or similar targeting financially vulnerable and isolated. Investment in equipment within Community Cafes: £0.027m. North Ayrshire Fairer Food Network The North Ayrshire Fairer Food Network is our local alternative to foodbanks and is aimed at addressing food insecurity in a dignified way. Further development of the larders and shops will support low income residents by developing and improving the sustainability of the existing network. New initiatives and business models include community fridges, community cafes, social enterprises based on growing produce and better links across providers. It will also focus on support for the islands communities so that approaches are developed which fit their specific needs: £0.142m. Cost of the School Day (Food element) 2021/22 • Reusable water bottles were purchased for all North Ayrshire school pupils. Water bottles reduce the need for pupils to purchase single-use plastic liquids during the school day. Providing all pupils with a water bottle reduces stigma and promotes healthy practices. It is also more environmentally friendly. • Those accessing Community Larders with school aged children were provided with supplementary food items linked to the cost of the school day. Cost of the School Day (Food element) 2022/23 Planning with community larder network and partners is ongoing to address the particular issues created by the cost-of-living crisis. Ongoing NAC support to North Ayrshire Fairer Food Network External consultants have recently completed a review of the larder models, which vary depending on the local aims of the community organisation. The NA Fairer Food Network has agreed a model with should sustain current demand for 3 years, supported by the allocation of £500,000 from Cabinet. The payment model to distribute this funding will provide a quarterly payment for 12 quarters dependant on the larder footfall, which breaks down as follows: Up to 24 weekly appointments, £500 per quarter. Between 24 and 49 weekly appointments, £1,000 per quarter.
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7 Between 50 and 99 weekly appointments, £2,000 per quarter. Over 100 weekly appointments, £3,000 per quarter The first quarterly payment was made in January 2023 and covered a four month period from Dec 22 – March 23 to allow for a standard reporting period. The first payments totalled: £27,994.33 and supported 14 larders across the authority. This model allows capacity to expand as the cost-of-living crisis continues and more families and households need to access the provision. We anticipate continued growth in weekly appointments over the coming months. The second payment run will be in April 23 and will be based on the footfall from Jan – Mar 23 and will support 15 larders as Eco Savvy on Arran now has a subsided food model running in conjunction with their Zero Waste café’s on the island. This will be included in the next payment run in April. The second payment run will be in April 23 and will be based on the footfall from Jan – Mar 23 and will support 15 larders as Eco Savvy on Arran now has a subsided food model running in conjunction with their Zero Waste café’s on the island. This will be included in the next payment run in April. Following the quarterly payment in April 23, a review of the data highlighted that member numbers had steadied and a review of the payment structure showed that the majority of larders had under 100 weekly appointments. An amended was therefore made to the payment structure which is as follows: Quarterly payment budget - £25k Up to 29 weekly appointments - £1000 The number of appointments of 30 or over, totalled across the network and divided into the £25k less the number receiving £1k. This provides a fairer cost per household but acknowledges that payments will change each quarter dependant on footfall. To date £75k has been allocated to 15 providers across North Ayrshire It was also agreed that £100k of the £500k be held in reserve to support any new larder set ups and infrastructure development. This fund is being utilised to set up the new larder in Largs library which should open early winter 2023. A community consultation is currently underway to assess if there is a need for assisted food provision on Millport. 2023 - 2025
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8 Following the quarterly payment in April 23, a review of the data highlighted that member numbers had steadied and a review of the payment structure showed that the majority of larders had under 100 weekly appointments. An amended was therefore made to the payment structure which is as follows: Quarterly payment budget - £25k Up to 29 weekly appointments - £1000 The number of appointments of 30 or over, totalled across the network and divided into the £25k less the number receiving £1k. This provides a fairer cost per household but acknowledges that payments will change each quarter dependant on footfall. To date £75k has been allocated to 15 providers across North Ayrshire It was also agreed that £100k of the £500k be held in reserve to support any new larder set ups and infrastructure development. Largs Food Hub opened in February 2024 and Millport Community Shop opened in July 2024, taking the total to 16 larders across the authority and a supported Waste Food Café model on Arran. The larders have now received 7 payments from the agreed funding model taking the total spend to £203,401.83 with the 8th payment about to be made. Work is ongoing to support the IMC Project who operate a Community Fridge in Saltcoats, to become part of the Fairer Food Network and receive financial support. It is anticipated that the relaunch will coincide with Challenge Poverty Week 24 (11-14 October). Also, as part of Challenge Poverty Week 2024, all larders will give households a “free” week whereby no weekly membership fee will be taken. This will be funds for this will be included in the next payment run to the network and will amount to circa £3,000. To date, £203,401 has been allocated to the network. Many of the larders now offer additional household support by way of partner “Pop Ups”. For example, Money Matters, CHAP, NHS Colleagues, etc attend across the localities on larder days to offer additional support. 4. What difference has the investment made? 17 Community Larders are operational (including the waste café model on Arran) Network support group meets quarterly, and members are part of a communication group for peer support. Weekly footfall across the Larders – 850 per week (families/members). Average weekly footfall has now levelled and approximately 600 households are making use of the provision each week. Membership is far greater than the weekly footfall estimated: c2000- 3000. “The people coming in are from all demographics, from those working to those on benefits.”
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9 “The groups have become experts in where to buy and how to get the best value for money from supermarkets and other suppliers. However, what is being offered in the larders is being changed to meet the budgets available and rising cost of foods.” 5. Next steps and timescales External consultants have recently completed a review of the larder models, which vary depending on the local aims of the community organisation. This has been taken to the NA Fairer Food Network for discussion and coproduction of a sustainable model which is now being implemented. Officers continue to work on support for community groups to assist with warm banks, food, and energy advice for winter 2022- 23. 2023-present Officers continue to support the larder network, providing training and capacity building within the network. An existing Community Fridge model is now being supported and will open in Autumn 24 in Saltcoats as part of the network. 6. Comments The models have to align with the aspirations of community volunteers and the available budget. There is considerable potential for the larder volunteers to offer advice and refer to other partners, such as Home Energy Scotland (7 of the 14 larders have already completed their referral training and can now signpost via Home Energy Scotland’s online portal) Refresher training is currently on offer for existing and new referral partners and has been offered to all larders.
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10 Scottish Welfare Fund (SWF) 1. Description of funding stream, date and amount Total £1,153,120 recurring funding from Scottish Government. • £362,4001 allocated to Crisis Grants • £790,720 allocated to Community Care Grants On 30/5/23 Cabinet agreed to earmark additional resources of £327,000 to support additional demand pressures for SWF grants during 2023/24. 2. Intended impact The aim of the funding is to provide financial help by way of a Crisis Grant to those in immediate crisis or a Community Care Grant to those in need of essential household items. The funding is intended to provide a Crisis Grant of a cash award to people who are in financial crisis because of either a disaster like a fire or flood or are in an emergency situation such as having lost all their money, had their money stolen, or are in need of food. It is also used to provide energy vouchers for their home. The award is made using a text message or email to their phone with a code which can be redeemed at any Pay Point vendor ensuring they can access the cash or energy top up for their pre-payment meter quickly. Community Care grants aim to help people who are leaving any form of care such as hospital or prison or who have been homeless and require help to set up their own home by providing them with essential household items and furniture. It can also be used to help households facing exceptional pressure with on-off items such as a washing machine or cooker. 3. Progress to date against milestones, including expenditure Crisis Grants - £139,057 Community Care Grants - £172,558 Total spend - £311,615 4. What difference has the investment made? This financial year to date, the Scottish Welfare Fund has helped 1,832 people in financial crisis with a Crisis Grant. 1,230 people have received fuel vouchers, and 920 people have received a Community Care grant to help with essential household items and furniture. 5. Next steps and timescales Continue to accept and process applications as quickly as possible throughout the year. Finance and Benefits
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11 6. Comments The SWF is delivered using a “One Team” approach ensuring that when someone calls to apply for a Crisis Grant that a decision to award is made whilst the customer is on the phone and the payment can be made quickly to enable them access to much needed cash or fuel vouchers. Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTR) 1. Description of funding stream, date and amount North Ayrshire Council has committed £14,203,842 to support the Council Tax Reduction Scheme during 2024/25. 2. Intended impact To help those on lower incomes by lowering the amount of Council Tax that they are liable to pay. This is based on age, household structure and income and is charged on a per dwelling basis rather than to individuals. To fund CTR awards to all eligible households on a low income across North Ayrshire. 3. Progress to date against milestones, including expenditure Council Tax Reduction expenditure as at 31 August 2024 is £14,203,842. It is forecast that the total expenditure for 2024/25 will increase by a further £76,158 to £14,280,000. 4. What difference has the investment made? CTR has enabled Council Tax bills to be more affordable for lower income families. Current caseload is 16,887. 5. Next steps and timescales Continue to ensure that there is a high uptake of CTR and that it is awarded quickly for those eligible. 6. Concluding comments Automation of CTR has been introduced to ensure that any notifications received from The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirming eligibility or changes are automatically applied to the relevant Council Tax account.
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12 Housing Benefit (HB) 1. Description of funding stream, date and amount During 2023/24, North Ayrshire Council received total funding of £35,413,941 from the DWP. 2. Intended impact To help people who are on unemployed, on a low income or claiming benefits towards paying their rent costs. Housing Benefit is aimed at pensioners and people of working age who are unemployed, on a low income or claiming benefits and have not yet been moved across to Universal Credit to help them towards paying their rent costs. 3. Progress to date against milestones, including expenditure Year to date expenditure is £13,951,344. For 2024/25 it is forecast that total Housing Benefit expenditure will be £33,458,109. 4. What difference has the investment made? This has helped people to afford to keep their tenancy and helped prevent them from falling into arrears with their rent. Current caseload is 6782. 5. Next steps and timescales Continue to ensure that Housing Benefit claims and changes of circumstances are processed quickly and accurately. 6. Comments N/A
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13 Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) 1. Description of funding stream, date and amount For 2024/25 North Ayrshire Council has agreed funding of £3,450,942 to support DHP. 2. Intended impact The aim is to provide financial help to people claiming Housing Benefit or who receive housing cost payments through Universal Credit, but their benefit is less than the full amount of their rent. DHP is used to help cover the shortfall. 3. Progress to date against milestones, including expenditure Total expenditure this financial year to date, £1,503,292.03 has been awarded in total. 4. What difference has the investment made? This has helped people to afford to keep their tenancy and helped prevent them from falling into arrears with their rent. 5. Next steps and timescales Continue to ensure that DHP claims are processed fairly and quickly within the budget. 6. Concluding comments DHP requests are managed annually within the budget.
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14 Financial Inclusion 1. Description of funding stream, date and amount Recovery and Renewal Investment Fund Financial Inclusion: Progressive Finance Access to Finance (1st Alliance): £0.150m 2. Intended impact North Ayrshire Council approved funding for the 1st Alliance Community Bank (formerly Credit Union) to deliver a progressive finance scheme, to lend to individuals, who are considered as a higher risk due to credit history, but who can however afford repayments. Small loans would be available to low-income residents who would not normally qualify through typical lending rules i.e., due to the higher risk factor, the credit union would not be able to lend from members’ funds. The funding commenced in October 2021 and the full £150k investment has now been made to 1st Alliance. North Ayrshire residents who borrow from 1st Alliance must save a minimum of £3/week to access a loan (the saving and borrowing model which is standard for Credit Unions), therefore borrowers will at the same time become savers. In the longer term this will provide a safety net for both planned and unplanned expenses and reduce the need to borrow from other sources, including high-cost lenders, or to fall into debt, including arrears with bills. The fund is recycled as each loan is cleared off and the member moves onto a members-based loan. This will therefore provide a legacy fund which will enable 1st Alliance to continue providing low-cost loans to “high risk” customers in the longer term In December 2022, it was agreed that the final £50k payment would be used to provide a one-off incentive of £25 to be allocated to a new savings account, to encourage new savers to establish a ‘savings habit’. As a result, regular savers will build a savings pot which will provide some security for unplanned expenditures in the future, and will also become eligible to access member-based loans through 1st Alliance, thereby also improving access to affordable credit. The £25 is deposited in a new Christmas savings account – which is locked until October thereby ensuring it is protected as the savings build. Further amended 25 September 2024 – see Section 5 below. 3. Progress to date against Full £150k now invested in this initiative. At the end of August 2024, from the £150k investment:
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15 milestones, including expenditure • £238,804 allocated in loans (includes second and subsequent loans) • £103,993 repaid • £12,466 arrears/bad debt – 5.2% (in line with expectations) • 291 recipients of loans – average of £820 per borrower – 291 new savers • Total savings built £64,774 – average of £223 per saver • 206 savers benefitted from the £25 incentive to start saving. 4. What difference has the investment made? Borrowing through 1st Alliance costs less on interest rates than most other lenders. For example: 1st Alliance: £400 loan = 10 per week for 11 months = £72 interest. Scotcash: £400 loan = £12.21 per week for 12 months= £234.78 interest & £24 fee. This investment has therefore provided access to low-cost affordable loans for residents who would otherwise either have gone to higher cost lenders or have fallen into debt due to not being able to access a loan from mainstream lenders. 167 borrowers have now accessed top-up/additional loans which, due to having evidenced that they are responsible borrowers, have a lower interest rate. Responsible borrowers also have improved credit ratings. 78 loans were to buy out high-cost debts, generating additional savings for those borrowers, through much lower interest on their 1st Alliance loans. The other loans were for a range of purposes including purchase of household items, clothes, events, holidays and for Christmas. Average of £223 in savings for people who in most cases, never thought they would be able to save and/or had not managed to build a savings pot before. The investment has enabled ‘higher-risk’ individuals to access affordable loans and build savings, both of which will avoid future need to borrow from higher cost lenders or get into debt, whilst improving their credit ratings and thereby being able to access other forms of credit. 5. Next steps and timescales The issue of being ‘unbanked’ or not having access to a bank account, is a significant concern in many areas, including North Ayrshire. This leads to difficulties in managing finances, accessing credit and in some cases, receiving wages or benefits. Many people, particularly those living in deprived areas, face barriers including lack of photo ID, lack of digital access, and stringent requirements for opening accounts. 1st Alliance have been addressing this challenge in a number of ways, including the provision of a debit card by a third party, but recently have been unhappy with the customer services members have experienced. They are now assisting members,
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16 who have photo ID, to access mainstream banks, including assistance to set up standing orders and direct debits as required. For members with no photo ID, 1st Alliance can provide a reference, and support them to purchase a Citizenship Card, as well as follow up support and education with opening and running their bank account. The Card costs £18. As above, it was previously agreed to use the final £50k investment to provide a £25 incentive to open a Christmas savings account which has benefitted 206 new savers – a total of £5120 from the £50k. Due to the low number of new members, it has been agreed to divert £3520 to the cost of obtaining a Citizenship Card for 110 members who have no photo ID. This will cover the £18 charge for each card, total £1980, plus £14 for one hour’s individual support from 1st Alliance, totalling £1540. £2000 will be retained for future Xmas saving incentives and the balance of £39,330 from the original £50k investment will be redirected to the lending pot for future borrowers. The SLA was updated on 25 September to reflect this amendment, and unbanked individuals with no photo ID will now start benefitting from this investment. 6. Comments N/A
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17 Financial Inclusion Capacity Building 1. Description of funding stream, date and amount £258k for Financial Inclusion, agreed at August 2022 Cabinet. £100k agreed at Council budget on 1/3/23. 2. Intended impact The funding allocation was made to support the increasing demand for financial inclusion supports which is currently being experienced through the Money Matters and Welfare Reform Advice Teams. Plans to utilise available non-recurring funding: • Commissioning of an independent debt advice service for North Ayrshire for 2 years to address an identified gap in debt advice provision. • Extension of the Better Off pilot as required to ensure smooth transition and continuity of service – currently agreed until end June 2023 • Development of case management system and IT infrastructure • Salary plus costs for the Senior Manager post for 24 months • Marketing materials associated with a Communications Plan This will address the increasing demand for both welfare rights and debt advice across North Ayrshire. At its budget on 1/3/23 the Council allocated up to a further £0.100m to build on the previous investment of £0.258m to implement the review of financial inclusion services across the Council and to secure a level of support which is more commensurate with current need. 3. Progress to date against milestones, including expenditure The new (temporary) Senior Manager (Financial Inclusion) came into post in January 2023. An interim five-year Financial Inclusion Strategy for North Ayrshire was developed approved by Cabinet on 21 March 2023 and is now in process of being implemented. The Strategy will be reviewed and refreshed for 2025-30. From 1 April 2023, both Money Matters (HSCP) and the Welfare Reform and Advice Team have been positioned within the new HSCP Financial Inclusion team, with the respective managers reporting to the Senior Manager (FI). As agreed at Cabinet in March 23, the funds, to date, have been used to: • Cover costs associated with the temporary Senior Manager (FI) post – salary plus employer costs • Extend the Better Off pilot by three months, from April to June 2023. • Contract out a two-year debt advice service for all NA residents, through CHAP, which started on 1 July 2023 • Support the establishment of a Financial Inclusion Partnership (started May 2023)
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18 • Support FI team development events. • Support other key ambitions within the FI strategy, including a new case management system for Money Matters – AdvicePro going live 30 September 2024 (system already in use by the Welfare Reform Advice Team) 4. What difference has the investment made? Debt Advice service – Year One • 442 referrals received, exceeding the target of 300 • 52% engagement and 121 clients have debt strategies in place – in line with expectations from a debt advice service. • 89% reported their financial situation had improved, reduced stress and improved confidence. • 67% said their overall quality of life had improved and 50% that they helped to improve their health Financial Inclusion Partnership • Action Plan in place including development of a Partnership Communications Plan • Fuel Poverty subgroup established and meeting regularly Team Development • Three full team workshops took place during 2023, followed up by the establishment of working groups including a group to lead on the transition to AdvicePro and to develop a joint training/external training plan. • An FI Performance Management and Quality Assurance Framework was developed and agreed – for incorporation into the AdvicePro system. Strategy - A Community Consultation was undertaken at the end of 2023, with the support of the Financial Inclusion Partnership. This will inform the review and refresh of the Strategy for 2025-28. 5. Next steps and timescales 30 September – Advice Pro goes live 31 October 24 • Restructuring proposal finalised for the Financial Inclusion team • Re-branding for the FI team agreed • Review of debt advice service provision to inform decision-making for the longer term, after the current debt advice contract ends (30 June 2025) 6. Comments N/A
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20 Parental Employment Support Fund (PESF) 1. Description of funding stream, date and amount Child Poverty Funding is provided by the Scottish Government to deliver support for unemployed and employed parents within the key priority groups to improve their household income by accessing or improving employment : • Parents who are <25 years of age • Parents with a child under 1 year old • Parents with 3 or more children • Parents who have a disability or disabled children • Ethnic minority parents • Single parents 1st April 2024 – 31st March 2025 £1,094,800 2. Intended impact The expected outcomes and objectives are as set out below: • An increase in reach and engagement with individuals who are further from the labour market, including parents from the Priority Family Groups and in line with other national priorities. • Individuals have made progress towards work, including progression into further or higher education, learning and skills development and achieving qualifications. • Individuals have moved into work, with a particular focus on Fair Work. Individuals have sustained work. • Parents from the Priority Family Groups have increased their earnings in-work. 3. Progress to date against milestones, including expenditure Other highlights include: • 78 parents have commenced paid work experience created by the Skills for Life Programme • A new initiative to support term time opportunities for parents supported 10 parents to secure employment as Classroom Assistants in various schools across North Ayrshire • A new green skills initiative will support the creation of carbon accounting posts within local businesses participating in the Net Zero Accelerator programme, the candidates have just completed a pre-employment course at Ayrshire College, achieving a PC Passport qualification and will be matched to businesses 4. What difference has the investment made? The investment will create 100 jobs for unemployed parents who will be better off in work with increased household incomes, as they gain work experience and prepare to secure sustainable employment. It will also support specialist support for parents and offer keyworker support to more parents taking the journey towards employment
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21 5. Next steps and timescales Continue to deliver the NOLB Annual Investment Plan to extend the reach to more parents from the priority groups and deliver job outcomes for parents. 6. Comments Income from employment is a key driver to take children out of poverty and we will continue to support parents to increase their household income through securing and progressing through employment.
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22 Free School Meals 1. Description of funding stream, date and amount. 1) Scottish Government revenue funding for holiday meals 2024/25 (£704k) 2) Scottish Government revenue funding for UFSM Primary 4 & 5 - 2024/25 (£900k) 3) Scottish Government revenue funding for UFSM for those in Primary 6 & 7 who are entitled to Scottish Child Payment (from Feb 2025) (£718k) 2. Intended impact The funding supports the continued roll out of Universal Free School Meals (UFSMs). This funding is the revenue funding to cover costs for Primary 4 & Primary 5 children in the financial year 2024/25 as well as those in primary 6 & 7 who are eligible for the Scottish Child Payment from February 2025. The Scottish Government also provides funding to enable a continued provision of food-based support during the school holiday periods to those children with an assessed eligibility for free school meals. 3. Progress to date against milestones, including expenditure Direct cash payments are made to all families with an assessed eligibility for free school meals during key holiday periods for the school year. Additionally, a summer programme ran over the month of July across most localities. 8,200 meals were served in July 2024 along with a variety of activities for all age groups. The Scottish Government have provided revenue funding of £718,000 in 2024/25 to start the roll out of free school meals to all P6 and P7 pupils whose families are in receipt of the Scottish Child Payment. 4. What difference has the investment made? (Stats and qualitative information) Summer meals provided – 8,200. Direct cash payments were made for circa 5,000 children at Easter, Summer and October holiday periods. 5. Next steps and timescales The next phase of UFSM roll out is planned for February 2025, subject to Scottish Government confirmation. This will include primary 6 & 7 pupils entitled to the Scottish Child Payment. 6. Concluding comments Holiday meal provision (food or direct payments) ensures continuity of food for all children assessed as eligible for FSMs. This supports access to food and removes a financial burden from families. Children and Families
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23 Cost of the School Day and Early Intervention Fund – Child Poverty and Cost of Living 1. Description of funding stream, date and amount. Cost of the School Day Fund – Council budget 04/03/2021 and Cost of the School Day Cabinet Report 23/03/2021 Date allocated - 2021/22 budget Amount - £0.500m pa (recurring) At the Council budget of 1/3/23, this fund was replaced by the Early Intervention Fund – Child Poverty and Cost of Living – one off investment over 3 years. The allocation of this fund will take into account existing commitments and will be directed by the Child Poverty and Cost of Living Board) and will be the subject of future reports. Specific allocation of this funding which impacted upon COSD initiatives is the allocation of £60k to cover school meal debt in 23-24 and £20k to support active schools programmes (during holidays and progression in sport). Over and above this core school budgets and PEF allocation was also used to support the reduction to the cost of the school day for children and families. 2. Intended impact This approach to reducing the Cost of the School Day is informed by North Ayrshire Council’s Child Poverty Report and Action Plan, as well as the North Ayrshire Children’s Services Plan and the Education Service Improvement Plan. The Council identified the Cost of the School Day as an area of focus for the Education Service and Community Learning and Development teams. Scottish Government’s Child Poverty statistics remains high with almost one in four (240,000) of Scotland’s living in poverty. The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) Scotland supports Local Government strategies to reduce the Cost of the School Day (COSD) through evidence-based solutions to child poverty. This work is especially pertinent in North Ayrshire, with the second-highest concentration of multiple deprivation in Scotland, with greater risk of key groups of young people in North Ayrshire living in poverty. Therefore, the focused work related to child poverty is essential. The expansion of UFSMs continues to support all families in this difficult economic climate. Many families who are not eligible for assessed-need FSM, are also struggling with the cost-of-living increases therefore a wider universal free provision of a hot meal will ease the financial burden of having to pay or provide an alternative lunch option.
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24 The Cost of the School Day work has been focussed and two separate groups. Initially to professionals that work with young people across North Ayrshire and secondly to young people from both primary and secondary across North Ayrshire. The initial concept came from consultation during Year of the Young People in North Ayrshire where our legacy plan highlighted cost of the school day and child poverty as a key priority for our young people focussing on the following key areas: • Access to food (during the school day and holidays and weekends) • The cost of school transport to and from schools and for extracurricular activities • The costs of school trips and visits • The costs of school uniforms • The costs of materials needed for going to school. Young people lead on discussions around Child Poverty, shaping policy and practice for North Ayrshire Council and partners. Children and young people are involved in all initiatives that have arisen as a direct result of the data and learner voice forms part of co design, co production and final delivery models. This work shows visible changes to lowering the cost of the school day for young people and their families. Education and CLD work in partnership to plan, alongside our children and young people, in delivering events, activities, creating feedback loops and disseminating information to children, young people and families. Young people are empowered to speak truth to power, support and challenge officials and decision-makers as duty bearers and to ensure learner voice is respected and acted on in relation to Child Poverty. 3. Progress to date against milestones, including expenditure Expenditure 2021/22 –£500k 2022/23 - £500k 2023/24 - £20k The Education Service have developed a policy and operating procedure to reduce the COSD with an action plan for 2024- 25. The plan focuses on the following four key priorities:
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25 • Reduce costs related to going to school • Increase participation by children, young people and families to decision making related to reducing the COSD • Minimise income stigma and increase inclusive approaches to reducing the COSD • Support families to maximise income and participate in the life of the school Reducing the cost of the school day work has been ongoing since the start of 2022 and is continuing as we consult and engage with our young people, which allows us to shape the services and policy changes based on what young people tell us. Young people are involved in any changes to service delivery, new models of engagement and shaping policies for North Ayrshire and its partners. Changes due to the engagement and involvement of schools and young people include: • Schools working to understand estimated overall costs of the school day and work with families, children and young people to identify barriers and costs that can be reduced and removed and involve families in decisions about how the Council uses our resources. • Supporting families to maximise their income, by sharing information and strengthening links with schools about accessing financial support and continuing to develop options to support for families during school holidays • Educational establishments embedding their own specific COSD actions into school improvement planning, implementing COSD approaches and supports with Community Planning Partners • Schools linking with local businesses to raise awareness and create a bank of support • Schools ensuring that no child is hungry at school and ensuring school uniforms and clothing are affordable and removing or reducing school related travel costs • Improving digital inclusion and home learning for children and removing or reducing the cost of school related activities and events • Involving young people in decisions that affect them, ensuring young people’s voices influence and co-design decisions and actions, ensuring we particularly engage with young people with lived experience of poverty • Poverty awareness raising and education within schools for children and young people 4. What difference has the investment made? (Stats and qualitative information) The initial injection of investment alongside the focus on the priority to reduce the cost of the school day funding has provided schools with enhanced flexibility to meet the needs of learners and their families throughout the ongoing cost of living crisis. Schools have utilised this funding in a variety of ways, which have been designed to meet needs within their local context. While it is challenging to quantify the difference made, qualitative evidence is gathered at school level. All schools located in North Ayrshire’s areas of highest deprivation; provide good examples of the difference this funding has made. The schools have used this funding to put in place breakfast clubs and healthy snacks; opportunities for families to access free school uniform; and participate in home learning through provision of IT devices and other learning materials that promote family learning. Another key use of this funding has been enabling all pupils to participate in school trips and other extra-curricular activities.
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26 5. Next steps and timescales Priority The intention of the COSD policy and action plan in North Ayrshire for 2024-25 is to: Our North Ayrshire Cost of the School Day Priorities for 2024-25 are: 1 Reduce costs related to going to school. We will take a sustainable, whole systems approach to reduce and poverty proof costs relating to the school day 2 Increase participation by children, young people and families Children, young people and their families will be at the heart of making decisions and designing policies that affect the cost of the school day 3 Minimise income stigma and increase inclusive approaches Our schools, services and partners will take a reflective, poverty aware and inclusive approach to making decisions that affect the cost of the school day 4 Support families We will support families to maximise their income and participate in the life of their school This will be underpinned by the following: 1. We will commit to adopting the Cost of the School Day Toolkit in every educational establishment, supported by partners by June 2025 2. We will commit to co-designing actions in relation to the COSD with young people, families and partners by June 2025 6. Comments The funding has been welcomed by schools as an enabler in reducing the poverty-related attainment gap. Child poverty will continue to feature across all of our platforms from Locality priorities, our CLD Plan, youth work key priorities and youth participation work whilst the Pupil Equity Fund will focus on child poverty and mitigate the effects of this for our children, young people and families.
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27 School Clothing Grants 1. Description of funding stream, date and amount Update to follow 2. Intended impact 3. Progress to date against milestones, including expenditure 4. What difference has the investment made? 5. Next steps and timescales 6. Comments
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28 Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) 1. Description of funding stream, date and amount. Update to follow 2. Intended impact 3. Progress to date against milestones, including expenditure 4. What difference has the investment made? 5. Next steps and timescales 6. Concluding comments
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29 Contribution to Mental Health and Wellbeing 1. Description of funding stream, date and amount. The Scottish Government’s Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults was established in October 2021 and to date has distributed around £36 million to community initiatives supporting mental health and wellbeing across Scotland. A third year of funding (£15 million) was announced in April 2023. The ongoing funding reflects the importance placed on community support as part of the Scottish Government’s overall mental health infrastructure. The fund will continue to be distributed by Third Sector Interfaces (TSI) in communities across Scotland. 2. Intended impact To address some of the key drivers of poor mental wellbeing - in relation to Cost of Living crisis, to address financial insecurity. Empowering local communities to deliver a wide range of events, activities and interventions that support positive mental health and wellbeing across North Ayrshire. The Fund has a strong focus on prevention and early intervention and aims to support grass roots community groups in tackling mental health inequalities and addressing the priority issues of social isolation and loneliness, suicide prevention, and tackling poverty and inequality. There will be a continued emphasis in Year 3 on responding to the cost-of-living crisis and on those facing socio-economic disadvantage. The fund aims to take a preventative approach and allow communities to develop their own solutions, including developing stronger partnerships. 3. Progress to date against milestones, including expenditure In Year 1, 61 North Ayrshire projects collectively received funding to the value £813,345, which benefitted significantly from inclusion of £353,134 in support from North Ayrshire Council (NAC). This was made possible by additional Covid recovery funding, to back high-quality bids which particularly focussed on the local priorities of social isolation, mental wellbeing, and financial inclusion. £52,999 was received and disbursed in collaboration and a parallel process with the Children, Families & Young People CMH&WB Fund. This enabled an estimated 33,000 North Ayrshire residents to benefit from activities that improved their mental health and wellbeing. In Year 2, due to budget constraints, the level of contribution from NAC was understandably impacted. The Green Health Partnership included provision of a contribution amounting to £46,125 in Year 2, for projects specifically focussed on ‘green health’ related activity. This resulted in a total of £516,107 being distributed to 55 projects across North Ayrshire. Early monitoring demonstrates that so far, an additional 5,000 North Ayrshire residents have already benefitted from the Year 2 projects. 4. What difference has the investment made? Food insecurity and the cost-of-living crisis is a growing concern. Projects that provide access to free or low-cost nutritious food, other essential household items or advice on debt management and income maximisation strategies, have been a lifeline to many, through the Projects funded in Year 1. The focus on projects that have a direct impact on the cost-of-living crisis, where free food, food growing or advice on managing debt and other issues relating to the cost of living, has remained constant between Year 1 & Year 2 at 19% of Health and Wellbeing
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30 the total projects. Free activities, which indirectly benefit people during the cost-of-living crisis, have increased from 53% of the projects in Year1, to 60% of the projects in Year 2. 5. Next steps and timescales As we move into Year 3 it will be important to continue to build on what has gone before. To nurture and develop the existing relationships and cross sector partnerships that have evolved, encouraging greater collaboration and the creation of new opportunities to benefit the communities of North Ayrshire that are most in need. The belief that we are all created equal is flawed, our lives are dependent on many circumstances, but it’s important to help people recognise that everyone has their own unique strengths and something to contribute. With some extra help to get through life’s challenges, people can have a more equal chance of success in life and outcomes can be improved earlier and with reduced need for medical intervention. This fund is an enabler in creating these positive outcomes, but consideration must be given to how the legacy of the Fund is sustained for the future, to ensure this valuable work can continue. 34% of Year 1 projects were funded to continue through Year 2, with 31% able to incorporate the project with existing funding, however 15% stated the project had to end when the funding ended. Providing love, care, guidance, and mentoring are vital aspects missing from the lives of many people and it needs to be valued and recognised as such. “By continuing to invest in these organisations and the support and activities they offer, we will be investing in prevention of ill health, community resilience and a sense of wellbeing for individuals, which undoubtedly will improve lives and consequences for so many across North Ayrshire.” 6. Comments In Summary, £1.329m has been distributed to 116 community projects in Years 1&2, 26,582 people across North Ayrshire have directly benefitted from these activities in Year 1 and 2 (to date); 1453 volunteers have supported the delivery of projects in years 1 and 2 (to date).
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31 Review and Improve Support for Childminders and Out of School Clubs (OOSC) Providers 1. Description of funding stream, date and amount Review and improve support for childminders and OOSC providers Fund - North Ayrshire COVID Economic Recovery Fund - SG Funding: £0.126m. Targeted employability opportunities for key families during Summer 2022 Fund - North Ayrshire COVID Economic Recovery Fund - SG Funding: £0.050m. Date awarded – June 2022 2. Intended impact Review and improve support for childminders and OOSC providers By the end of this parliament Scottish Government has committed to ensure provision of wrap around childcare for families who need it. Use of childcare has changed significantly because of COVID-19. OOSC providers face a particularly unstable business environment. Reduced use of OOSC services during lockdown and changed working patterns provide an opportunity to assess future demand and support the sector to ensure the local availability of services in line with Scottish Government’s expectations. The specific needs of the vulnerable children, kinship care and our island communities will also be considered a spart of this work. Targeted employability opportunities for key families during Summer 2022 Parents and carers with school age children will be encouraged to undertake a variety of short courses that upskill or lead to a route into employment. Build relationships between the Employability Team and participants, whilst building up confidence in the use of childcare services. 3. Progress to date against milestones, including expenditure Review and improve support for childminders and OOSC providers spending to date £73,505 A post ( Childcare Development Officer (School aged and Rural) ) has bene created and filled. The initial key objective of the post is - Parents / carers in rural and island communities have greater access to childcare to progresseducation, training and employment opportunities. Initial actions - 1. Establish a baseline of childcare provisions in rural and island communities with a focus on identifying barriers that impact setting up and sustainability of current childcare providers. LF / LK Dec 24 C 2. Utilise residual funding to address identified barriers highlighted by island and rural parents /carers Business and community including transport to work
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32 Targeted employability opportunities for key families during Summer 2022 Spending to date - £22,795 Based on the success of this imitative we have again partnered with We Work for Families to deliver summer training sessions with parents. Evaluation of this summer still to be finalised 4. What difference has the investment made? Review and improve support for childminders and OOSC providers The post holder has- supported a new service to open in Fairlie Joined the Skills Review Group on Arran Delivered a session at the Scottish Out School Care National conference Targeted employability opportunities for key families during Summer 2022 More parents have accessed training and support with the added support of childcare being available 5. Next steps and timescales Review and improve support for childminders and OOSC providers Meet Scottish Childminding Association to plan a way forward that fits the National Strategy. Support the opening of an OSC service in Kilwinning Hold an initial meeting of the volunteers on the committees associated with the operation of the OSC across North Ayrshire Targeted employability opportunities for key families during Summer 2022 Assess the impact of the summer 2024 and agree what can be delivered with the remaining budget. 6. Concluding comments N/A.
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33 Community Transport Initiative 1. Description of funding stream, date and amount Community transport initiative At the Council budget of 1/3/23, the Early Intervention Fund – Child Poverty and Cost of Living, a one off investment of £1.4m over 3 years, included provision of £100k for a exploration of a community transport initiative. 2. Intended impact The initiative aims to explore the use of Council vehicles and other means to support the needs of communities where access to transport at certain times of day is a barrier to accessing services and opportunities. 3. Progress to date against milestones, including expenditure A North Ayrshire wide needs assessment exercise has been carried out to identify the needs within communities which community transport could address. Furthermore, a transport survey has been commissioned to assess the travel needs in the Garnock Valley area and will include surveys, focus groups and meetings with key stakeholders including SPT, Stagecoach, McGills, Shuttlebus and Sustrans. A baseline of public transport and active transport will be available with the findings planned for presentation in March 2025. Following the conclusion of these assessments, any opportunities aligned to community transport initiatives will be explored with local organisations. Exercise has been carried out to identify the needs within communities which community transport could address. Coalfields Community Transport have been active partners in delivering some small pilots with targeted groups and in publicising the services they can provide to other groups who become members. Some initial volunteer training has been funded. 4. What difference has the investment made? The investment has given us the opportunity to understand the needs within our communities in a systematic way. It has allowed us to trial some delivery and to begin to invest in volunteer development with the view to building a sustainable, hybrid delivery model in the long term. 5. Next steps and timescales The results of the needs assessment will be analysed and discussions held with key partners including Coalfields Community Transport and local groups who are either delivering community transport activity or keen to do so to discuss a coordinated approach to progressing. 6. Comments N/A.
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35 Islands emergency 1) Description of funding stream, date and amount. Whilst island communities can access a wide range of existing funding from the Scottish Government, the Island Cost Crisis Emergency Fund represented an additional £1.4 million investment. This fund is being directly allocated to Local Authorities, through a 100% population formula as approved by the COSLA Settlement Distribution Group and COSLA Leaders. The allocation for North Ayrshire Council was £57,000 Emergency Cost Crisis Funding 2) Intended impact This has been developed to specifically recognise and tackle the challenges faced by island communities. Local Authorities responsible for islands should: ● Use this funding to target island areas only; ● Use the funding to target immediate need and help those who are struggling due to the cost crisis; and ● Use the funding for existing schemes and/or other new support where they feel the need is greatest. 3) Progress to date against milestones, including expenditure There are already arrangements in place for energy efficiency, energy crisis support and welfare rights advice for residents and existing mechanisms were used to provide targeted support for islands communities. Schools quickly identified potential areas of spend which would mitigate cost of living challenges which particularly affect island communities. Mini-enquiries on child poverty and the cost of living were held on Arran and Cumbrae and key themes and potential mitigations have been identified. Local third and voluntary sector organisations were funded to address locally identified challenges. The arrangements were as follows: Purpose Funding allocation Energy Smart (existing service which supports energy efficiency measures in homes and crisis grants). In addition, £5,000 was also be contributed from Covid Recovery funding for this service. £10,000 Support for Communities
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36 Money Matters (existing service which supports Welfare Rights assistance/representation to North Ayrshire residents to ensure they receive their legal entitlement to state benefits). In addition, £5,000 will also be contributed from Covid Recovery funding for this service. £10,000 Schools (Arran High, Arran primary schools, Largs Academy and Cumbrae Primary School). Funds provided to schools continued to support equity for learners who live in a rural island context. Funds provide learning opportunities and visits off island and allow staff to be upskilled to deliver high quality opportunities and learning experiences. Before and after school work is a challenge on the islands due to transport. This was identified and we worked with the Catering Team to enhance and extend the provision of their "Warm Welcome" scheme. This gave children access to breakfast as the arrived in school each day over the winder. £15,000 (total) Third and voluntary sector groups on Arran and Cumbrae The local TSI ( Arran CVS ) supported the delivery of the community funding awards on Arran and Cumbrae. Their local knowledge was invaluable in disseminating the information on the awards and in assessing the applications we received. £22,000 4) What difference has the investment made? Funding assisted in targeted work to help alleviate the issues raised during the Cost of Living Mini Enquiries held in 2023. The criteria for awards to groups was based on the key themes that emerged from the enquiry. Other key themes which emerged included the additional cost of energy on the island, increased cost of school day and the difficulty accessing some supports due to transport restrictions. The funding helped to address these. 5) Next steps and timescales An increased allocation of £227,000 has been made available to North Ayrshire in the current 2024/25 financial year. A working group of cross-service and TSI representatives are progressing proposals to utilise this larger amount in a way which both addresses immediate need among the island communities but also helps to build sustainability into solutions where this is possible by developing infrastructure and capacity.
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37 6) Comments N/A
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38 LiveWell Healthy Working Lives Programme 1. Description of funding stream, date and amount £20k of funding supports employee health and wellbeing through a programme of activities/events including a small grant fund. The Executive Leadership Team (ELT) allocates the funding which emphasises the importance of employee health and wellbeing within the workplace. The LiveWell Programme aims to breakdown some of the barriers that employees face when trying to improve their health and wellbeing. The LiveWell Programme aims to increase awareness of support and information, while wellbeing related activities are made more accessible through reducing or negating the costs associated with participation. This in turn improves employee morale, wellbeing, engagement, and performance. 2. Intended impact The LiveWell Programme has always taken an organic approach, with a framework of planned activities scheduled alongside ad hoc opportunities. This enables LiveWell to adapt quickly to new suggestions and ideas. The Programme also provides small grants to teams for health and wellbeing activities via our LiveWell Grant Scheme. In Quarter 1, 2024/25 £450 was issued to teams to support them to carry out wellbeing activities of their choice. The provision of a range of wellbeing activities at no direct cost to the employee, helping to enhance their wellbeing without additional cost. 3. Progress to date against milestones, including expenditure A range of general wellbeing information and activities continue to be promoted including – • Musculo Skeletal (MSK) Ayrshire and Arran Service, ‘How will you be more active in April?’; Six exercises for strength and balance. • KA Leisure, walking groups and walking football for women. • Active Travel and Trinity Hub initiatives, including, National Walking month, Bike Month and Bike Week with Cycle to Work scheme (e-bikes promotion) and Dr Bike sessions and free adult cycle training across North Ayrshire. • Mental health awareness week, with the theme of ‘Moving for our Mental Health.’ • The Equal Supported Employment team appeal for old bikes and an ‘Accessibility Wheeler come and try day’ at Eglinton Park • Honeybee Meditation and Soundbath Taster (8 attendees) (13th May) • TRE, four-week programme (8 attendees) (15th May) • Everyday Mindfulness, 4-week Course (10 attendees) (4th June) • Supporting Apprentices and Young People at Work information Health Checks Employee Wellbeing
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39 • Health check sessions were held at: • Cunninghame House, (17th April 1st and 22nd May 19th and 26th June). • Largs Academy (21st and 31st May) and Irvine Royal Academy (25th May). • 144 employees in total participated in a health check SaveWell Recognising the impact that finances can have on our wellbeing, this section brings together a range of resources and support mechanisms that our employees may find useful: Activities below highlighted and promoted via North Ayrshire Council Resourcing include: • Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme • The Local Government Pension Scheme • ‘Give as you Earn’ Charities Aid Foundation 4. What difference has the investment made? The provision of health checks for employees provides them with service that they may struggle to get access to elsewhere and provides them with information to help improve their health and wellbeing in the future. Our CEO, Craig Hatton, recently attended a KA leisure health check, He said: “It’s been brilliant having the opportunity to have my recent employee health check, thanks to the LiveWell group and our partners at KA Leisure. I think it is important that colleagues understand just how vital it is to take time for their own health and learn about what they can do proactively to improve it.” A full article can be found on Staff Talk. Other Participant Quotes: “It was very comprehensive and helped me decide how I might change small aspects of my lifestyle to improve my general health.”
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40 “Health Check was good and provided a good range of metrics, which showed overall health.” “I liked both sections of the check and thought staff were very helpful and friendly.” Feedback from the Honeybee Meditation and Soundbath session included: “I felt really rested and relaxed. I hadn’t realised how important and beneficial it would be to slow down and focus. Can see how on-going sessions long term would be beneficial to my mental and physical health.” “I felt it was very relaxing and helped me to feel less stressed.” Feedback from the TRE sessions: “I had a little knowledge of what to expect but it definitely surpassed all expectations in a good way. I felt great after the session and looking forward to the next three.” “Slept a lot better, overall feeling of wellbeing.” Feedback from the Everyday Mindfulness Sessions: “Jayne has given me lots to think about in terms or recognising and managing stress/anxiety. She has suggested several different practices to try going forward. I do feel like I now have some tools that I can try out to help me with sleeping and having better mental health.” “I think this should be mandatory for all Seniors and offered to anyone with stress related issues. Thank you very much for this course.” 5. Next steps and timescales A continuation of the health check programme across a range of venues, including Cunninghame House, Saltcoats Townhall, Brooksby (Largs) and Arran as well as at school in-service days. Continuation of other wellbeing activities as highlighted above; the creation of a short survey to gauge employee interest in a range of activities that can be provided via KA leisure. 6. Comments A range of wellbeing activities will continue to be planned and promoted throughout Quarter 2 and 3, these will be free at point of access for Council employees (or heavily subsidised). The qualitative comments provided in the evaluation of
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41 activities highlight both the appreciation of and the benefits obtained from participating in wellbeing activities. Many employees would not access activities if they were not promoted through the workplace.