Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the first virtual meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group and outlined the procedure for the meeting.

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:

Samantha Somers, Argyll and Bute Council

Stuart MacDonald, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

Colin Wilson, Local Government Boundary Commission

Sephton MacQuire, Dunbritton Housing Association

Sophia McArdle, Ministry of Defence

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

The Chair advised that unfortunately the Minutes of the previous meeting of the group were not yet available due to staffing issues within the Admin team of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service during the ongoing pandemic, however Minutes would be circulated to the group when available and staffing levels allow.

Report by Committee Manager

The Group considered a briefing note which related to the virtual meeting of the Community Planning Partnership Management Committee which met on 23 September 2020.

The Chair noted that the CPP Management Committee had appointed a new Chair and outlined the information held within the briefing note, particularly noting the issues raised around campervans and wild camping and advised that a sub group had been set up around this.  The Chair advised that the Area Community Planning Groups continue to feed into the CPP Management Committee and any issues raised at this meeting could be brought to their attention as required.

The Chair noted that it was unfortunate that the meeting of the group in August had been cancelled, however this had been the case across all Area Community Planning Groups and it was hoped that virtual meetings would work well as an alternative. The Chair advised that a Basecamp demonstration was still being progressed as a way for partners to keep in touch between meetings of the group.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group noted the briefing note.

Verbal update by Jayne Burnett, Visiting Friends

Jayne Burnett provided information in relation to Visiting Friends, a volunteer befriending service in the Helensburgh and Lomond Area which was set up in 2013 as a project under TSI, and had been registered as a charity since 2018. Jayne advised that the organisation match volunteers with one client at a time, and at any given time the organisation may have between 30-35 matches on their books. Jayne provided details of research on the benefits of friendships in relation to people’s physical and mental health,  noting that befriending was particularly useful for those who were not interested in joining groups or those who had chronic conditions or a lack of time which could leave them more susceptible to isolation and loneliness.

Jayne advised that Visiting Friends take referrals from the HSCP, individuals and their families. During the Covid19 pandemic, the organisation had had to respond to changing advice and had supported volunteers to safely meet with their matches where possible. Jayne noted that volunteers were trained to recognise potential Adult Protection issues and to be aware of healthy boundaries when volunteering, and as such volunteers often act as an early warning system for any changes within their friends.

Jayne outlined the activities which had been undertaken by volunteers during the pandemic and the safety measures which were put in place around this to make clients comfortable, avoid any issues and to remain in keeping with guidance. Jayne gave details of the ways in which the organisation had to adapt during the pandemic and lessons that had been learned from this, noting that it had involved a huge amount of effort from staff and volunteers and that it would be difficult to provide the same level of support without an increase in resources during a potential second period of lockdown.

Jayne advised that the group had felt supported by Argyll and Bute council due to the weekly meetings held and assistance with applying for funding, however the group had been disappointed at the lack of contact or support from the HSCP. Jayne noted that in particular it would have been helpful to receive information around new services which had been made available and how people could contact their doctor or hospital for non-Covid related healthcare. Jayne expressed concern that the differences between guidance and law made the role of the organisation very challenging and she felt it was important to have clear advice on what could and could not be done by volunteers, noting that befriending in particular was a grey area in terms of it being classed as a lifeline service. It was suggested that the issue raised around whether the role of a befriender was seen as essential be raised with the Management Committee and clarity sought around this, Jayne agreed that it would be helpful to receive clarity around this to provide volunteers comfort and ensure that they were safe in the mind-set that what they were doing was valuable and within the realms of the law.

Morevain Martin, Garelochhead Station Trust, noted that she was in agreement that more information should be provided to volunteer organisations as they are contacted frequently by their members for information and with questions around the current guidance and reiterated that the lack of communication around this had been disappointing. It was agreed that this issue also be raised with the Management Committee and that a request be made for more frequent updates to be provided to voluntary organisations. Samantha Campbell also agreed that she would raise this matter at the upcoming meeting of the Caring for People group.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group agreed:

1.    to note the contents of the presentation;

2.    that the issue raised of a lack of clarity and guidance around befriending be brought to the next meeting of the Community Planning Partnership Management Committee; and

3.    that the issue raised of a lack of communication with voluntary organisations be brought to the next meetings of the Caring for People group and the Community Planning Partnership Management Committee.

The Chair advised that she was aware that the ongoing Covid19 pandemic had had a major impact on many community groups, noting that some community groups had been unable to complete their usual activities while others had been busier than ever. The Chair noted that a number of written responses had been received from organisations around their Covid19 response which were available in the agenda pack for people to read at their own leisure, however she would also invite anyone who wished to speak to their own experience with Covid19 to do so.

Report by Samantha Stubbs – Strategic Development Manager, Third Sector Interface

The Group considered an update from the Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (TSI) which detailed their response to Covid-19 which included supporting charities, social enterprises, community groups and encouraging volunteering.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by Samantha Stubbs – Strategic Development Manager, Third

Sector Interface, dated October 2020, submitted)

Report by Alison McGrory – Health Improvement Principal, Health and Social Care Partnership

The Group gave consideration to an update from the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) in relation to the community response work of the Caring for People Tactical Partnership and local Caring for People Teams.

Samantha Campbell outlined the information contained within the report, noting the effort from Community Groups, the NHS and the Council to keep people safe and supported over the first period of lockdown. Samantha provided details of the variety of support which was available through the Caring for People group and noted that 990 people had registered to volunteer with the TSI for the Caring for People community response. Samantha expressed her thanks to all involved who had helped and noted that she hoped that this support would be available in future if required. Samantha advised that the Caring for People Project had been nominated for a Scottish Health Award under the Peoples Choice Award category and noted that people could vote by going to: www.scottishhealthawards.com before voting closed on 6^th November 2020.

Kirsty Moyes advised that the Council were continuing to provide support in relation to Test and Protect enquiries, working with community organisations and volunteers to fulfil requests for support. Kirsty highlighted that support was still available to those who required it through this service.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by Alison McGrory - Health Improvement Principal, Health and Social Care Partnership, dated 5 November 2020, submitted)

Report by Morevain Martin, Garelochhead Station Trust

The Group considered an update from the Garelochhead Station Trust which detailed their response to Covid-19 which included supporting the Caring for People community effort, delivering comprehensive online services, providing information by post to those without internet, providing face to face support to trustees and providing birthday cakes to local members.

Morevain Martin advised that Garelochhead Station Trust were holding a two day event on the 6^th and 7^th of November outside Gibson Hall where people could record their memories of loved ones and tie them to a memory tree. The tree would remain outside Gibson Hall until the 8^th of November, when it would be moved to the Station for people to view.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by Morevain Martin, Garelochhead Station Trust, submitted)

Susan MacRae, Skills Development Scotland (SDS)

Susan MacRae introduced herself as the new Area Manager for Skills Development Scotland, having been in post since March and noted that she would be happy to provide an update on the work of SDS over this period. Susan advised that the primary focus of SDS is to provide advice and guidance to those who are undertaking career changes and noted that due to the Covid19 pandemic much of this support had been provided virtually or online. Susan noted that a lot of work had been carried out with the education and employability teams within the Council and work had been undertaken with young people leaving school to ensure that they were supported and aware of the options available to them. Susan advised that following the return of schools in August, some support had been delivered face to face where possible and in keeping with national guidance.

Susan noted that a national helpline had been launched and advised that she would encourage anyone who was unemployed or facing redundancy to phone this number. Susan provided further details around work carried out with DWP partners, the Scottish Government Training Transition Fund, virtual youth hubs, the 16-25 cohort and the focus on short sharp interventions for retraining.

Susan noted that help was available via the national helpline on 0800 917 800 or by using the My World of Work website at www.myworldofwork.co.uk.

Ruth Cairns, Argyll and Bute Council

Ruth Cairns provided an update in relation to Community Learning and noted that aside from moving much of the learning process online, a large amount of work has been carried out by the team in connection with the local Digital Connections and national Digital Inclusion projects. Ruth provided details of the projects and noted the requirement for devices for children who were undertaking home learning during the first period of lockdown and also for those who were isolated and required support with connectivity and learning how to use the devices which was provided via the Digital Inclusion project and support from Digital Champions.

Colin Crichton, Live Argyll

Colin Crichton advised that Live Argyll were in the process of following a phased reopening plan, noting that swimming lessons had recently been reintroduced and requests had been made for an enhanced fitness class programme. Colin noted that libraries continued to operate in phase 3 of the reopening plan, with people allowed to browse and use a click and collect service. Colin advised that Victoria Hall remained closed with no national guidelines around reopening at that time.

Colin noted that a new price list and accreditation scheme had been put in place for community groups which afforded any affiliated community group a 20% discount on Live Argyll prices. Colin provided details of a virtual event celebrating music in March 2021, made possible as part of a funding award from Creative Scotland. Colin advised that Live Argyll had invested in Borrow Box, an audio learning service, which had proved to be very popular over the past 7 months. Colin noted that it was hoped that a Live Argyll virtual programme would commence in December for Argyll Active customers, as well as those shielding and with long term conditions as part of an HSCP scheme.

Allan Comrie, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT)

Allan Comrie advised that the ongoing message during the pandemic had been for people to avoid using public transport, this had caused problems for SPT as well as rail and bus operators. Allan noted that one of the main issues which SPT had tried to focus on was ensuring that any bus service to an NHS location was operated and noted that this had largely been well managed, particularly to the Vale of Leven hospital.

Allan noted that SPT had faced issued around various elements of the guidance which was in place such as the use of face coverings and advised that exemption cards could be obtained at www.exempt.scot . Allan praised Argyll and Bute Council for continuing to operate a school bus service in a safe manner and largely as normal. Allan provided further details around some delays experienced with capital programmes relating to bus and cycle infrastructure, noting that services had been considerably reduced due to the health and safety guidance issued. .

Inspector Roderick MacNeill, Police Scotland

Inspector MacNeill advised that despite the ongoing Covid19 pandemic, Police Scotland have retained a good level of resources with minimal absence. Inspector MacNeill noted that during the strict lockdown the vast majority of people had adhered to the no travel guidance and detailed the steps which had been taken by the Police to encourage and educate people, taking enforcement only where necessary. Inspector MacNeill outlined details of the issues which had occurred in relation to the high number of visitors to the area, particularly around the National Park during the summer months and advised that a lot of partnership working had been undertaken with the National Park around camping, littering and traffic management.

Inspector MacNeill advised that there was an increase in traffic within pubs in the area due to people visiting from the neighbouring West Dunbartonshire local authority which had been placed in tier 3, while Argyll and Bute had been placed in tier 2. Inspector MacNeill noted that pubs had seen a lift in business, however there had been no police issues around this, although this would continue to be monitored.

Inspector MacNeill advised that Police would likely be returning to a presumption of non-attendance as Covid19 numbers continue to rise, noting that this meant that low level matters would be dealt with over the phone by a resolution team and would negate the need for officers to attend addresses unnecessarily and help avoid risk of infection or spreading same. Inspector MacNeill emphasised that anything requiring officer attendance would still receive it and PPE was available to allow officers to be within the address of Covid-positive people if required. Inspector MacNeill advised that during the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6d

Report by Alison McGrory – Health Improvement Principal, Health and Social Care Partnership

The Group gave consideration to an annual report for 2019/20 which highlighted Health and Wellbeing in Argyll and Bute. Samantha Campbell outlined details within the report, particularly highlighting the launch of the Living Well strategy as well as the Cool to Talk online service for young people.

Discussion took place around the provision of a Covid19 vaccine and it was agreed that a further paper be brought to the next meeting of the Group to outline the progress and prospect of a vaccine.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group:

1.    considered and noted the information provided; and

2.    agreed that a further paper would be brought to the next meeting of the Group in relation to the progress and prospect of a vaccine for Covid19.

(Reference: Report by Alison McGrory - Health Improvement Principal, Health and

Social Care Partnership, dated 5 November 2020, submitted)

Christine Woods, Grey Matters

Christine Woods advised that Grey Matters had recently become a charity and noted that it was hoped that a premises which had been secured on West Princes Street in Helensburgh would soon be available for use by the group. Christine noted that Alison Gildea was leading the 1000 Voices project and that Irene Stevenson was the chairperson for the group and could be contacted for any further information. Christine expressed her thanks to everyone in terms of the tremendous support received, noting that she would echo the sentiments expressed by Jayne and Morevain earlier in the meeting regarding the benefits of increased communication. 

Fiona McLeod, Plastic Free Helensburgh

Fiona McLeod advised that there was not much to report in terms of the group as much of their work required to be done face to face. Fiona noted that the Facebook group had remained active and virtual litter picks had been encouraged, however at present the group were focusing mainly on reorganising and reworking their constitution.

MSYP Rosie Sumsion, Helensburgh and Lomond Youth Forum

MSYP Rosie Sumsion advised that in terms of the Scottish Youth Parliament, there were usually three sittings each year in person, however this had not been possible due to lockdown restrictions. MSYP Sumsion noted that the AGM had been held recently, where a new chair, vice chair and board were appointed. MSYP Sumsion advised that the annual campaign of the SYP this year would focus on the Covid response in relation to the rights of young people. MSYP Sumsion noted that she would be interested to view the results of the ongoing consultation and noted that she was very grateful for the updated stance by the SQA on exam results following a period of concern.

MSYP Sumsion enquired as to the what difference new UNCRC legislation would make to decision making and engagement within the Community Planning Partnership framework and it was agreed that this would be raised at the next Community Planning Partnership Management Committee meeting.  

Report by Chief Executive

A report on the Council and the Health and Social Care Partnership’s response to the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union was before the Group for consideration.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group agreed:

1.    to note the contents of the report; and

2.    that any comments or questions in relation to the Council and Health and Social Care Partnership’s response to the UK’s Withdrawal from the EU should be fed back to the Chair, Vice Chair, Kirsty Moyes or Iona Campbell to raise as appropriate at the next Community Planning Partnership Management Committee meeting. 

(Reference: Report by Chief Executive, dated 21 October 2020, submitted)

Discussion facilitated by Chair in relation to Local Government Boundary Commission Proposals

The Group considered a report which advised of the Boundary Commission for Scotland’s proposals for the Argyll and Bute area.

The Chair outlined the proposed changes to wards in the Helensburgh and Lomond Area, noting that it was hoped that further information would be available in due course, and invited any comments on the proposals. Discussion took place around the potential reasons for a proposed decrease in the number of councillors for the area and it was agreed that the Chair and Vice Chair would attempt to confirm whether this was due to a population decrease in the area.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group agreed:

1.    to note the contents of the report;

2.    that any further comments of queries in relation to the proposals should be fed back to the Chair and Vice Chair; and

3.    that the Chair and Vice Chair would attempt to confirm if the reason for a proposed reduction in the number of councillors was due to a population decrease in the area.

The next meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group will take place on Thursday, 11 February 2021.

The Group noted that the next meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group would take place by on Thursday, 11 February 2021.

The Chair and Vice-Chair thanked everyone for attending the first virtual meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group and thanked all attendees for their assistance in making the meeting a success. The Chair highlighted that as it was the first virtual meeting of the group it had operated to a condensed agenda, however if anyone would like to see anything discussed in more depth at a future meeting of the group to please feel free to raise this.