Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and general introductions were made.

 

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:

 

Jen Broadhurst, Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB);

Morevain Martin, Garelochhead Station Trust;

Rhona Grant, Community Learning Services, Live Argyll;

Laura Eales, Home Start Lomond;

Neil MacFarlane, Transport Scotland;

Susan MacRae, Skills Development Scotland;

Janice Kennedy, Scottish Enterprise; and

Sam Campbell, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership

 

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

The minutes of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group meeting held on Tuesday 8 November 2022 were approved as a correct record.

Report by Governance Manager

                            

The group gave consideration to a report which outlined the governance arrangements of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group (Area CPG) specifically the Terms of Reference, membership and future meeting dates.

 

The Committee Manager confirmed that organisational contacts could be updated as required, and noted that any suggestions for new organisations to join the group could be submitted to Stuart McLean or Julieann Small following the meeting.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group:

 

1.    considered and adopted the Terms of Reference submitted at Appendix 1 of the report and to agreed that they would be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure their ongoing currency and appropriateness for the work of the Area CPG as it developed over time;

 

2.    considered and agreed the membership of the Group at Appendix 2 of the report, subject to the inclusion of Naval Families Federation and Helensburgh and Lomond Foodbank, and agreed that the membership of the Group would be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure currency and appropriateness for the work of the group as it developed over time; and

 

3.    noted the dates for future meetings of Tuesday 9 May 2023, Tuesday 22 August 2023, Tuesday 7 November 2023, Tuesday 13 February 2024 and Tuesday 7 May 2024.

 

(Reference: Report by Governance Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 14 February 2023, submitted)

 

The Group considered a report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) FQ3 review of local performance across Helensburgh and Lomond  for the period 2022-23. The report included information on the local firefighter training plan; incidents during this time period; unwanted fire alarm signals; road and water safety campaigns; recent community engagement activities and home fire safety.

 

Sarah Davies enquired about land at the former Hermitage Primary School, owned by Argyll and Bute Council, where a fire broke out and asked what was happening to the land. The Committee Manager noted Sarah’s question and advised that he would forward to the relevant department and get a response for Sarah.

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Report by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, submitted)

 

Consideration was given to an update which included information on the ongoing work of the Service and provided information on the launch of the second phase of the ‘Don’t Be That Guy’ campaign; the ‘Not At Home’ protocol which launched locally on the 9th of January 2023; the Distress Brief Intervention which is currently being rolled out throughout Argyll and Bute; the Rural Watch extension of the Neighbourhood Watch Scotland movement and the Police Youth Volunteer programme.

 

Discussion took place in relation to Youth Volunteers and PC Barron advised that the programme has been very popular with it being over prescribed, members of the Group enquired when the Youth Volunteers would be available to help with community activities and events.

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Report by Police Scotland, submitted)

 

The Group considered a public health update from Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership on the ongoing wellbeing and prevention activities overseen and delivered by the HSCP Public Health Team in Argyll and Bute. The update highlighted information on the launch of year 4 of the Living Well (self-management) Community Capacity Building Fund; the Community Link Working service; the newly launched Health Improvement website and health screening awareness. It was highlighted that further information on NHS Screening Programmes could be found at NHS Inform.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group:

 

1.    considered and noted the information provided; and

 

2.    noted that in the absence of a representative from Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, any questions could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the Group.

 

(Reference: Report by Health Improvement Lead, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, submitted)

 

The Group considered a written update by Rhona Grant, Live Argyll - Community Learning Service, which provided information relating to adult learning in Helensburgh which includes supporting a weekly drop in hub every Wednesday; Digital Boost; Jean’s Bothy and Garelochhead Station Trust digital drop In’s and the Get I.T started digital basic course.

 

The update also included information on Youth Services in Helensburgh which highlighted the new appointment of the Live Argyll Community Learning Services Youth Team Leader and consultation events run by MSYPs across Argyll.

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group:

 

1.    considered and noted the information provided; and

 

2.    noted that in the absence of a representative from Live Argyll Community Learning Services, any questions could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the Group.

 

(Reference: Report by Rhona Grant, Team Leader – Community Learning Services, Live Argyll, submitted)

 

The Group gave consideration to an update by UHI Argyll. The update provided information on courses currently being offered and it was highlighted that they have seen a rise in pupils returning to the classroom this year with all UHI centres currently providing additional support in response to the rising living cost. The update also highlighted that the Centre in Helensburgh had recently installed a defibrillator unit for public use with a training session planned. It was noted that the next open day was to be held on Tuesday 28^th of March.

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Report by UHI Argyll, submitted)

 

 

The Group gave consideration to a written update report from Argyll and Bute Citizen’s Advice Bureau including information on the significant ongoing rise in requests from clients for advice and support with energy costs; the recruitment campaign for volunteer advisers; the annual consultation exercise and the research project for 2023. Partners noted that they could participate in the consultation which could be found at:

https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ABCABCommunityPartnersSurvey/

 

Decision

 

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group:

 

1.    considered and noted the information provided; and

 

2.    noted that in the absence of a representative from Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau, any questions could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the Group.

 

(Reference: Report by Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau, submitted)

The Group gave consideration to an update from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) providing statistical information on the number of customers claiming universal credit and legacy benefits; job seekers allowance; employment and support allowance; and income support. Further information was provided in relation to a number of targeted packages of support for the most vulnerable which included the benefit uprating; the new cost of living payments; the benefit cap rise and employment and support allowance.

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Report by Employer & Partnership Manager, Department for Work and Pensions, dated 11 January 2023, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update from David Hagerty, Community Development Officer at Argyll and Bute Council. The update included information on the Argyll Bute Outcome Improvement Plan Consultation which the team have been engaging recently with elderly and disabled people using a non-digital format and the Supporting Communities Fund which opened to not-for-profit community organisations on the 9^th of February, with applications being welcomed until the 30th of March.

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Report by Community Development Officer, Argyll and Bute Council, submitted)

The Group gave consideration to an update by Paula Darbyshire of Argyll and Bute TSI which included information on the Argyll and Bute Community Directory Self Service functionality; the warm spaces list which continues to be updated with the Inveraray Hub still being offered as a warm space for community groups to meet; the Cost of Living Crisis information page; the partnership with The Skills Network to offer fully funded courses; the Positive Destination programme; the Volunteer conference held in December; the All Children Network meeting and the Social Enterprise Network meeting both being held in February and the first Community Network Breakfast being held at the end of February.

 

Discussion took place in relation to Warm Spaces and the accessibility of this information. It was suggested that this information may not be accessible for everyone as not everyone uses the internet. Councillor Howard suggested putting the information in places where elderly people may attend regularly like

local shops or doctor surgeries.

 

The Committee Manager advised that he would contact Argyll and Bute Council’s Communications Team, Live Argyll and HSCP to see how this information can be further circulated.

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Report by Argyll TSI, submitted)

The Group considered an update from Sarah Davies, Helensburgh Community Council, which provided an overview of the Community Council’s activities. It was highlighted that the new Community Councillors are settling well into their roles; monthly meetings continue to be held on the last Thursday of each month; the results of the consultation on the proposal to remove Crossing Patrollers from Helensburgh Primary Schools and the continuing monitoring and  interest in the proposals for a new development on the waterfront. The update also provided information on the Community Clubs Event which is to be held on the 4^th of March in Hermitage Academy and the monthly beach cleans which will restart on the 25^th of February.

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Report by Sarah Davies, Helensburgh Community Council, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update from Sarah Davies, Fun First. The update highlighted that they continue to run family sessions during the term time and in addition Baby Massage and Baby Yoga sessions are being run. The update also provided information on the joint sessions with Albatross Arts which were very successful and funded through the Argyll and Bute Community Fund and the Fun First Friends monthly session for new or expectant parents which continue to be run.

 

Sarah advised that Fun First recently received funding from the National Lottery and have been selected as one of the Co-op’s community causes for 2022/2023. It was noted that Fun First will be holding their AGM in March with community attendance welcome.

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Report by Sarah Davies, Fun First, submitted)

The Group considered an update from Katrina Sayer of Jean’s Bothy. The update included information on the current membership numbers; the collaboration with Helensburgh Community Hub and Helensburgh & Lomond Carers on a Book Festival; a Social Work student on a work placement with them; the offering of free counselling sessions; the recruitment of new volunteers; the IncludED Short Film Launch; “The Life Aquatic Project” expedition and the recruitment of Member Representatives.

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Report by Katrina Sayer, Jean’s Bothy, dated February 2023, submitted)

Gill Simpson, Helensburgh Community Hub

 

Gill thanked partners for all the support provided in relation to the launch of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and added that they now have 40 children registered from Helensburgh East and Central. Gill highlighted the recent collaboration with Jean’s Bothy and Lomond Carers on the ‘Reading Minds’ Book Festival to be held in March which is aimed to appeal to people who may not usually be a reader and asked partners to encourage people to come along.

Duncan MacLachlan, Arrochar and Tarbet Community Development Trust/ Friends of Loch Lomond

Duncan advised that the Arrochar and Tarbet Community Council is progressing with a local survey concerning the development of a Place Plan and that this was close to completion. It was highlighted that Loch Lomond Trossachs National Park is upgrading the car park at Tarbet to accommodate visitors.

 

Alasdair MacCuish, Helensburgh Gaelic Group

 

Alasdair highlighted that the Gaelic Group is ongoing at Helensburgh Parish Church on Tuesday afternoons from 2pm-4pm with anyone welcome to attend.

 

Angela Anderson, Plastic Free Helensburgh

 

Angela highlighted the very successful collaboration with the GRAB Trust and Time for Change in hosting 2 screenings of The Oil Machine and added that after the show there were many good discussions with attendees. Angela advised that The Oil Machine is available on BBC Iplayer and it was well worth a watch. It was highlighted that the first beach clean of the year would be on Saturday 25^th of February.

 

Angela Anderson, Time for Change, Argyll and Bute

 

Angela highlighted that Time for Change are currently involved in a campaign involving Strathclyde Pension Scheme’s investments into fossil fuel companies.

 

Transport Scotland

 

In the absence of Neil MacFarlane the Committee Manager provided the following update which was submitted before the meeting:

 

There are no major Trunk Road operations planned for the A82 in the next few weeks however attendees may have noted that the A82 was closed overnight between Ardvorlich and Pulpit Rock in the recent past to finish off road repairs that had to be put off at the tail end of last year.

 

Angela Anderson advised that a second lot of road closure signs are needed as by the time drivers see the closure signs they are past them. The Committee Manager took note of Angela’s comment and advised he would pass it onto Neil MacFarlane at Transport Scotland.

 

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT)

 

In the absence of Allan Comrie the Committee Manager provided the following update which was submitted before the meeting:

 

Supported bus services – SPT area (Service 302: Carrick Castle-Helensburgh) - No fares increase implemented and no service reduction post-Covid

 

Rail: Liaised with ScR as per Inverclyde services and will continue to work with ScR as regards any future costed options which may be presented for the lines.

 

Concession Fares: Fares freeze on Calmac and ScR help sustain the funding available as regards re-imbursement payments. No decision has been made as regards any future fares level or structure but remain mindful of current Cost-of-Living issues. The next Joint Committee meeting is on 17^th March 2023.

 

Calmac: SPT is hoping to convene a meeting with Calmac to discuss Ar Turus ticketing scheme and the offer it can make as regards Concession Fare administration.

 

Capital Programme with A&B Council: Rosneath Cycle Route Feasibility; Helensburgh Bus Infrastructure Improvements

 

Fiona Baker, Destination Helensburgh

 

Fiona advised that the Gateway to Argyll Map is coming along well; Art students from Glasgow School of Art are doing a project on branding in Helensburgh and the first cruise ship is due in May with Destination Helensburgh organising excursions and hoping for many more ships to arrive in the future.

Presentation by Vicky Brindley, Naval Families Federation

Consideration was given to a presentation by Vicky Brindley from the Naval Families Federation (NFF), the presentation included information on who they are, how they can help, their vision and values and how to contact them.

 

Vicky highlighted the vision of the NFF was for members and families of those serving with the Royal Navy (RN) and Marines to: Have their views heard by those in a position of power; Feel Valued; Be treated with fairness and respect and to thrive in their communities of choice. She also highlighted their values which are: respectful; constructive; trustworthy; empowering; evidence-based and independent.

 

Vicky spoke about the Homeport free Magazine which is delivered to RN and Marine families on a quarterly basis and advised that she would be happy to include anything related to the area in the magazine.

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Verbal report by Vicky Brindley, Naval Families Federation)

 

Verbal update by Mary McGinley, Helensburgh and Lomond Foodbank

The Group considered an update from Mary McGinley, Chairperson, Helensburgh and Lomond Foodbank. The update highlighted that they continue to see an increased demand from those finding it difficult to feed themselves or their families. The update also highlighted the amount of food bags issued and the amount of adults and children supported between 01/11/21 to 31/01/2022 and from 01/11/22 to 31/01/2023 which reveals an increase of 21% in food bags issued and an increase of 49.7% in numbers supported as more families are requiring the support.

 

It was added that they are very well supported by the local community with regular donations of food and cash and highlighted that they have recently recruited new volunteers but there is concern that if the high demand continues to increase the service will become overstretched.

 

At the previous meeting the Group had asked Mary what they could do as a Group to support the Foodbank and Mary advised that they would like to see better support for people will financial difficulties; more promotion of the Worrying about Money leaflet and Advisory and Support Agencies to direct those in need to cash first options which may result in them not needing to attend the Foodbank.

 

Discussion was had around ways the Community can support the foodbank, such as donating of vouchers or cash. It was suggested that Loyalty Card schemes such as the Co-op’s may be a good way to donate to the foodbank with the transferring of points, Councillor Mark Irvine said he would explore the option and see if it was possible.

 

Action – Stuart McLean to contact Argyll and Bute Council, Welfare Rights Team and invite them to attend a future meeting of the Group.

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Verbal report by Mary McGinley, Chairperson, Helensburgh and Lomond Foodbank)

Consideration was given to a report which highlighted the ongoing work of the Climate Change Working Group. The report outlined the proposal to produce a strategic Action Plan as a means to address the climate emergency in Argyll and Bute; the development of governance arrangements and structures to support the Climate Change Project Officer post. It was highlighted that they are actively pursuing the recruitment of a Project Manager to start this Action Plan work and hope to have someone in post before the end of the financial year.

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Report by Chair of the Community Planning Partnership Climate Change Working Group, dated 20 January 2023, submitted)

 

Presentation by Home Energy Efficiency Project Officer

 

Jackie Westerman, Home Energy Efficiency Project Officer for Argyll and Bute Council provided the Group with a verbal presentation on Home Energy Efficiency and the funds available to people within Argyll and Bute. Jackie highlighted that the premise of the Energy Efficient Scotland Scheme is to reduce carbon emissions to contribute to the Scottish Governments aim to have 0% emissions by 2040, adding that fuel poverty has been an important aspect of her work. Jackie reported that the Energy Efficient Scotland Area Based Scheme is available to home owners or private rented tenants with grant amounts dependent on property type and personal circumstances, with awards starting at £8,500 for a flat and a maximum of £13,500 for a detached property.

 

Jackie highlighted that from July 2022 until now, £1.12million has been spent in Argyll and Bute and that more than 130 households in Argyll and Bute have been insulated in this year’s programme.

 

It was noted that Jackie was happy to attend any events or talks related to Home Energy Efficiency and could be contacted by email at: jacqueline.westerman@argyll-bute.gov.uk

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Verbal report by Home Energy Efficiency Project Officer, Argyll and Bute Council)

 

Report by Committee Manager

Consideration was given to a briefing note which provided information on matters discussed during a meeting of the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee, held on 7 December 2022.

 

The Committee Manager outlined a number of key highlights from the meeting, with it being noted that the closing date for the consultation survey being conducted by the MSYP’s in respect of the review of the Argyll and Bute Outcome Improvement Plan had been extended until 28 February 2023. Partners were encouraged to take part in the consultation, which can be found at Improving lives in Argyll and Bute (argyll-bute.gov.uk)

 

Decision

 

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

 

(Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 14 February 2023, submitted)

 

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 9 May 2023

The Chair thanked everyone in attendance at the meeting, and thanked all partners for their continued proactive work in the community.

 

The Group noted that the next meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group would take place on Tuesday, 9 May  2023 at 2pm.