Agenda and minutes

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

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:

Gill Simpson, Helensburgh Community Hub;

Jayne Burnett, Visiting Friends;

Janice Kennedy, Scottish Enterprise;

Fiona Baker, Destination Helensburgh;

John Auld, Cove and Kilcreggan Community Council;

Councillor Mark Irvine, Argyll and Bute Council; and

Katrina Sayer, Jean’s Bothy.

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

The Minutes of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group meeting held on Tuesday 22 August 2023 were approved as a correct record.

Report by Committee Manager

The Group gave consideration to a report by the Committee Manager asking partners to consider the future meeting arrangements of the Group.

Partners were happy that meeting arrangements remained the same with meetings being held on a Hybrid Basis within the Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre and By Microsoft teams starting at 10am.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided and agreed that existing meeting arrangements would continue.

(Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 7 November 2023, submitted)

Having noted the technical difficulties faced by one attendee, the Chair agreed to vary the order of business. This Minute reflects the order in which discussions took place.

The Group gave consideration to a report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) FQ2 review of local performance across Helensburgh and Lomond for the period 2023-24. The report included information on the local firefighter training plan; incidents during this time period; unwanted fire alarm signals; road and water safety campaigns; community engagement activities; East and West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute Local Senior Officer Activities and home fire safety.

The Chair highlighted that he is hoping that the Youth Volunteer Scheme will be up and running in Helensburgh in the new year and that it will be based in Helensburgh Fire Station.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area 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 fraud prevention and awareness, specifically Sextortion; bereavement support; road safety; the Friday night football which was ran in the summer holidays; the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers visit to His Majesty's Naval Base (HMNB), Clyde and the recruitment of a new Youth Engagement Officer for Helensburgh.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Police Scotland, submitted)

The Group gave consideration to a written update by PC Drew Omand, Ministry of Defence Police. The update highlighted that the Police Scotland Young Volunteers are still looking for opportunities to support the local community at events and asked that if any partners knew of any opportunities to get in touch.

The update also provided information on HMNB Clyde highlighting that it is a ‘No Drone Zone’ and that any sightings should be reported; the roadworks continue on the A814 at HMNB Clyde until the end of December 2023 with the road under traffic control and the provision of the annual internet safety campaign delivered in collaboration with Police Scotland targeting p5-p7 children from 11 primary schools.

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 Ministry of Defence Police, any questions could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the Group.

(Reference: Report by Ministry of Defence Police, submitted)

Consideration was given to a public health update from Rory Munro, 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 provided information on the alcohol and drug partnership with it being highlighted that the Scottish Government consultation on Minimum Unit Pricing is now live. Information was also provided on the alcohol and drug partnership grant funding to support the delivery of alcohol and drug prevention work in local communities; the coproduction training which was undertaken by two members of the Public Health Team; the support given on the provision of Good conversations training; the adult health profiles produced by the Health intelligence Team and the child health profiles which are due to be published in November.

Decision

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

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

Consideration was given to an update from David Hagerty, Community Development Officer at Argyll and Bute Council. The update included information on the recruitment of a new Engagement and Communities Lead; the delivery of Community Funding Training to community groups; the Helensburgh and Lomond Disability Access Forum and the Princess Louise Hall committee who have completed a number of community consultation events in October to get interest from the local community on future hall use.

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, dated October 2023, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update from Argyll and Bute Citizen’s Advice Bureau which provided statistical information on the number of clients  who had contacted the Bureau between January and September 2023; the recruitment campaign for volunteer advisors; the annual programme of energy efficiency advice sessions and services that the Bureau provide.

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, dated October 2023, submitted)

The Group gave consideration to an update from Rhona Grant, Live Argyll - Community Learning Services. The update provided information relating to adult literacy and numeracy provision and management changes including a new Services and Support Manager; Commercial Operations Manager and an Active Schools and Sports Manager.

Decision

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

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

Consideration was given to an update by Victoria Daveney, UHI Argyll. The update provided information on new part time courses that are available; an open day scheduled for Tuesday 14 November and the advertising of the January start courses.

Victoria highlighted that the college building works are well underway with the completion date being week commencing 20 November and that students have been working in the new classrooms for several weeks with the social space hopefully ready to use early November.

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 an update by Sarah Davies from Fun First which referenced information contained within the Autumn newsletter, including the Hermitage Academy Parent Teacher Association Craft Fayre scheduled for 18 November and the Christmas Party which will be held on 14 December.

Sarah asked partners to encourage any local families with young children to join in their activities.

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 gave consideration to an update from Sarah Davies, Helensburgh Community Council. Sarah informed the Group of the sad passing of Norman Muir, who was the Convener over the last eight years, highlighting her thanks to Norman on behalf of Helensburgh for everything he did to make it a better place for residents and visitors.

Sarah advised that the Community Council had been chosen as one of the preferred bidders for the Waterfront and that they are continuing to be involved in planning applications and regular beach cleans and scrub bed tidying’s. Sarah further advised of the Annual Remembrance Day Parade in Hermitage Park at the War Memorial on November 12 at 10.30am.

The Chair on behalf of the Group passed on his condolences.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Secretary, Helensburgh Community Council, dated October 2023, submitted)

The Group gave consideration to an update from Caryl McLean from Argyll and Bute TSI. The update included information on year 3 funding for the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund; events held in the last quarter including the Community Wealth Building Workshops and current vacancies on the TSI Board, specifically Chair and Treasurer.

Caryl also highlighted the volunteer conference which is to be held on Thursday 16 November in Helensburgh Parish Church.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Support Advisor, Argyll and Bute TSI, dated  24 October 2023, submitted)

Consideration was given to a written update by Gill Simpson from Helensburgh Community Hub. The update provided information on the expansion of the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library programme; a successful open day held in September which aimed at getting feedback from the community regarding the first two years of the Hub’s operation as well as ideas and suggestions for future activities and the Reading Minds Book Festival which is to be held on the 22-24 March 2024 in collaboration with Jean’s Bothy and Helensburgh and Lomond Carers Centre.

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 Helensburgh Community Hub, any questions could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the Group.

(Reference: Report by Development Manager, Helensburgh Community Hub, dated November 2023, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update by Angela Anderson, Plastic Free Helensburgh. The update highlighted that in the last quarter, in partnership with Helensburgh Community Council, they had cleared 150kg of litter from the beaches and that with the grant from the Supporting Communities Fund they had ordered four litter picking stations.

Angela advised that Plastic Free Helensburgh had attended the Scottish Waters Stakeholders Annual Conference and have organised two events following this and highlighted the Scottish Waters “Bin the Wipes” campaign. The Group are also scheduled to visit the Helensburgh Sewage Treatment Works to better understand material that is removed from the drainage system.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Angela Anderson, Plastic Free Helensburgh, submitted)

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT)

Allan Comrie advised that they are currently undertaking a consultation on Active Travel as part of regional active travel strategy, which ends on Sunday (12^th November) with information on this on SPT’s website. Allan also highlighted that there has been no changes on any of the routes or change in fares.

Helensburgh Gaelic Group

Alasdair highlighted that the Gaelic Group is ongoing at Helensburgh Parish Church on Tuesday afternoons from 1.30-3.30pm with everyone welcome to attend

The Group gave consideration to a report and presentation from Rory Munro, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, on the adult health and wellbeing profile for the Helensburgh and Lomond Area.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Public Health Intelligence Team, dated March 2023, submitted)

Presentation by Angela Robertson

The Group gave consideration to an update from Angela Robertson from We Are With You. Angela highlighted that We Are With You provide support to adults over the age of 16 who are experiencing issues with alcohol, drugs or mental health as well as supporting the person’s family and friends. Angela added that this support can be on a one-to-one basis or on a group basis within their own homes, in the offices or in a community setting, whichever is more comfortable for the person seeking support.

Angela advised that the referral pathway is really simple and only requires the persons name, phone number and the permission from the person to share this information with the organisation. It was highlighted that We Are With You work closely with other organisations on the referral pathway such as ACHA and the Scottish Ambulance Service and that an online support service is available up until 9pm.

The Chair on behalf of the Group commended Angela and her team for all the hard work they do.

Decision

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

(Reference: Verbal Presentation by Operations Manager, We Are With You)

Verbal update by Representative

Angela Anderson highlighted that across Argyll and Bute, Climate Change has been on everyone’s mind since the heavy rain fall of a couple of weeks ago and highlighted an article written by Councillor Currie and the Chief Executive of the Council on what we needs to be done and how much help is required.

Angela advised that the new CPP Climate Change Project Manager, Andy MacPherson, will be in position by 30^th November and that he lives in the Bute and Cowal area and has an excellent professional background in environmental and sustainable development projects in various authorities and public bodies. Angela added that Andy’s focus will be on mitigation and adaptation at a strategic level for the CPP.

Decision

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

(Reference: Verbal presentation from Angela Anderson, Representative of the Climate Change Working Group)

Verbal update from Angela Anderson

Angela Anderson highlighted that the consortium of Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust (ACT), Third Sector Interface (TSI) and Time for Change had submitted an application for the Climate Hub and had presented the application to the Scotgov Advisory Board on Friday 27 October 2023. Angela added that they expect to hear of the outcome of the bid during the latter half of November.

Angela also highlighted that they had applied for funding for four part-time posts, one for each of the four administrative areas and that ACT will supply day to day support, TSI will provide ICT and secretariat assistance and TfC will assist as needed.

Decision

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

(Reference: Verbal presentation from Angela Anderson, Time for Change Argyll and Bute)

Verbal update from Angela Anderson

Angela Anderson highlighted that Time for Change Argyll and Bute had a hybrid round table warm homes event with Councillors and Council Officers on Friday 3 November in Lochgilphead with the main topic being home insulation and retrofitting. Angela added that Time for Change were also very pleased on the progress towards establishing the Argyll and Bute Regional Climate Hub.

Decision

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

(Reference: Verbal presentation from Angela Anderson, Time for Change Argyll and Bute)

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 September 2023.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 7 November 2023, submitted)

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 13 February 2024.

The Group noted that the next meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group would take place on Tuesday 13 February 2024.

The Chair thanked everyone in attendance at the meeting, and highlighted that this meeting was his last as Chair, advising that a report would be considered at the next meeting seeking nominations to this position.

The Chair encouraged partners to consider whether this was a role that they would be interested in fulfilling and if so to please contact the Committee Manager for further details.

The Committee Manager recorded his thanks to Davie for all his commitment and support as Chair of the Group.