Agenda and minutes

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

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:

John Lewis, The Submarine Family;

Susan MacRae, Skills Development Scotland;

Becky Hothersall, The Poverty Alliance; and

Ian Woodcock, Transport Scotland.

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

The Minute of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group meeting held on Tuesday 7 May 2024 was approved as a correct record.

The Chair highlighted that at the pre-agenda meeting it was decided that action points would be included within the minutes, as to have a record for tracking purposes.

Report by Health Improvement Lead, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership and Alcohol and Drug Partnership Coordinator, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership

Consideration was given to a public health update from Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership’s Public Health Team on the ongoing wellbeing and prevention activities overseen and delivered by them in Argyll and Bute. The update provided information on the positive outcomes from the evaluation of the Community Link Working Service in Argyll and Bute; Suicide Prevention Activity aimed at providing resources needed to understand and improve mental health and understanding and preventing suicide; World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September; and the Art of hosting at The Living Well Programme.

The update also provided information on alcohol and drug prevention and early intervention; families affected by alcohol and drugs; medically assisted treatment standards; The Argyll and Bute MAT 8 Group and recovery orientated systems of care.

Decision

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

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

Presentation by Public Health Team, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership

The Group gave consideration to a presentation on Community Link Working. The presentation highlighted that Community Link Working is part of Modernising Primary Care and that Community Link Workers follow a social prescribing model.  Community Link Workers are embedded in GP Practises and aim to address socio-economic and person circumstances that affect health and wellbeing to improve the outcomes for patients and reduce pressure of GP’s time. The presentation also provided information on the Argyll and Bute Model; the Argyll and Bute Impact; and client feedback.

Discussion took place in relation to the work needed to prioritise funding for the Community Link Working Service as the Group highlighted that it was a great service that should be pushed out further with more Community Link Workers being employed. Many of the Group also highlighted the lack of knowledge of the Service which is unknown to many and advised that it needed to be advertised more.

Action – Information to be provided on what GP Practises within the locality are working with Community Link Workers; Pathways for referrals and self-referral. (Olena  Mishanina)

Action – The Living Well Network to discuss the Community Link Working Service further. (Veronica Ferguson and Gill Simpson)

Decision

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

(Reference: Report and Presentation by Public Health Team, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, submitted)

Report by TEC Lead, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership

Consideration was given to an update in relation to the Analogue to Digital Telecare Switchover. It was highlighted that all telephone lines within the UK are migrating from analogue lines to digital ones and that the deadline for this is June 2025 with this being led by industry (the telephone providers). As a consequence of this Telecare requires to switch analogue devices to ones that are compatible with a digital telephone line (broadband) or which operate over the mobile signal.

It was highlighted that there is a programme to swap over all analogue units with digital ones and that it was currently being rolled out and that the Telecare team are continuing to focus on those who have already moved onto a digital line and those who live in areas of very good mobile signal.

It was noted that 46.5% of all clients in Argyll and Bute currently have a digitally capable telecare device and that if people do transfer to a digital line but live in an area with no mobile signal, that they have a work-around solution that enables them to still have telecare whilst they are awaiting connection via broadband/the digital line. It was advised that the Telecare team will continue to support both analogue and digital telecare devices for as long as required and will not be insisting that people have to be on a digital line in order to receive telecare if they still have an analogue line in their property.

Some of the Group highlighted their concerns in relation to what would happen should there be an electricity outage and that there was no emergency plan in place should this happen.

Action – The Committee Manager to ask the Telecare Team to confirm what mitigation is in place should there be a power outage. (Stuart McLean)

Action – The Committee Manager to invite the Resilience Team and the Digital Liaison Officer (Argyll and Bute Council) to a future meeting of the Group. (Stuart McLean)

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 the Technology Enabled Care Team, any questions could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the Group.

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

Discussion facilitated by the Chair and Vice Chair of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group

The Chair highlighted that the issue around provision of warm spaces was raised by a member of the public last year at a meeting of Helensburgh Community Council. Sarah advised that a better plan for this year is needed in preparation for winter and that co-ordination is needed to highlight the ‘warm spaces’ that are accessible and discussions to consider how places which are not designated as a ‘warm space’ are brought on board. Sarah highlighted that advertising warm spaces online is no use for people without access and that alternative ideas are required.

Gill highlighted that use of language was very important when considering and promoting ‘warm spaces’ as some people may find it patronising and off putting, advising that alternative, inclusive terminology is required.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group:

1.    considered and noted the information provided; and

2.    noted that the Chair, Vice Chair, TSI and Community Development Team would discuss ‘Warm Spaces’ plans and report back to the November meeting with an update.

(Reference: Discussion facilitated by Chair and Vice Chair of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group)

Consideration was given to an update which provided information on the ongoing work of the Service and information on serious and organised crime; acquisitive crime; road safety and road crime; violent crime; public protection; fraud prevention and awareness; community policing; Operation Ballaton and contact with local elected members in relation to the need of a review on CCTV within Helensburgh.

Discussion took place around road safety particularly around the Cove and Kilcreggan area, specifically relating to an incident with a vehicle leaving the road thought to be due to the road conditions. It was highlighted that the Scottish Government 20mph speed limit had been discussed at many Community Councils within the Helensburgh and Lomond area and that provision of evidence from Police Scotland is required to allow for an informed discussion around this initiative.

Action – Statistics around incidents due to road conditions to be provided to the Group if possible. (Inspector Bart Simonis)

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 report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) FQ1 review of local performance across Helensburgh and Lomond for the period 2024-25. The report included information on the local firefighter training plan; incidents during this 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. 

It was highlighted that there is an event at Helensburgh fire station on 28 September.

Decision

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

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

The Group gave consideration to an update from Veronica Ferguson from the Helensburgh and Lomond Living Well Network. The update provided information on the Living Well Network event held on 16 June which was well attended; the Saltire awards held in Route 81; new members welcomed into the network; the Living Well Network meeting held on 23 July; contact with the One Health Breakthrough Partnership; supporting the Princess Louise Hall Committee; discussions with Health Improvement Senior in relation to mental health initiatives; discussions around the possibility of a Men’s Shed in Helensburgh and supporting the Recovery Café.

It was noted that the next meeting of the Living Well Network would be held on 29 October.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Helensburgh and Lomond Living Well Network, submitted)

The Group gave consideration to an update from Sarah Davies, Helensburgh Community Council. The update provided information on their AGM held in May where they welcomed 2 newly elected councillors; the formation of sub groups for planning, communications, The Waterfront, Music in the Square, Business, the Pier Regeneration and writing the Local Place Plan; continued monitoring of the plans for the Waterfront; the Local Place Plan; the regular beach cleans and work on the shrub beds; the Music in the Square initiative; the work of the Pier Regeneration group  and the meeting of local Community Councils to discuss issues of mutual concern and engagement with the CPP.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Helensburgh Community Council, submitted)

Sarah Davies from Fun First highlighted that they finished their summer term with a successful Teddy Bear’s picnic with more than 30 families in attendance and that they continued to provide a reduced number of sessions during the summer holidays.

The update also provided information on funding that they had been awarded from the Supporting Communities Fund, and Sarah highlighted that they recently received funding from the Robertson Trust; Fun First Friends which will be held in The Hill House and the full set of weekly sessions which will restart week commencing 19 August.

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 Fun First, submitted)

The Group gave consideration to an update from Rhona Grant, Live Argyll - Community Learning Services. The update provided information relating to a celebration day event held in May for adult learners and Youth Services School Partnership programmes in collaboration with the Scottish Government and other Scottish Attainment Challenge partners to promote the role of youth work in closing the poverty-related attainment gap.

Caroline Whitson, Community Learning Worker, advised that the Learning Café restarts next Wednesday afternoon and that a lending service is available which has chrome books and tablets available with connectivity for members of the public to borrow who do not have a device and that there are now more devices which are able to be gifted to those who require it. Caroline highlighted that the lending service is not advertised publicly and that they rely on people to refer those in need.

Action – Flyers advertising the Learning Café to be sent to Living Well Network. (Caroline Whitson)

Decision

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

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

Consideration was given to an update from David Hagerty, Community Development Officer at Argyll and Bute Council. The update included information on the work with the Princess Louise Hall Committee who are at the final stages of completing the lease for the Hall and Howie Pavilion; assisting the Friends of Hermitage Park in holding their first park user group meeting; assisting the Welcome in Recovery Café in organising a Family Fun Day on 12 October; the alcohol and drugs partnership forums; meeting the “Our Community” Development worker; partnership working and community engagement.

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 a written update from Katrina Sayer, Jean’s Bothy. The update provided information on their annual open day in July which raised £982; a social work student who completed 100 days placement at Jean’s Bothy; sessions available with a student studying Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Counselling; the patchwork quilt being unveiled and hung in the Hill House which was made by members of the sewing groups; the partnership with Cycling UK to set up group led cycles for members and the annual trip to Millport.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Jean’s Bothy, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update from Argyll and Bute TSI. The update provided information on policy activity; local strategic partnerships; TSI Scotland, sector support and strategic action plan delivery; the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund Year 4 grant; General Elections hustings held in Oban and Helensburgh; supporting the Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network; the Employee and Volunteer Assistance Programme and the Wellbeing Development Manager role.

Decision

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

(Report by Argyll and Bute TSI, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update from Gill Simpson from Helensburgh Community Hub. The update provided information on the Dolly Parton Imagination Library which now has almost 200 children signed up; recent activity to promote and support reading for pleasure; a new volunteer-run weekly Moving Meditation session; the Community food festival being held on 25 August; the Volunteers Week Scotland lunch and the Hub’s AGM held in June.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Helensburgh Community Hub, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update from UHI Argyll. The update highlighted that they are preparing to welcome students into the centre week commencing 26 August and that there is a wide range of Further Education and Higher Education courses on offer. The update also provided information on new courses available; horticulture courses available; the multiply programme; in school courses and the new spaces which are now available due to the completed building work.

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 UHI Argyll any questions could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the Group.

(Reference: Report by UHI Argyll, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update from Transport Scotland which advised that a number of schemes are planned along the A82 between Balloch and Tarbet which include improvements for signage relating to the laybys and tourist signs as well as extensive landscape and scrub removal works to verges. It was highlighted that the safety cameras have now been installed along that stretch of road and that major improvements are still at design and investigation stages for along the A82 between Tarbet to Inverarnan.

The update also highlighted that the A83 Rest and Be Thankful is being constantly monitored and that the long term solution design is ongoing as are the draft orders with the current medium term solution nearing completion and includes further Old Military Road improvements, mitigation measures as debris fence along with hillside monitoring for future events and that further ground investigations is currently ongoing to determine further phases.

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 Transport Scotland, any questions could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the Group.

(Reference: Report by Transport Scotland, submitted)

Argyll and Bute Council’s Community Planning Partnership

John McLuckie highlighted that a development session had been held with the Community Planning Partnership on 26 June where they discussed the proposed national self-assessment programme for Community Planning Partnerships; the promotion of the new outcomes improvement plan for Argyll and Bute; approaches to developing actions needed to deliver the new priority outcomes for the plan and how the cross cutting themes of Community Wealth Building, Digital Inclusion and climate change would fit into these actions.

John advised that the next meeting of the Community Planning Partnership is on 16 September and that the Community Planning team have created a promotional leaflet and short video to explain what the Community Planning Partnership is and what the priority outcomes are, to assist partners with promoting the new plan.  John agreed to circulate details of the promotional materials following the meeting.

Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT)

Allan Comrie advised that there is no change to any of the local bus services or their fares and that they are under constant review, adding that they are mindful of the cost of living and that concessionary fare levels may change for ferry and rail services but not for bus services.

Allan highlighted that there are rail strikes underway however a new offer has been made by Scotrail to trade unions which they have taken away to discuss and that the emergency timetable will continue until service levels can be better guaranteed.

Rhu and Shandon Community Council

Fiona Baker advised that the Community Council are continuing their study work on the drains and culverts within the area and are starting their Local Place Plan work, highlighting that attending the Helensburgh Local Place Plan Group was very helpful.

Destination Helensburgh

Fiona Baker highlighted that Destination Helensburgh continue to promote events within Helensburgh and Lomond through social media and print and are now promoting winter events. Fiona highlighted that Destination Helensburgh provided funding for a professional video of the visit by the Waverley to Helensburgh and that this event was very well supported.

Plastic Free Helensburgh

Angela Anderson highlighted that Plastic Free Helensburgh have been working hard to encourage businesses to be plastic free and that they continue to work with Scottish Water. Angela advised that following the ‘Big Conversation’ in March that work is ongoing and that they had received funding from the Supporting Communities Fund.

Sarah Davies advised that there are now 4 litter picking stations around Helensburgh and that the next beach clean was planned for Saturday 24 August.

Friends of Hermitage Park

Sarah Davies advised that following the closure of the Café that the Friends of Hermitage Park are working behind the scenes with further information being provided in due course and that the Park had been awarded a green flag status for the 5^th year in a row.

Discussion facilitated by the Chair and Vice Chair of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group

The Vice Chair reminded Partners that a presentation regarding Community Wealth Building had been delivered at the previous meeting and that while the project is complex it has the potential to be hugely beneficial to the locality.

Gill advised that several partners had met informally to discuss forming an official Short Term Working Group that would explore how best to ensure positive outcomes from  Community Wealth Building within the community and how this would feed into the Strategic Project being led by the Community Planning Partnership.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group:

1.    agreed that a Short Term Working Group be formed to explore options to maximise the potential benefits of Community Wealth Building within the locality and how this would feed into the wider initiative being led by the Management Committee;

2.    agreed that the Group would be led by the Chair and Vice Chair;

3.    agreed that any Partners who wish to be involved would confirm so to either the Chair or Vice Chair and that membership would be agreed at the first meeting of the Group;

4.    agreed that the Working Group would meet monthly with regular reports of activity and progress reported to the Community Planning Group and updates also provided to the Management Committee; and

5.    noted that any changes to the above must be approved by the Area Community Planning Group.

(Reference: Discussion facilitated by Chair and Vice Chair of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group)

Presentation by Research Associate, Includem

The Committee Manager advised that David Gould, Associate Researcher, Includem had to leave the meeting due to other commitments.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group agreed to continue consideration of this item at a future meeting.

Presentation by Street League

Consideration was given to a presentation by Kate Thomson from Street League. The presentation highlighted that Street League support young people aged 16-29 to move from unemployment into Training, Further Education and work and that their Academy programmes are delivered by a highly skilled delivery team made up of a Youth and Community Coach and Progressions Coordinator and that they create needs led action plans with each young person to work towards achieving goals and heading towards a brighter future. Kate advised that the next Helensburgh Academy starts on the 14 October and is delivered from Helensburgh Parish Church Hall.

Kate highlighted that they are always looking for venues to hold drop in events and to get in touch should there be any volunteer or job opportunities which may suit the young people they support.

Decision

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

(Reference: Presentation by Operations Manager, Street League)

Report by Community Engagement Officer, Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network

Consideration was given to an update from Lindsey Young from the Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network. The update provided information on events attended; free Carbon Literacy training available; the ‘Becoming Climate Resilience in Argyll and Bute’ course which is available; the Invasive Species week webinars which were well attended and the completion of specially adapted Carbon Literacy Training by 8 Primary School Staff and 23 Primary 7 pupils in Cardross.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Community Engagement Officer, Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network, submitted)

There were no verbal updates provided under this item.

Report by Partnerships Lead – Community Planning, Argyll and Bute Council

Consideration was given to communication toolkits produced by Water Safety Scotland for use in developing people’s understanding and awareness of the danger of open water and enabling safe participation in water-based activities.

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided for promoting water safety for kayaking/canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding.

(Reference: Report by Water Safety Scotland, submitted)

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 12 November 2024.

The Group noted that the next meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group would take place on Tuesday 12 November 2024.