This is the Community Plan for . It sets out the Buchan Community Planning Group’s main actions for the next three years. If you have difficulty understanding this document and require a translation, or would like a copy in a larger print, please contact the Buchan Area Manager, Chris White on 01779 483200.

Thanks to the following local photographers for providing the following photographs:

Peterhead Harbour and aerial photo of Slains Castle - Gavin Thom Rattrey Lighthouse - Peter Lewis Buchanness Lighthouse - Valerie Wright Community Loch, Stunt Planes, Harbour & Ice Factory, Shipping & Recreation and Fun Day - William McNeil Contents

1 Foreword by Chair of Local Community Planning Group. . . .4 2 Executive Summary...... 6 3 Background...... 7 4 The Buchan Area...... 8 5 Buchan – Looking Forward...... 10 6 Developing the Plan...... 13 7 Single Outcome Agreement...... 14 Local Actions Buchan Priority 1 – Children & Early Years ...... 15 Buchan Priority 2 – Local Economy...... 19 Buchan Priority 3 – Employment...... 24 Buchan Priority 4 – Health & Physical Activity...... 27 Buchan Priority 5 – Older People...... 33 Buchan Priority 6 – Community Safety...... 35 Buchan Priority 7 – Our Communities...... 39 9 How are we doing?...... 47 Contact Us...... 47 1 Foreword

Introduction from Chris White, Chair of the Buchan Local Community Planning Group Welcome to the 2013 – 2016 Buchan Community Plan. This Plan takes forward our vision of working together for the best quality of life for everyone in Buchan.

The last two years have been marked by some significant investments in local infrastructure with the opening of an all weather deep water Smith’s Embankment quay in Peterhead Port, the construction of ’s first Community Facing Prison at HMP Grampian and the creation of a new Maritime Skills College in the Bay.

Equally importantly the Community Planning Partners (CPP) have come together to support and develop a number of initiatives including local sessions for services to help meet the needs of individuals and families affected by Welfare Reform, the Buchan Feeling Good Festival to promote good mental health and support for Employability activities to help our young people take up skills, training and employment posts.

There has also been investment in community events and activities, with none better supported than Modo North East, who initially came to the area as Theatre Modo and have since gone onto establish a permanent local base, from which they have taken forward events such as the Halloween ‘Adenstrom’ Event held every year in .

The CPP has also recognised a number of wider community concerns such as the need to provide support for village and town regeneration, environmental improvements and help with the transfer of community assets. Partners are committed to lead on, engage with and support community engagement exercises. A example of this is through the Peterhead Town Centre survey 2012, which asked our communities how they would like to see Peterhead Town Centre developed and improved in the future. The results of this are now helping to develop various projects and actions to help make this a reality.

We welcome your input to both taking these ideas onwards and also to identify new issues to address in future.

Chris White Chair, Buchan Local Community Planning Group and Buchan Area Manager, Council Arbuthnot House, Broad Street, Peterhead, AB42 1DA BUCHAN Tel: 01779 483200 COMMUNITY Email: [email protected] PLAN 2013 – 2016 4 BUCHAN COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 5 5 2 Executive Summary

This edition of the Buchan Community Plan 2013 – 2016 brings together input from Community Planning Partners (CPP), Elected Members and most importantly local Communities. It outlines key actions to be taken to meet local needs and priorities over a three year period and therefore is a key strategic document for the area.

In order to achieve the CPP’s vision of the best quality of life for everyone in Buchan, this edition of the Buchan Community Plan focuses on the following set of long term outcomes to be delivered for local communities:

1. Children have the best start in life through action with parents and children pre-birth to 8 years

2. Aberdeenshire will be recognised as a great place to live, work, invest with opportunity for all

3. The unemployment rate in identified areas of deprivation in Aberdeenshire will be less than the national average

4. Reductions in inequalities in health outcomes between communities and across Aberdeenshire

5. Older people will live independent, healthier lives for longer in a homely environment, in a community which respects and values them, with informal carers who receive support to continue to care

6. Aberdeenshire is the safest place in Scotland

7. Successful, inclusive and resilient communities with the confidence, capability and capacity to tackle the things that matter to them

For each of these high-level outcomes, the CPP has identified a range of supporting outcomes, outputs and actions following consultation with local people, input from local communities, an assessment of local information and through the use of a Strategic Assessment which has provided a more evidence based approach to local community planning. Our Priority Outcomes and related actions will be delivered through working in partnership with public services, the third sector and local communities.

BUCHAN COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 6 3 Background

The Buchan Community Plan 2013-2016 has been developed by local Community Planning Partners (CPP) working with our local communities to provide a strategy for delivering key partnership actions to help address identified needs and priorities for the area. Information on the process to be used to develop this Plan over the next three years is included within the ‘How are we doing’ section on page 31.

The Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) reviewed community planning and Single Outcome Agreements (SOA’s) in 2012. They then published a statement of ambition; this ensures Community Planning is at the heart of public service reform. A national group has been set up to help implement and communicate the overarching vision of Community Planning and Single Outcome Agreements, identifying issues that have a national dimension.

In Aberdeenshire, the CPP enter into a Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) with the Scottish Government, setting out the local outcomes that the CPP aims to deliver. The CPP has flexibility to choose those local outcomes according to local needs and priorities, but is expected to show how those local outcomes are aligned to the National Outcomes set out in the National Performance Framework. While Local Government has the facilitation role in Community Planning, all partners have an important part to play and, as a minimum, statutory partners and other public bodies in the CPP must sign the SOA.

BUCHAN COMMUNITY PLAN Slains Castle Peterhead Harbour 2013 – 2016 7 4 The Buchan Area

The Buchan area comprises a mix of farms, villages and important industrial areas. Peterhead is the largest town in Aberdeenshire, the principal white fish landing port in Europe, and a major oil industry service centre. Peterhead Port Authority has opened a new £33million all weather deepwater quay (Smith Embankment) and ancillary facilities which will support offshore oil and gas and renewable operations. It involves a new 200-metre berth and 16,000-square-metre work area, augmenting the extensive existing facilities which altogether make Peterhead the premier deepwater port in the UK. The new embankment’s 10-metre depth and heavy-lift capabilities are also expected to attract business from the offshore decommissioning sector. Equally important are the nearby gas terminal at and the Peterhead Power Station. The future of the energy and engineering sectors remains vibrant and Peterhead’s role at the top of the Energetica corridor sets the tone for realising this future potential. Inland, the area is dependent upon agriculture. Whilst housing developments have continued, there has been a minor decline in rural services.

Buchan has a population is 39,368 and is most densely concentrated around Peterhead (17,873) and Boddam (1,158). In rural Buchan the built pattern is much more dispersed and relies upon village service centres such as (2,756), (1,540) as well as Strichen and for most community facilities. The most recent estimates show a relatively stable population with minor rises predicted over the next decade.

BUCHAN COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 Cows grazing near Shipping & Recreation 8 The 2011 census shows 7% of the area’s population to be pre-school age, 16% to be of school age, 63% of working age and 15% retired. The overall housing stock is fair and investment in new housing has lead to 800 dwellings being built over the last five years, the majority of which are in Peterhead, Mintlaw, Longside, Cruden Bay and St Fergus. Demand for affordable housing has not diminished and Peterhead is one of the most sought after locations for social housing within Aberdeenshire.

Buchan has a good quality of natural environment. The 48-kilometre coastline comprises of sandy bays, dunes and rocky foreshores of national significance. The and the are internationally significant sites for bird life. The built heritage is rich and varied, including traditional croft houses, outstanding conservation areas in Strichen and the centre of Peterhead, and some fine examples of great country houses. There is earlier interest also, including and several intact stone circles. Tourism is a relatively small contributor to the Buchan economy but the natural and built heritage of Buchan has a significant interest for both visitors and locals. Attractions include Aden Country Park, the Aberdeenshire Farming Museum, Slains Castle and Peterhead Marina.

BUCHAN COMMUNITY PLAN Longside Village Strichen Community Loch 2013 – 2016 9 5 Buchan – Looking Ahead

In order that our Community Planning Partners (CPP) and Communities are ready to meet the challenges of the next 3 years, a PESTELO exercise for Buchan was carried out in 2013 to help identify and consider some of the long term issues and challenges which will have an impact upon this area. These play an important role when setting priorities and will assist with effective planning and appropriate responses in the future.

• Political • Economic • Social • Technological • Environmental • Legal • Organisational

Political National Level Aberdeenshire and Buchan Level • Review of Community • Unified vision for Peterhead’s regeneration, development Planning at a national and future. level and its impact • Asset Transfer and what can be transferred to whom. locally • Health Inequalities – particularly affecting amongst social • Police & Fire Reform classes. • Welfare Reform • Single Outcome Agreement – Plan. • Homelessness • Financial pressures. • Scottish Independence Referendum • Community BUCHAN Empowerment & COMMUNITY Renewal Bill PLAN 2013 – 2016 10 Economic National Level Aberdeenshire and Buchan Level • Police and Fire Reform – • Carbon capture – happening or not? changes to local policing • Power and Energy links to Norway and North East accountabilities England. • Western • Employability bridging School – College – Work. Peripheral Route – • Energy Sector developments e.g. by Score. • Broadband connectivity • Independence Referendum

Social National Level Aberdeenshire and Buchan Level • Deprivation • HMP Grampian Opens. Indicators • Welfare Reform – local impact. • SIMD – Peterhead Central. • Fuel Poverty. • Attainment at Peterhead Academy. • Promoting Community facilities inc MACBi/New Deer/ and . • New Care Home – Peterhead.

Technological National Level Aberdeenshire and Buchan Level • IT transactions e.g. Digital • Trains again or other means. Inclusion • Taking the Maritime Academy on Community Power Generation e.g. Energy Projects. • Broadband Improvement.

Environmental National Level Aberdeenshire and Buchan Level • Future of Peterhead’s older quarter heritage / culture / place. • Improving facilities in Catto Park, across Peterhead. • Mintlaw Sports Hub. • Fix the Hatton and Cruden Bay Bridges. • Placemaking future. BUCHAN • Aden Development. COMMUNITY • Chapel Street ‘enlivening’. PLAN • Reid’s Pend/Parking Management. 2013 – 2016 11 Legal National Level Aberdeenshire and Buchan Level • Asset Transfers /Empowerment Bill. • Crime Stats: Peterhead.

Organisational National Level Aberdeenshire and Buchan Level • Organising Community Engagement and resourcing effectively. • Peterhead Primaries re-zoning. • New Council Headquarters. New Police Headquarters. • Events programme and volunteering support. • Funding Bid preparation.

BUCHAN COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 Buchaness Lighthouse 12 6 Developing The Plan

The Buchan Community Plan has been developed using a variety of methods to help identify local needs and priorities, including Consultations & Surveys such as the Buchan Community Plan Workshops, Community Action Plans and Peterhead Town Survey as well as using information from the Buchan Community Planning Strategic Assessment, PESTELO and Citizens Panel.

The priorities and actions included within the Buchan Community Plan are the result of a robust process, with proposed actions having been assessed against criteria for partnership working and the difference which can be made by their progression.

The Buchan Community Plan is a ‘living’ document and will be changed as required so that it remains current and up to date. Actions will be monitored every 6 months and local Community Planning Partners will ensure that this information is made available online at www.ouraberdeenshire.org.uk/buchan.

BUCHAN COMMUNITY PLAN Lastbus Works Canteen at Strichen Town House 2013 – 2016 13 7 Single Outcome Agreement

The Single Outcome Agreement is a plan for everybody in Aberdeenshire over the next 10 years. It sets out what we will do together to make Aberdeenshire a better place and provides details of the outcomes, actions and resources that will be used to take forward a number of local and national priorities.

The Buchan Community Plan outcomes link in with the Single Outcome Agreement, and at a local level its actions demonstrate what is to be taken forward and developed in partnership as well as the contribution that the Buchan area will make towards the Aberdeenshire outcomes.

The CPP will work to develop outcomes around the following priorities:

• Energetica • Tourism & Events • Transport including Community Transport • Employment • Financial Inclusion • Homelessness • Community Sports • Older People • Community Safety • Community Facilities • Village & Town Regeneration • Environmental Improvements • Waste BUCHAN COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 14 Buchan Priority 1:Children & Early Years

Long Term Local Outcome: Children have the best start in life through action with parents and children pre-birth to 8 years

National Priority: Early years and early intervention

Introduction

Investment in early years has been proven to save significant resources in the long term. This area has also been identified at an Aberdeenshire level and the Local Community Planning Group seeks to ensure that this receives the appropriate level of priority within the next three years.

Overview

The Buchan Community Planning Strategic Assessment has identified: • The percentage of women smoking at maternity booking appointment in Buchan is 19.2%; this is above the Aberdeenshire and national average, 14.7% and 17.1% respectively. • The proportion of women smoking at their maternity booking appointment is notably higher in the 15% most deprived areas compared with the rest of the area. • In Buchan the rate of Low weight live singleton birth percentage of live singleton births is 0.9%; this is below the Aberdeenshire average of 1.27% and the national average of 2.04%. • The level of breastfeeding at the 6-8 week review of babies is 34.5% in Buchan; this is below the Aberdeenshire average of 45.3% and the national average of 36.7%. • The level of childhood poverty in Buchan is 13.7%, which is much higher than the Aberdeenshire average of 8.5%. However, it is lower than the national average of 18.6%. • The rate of Children in poverty in the 15% most deprived areas in Buchan is over twice that of those in the remaining 85% of the population. This figure is higher than the Scottish average figure which fell from 20% to 17% between 2009/10 and 2010/11.

BUCHAN COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 15 What’s Happening Now

In Buchan there have been relatively consistent numbers of young people participating in youth work activities, however this tailed off in the last part of 2012. Employability work with young people has continued in Peterhead with support to the Transition Extreme Alternative Academy and the Princes Trust Team 28 group. The reduction in numbers are largely because this quarter last year included work with Theatre MODO leading up to the Fantasmagoria event which involved large numbers of young people through the school and external groups. As such, this shows the importance of such activities.

Emerging Issues • The average attendance rate in Buchan in Primary Schools is 95.2%; this is lower than the Aberdeenshire average (96.2%), but equal to the Scottish (95.2%) average. There are better results within secondary schools with Buchan falling just below the Aberdeenshire average of 92.8%, with a 91.3% attendance rate; this is higher than the Scottish average of 91.1%. • Both Primary and Secondary school pupils have a consistently higher attendance rate in the 85% least deprived areas. • The percentage of S4 pupils who gained English and maths at SQF Level 3 or above is 91.7%, which is lower than the Aberdeenshire and Scottish average, 94.5% and 93% respectively. A similar pattern is seen with the percentage of S4 pupils with 5 awards at SCQF level 3 and above, with 90.3% within the Buchan area attaining this compared to 93.6% in Aberdeenshire and 92.3% in Scotland. • The percentage of S6 pupils with 3 awards at SCQF level 6 and above is 55.7%, which is lower than the Aberdeenshire average of 69.3% and the Scottish average of 64.6%. • In the Buchan area 90.8% of school leavers go onto a positive destination, this is lower than the Aberdeenshire average of 91.3%, but higher than the Scottish average of 88.8% of school leavers going onto a positive destination. This is broken down further to 87.1% from and 88.9% from Peterhead Academy going to a positive destination. • A higher proportion of those in the most deprived areas enter further education or training, whereas those from the least deprived areas are more likely to enter higher education or employment.

BUCHAN COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 Aden Bike Challenge 16 ACTIONS

Improving Health and Tackling Inequalities in Buchan – Early Years

1. To work in partnership with services and the community to address health improvement priorities with a focus on those more vulnerable or who have higher risk of preventable ill health, with regard to Early Years.

2. To develop a local response to the national ante-natal education programme, improve breast feeding rates and raise awareness of the importance of early years work in shaping health and wellbeing.

3. Peterhead Early Years Forum will support and develop the Early Years Collaborative Initiative and become a national pioneer site for the Scottish Government.

4. All Peterhead Primary Schools are being offered health coach support to deliver ‘Grow Well’ Choices which will deliver local physical activities and a healthy eating messages programme during the summer term.

Outcome – What needs to change?

Early Years – To give children the best possible start in life and reduce the significant inequalities in the Buchan Area

Outcome Indicator – How will we know whether this has changed?

Early Years – Fewer children registered at risk, increased uptake of service provision (e.g. Parenting Opportunities), increased breast feeding rates.

Reduced numbers of mums with post natal depression, reduced levels of smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy.

Better educational attainment.

Through the Early Years Collaborative, Staff will use PDSA (Plan Do Study Act) a Planning & Assessment Tool to measure small steps of change and service delivery. This will be recorded to provide evidence of improvement.

Input – What are the Resources and People that we need to make this happen? NHS Grampian - Health Visitors, Childsmile, School Nurses, Speech & Language, Midwifes

Public Sector - Education Teaching Staff, Family Centre (Social Work), Children & Families Team, Community Learning & Development, Working for Families

Third Sector Organisations - Childcare at Home, Homestart, Scottish Childminding Association, Working for Families

Resources - Health Improvement Fund, Community Schools Network Surestart Budget BUCHAN COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 17 Output – How will we go about doing this?

1. Raise awareness of the priority status of Early Years work. (e.g. Raise with Community Planning Partners).

2. Through the Early Years Forum agree and action tests of change within and between services.

3. Engage and involve the broad range of services that could support Early Years Work. Lead Partner: NHS Grampian

Lead Contact: Calvin Little, Public Health Co-ordinator – Buchan

BUCHAN COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 18 Buchan Priority 2 – Local Economy

Long Term Local Outcome: Aberdeenshire will be recognised as a great place to live, work, invest with opportunity for all

National Priority: Economic Recovery & Growth

Introduction

The actions which have been agreed and their outcomes acknowledge the fact that the rate of income deprivation is 9.7% which is higher than the Aberdeenshire rate of 7%. These will help to develop opportunities around Tourism, the Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future (ASCEF) Economic 5 year Action Plan such as Energetica, Digital Connectivity, Place Promotion and Skills & Talent attraction.

Overview

The Buchan Community Planning Strategic Assessment has identified: • A pattern of more business deaths and fewer births than in previous years and this is a sign of continued economic difficulty after the recession. • The importance of the Food and Drink industry and its relationship to the traditional industry sectors of farming and fishing is recognised. • The number of visits to museums per thousand populations in Buchan is showing a positive long term and short term trend. • The Citizens’ Panel found that 23% of panel respondents classified themselves as being in fuel poverty, of which 4% were classified as extremely fuel poor. • There is a need to ensure that the Business Sector is involved in shaping local priorities and the private sector should be engaged in the development and the delivery of the Local Community Plan. What’s Happening Now

The Energetica Project which aims to create an exemplar low carbon, sustainable development corridor that will attract energy organisations and individuals to a natural and built coastal environment continues to be developed. This will create a global showcase for energy technology development and energy efficiency, Energetica covers a 30 mile stretch that extends from Bridge of Don, North to Peterhead and West to Aberdeen International Airport. The Grampian Food Forum continues to provide a strategic focus for the development of the Food and Drink. Industry Housing Providers continue to improve energy efficiency measures both in the public and private sector. The Aberdeenshire Energy Efficiency Advice Project and Energy Advice Package are readily accessible.

BUCHAN COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 19 Emerging Issues • The ageing population will create an increased requirement for transport to hospital and a demand for a central point of information to help the population identify transport options. The current transport situation, especially within the most rural areas, will need to be adapted to accommodate this change. • The opening of HMP Grampian will also impact on the transport network and on public transport to facilitate prison visits. • Impact of welfare reform on fuel poverty. • Improved digital connectivity and faster broadband speeds are a necessity to ensure economic growth. Aberdeenshire Council has set aside £18 million to address the issue. ACTIONS

Energetica To work with our communities to make the Buchan area an attractive place to work and live: • through providing support to existing companies • by attracting companies to locate in the area • by maximising lifestyle & leisure opportunities e.g. Walking & Wildlife Festival Outcome – What needs to change?

Communities in Buchan are informed and engaged with the Energetica project in order to raise awareness and to maximise local opportunities in order to: • Utilise local talents and skills to the benefit of Energetica • Benefit from lifestyle and leisure opportunities • Maximise opportunities of investment • Work with local providers / trainers to develop local skills e.g. training Outcome Indicator – How will we know whether this has changed?

Evidence of opportunities for our local communities to participate in the engagement process.

Input – What are the Resources and People that we need to make this happen?

Partner’s time

Output – How will we go about doing this?

By utilising the links of Community Planning Partners with local communities to build capacity and to engage more effectively.

Lead Partners: Aberdeenshire Council, ACSEF BUCHAN COMMUNITY Lead Contact: Alistair Reid – Energetica Business Opportunities Manager PLAN 2013 – 2016 20 Tourism & Events To support projects and activities e.g. Theatre Modo, Family History, Aden Country Park, Scottish Week, Aden Bike Challenge etc, which promote our local Buchan area, and particu- larly help to meet local needs and address priorities within the Buchan Community Plan.

Outcome – What needs to change?

Increase levels to of tourism in Buchan and to continue to promote, develop and sustain new and existing community events. Promotion of local assets and linking these into events e.g. Willowbank’s relationship with ‘The Friends of Aden Country Park’ and its facilities and events.

Outcome Indicator – How will we know whether this has changed?

Through an increase within available figures collected for Tourism in Buchan. Increase in local partnerships.

Input – What are the Resources and People that we need to make this happen?

Partners’ time.

Output – How will we go about doing this?

Identify and engage with relevant Partners such as Economic Development and the Buchan Tourism Group, who can assist with the collation of baseline information on Tourism in Buchan. Monitor visitor numbers to attractions and events in the area.

Lead Partner: Buchan Local Community Planning Group

Lead Contact: Chris White – Buchan Area Manager

BUCHAN COMMUNITY PLAN Theatre Modo Stunt Planes 2013 – 2016 21 Transport including Community Transport To work with Partners to assess the transport needs of our Buchan Communities with particular reference to: • Access to Health Services • Employment Opportunities • Reducing social isolation Outcome – What needs to change, what difference will our actions make?

Partners need to be better informed about the ‘demand responsive’ transport needs of the area in order to provide a service that will address these needs.

Outcome Indicator – How will we know whether this has changed?

Increase in number of people being able to use accessible transport.

Input – What are the Resources and People that we need to make this happen?

Input from Partners e.g. NHS Grampian to help quantify and resource this provision.

Output – How will we go about doing this?

The Need will be identified through Partners sharing baseline information.

Lead Partners: Integrated Transport Hub, Buchan Dial-a-Community Bus

Lead Contact: Ian Donald, Scottish Ambulance Service

European Links / Social Enterprise To explore European Funding opportunities through partnership working for collaborative bids.

Outcome – What needs to change?

Groups and Partners will maximise sources of funding for projects in the Buchan area

Outcome Indicator – How will we know whether this has changed?

Increase in level of funding drawn down into the area

Input – What are the Resources and People that we need to make this happen?

Partners’ time

Output – How will we go about doing this?

Identifying and sharing information sources of funding and maximising the potential for working collaboratively on joint bids. To work with the European department of Aberdeenshire Council. BUCHAN Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council COMMUNITY Lead Contact: Martin Brebner, European Services Executive PLAN 2013 – 2016 22 Fuel and Energy To support local communities and their initiatives with renewable energy projects and also to promote energy efficiency measures including: • Universal Home Scheme • SMART Metering • Home Insulation Outcome – What needs to change? Increase the awareness of energy efficiency measures and to raise awareness of the communities’ potential to be involved with renewable energy projects in Buchan.

Outcome Indicator – How will we know whether this has changed? Increase in levels of people accessing information and installing energy efficiency measures. Increase in groups accessing information/benefits or being involved in renewable energy projects.

Input – What are the Resources and People that we need to make this happen? Input from outside experts e.g. SCARF, as well as the provision of information to help group’s progress renewable energy projects.

Output – How will we go about doing this? Identify Partners who can assist with this Outcome. Engage with external Agencies e.g. SCARF to provide information, workshops etc in the Buchan area. Create a new page on the Community Planning Website for local communities to provide information and sources of support for Fuel and Energy.

Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council and Fuel Poverty Strategy Group

Local Contact: Annette Johnston, Tackling Poverty & Inequalities Co-ordinator

BUCHAN COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 23 Buchan Priority 3 – Employment

Long Term Local Outcome The unemployment rate in identified areas of deprivation in Aberdeenshire will be less than the national average

National Priority: Employment

Introduction

In order to address the employment deprivation in Buchan of 9.5% which is higher than the Aberdeenshire average of 6%, the following actions have been agreed and their outcomes will help support employability activities, including financial inclusion.

Overview

The Buchan Community Planning Strategic Assessment has identified:

The rate of employment deprivation in the 15% most deprived datazones in the area is greater than the national average, which was 12.8% in 2012.

Unaffordable or unavailable childcare is identified as a common barrier to employment and training for parents. This will be heightened with the implementation of the welfare reform, which will see the hours worked to qualify for working tax credit to be increased from 16 to 24.

What’s Happening Now

There are examples of partnership working through Tackling Poverty & Inequalities, who are leading on or supporting a number of local employments & training initiatives. Examples include the use of a employability pipeline model to provide training and work opportunities in the building of the new HMP Grampian. This has involved a range of local Partners including Job Centre Scotland, Banff & Buchan College and Skills Development Scotland.

In addition to this, a number of financial inclusion initiatives have helped to address gaps in adult literacies and promote financial products such as North East Credit Union and Cash in your Pocket. These have also provided advice and information on Welfare Rights through the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Emerging Issues • Welfare Reform Act legislates for the biggest change to the welfare system for over 60 years and will impact on people’s access to benefits and housing. It will also have an impact on the workload of many departments across the Council, i.e. benefits services and due to the greater responsibility on Local Authorities to be the communicators of information about these reforms. • Global economic uncertainties around oil and gas sectors. BUCHAN • Further cuts in public spending which may lead to increases in unemployment. COMMUNITY • Amalgamation of Aberdeen and Colleges may impact on the PLAN provision of further education. 2013 – 2016 24 ACTIONS

Support for Employability Activities and Work To continue to develop and support employability projects to help people in Buchan overcome barriers in order to enter and sustain employment.

Outcome – What needs to change? A need to provide a joined up approach in Buchan to ensure there is a range of employment services and opportunities for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups and individuals to: • Reduce the number of individuals and families reliant on welfare benefits • Joined up services, working smarter together to reduce duplication and maximising impact of services • More individuals progressing into sustainable employment • A reduction in the barriers to employment • A reduction in homelessness • Raised awareness of the employability agenda with supporting services • Ensuring that there is access to employability, volunteering & training opportunities for the most vulnerable people Outcome Indicator – How will we know whether this has changed? Through local statistics collated for the area and through client and partner feedback.

Input – What are the Resources and People that we need to make this happen? Partner’s time, core budgets and external funding

Output – How will we go about doing this? Through the development of 2 actions for Partners which are: • To secure additional funding which partners will access to reduce barriers and increase employment opportunities. • Through the development of a local employability pipeline to capture all of the employability opportunities for the Buchan area, through a session to bring partners together to create a local partnership, including Job Centre Scotland, Banff & Buchan College, Skills Development Scotland etc Lead Partner: Tackling Poverty & Inequalities

Lead Contact: Annette Johnston – Tackling Poverty & Inequalities Co-ordinator

BUCHAN COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 25 Financial Inclusion To incorporate financial inclusion education in any learning programme which partners do and to help the capacity of individuals to help promote elements around: • Adult Literacies to support employability including skills to manage own money • To promote financial products e.g. North East Credit Union (NESCU), Cash in Your Pocket (CIYPP) • To provide advice and information on welfare rights e.g. Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) Outcome – What needs to change? To provide a joined up approach to provide a range of services and opportunities for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups and individuals in Buchan, in order to improve their financial position and enhance their quality of life.

Outcome Indicator – How will we know whether this has changed? Through local statistics collated for the area and through client feedback.

Input – What are the Resources and People that we need to make this happen? Partners’ time, core budgets, Fairer Scotland Fund allocation.

Output – How will we go about doing this? By working together in partnership to improve services we will ensure more people in Buchan can have access to advice and support when they need it, resulting in an increase to incomes, reducing the amount of people living in poverty and improving health and wellbeing. We will do this by: • Joined up services, working smarter together to reduce duplication and maximising impact of services. • Making information and support services accessible by reducing barriers. • Raise awareness of the issue of hidden forms of poverty such as Fuel Poverty. • Empower individuals, families and the community to develop services, which meet their needs. Lead Partner: Tackling Poverty & Inequalities

Lead Contact: Annette Johnston – Tackling Poverty & Inequalities Co-ordinator

BUCHAN COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 26 Buchan Priority 4 – Health and Physical Activity

Long Term Local Outcome Reductions in inequalities in health outcomes between communities and across Aberdeenshire

National Priority: Health Inequalities & Physical Activity

Introduction

The Health Inequalities that have been identified across Aberdeenshire are particularly relevant to Buchan since there are SIMD areas within Peterhead. This also includes individuals living within communities, rural areas with related isolation, access and employment issues as well as vulnerable groups such as homeless and looked after children. There are a number of actions which have been agreed which will help address some of these issues.

Overview

The Buchan Community Planning Strategic Assessment has identified: • Rates of most cancers, heart disease and other conditions are higher in the most deprived population and show an increasing gradient from the least deprived to the most deprived. • Other issues such as low birth weight, uptake of screening programmes, perception of ill health show a similar gradient – increasing. • The level of life expectancy in Aberdeenshire is slightly higher than that of the Scottish average for both males and females. With males expected to live until 75.9 in Aberdeenshire, and 75.3 in Scotland, whereas females in Aberdeenshire are expected to live until 80.6, and 80.1 in Scotland. • Life expectancy for women is three years lower for those in deprived areas compared with the rest of the area. • Life expectancy for men is six years lower for those in deprived areas compared with the rest of the area. What’s Happening Now

The Alcohol and Drug Partnership, Aberdeenshire is assisting the Licensing Boards to revise their Licensing Policy with emphasis on the quantity of available in specific areas. The number of users of sports facilities (swimming pools) per thousand populations in Buchan has met the target for 2012/13, with both long term and short term trends moving in a positive direction. In Buchan the number of users of sports facilities (indoor sports and leisure facilities) per thousand populations is seeing a positive trend both long and short term and has bet targets for 2012/13. The number of visits to Libraries per thousand populations in Buchan is below target and consistently down on both long term and short term trends. It BUCHAN is assessed that the decline in library use is in part attributed to the growing availability and COMMUNITY affordability of e-readers. Work is ongoing to raise awareness of obesity issues. PLAN 2013 – 2016 27 Emerging Issues • Alcohol and illicit drug use continues to have a significant impact on health inequalities. There has been a clear link between consumption of alcohol and price, as the price of alcohol has fallen consumption and related harm has risen. • Homelessness has many social effects on society and those in the ‘homeless cycle’. It has a profound effect on children’s health and education. Homeless people are vulnerable to health inequalities and social exclusion. The introduction, through the Housing (Scotland) Act 2010, of the new duty that all homeless presentations need to be assessed for Housing Support by the Local Authority, commencing in June 2013, will have resource implications. • Health Inequalities and physical activity is, for the first time, included in the Single Outcome Agreement guidance. It is complex to identify outcomes for this priority because action regarding early years/best start in life and employment are key strands towards reducing inequalities; therefore key outcomes over and above these areas need to be identified. ACTIONS Homelessness To encourage and facilitate the involvement of Partners to meet the needs of homeless people.

Outcome – What needs to change? • Improved engagement with partners and agencies • Valuing the benefits of partnership working, strategically and operationally • Maximise the benefits of financial inclusion and related strategies • Consult homeless people and key partners on the needs, advice and support needed • Increased opportunities of joint training, to improve the knowledge and skills required to tackle homelessness and related issues Outcome Indicator – How will we know whether this has changed? • Improved partners’ knowledge and confidence to address homelessness issues • More involvement of prospective tenants and homeless people Input – What are the Resources and People that we need to make this happen? • Partners time • Meeting venues • Funding for events

BUCHAN COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 28 Output – How will we go about doing this? a) Opportunities for joint training b) Host events and road shows to encourage and support partners and agencies to work together to formulate a plan of action to: • Address homelessness • Unemployment • Financial inclusion • Related issues affecting homelessness Lead Partner: Aberdeenshire Council

Lead Contact: Maureen Ewen Strategic Development Officer, Homelessness

Community Sports Hub To provide support in establishing the Mintlaw Central Buchan Sports Hub, which will work towards achieving the 4 national project outcomes for Community Sports Hubs to help increase levels and quality of sports participation in Buchan.

To promote Peterhead as one of the additional four Sports Hubs locations as part of Aberdeenshire Council Hubs portfolio

Outcome – What needs to change? The community sports hub concept is a new innovative approach to the delivery of community sport, aimed at providing more opportunities for communities to engage in an active healthy lifestyle and is a key part of the Scottish Government’s 2014 Games Legacy Plan. In Buchan single clubs, groups and organisations will now work together to increase levels of sports participation through joint partnership working.

Outcome Indicator – How will we know whether this has changed? Evaluation will be based around the 4 National Project Outcomes and will evidence clubs working together: • Better connected clubs • Well promoted clubs • Well trained people • Well organised clubs Input – What are the Resources and People that we need to make this happen? • Partner’s time • Funding – £7500 has been allocated to organise the Central Buchan Sports Hub programme • The professional time of the Community Sports Hub Officer to facilitate the local Hub Engagement Meetings toward forming a local Steering Group for Peterhead BUCHAN • Participation of CPG Partners to help identify the local Sports issues and challenges COMMUNITY which help inform the Steering Group as to the Hub’s priorities PLAN 2013 – 2016 29 Output – How will we go about doing this? The pilot Community Sports Hubs would: • Audit the range of local opportunities for sport and exercise for different age groups and ability levels • Market the opportunities available • Liaise with NHS Grampian and local GP practices on setting up sports exercise referrals • Offer coach training and education opportunities • Explore with existing local clubs the potential to form a single community sports club with sections for different sports and streamlining administrative requirements • Look at the potential to include community learning and cultural activities within the hub. The pilots would provide the opportunity to test how each of these initiatives can operate and provide a basis for developing hubs elsewhere.

Lead Partners: Aberdeenshire Council, Scottish Sports Council

Lead Contact: Keith Leslie – Scottish Sports Council Secretary

Improving Health and Tackling Inequalities in Buchan • HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PRIORITIES - To work in partnership with services and the community to address health improvement priorities with a focus on those more vulnerable or who have a higher risk of preventable ill health. • MENTAL HEALTH IMPROVEMENT - To promote mental health for all, the reduction of suicide, self harm and common mental health problems (such as stress and depression) and to support recovery. • IMPROVE ACCESS TO HEALTH AND WIDER SERVICES - including development of the Healthpoint service, inclusion and signposting. • EAT WELL AND BE ACTIVE - To support the community to eat well and be active. • HMP GRAMPIAN /YOUNG OFFENDERS INSTITUTION - Support HMP and Young Offenders Institution (YOI) Grampian by co-ordinating Health Improvement activities between the community and the Prison and to support Prisoners and Families to maintain healthy lifestyles in the community upon release. Outcome – What needs to change? • Improving Health & Tackling Inequalities – Reduce the social gradient in health inequalities within the Buchan area. • Mental Health – Improved mental health, reduction in the prevalence of suicide, self harming and common mental health problems and better recovery. • Improved Access – Improved uptake of health service provision and health BUCHAN promoting community activity. COMMUNITY • Healthy Eating Active Living – Reduced levels of obesity, poor diet and associated ill PLAN health. Increased levels of activity. 2013 – 2016 30 Outcome Indicator: How will we know whether this has changed? • Improving Health & Tackling Inequalities – Scot PHO Health and Wellbeing Profiles, Scottish Index for Multiple Deprivation and local information from serviceproviders on level of need. • Mental Health – Scot PHO Health and Wellbeing Profiles, local information on level of need from service providers, Grampian Suicide Statistics, GP Practice information on levels of common mental health problems, number of prescriptions for anti depressants, number of people supported through Keepwell and Signposting. • Improved Access – Scot PHO Health and Wellbeing Profiles, GP Practice information. Number of people in ‘At Risk’ Groups taking up local opportunities e.g. numbers registering for Healthy Helpings, number of inquiries at Healthpoint, number of people effectively signposted to services. • Healthy Eating Active Living – Scot PHO Health and Wellbeing Profiles, GP Practice information. Number of people in at risk groups taking up on local opportunities e.g. numbers registering for Healthy Helpings, number of diet related inquiries at Healthpoint, number of people effectively signposted to services. Input – What are the Resources and People that we need to make this happen? • Health Improvement Priorities – All services, businesses and community organisations. • Mental Health Improvement – Buchan Health Improvement Group, Buchan Community Planning Group, Schools, Nexus, Primary Care Mental Health Worker, Healthpoint, Hotspot, Community Organisations, Community Planning Partners, the Health Improvement Fund, Penumbra, Community Mental Health Teams • Improved Access to Health and wider Services– Healthpoint, Here for You Partnership, Hotspot, Primary Care, Signposting Service and community opportunities e.g. Community Referral Schemes such as the ABC Project in Maud • Eat Well and be active – Dieticians, Healthy Helpings, Healthpoint, Keepwell, Confidence to Cook volunteers, Community Organisations e.g. Peterhead Projects Ltd, Jog Scotland, GP Practice, Health Improvement Fund, CFINE, Schools, Family Centre, Churches/Church Halls, Hotspot, Allotments/Community Gardens, Unicef Baby Friendly Initiative. • HMP & YOI Grampian - Housing & Social Work, Criminal Justice, Turning Point, 3rd Sector Organisations, Primary Care, Community Learning & Development, Prison Staff, Prisoners and their Families, Health & Community hub, Here for You Partnership, Peterhead Projects Ltd, Choose Life (Suicide Prevention).

BUCHAN COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 31 Output – How will we go about doing this? • Improving Health & Tackling Inequalities – Raise awareness, review and develop services e.g. Healthpoint, Keepwell, Primary Care and Signposting to effectively support the most vulnerable. Promote community responsibility for health and wellbeing through community led initiatives (e.g. ROP, Church based initiatives) • Mental Health – Buchan Feeling Good Festival, Community activity to raise awareness of mental health for all and identify community supports (e.g. World Mental Health Day, Older People’s Day), Mental Health Workshop, Healthpoint raise awareness and connect to the community, CAMHS Training for CSN staff, Mental Health 1st Aid Training, School Peer Mediation Programme, Mental Health 1st Aid for Pupils. • Improved Access – Create new job description to merge Health Point Advisor post with Community Health Development Worker post, review Peterhead Healthpoint Provision and increase Healthpoint linkage to community services and organisations. • Healthy Eating Active Living – Consult with partners regarding the promotion of HEAL, Develop a HEAL Action Plan for Buchan, link to existing services and community supports (Healthy Helpings, Confidence to Cook, Walking Groups, Schools), Community gardening, Gardening guerrillas, Community space used to grow fruit and vegetables, Volunteering gardeners and growers, Training provided for gardeners and growers, Confidence to cook, Healthy helpings with links to PA opportunities, Lifestyle checks (Healthpoint), Schools healthy eating initiatives, Reaching Out Project, Homeless supported through food skills and volunteering opportunities. Lead Partner: NHS Grampian

Lead Contact: Calvin Little, Public Health Co-ordinator – Buchan

BUCHAN COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 32 Buchan Priority 5 – Older People

Long Term Local Outcome Older People will live independent, healthier lives for longer in a homely environment, in a community which respects and values them, with informal carers who receive support to continue to care

National Priority: Outcomes for Older People

Introduction

In order to support the findings of the Citizen’s Panel which confirmed that there was a very strong preference amongst people of all age groups to stay in their own home as they get older (82%). The following action has been agreed and the outcome from this will support the Single Outcome Agreement’s National Priority around Older People.

Overview

The Buchan Community Planning Strategic Assessment has identified that there is dispersed rural deprivation and isolation across the area where access issues, lack of public transport, high dependency on cars and fuel poverty particularly affect the elderly population. The high dependency on cars places an extra burden on those with low income. It has also been identified, due to the ageing profile of tenants that more support is needed to enable elderly tenants to sustain their tenancies and not move into supported housing or care.

What’s Happening Now

A range of Adult Learning activities are delivered across Buchan. A range of Care Services which help people to remain independent in their own home or local community, such as Homecare, Meals at Home, support when leaving Hospital, Sheltered Housing and Supported Living are available. There has been significant reduction in emergency bed rate days for people over 65 and 75 and Buchan has a lower than average number of patients in NHS continuing care.

BUCHAN COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 33 Emerging Issues • Reshaping Care for Older People is a long-term national policy initiative supported by the Change Fund for Older People, a rolling three year funding stream to support the Reshaping Care agenda. • The ageing profile of tenants will require more support to enable them to sustain their tenancies and not move into supported housing or care. • There is a growing expectation that people will be supported to live at home with the maximum possible independence and social inclusion. • The Scottish Government plan to integrate adult health and social care through Health and Social Care Partnerships which will be the joint responsibility of the NHS and Local Authority. • Fuel Poverty – this is a particular issue with 31% of homes in Aberdeenshire affecting the older population more than the younger because they may have less income as they are not in employment, spend more time at home and require a warmer temperature to stay healthy. Fuel poverty is also linked to increased risk of ill health. ACTIONS Older People To work with Community Planning Partners to identify actions and priorities for older people in Buchan in light of the new Scottish Government National Outcome ‘Our People are able to maintain their independence as they get older and are able to access appropriate support when they need it’.

Outcome – What needs to change? Need to identify actions and priorities for Older People in the Buchan area

Outcome Indicator – How will we know whether this has changed? Information will have been collated which will give us clear information about the needs of our Older People.

Input – What are the Resources and People that we need to make this happen? Partners’ time.

Output – How will we go about doing this? Identify Partners who can work together to collate the necessary information.

Lead Partner: Buchan Local Community Planning Group and Healthy Living Network

Lead Contact: Lorna Watt

BUCHAN COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 34 Buchan Priority 6 – Community Safety

Long Term Local Outcome: Aberdeenshire is the safest place in Scotland

National Priority: Safer & Stronger Communities and reducing reoffending

Introduction

There are a number of issues relating to antisocial behaviour, dog fouling, Crime, Road and Fire Safety as well as a high incidence of reoffending highlighted in the Buchan Community Planning Strategic Assessment. A number of actions have been identified by Partners and have been agreed for inclusion within the Community Plan to help address some of these issues.

Overview

The Buchan Community Planning Strategic Assessment has identified: • Buchan have a higher level of anti-social behaviour complaints and more environmental problems (Household waste, dog fouling, fly tipping and litter) than other parts of the area. • Most complaints about drug dealing are concentrated in the north coastal areas. • Dog Fouling is very prevalent in Buchan across various demographic groups. • Anti-social behaviour is an issue commonly related to environmental issues with tenants failing to comply with their tenancy conditions. • SIMD Statistics54 show us there is an average of 362 crimes per 10,000 population of Buchan this is higher than the Aberdeenshire average of 355, but lower than the Scottish average of 749. However the Citizens’ Panel found most respondents feel that crime is either only a slight problem, or not a problem at all in their area. • The number of people killed on north east roads continues to be of concern. • It is recognised that co-ordinated action is required to break the cycle of reoffending. What’s Happening Now

The PIER (Prevention, Intervention, Engagement, and Rehabilitation) approach advocated by the Scottish Government in tackling anti-social behaviour has changed from one of “enforcement” to one of “engagement”. The use of ASBOs has declined and there is much more emphasis on a multi-agency approach to tackling problems. A Strategic Assessment has been completed by the Community Safety partnership which will have more detailed analysis in relation to crime and road safety and will be a reference document for the Community Planning Partnership. There has been a general downward trend of both primary and secondary fires. The development of HMP Grampian provides an opportunity to realise the vision of improving community integration, custodial sentence management, community disposals, employability and improved health outcomes by achieving a best practice model for a community facing Prison. The Clean Dog Walkers Initiative is being BUCHAN developed to address the recurring problem of dog fouling in our communities. COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 35 Emerging Issues • Illicit drug use causes significant problems in terms of social harm in areas like antisocial behaviour, violence and crime, prostitution, homelessness and family breakdown along with a substantial financial cost, estimated at £2.6 million per year across Scotland • HMP Grampian is developing measures to reduce reoffending. • Community Justice System Redesign is planned for implementation from 2016 onwards. • Police Reform and the associated structural changes may also impact on the work of the Community Planning Partnership but the Police will seek to strengthen the links with the communities they serve. ACTIONS Community Safety To work with local Partners to deliver on Community Safety priorities for Buchan, for example including: • Road Safety • Alcohol • Domestic Violence • Drugs • Youth Disorder/Underage drinking • Serious & Violent Crime • Vandalism/Graffiti • Fire Safety • Neighbour Disputes Outcome – What needs to change? Buchan is a safer place in which to live, work and visit.

Outcome Indicator – How will we know whether this has changed? Through monitoring of local statistics and information

Input – What are the Resources and People that we need to make this happen? • Community Safety Partnership budget • Partner’s time / staffing

BUCHAN COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 36 Output – How will we go about doing this? Road Safety: • Continue to support the Pass Plus scheme; • Promote and encourage assessment of older drivers; • Continue Safe Drive Stay Alive initiative in partnership with neighbouring authorities and attracting sponsorship for same. Project attracts funding from other authorities and sponsors; • Delivery of initiative targeted at motorcycle drivers and other road users; • Work with licensees and patrons to promote the designated driver scheme; • Implement direct joint agency responses (including ‘hot strikes’) to fatal/serious road accidents in communities; • Issuing of Brakecare Packs to those affected by Road Traffic Collisions. Fire Safety: • Publicise and educate regarding the top fire casualty causations; • Target Home Fire Safety Visits to the most vulnerable sectors of our communities; • Enable Community Wardens to carry out Home Fire Safety Visits where appropriate. Domestic Violence: • Use analysis processes to identify high risk offenders and instigate enforcement action to allow professionals from partner agencies to deliver victim based interventions while offender is in custody. Offer support through groups in a variety of locations. Provide hardware solutions to victims. Serious & Violent Crime: • Promote and develop the Best Bar None Accreditation Scheme in Aberdeenshire’s licensed premises to encourage responsible management of on-sales licensed premises; • Instigate a Safer Streets Operation to tackle violence during ‘Games & Show’ period and other times, as identified through analysis; • Instigate a Safer Streets Operation to tackle violence during Festive Period and other times, as identified through analysis. Vandalism / Graffiti: • Monitor the effectiveness of the Community Warden Service and determine how the development of this service could impact upon community safety priorities; • Use analysis processes to identify hotspot areas of vandalism and in consultation with Grampian Police, utilise dedicated funding for directed patrols; • Direct and monitor the work of the Aberdeenshire Council Graffiti Removal Team. Youth Disorder / Underage Drinking: • Provide a diversionary activity from alcohol and drugs for secondary school pupils through the Global Rock project; BUCHAN • Ensure effective deployment of the Street Sports Units; COMMUNITY • Through CL&D, provide detached youth work in hot spot areas as, including the PLAN provision of activities for targeted young people and supporting Street Sports. 2013 – 2016 37 Neighbour Disputes: • Continue to promote and encourage the use of the Aberdeenshire Community Mediation Service in relation to neighbour disputes. Lead Partners: Grampian Police, Buchan Community Safety Group

Lead Contact: Inspector Andy Imray – Buchan LPT Inspector

Community Wardens Scheme To fully utilise the Community Warden resource to help address local needs as and when they arise and to develop their working relationship with local Community Planning Partners.

Outcome – What needs to change? We need to develop the work between Community Wardens and Community Planning Partners, so that all Partners at local level within Community Planning can have access to the Community Wardens.

Outcome Indicator – How will we know whether this has changed? Community Wardens can identify other partners that they can work with and have established themselves within Community Planning Projects and Initiatives.

Input – What are the Resources and People that we need to make this happen? Partner’s time.

Output – How will we go about doing this? Community Wardens develop their local networks through regular contact and discussions with other Community Planning Partners.

Lead Partner: Grampian Police

Lead Contacts: Inspector Andy Imray - Buchan LPT Inspector, Kate Rigby - Team Leader, Community Safety, Housing & Social Work

BUCHAN COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 Buchanhaven Fun Day 38 Buchan Priority 7 – Our Communities

Long Term Local Outcome: Successful, inclusive, resilient communities with the confidence, capability and capacity to tackle the things that matter to them

National Priority: Supporting Communities & Volunteering

Introduction

The Community Planning Partners are committed to continuing the support to community capacity building activities which has shown a general increase in both the short and long term trends. Support to initiatives such a Theatre Modo, the Aden Country Park Project, Community Halls & Play park developments, as well as community consultation exercises will be supported through the actions identified and agreed.

Overview

The Buchan Community Planning Strategic Assessment has identified: • High numbers of individuals who have participated in the work with Theatre Modo and the major placemaking event ‘Wild About Aden’. • The citizens’ panel survey found that with respect to community decision making, there has been a modest increase in the proportion of respondents who wish to have their say before decisions are taken. • A partnership approach to working with communities on issues such as dog fouling has proven to be much more successful than a direct agency approach alone. • The regeneration of Peterhead Town Centre will fit with the ‘Placemaking’ agenda as well as addressing the issues identified in the public consultation exercise.

BUCHAN COMMUNITY PLAN Theatre Mondo 2013 – 2016 39 What’s Happening Now

Throughout Buchan there are excellent examples of partnership working in the delivery of Asset Transfer, hall Refurbishment, Play Park upgrades and the development of Social Enterprise activity. Support for environmental projects such Buchan Meadows, Brighter Villages Initiative and Buchan in Bloom are excellent examples of communities delivering tangible benefits. The support of the Rural Partnership i.e. Buchan Development Partnership is hugely instrumental in helping the Community Planning Group achieve strong links into the Community. The regeneration work and community engagement that is ongoing in Peterhead Town Centre will be instrumental in delivering the identified improvements that will lead to significant economic, environmental and social benefits.

Emerging Issues • The cost of living in rural areas is typically 10-20% higher than living in urban areas. It has also been identified that inflation in rural areas is nearly twice the average of the national rate. The heightened inflation rate is magnifying the inequalities already seen in rural areas. • The lack of brown field sites for development may increase pressure for availability of Greenfield sites. • Climate Change is a serious environmental threat to Scotland and will be one of the main drivers of future change. Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 requires that public authorities, in exercising their functions, act in the way best calculated to contribute to the delivery of national greenhouse gas reduction targets. • The long-term results of budget cuts would suggest that it may take until 2025- 2026 for the Scottish budget to return to its 2009-2010 levels, in real terms. It is inevitable that the demand for public services will rise during periods of economic downturn and this invariably puts a strain on public finances.

BUCHAN COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 Longside Community Hall Mill of Strichen 40 ACTIONS

Community Assets To work with local Communities to identify & promote Community Asset Transfer opportunities, which meet both the Communities and Partners needs including Caravan Parks, Community Buildings or Services.

Outcome – What needs to change? Community Groups will be able to access the necessary support and information which allows them to progress Asset Transfers.

Outcome Indicator – How will we know whether this has changed? Increase in number of groups accessing information and submitting Stage 1 applications.

Input – What are the Resources and People that we need to make this happen? Community Planning Partners time and provision of resources and information.

Output – How will we go about doing this? • Create a link to access available information on the Community Planning website. • Establish links with the Buchan CAT Group in order to identify Partners who can support Groups through the process. Lead Partners: Aberdeenshire Council, Local Community Group

Lead Contact: Chris White – Buchan Area Manager

Community Facilities To identify with Communities what their needs are through available evidence, local consultation and community action plans and match this with funding and resources available.

Facilities identified include: • Expansion of indoor facilities for Peterhead and Central Buchan • Maximising the potential of Peterhead Community Theatre • Support the development of new community facilities at Catto Park • Play Areas as identified within Community Action Plans • Halls as identified within Community Action Plans • Community benefits from private renewable energy projects • Delivery of the MACBI project • Development of Aden Country Park • Development of New Deer All Weather Pitch • Strichen Tennis Courts BUCHAN COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 41 Outcome – What needs to change? Communities will be supported with capacity building, consultation and project development. Ensuring our local facilities are fully accessible.

Outcome Indicator – How will we know whether this has changed? Number of groups supported, consultation exercises carried out, Action Plans produced and number of projects completed.

Input – What are the Resources and People that we need to make this happen? Partners’ time.

Output – How will we go about doing this? Identifying Partners who can provide support to the relevant communities and their projects.

Lead Partner: Buchan Development Partnership, Local Communities

Lead Contact: Liz Scott – Development Officer

Village & Town Regeneration • To support the economic, social and physical regeneration of historic and listed buildings in Buchan e.g. Strichen Town House, Aden Country Park buildings. • To support actions that will regenerate & improve the Town Centre of Peterhead and rural villages in Buchan. Outcome – What needs to change? • Communities will be supported with capacity building, consultation and project development to help ensure the economic, social and physical regeneration of historic and listed buildings in Buchan. • Increased vibrancy / activity / business in Peterhead Town Centre & Rural Villages. Outcome Indicator – How will we know whether this has changed? • Through the number of projects supported to bring buildings back into use or maintenance improved. • Number of groups supported, consultation exercises carried out, Action Plans produced. Input – What are the Resources and People that we need to make this happen? • Economic Development, CP Partners & Community Groups Output – How will we go about doing this? • Through supporting Partners who can help to identify funding streams. • Through leading or supporting with local consultations. • By assisting with the development of local Action Plans Lead Partners: Buchan Development Partnership, Buchan Area Manager

BUCHAN Lead Contacts: Liz Scott – Development Officer, Chris White – Buchan Area COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 42 Manage Environmental Improvements To encourage maintenance, improvement and biodiversity of the local environment of the Buchan settlements through: • Buchan in Bloom • Beaches, including Peterhead, Cruden Bay Beach and Ladiesbridge • Aden Country Park • Buchan Meadows • Nature Conservation • Paths & Outdoor Access • Cycling Network • Public Art • St Combs Hall Outcome – What needs to change, what difference will our actions make? Partners will be more informed about Environmental Improvements in the Buchan area and opportunities for partnership working will increase on specific projects.

Outcome Indicator – How will we know whether this has changed? Reports from Partners on participation in identified environmental projects.

Input – What are the Resources and People that we need to make this happen? Partners’ time.

Output – How will we go about doing this? Environmental Projects will be identified, promoted and developed through Partner’s sharing of information and resources.

Lead Partners: Aberdeenshire Council, Other Local Partners

Lead Contact: Ian Tillett – Principal Landscape Services Officer

Increasing Community Involvement Partners will lead on, engage with and support Community Engagement exercises.

Outcome – What needs to change? Increase community involvement at community engagement exercises e.g. Community Council Forums, Partner consultations and awareness raising sessions.

Outcome Indicator – How will we know whether this has changed? Attendance records at events and relevant feedback received.

Input – What are the Resources and People that we need to make this happen? Partner’s time and assisting with promotion and attendance at relevant events. BUCHAN COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 43 Output – How will we go about doing this? • Development of a ‘Creative Peterhead’ project working with Partners and the Community Identifying partnership working for the areas we need to engage with i.e. which communities and the topics that are relevant to them • Providing feedback to communities regarding what they have been involved in, and the impact that their input has had. • Participation in community consultation events and to assist with facilitation and development of community engagement tools. • Sharing information, resources and expertise. Lead Partner: Buchan Local Community Planning Group

Lead Contact: Chris White – Buchan Area Manager Waste Waste To work with Partners to increase awareness of recycling and encourage community engagement in Reuse, Recycle and Resale, while promoting the Zero Waste Agenda for the Buchan area through: • Recycling Points • Reuse and Recycle – Peterhead Projects Ltd • Litter • Green Dog Walkers Initiative • Community Recycling Initiatives Outcome – What needs to change, what difference will our actions make? The Community will have increased knowledge and access to engage in all kinds of recycling e.g. Textiles and White Goods and will be contributing to reducing the municipal waste to landfill.

Outcome Indicator – How will we know whether this has changed? Statistical evidence will show both an increase in recycling activities and a reduction in waste going to landfill. Information will also be available through regular ‘Plan, Do, Review’ Monitoring used to assess SMART objectives.

Input – What are the Resources and People that we need to make this happen? • Community participation e.g. General Public, Schools and Communities of Interest • Partners’ time including Private, Public & 3rd Sector Output – How will we go about doing this? Partnership working, sharing resources and utilising existing recycling facilities.

Lead Partners: Aberdeenshire Council, Peterhead Projects Ltd, Local Community Planning Group, Local Community BUCHAN Lead Contact: Karen Brown – Project Manager, Peterhead Projects Ltd COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 44 Funding We shall work in partnership to seek funding to support and progress local community developments.

Outcome – What needs to change? Groups and Partners will maximise sources of funding for projects in Buchan to help sustain existing Facilities and to draw down more funding for the Buchan Local Community Planning Group to be utilised in the local area.

Outcome Indicator – How will we know whether this has changed? Increase in level of funding drawn down into the area.

Input – What are the Resources and People that we need to make this happen? Partners’ time.

Output – How will we go about doing this? Identifying and sharing information sources of funding and maximising the potential for working collaboratively on joint bids.

Lead Partner: Buchan Local Community Planning Group

Lead Contact: Chris White – Buchan Area Manager Social & Economic Regeneration To work with local people in Peterhead to address social and economic needs.

Outcome – What needs to change? Increase participation in opportunities which will help local residents to develop and share skills; improve health and wellbeing; increase participation in community affairs and encourage lifelong learning.

Outcome Indicator – How will we know whether this has changed? Through information and evaluations collected by Community Planning Partners (on the Reaching Out Project and its associated projects e.g. user stats for the Hotspot; feedback from partners and users in social accounting process (April 2013).

Input – What are the Resources and People that we need to make this happen? Hotspot funding (currently funded through Fairer Scotland/Tackling Poverty and Inequalities); Local operational group input; CLD; Here for You Partnership Social Regeneration Development Worker; Local Partner inputs.

Output – How will we go about doing this? Through the continued development of the Hotspot as a community hub for a range of local projects and activities and the development of wider local projects which deliver on the core outcomes identified earlier, e.g.

• Twilight Basketball • Theatre Modo • Confidence to Cook • Enterprise Academy BUCHAN COMMUNITY Lead Partner: Community Learning & Development – Aberdeenshire Council PLAN Lead Contact: Katie MacLean – CLD Team Leader (North) 2013 – 2016 45 Social Economy / Social Enterprise Community Planning Partners in Buchan will support an evaluation of social enterprise activity and will work with these organisations to strengthen their future sustainability.

Outcome – What needs to change? A need has been identified to compile a Register of Social Enterprise Activity in the Buchan area including information about their current and future support needs.

Outcome Indicator – How will we know whether this has changed? A Register will now exist containing information about each Social Enterprise, and what support they need to sustain their enterprises in the future.

Input – What are the Resources and People that we need to make this happen? Partners’ time

Output – How will we go about doing this? Set up a working group with relevant Partners to complete this task

Lead Partner: Buchan Development Partnership and Bridge CVS (Training)

Lead Contact: Liz Scott, Development Officer and Maureen Stephen, Chief Officer

BUCHAN COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 Aden Country Park Nursery Fireworks 46 8 How Are We Doing?

The Buchan Community Planning Group will monitor the plan every six months and both the Buchan Area Committee and the Buchan Area Management Team will be involved in this process.

Additionally the Buchan Local Community Group will carry out an annual review of the plan every year to ensure it remains relevant for the people of Buchan.

You can find out updates on the Buchan Community Plan and the difference community planning is making in your area by visiting: www.aberdeenshire.org.uk/localcommunityplans

Contact Us Buchan Community Planning Officer

62 Broad Street

PETERHEAD

Aberdeenshire AB42 1DA

Tel: 01779 483242

Email: [email protected]

BUCHAN COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 47 Produced by Aberdeenshire Council GDT21980 March 2014