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GENERATION GAMES New project brings young and old together

Inside: Good news on your council tax, plus all the latest on new schools and council homes across South Lanarkshire I walk because...

2 the reporter Welcome New beginnings at Calderglen message by Zoo in time for Council Leader Spring 26-27 4-5 Providing p34-35 loving homes Young and old through benefit from fostering and innovative p6-7 adoption project 6-7 28-29 Huge housing programme Scheme announced with extended plans provides 8-9 head start with South School building scheme is Lanarkshire’s Youth Employment largest in Europe 10-11 Initiative 30-31

Autism services flourish in new p12-13 dedicated hub 12-13

Major transport project of the p10-11 Glasgow City Region City Deal completed 14-15 £1bn of investment over 20 years inside to fund major infrastructure projects 16-17 your RECYCLING EXPECTED TO reporter BE ABOVE 50 PER CENT FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER PAGES 18-19 New app now sets out personalised schedules for our workers 32-33 Redevelopment of play areas Local businesses reap reward of throughout South Lanarkshire council assistance 34-35 20-21 Scotland’s first “new” town is The Haven offers much needed celebrating its 70th birthday this services to all surrounding local year 36-37 communities 22-23

Low carbon economy strategy to put East Kilbride as a centre for excellence in Scotland 24-25

Editor Tom Little News editor James Davitt 01698 453857 Cover photo Anne- Janine Nugent Publisher Communications and Strategy, South Lanarkshire Council, Council Offices, p36-37 Almada Street, Hamilton ML3 OAA p30-31 www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk the reporter 3 WORKING HARD FOR OUR AREA’S

Even in tough economic times, your council will protect key frontline services By Eddie McAvoy, Council Leader

ELCOME to the depend on across South Lanarkshire, 2017 edition of The especially those which support the Reporter. We send elderly, the young and our most this publication to vulnerable citizens. SouthW Lanarkshire residents This has been an increasingly once a year to make sure you tough job. This year we faced another know what your council is doing big cut in our government grant and on your behalf. have been forced to find another There is a lot of work to tell you £19m in savings - and this is on top of about, and this magazine is full of the more than £100m of efficiencies articles covering the wide range of that we have already had to make. services provided by the council. Inevitably, there has been an This introduction also offers me a impact on some services. But your chance to let you know about some councillors and council officers have of the big decisions that councillors worked together to balance the have taken on your behalf, especially budget once again, and we have made KEY TO around the process sure that we can SUCCESS: of setting the budget continue to provide Isa Russell for the financial year the sort of services was the first ahead. highlighted in resident to One of my abiding this edition of The receive the concerns has been Reporter. keys to her to ensure that South This includes new Fernhill Lanarkshire Council the continuation home by does everything of two ambitious Council Leader Eddie McAvoy possible to protect programmes which our residents from I think epitomise the ongoing economic our collective difficulties and the investment in the update on our Schools Modernisation impact of government future of South Programme. With every secondary austerity. Lanarkshire. school already rebuilt, we are nearing As you may already On pages 8 and 9 the completion of our programme know, one early action you will see details to replace all 128 of our primary I took to do this was of our council schools. In the process we have to commit the current house building created the best schools estate in Labour administration programme. In Europe, and the benefits of teaching to a council tax freeze recent days I have all our kids in a modern learning for 2017/18. You will see more doubled our commitment, to building environment are being felt in hugely details on this decision in the article a total of 1,000 new homes, and this encouraging exam results. accompanying this welcome note. means we can make major inroads On pages 6 and 7 and pages 32 and The second key approach has been into the waiting list for much-needed 33 you will see examples of how the to continue to protect the frontline social housing. council helps elderly residents too. council services which residents Then, on pages 9 and 10, there is an Readers may be interested to know 4 the reporter NO RISE WORKING HARD TO BUILD IN YOUR COUNCIL TAX YOUR council has agreed that it will FOR OUR AREA’S FUTURE make NO increase to the Council Tax which will be paid by South Lanarkshire households this year. This will continue the local Council Tax freeze for a tenth year, despite the fact that the national freeze previously agreed between the Scottish Government and local authorities has been ended, meaning taxes will rise in some parts of Scotland. But not in South Lanarkshire. Council Leader Eddie McAvoy said: “It’s a tough job to balance the budget every year, and after cuts to our government grant the council has been forced to find another £19 million in savings for 2017/18. “We could have put up the council tax by as much as 3% and that would undoubtedly have made it easier to balance the budget. But I know that many of our residents are struggling “We have with their budgets been able to too. Costs are rising achieve plans everywhere and for a balanced I think it is right budget while that we do not add continuing to the burden on our residents.” to protect Mr McAvoy the frontline added that one services reason he wanted to avoid a general council tax rise was because a number of householders were already facing higher bills after the Scottish Government introduced an increase on properties at Bands E to H which will apply across the country. That change was ratified by the Scottish Parliament last November and will impact on about one in four households. Mr McAvoy said: “That rise was that as part of the budget-setting across our wonderful area not the council’s decision. There were process I have been able to secure that only a tiny proportion also many people suggesting we should extra investment which means we can be crammed into these impose out own increase, across all can accelerate our plans to build 40 pages. But I hope it gives bands. Obviously if we had done that three new home care facilities. you an insight into some of it would have helped to offset the cuts Elsewhere in The Reporter you will the services that are being in funding we will receive this year be able to read about services which delivered day-in, day-out by from the government. support families living with autism, your hard working council “However, we have been able to or which get people into work and staff. tackle this without adding further to help local businesses grow. There are For my own part, I am the burden faced by council tax payers also details on everything from how standing down at this and we have been able to balance our we empty your bins to our projects May’s local elections after budget while continuing to protect as part of the £1.13bn Glasgow City more than 20 years as a frontline services.” Deal. councillor. It has been a In fact, so much is being done privilege to work for you. the reporter 5 Visits by nursery children are transforming generational links in South Lanarkshire YOUNG AND OLD BENEFIT FROM

been aware for some time of BYPROJECT LYNNE CARSTAIRS lots of good practice via inter- N innovative project generational work and really bringing a group of believed that such a project could four-year-olds together be something that each would with older people with benefit from. Adementia is pioneering inter- “A lot of our children have generational learning in South grandparents who are really Lanarkshire. pretty young, and have very Crawforddyke Nursery little if any contact with the ‘older School and the Jenny MacLachlan generation’ which was again Day Centre, Carluke, have already something that we considered as reported “real and lasting” a bonus.” benefits from the programme With positive feedback from where the group of five children parents and the day centre to – Charlie, Emma-Jane, Sophie, the initial idea, the teams spent Leo and Reegan – visit the centre a lot of time planning and risk fortnightly, and spend an hour assessing the project before the with service users with dementia. first phase was up and running. This is the second phase “We are learning from each of the project, with the pilot set of children too,” adds Eleanor. finishing last June when the first “Leo, for example was unsure in participants set off for primary the first week, and very quiet. We school. spoke to him and his parents to has thrown himself into this with “One service user All involved describe “an see if we could help, or if maybe great enthusiasm.” emotional and life-affirming” the project wasn’t going to be Christine Stillie, Senior Day had formed a really experience from what started right for him. But all he wanted Care Worker, said: “All of the strong bond with a as an idea to widen community was to have some familiarity. nursery staff have been excellent links when the nursery made “Next time he brought some and have put such a lot of hard little boy and when contact through Early Years of his own toys along and took work and effort into the project. Practitioners Eleanor Duncan them round to show to all of Each week has a theme, often his parents had a new and Karen MacMillan. the service users, and he was reflecting what is going on at baby, he had us on the Eleanor explains: “I had happy as Larry. Ever since he that time of the year, which is fabulous for our service users phone, checking on as it provides context. They also seek input from the service users progress” as to what they would like to do. group broke into song – the It really is a collective. theme for this week was old Scots “We have found it to be nursery rhymes. everything we could have hoped At a far table, Bobby and for and more – on so many little Leo downed tools and were levels.” playing ‘one potato, two potato’, When The Reporter visited while across from them Mary one session, there were eight and Sophie were creating a play- service users sitting together with dough flag of Scotland. All were the children, creating sculptures clearly at ease and enjoying each and pictures with home-made other’s company despite the play dough. The atmosphere in noise level being markedly higher the cosy day room was relaxed than normal for the environment. FUN: Bobby and Leo play one potato, two potato and every now and then the Christine said of the success of 6 the reporter Visits by nursery children are transforming generational links in South Lanarkshire Studies show benefits n People with dementia had a higher level of positive engagement when interacting with children. n Intergenerational programming allows adults with dementia to be able to teach children things, such as how to fold a towel, how to dust handrails or how to categorise things such as by seasons or colours. n Interaction with older adults has also shown benefits for the children involved, including fewer behavioural challenges and improved social development. SOURCE: Esther Hereema, Alzheimer’s and Dementia expert.

BOND: Everyone involved in the project agrees special relationships are being built

family and parents. For Mary, who was an early level primary teacher, the staff at the centre can see how much working with the wee ones has really engaged her and brought back strong memories of a happy time in her life. And indeed for all of the older people, the reminiscence aspect REMINISCING: The children doing what comes naturally to them helps brings back is a huge part of what makes the many memories for the elderly people taking part in the project visits so valuable. Added Christine Stillie: “The the project so far, and of genuine the phone, checking on progress talk about the project and to tell opportunity for reminiscence is bonds being created: “There and was so keen to meet the new us what a difference it had made key. Just by being themselves, the have been many friendships arrival. His pride when they to her dad and, indeed to all of children are doing and talking built up. It is an amazing process came in to visit is something I them as a family. I think we both about things that to many are to witness. Last year, these bonds won’t forget.” left that encounter with tears in their most vivid or relatable transcended the project itself, Eleanor Duncan also recalls a our eyes.” memories. with the parents bringing the story which she admits opened Tales like this come thick and “I cannot speak highly children to visit in their school her eyes to just how profound an fast. Many of the children who enough of this project and uniforms in August. It was all impact the project was having. kicked off the programme still the tangible benefits we have very emotional. “I met one of the service visit, and exchange Christmas witnessed. I genuinely hope “One service user had users with his daughter in the and birthday gifts. The service that our experiences will inspire formed a really strong bond with supermarket one Saturday users have attended nursery others and I would happily invite a little boy and when his parents afternoon. When I introduced graduations and school shows any of our peers along to see for had a new baby, he had us on myself, she instantly wanted to and created bonds with wider themselves.” the reporter 7 One of the first couples to move into new home reveal how it has transformed their lives

BY ANDREW THOMPSON were three floors up in an older building with no lift access. OUTH Lanarkshire’s “We used to run up the 36 ambitious Housing steps to the front door but in Investment Programme recent years getting in and out (HIP) has been extended has been becoming more of a Swith plans announced to construct challenge. DELIGHTED: a further 500 new council homes. “I work full time but without Jim and The additional new houses me to lend a hand there were Isabella are and flats will build on the existing times when Jim would struggle relishing the programme which aimed to to get up and down the stairs so independence their new deliver 600 new council owned he was effectively trapped in the homes for rent by 2020. home is giving flat while I was out working. them The construction plans are “This move means we have part of the HIP that is improving our independence back, the lift the fabric of thousands of homes and level access from the street in South Lanarkshire and has and to the car park mean we can already seen scores of families come and go without any fuss.” and individuals moving into new The two blocks of flats homes. in Uddingston where the Uddingston couple Jim and McCallum’s are making their Isabella McCallum are among new home is just one of South those already settling into a new Lanarkshire Council’s new home and they say the HIP has housing developments. given them a new start in life. The couple, who are in their sixties, were among the first to move into a new development of two blocks of flats on the town’s Old Mill Road and Mill Place. The new flats have MORE THAN 1000 been designed and built to meet the current and potential future needs of older people with even the choice of site, adjacent to Uddingston’s COUNCIL HOMES bustling Main Street, selected to give easy access to local amenities. Isabella fondly remembers her first ARE TO BE BUILT childhood home which was just along the street on the The new housing programme corner of Old Mill Road and The is set to deliver a total of more Cut and was delighted when they than 1000 new council houses in were offered the house move. She South Lanarkshire by 2020 and said: “When I took the phone call is an integral part of the council’s telling us our application for a flat ambitious Housing Investment had been accepted I literally cried, Programme (HIP). every one of our 24,500 homes Alex McInnes said: “The tears of joy rolled down my face. Executive Director of Housing and which was only achievable name chosen for the HOME+ This means so much to me and and Technical Resources Daniel with the support of tenants, who programme reflects what is at the Jim, it will be a new lease of life.” Lowe said: “From the outset we very much view as partners in core of our ambition. The couple made the move our ambition has been to invest this process. “We do not just want to give to their new home in February wisely and plan carefully to “The Housing Investment people a house or a flat we want leaving behind a flat that had not raise the standard of our existing Programme has continued well them to have a home, somewhere only been their home for 40 years housing stock to among the best beyond that original ambition to feel safe and secure, to make but had been Isabella’s parents’ in the country and to ensure all and is now moving into a new plans for the future and where home before that. new homes we could provide phase HOME+ as we extend our you feel proud to welcome That much loved family home meet or exceed that level. new build target.” friends, family and others to visit. had in recent years become more “It started out with the Home Chair of the South Lanarkshire “Our existing housing stock like a trap for Jim. Isabella said: Happening which saw brand Council Housing and Technical has seen over £430million spent “The big problem was that we new kitchens and bathrooms for Resources Committee Councillor on providing modern kitchens 8 the reporter Fernhill dramatic change is bringing families home OVER the last nine years Fernhill has been undergoing a dramatic transformation in a massive regeneration project that has not only improved the physical fabric of the community but is also rekindling its spirit. One measure of the success of the investment in Fernhill is a surge in applications to move in to the area, many of them from people keen to move back to where they grew up to raise their own families. 220 new council homes, 70 in the most recent phase, have been built and all are now occupied. Housing improvements include improved insulation and energy efficient heating systems to give tenants warmer homes while cutting their fuel bills. Saving tenants money is in itself making a contribution to the regeneration programme as it means they have more

RETURNING: The new homes and improvements to existing ones mean people are moving back to Fernhill

opportunity to spend money locally and to support improved local services including the new shops and the Fernhill Community Centre, which includes a gym and sports pitches. South Lanarkshire Council has worked with partners including social landlords and the Scottish Government to deliver the regeneration of Fernhill. Chair of Housing and Technical Resources Committee, Councillor Alex McInnes, said: “The regeneration of Fernhill has completely transformed the area.“Hundreds of older tenements and flats have been demolished and replaced with high quality housing, in addition hundreds of homes have been improved that alone will deliver improvements to health and and bathrooms, new central renewable energy sources. happiness which will benefit individuals heating systems, roofing, doors, “We do not But more importantly for the and the wider community. windows and insulation. These just want to McCallums HOME+ has meant “Opportunities for employment and measures have all helped to a new home ideally suited to training were created by the regeneration improve the quality of tenants’ give people their needs and right where work and that along with workers coming homes and assist in tackling fuel they feel most at home. Isabella into the area has help stimulate economic poverty by reducing running a house or said: “If we had been forced to activity and support local businesses. costs.” move away from Uddingston to “Perhaps the biggest sign that this has Across all the developments a flat we find accommodation that suited been a worthwhile and very successful energy efficiency has been built our needs it would have been regeneration project is that people are into the fabric of the buildings want them heartbreaking but instead we applying for housing in the area so they with top quality insulation, to have a have a new home in the heart of can move back with their own families, modern heating systems and the community on the very street that indicates a very positive future for the boilers and whenever possible home” I grew up on. It is wonderful.” community in Fernhill”. the reporter 9 School building programme is largest in Europe BY SARAH BURROWS sports and activities can be taught. And outdoor learning is encouraged HE Primary Schools through a range of outdoor teaching spaces, Modernisation Programme eco-gardens, play equipment and a selection is the largest of its kind in of planting to encourage mini-beasts and wild Europe, making sure that South flowers to the playgrounds. “South TLanarkshire’s pupils are ready for the In the Clydesdale area 35 primary schools Lanarkshire challenge of the future. have already been modernised and there are a The council’s £862 million investment will number of projects underway. Council mean that by 2019 every single school in South Recently officially opened is Braidwood invested in Lanarkshire will provide a first class learning Primary School in Carluke. The school’s 140 and teaching environment. pupils are enjoying their new school. the future of So far 121 modernised primary schools Acting Head Teacher at Braidwood Primary have been built, 10 stand alone nurseries School, Brendan Desport said: “We have found our pupils and a specialist school for secondary aged that the new school is much calmer than the old by giving us pupils with additional social, emotional and building, pupils are able to move freely around behavioural needs. the school. It’s apparent that a lot of thought this fantastic The area’s 19 secondary schools have also has been put into the way our school works been rebuilt or refurbished as part of the £318 and how to enhance this in the new building. building, million Secondary Schools Modernisation “The biggest change we’ve noticed is that which is fully Programme, meaning around 19,000 the children take more pride in their school secondary aged pupils also have the very best and really feel a sense of ownership... after all equipped for accommodation possible. they were involved in picking furniture and 21st century The state-of-the-art primary school the colour scheme. We are delighted buildings allow pupils to learn in with the new building and learning” a dynamic and flexible way know that we will continue to ensure that all children to grow and prosper in get the most out of our new home.” education and are ready Also in the for the challenges of Clydesdale area, secondary school and work on a brand the world of work. new £5.2 million The modern, Tinto Primary bright and School and nursery inspiring buildings is ongoing and is encourage creativity scheduled to be by providing a open early in 2018. range of flexible Similarly accommodation construction has that can be used for started on a new a variety of activities. Crawford Primary Wide corridors and break School - the £3.2m facility commented: “We’ve settled in well to the new out areas mean that smaller is due to open early in 2018. building. The flexibility of the space is key groups can be taught in more Work on Underbank for us. We can teach groups of varying sizes informal ways. Primary School and Walston in different locations in the school which is The classrooms are modern and bright with Primary School will start soon and all invaluable. The children are thriving in their the latest technology incorporated. going well Underbank will be opened for new environment.” The new schools boast fantastic stages pupils in summer 2018 and Walston in 2019. In the Rutherglen and Cambuslang area, and sound and lighting equipment to allow In Rutherglen and Cambuslang 17 primary Hallside Primary School is progressing well children to realise their full creative potential. schools have been modernised already as part and pupils are due to start at the school early in Many of the new schools report that there has of the Modernisation Programme. 2018. And a brand new school in the Newton been an increased interest in drama and music Recently celebrating its official opening is area is due to open in August 2017. productions amongst pupils and staff alike. St Bride’s Primary School in Cambuslang. The In East Kilbride and Strathaven there are The sports facilities in the new buildings are school boasts one of the most colourful exteriors already 31 fully modernised schools completed. most impressive - internally with modern gym and internally the spacious accommodation is Gilmourton Primary School in Strathaven halls and externally with Multi Use Games well used by the school. recently welcomed guests to the school to Areas (MUGAs) to ensure a wide variety of Head Teacher Amanda Maguire celebrate its opening event. Head Teacher 10 the reporter Top award for Depute Head Teacher St Vincent Primary School in East Kilbride has recently celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the new school building. Built in the first tranche of the Primary Schools Modernisation Programme in 2006 the school has grown from PROUD: strength to strength. Pupils are The school also had another learning reason to celebrate as Depute in modern, Head Teacher, Danielle state-of- the-art Timmons won the prestigious buildings at 2016 Scottish Teacher of The Gilmourton Year Award. (main pic), Danielle said: “It was a real Braidwood honour to win the accolade and (below left), I am so grateful to my head St Bride’s teacher and South Lanarkshire (above) and Council, as well as the staff and St Mark’s pupils who are just so inspiring. (below) It’s a pleasure to work with

AWARD: Danielle won Teacher of the Year

them every day.” Danielle was nominated by Head Teacher Eileen Tompkins. She said: “I nominated her because I recognised something unique and exceptional about the manner in which she did her work. She has an amazing capacity to bring the best out of children. She brings so much to the school.” Danielle says that the fantastic school building Ellen Jack said: “We are so proud of our have settled in well to their new learning makes her job easy. “When I school and like the fact that it mixes modern environment and Caroline Campbell, Head was a student teacher I had design whilst preserving the school’s history. Teacher says: “South Lanarkshire Council placements in older school Each school is individually designed, and invested in the future of our pupils by giving buildings that didn’t quite ours incorporates the original gable which us this fantastic building, which is fully dates back to 1889. We are all very happy in equipped for 21st century learning and we provide the right atmosphere our new building.” certainly make use of everything that the for learning. Coming to work Work on a new St Patrick’s Primary School building has to offer. in St Vincent’s is fantastic in Strathaven is underway. This £11 million “I know our pupils will make a difference as it’s fully equipped for 21st project also includes an integrated community to the future of Scotland and our job here is to century learning. The building facility and is due for completion early in 2018. ensure that each pupil grows to be all they can is conducive to first class In Hamilton and Blantyre there are already be. This building makes that easy.” learning and teaching and 38 fully modernised schools completed. Also in the Hamilton area plans are at working in such a modern and In the Hamilton area, St Mark’s Primary an early stage to relocate the Early Learning bright building is an absolute School celebrated its official opening ceremony Unit nursery to a more central location in the pleasure.” with friends of the school community. Pupils town. the reporter 11 ARCH IS THE WAY TO ORDER AND FAMILIARITY ARCH Autism services TEAM: Margo and Ramon flourish in new from the council, Ross from SAIL, dedicated hub Carolann from BY ANDY LIVINGSTONE COAST with T is said, and it is very true, that if you mother and say you know an autistic person, then daughter all you know is one autistic person – Michelle you don’t know autism.” and Rebecca IMargo Mooney, an Early Years Homelink Worker with the council’s Integrated Children’s Services was explaining the given a major boost late last year with the autistic people have a base in South enormity of the task facing anyone working opening of a new facility in Burnbank, Lanarkshire that acts as a focus for their to help in such a vast and complicated field. Hamilton. services and allows the organising of activities “There is no one way that autism exhibits Known as ARCH (Autism Resources and the sharing of ideas. itself,” Margo continued. “Every person Coordination Hub), the resource has been Several groups, such as parent-led affected by it can have a unique combination established in the former Jean Brownlie charities SAIL and COAST, are heavily of the factors that are involved, and so we Centre, in Reid Street, Burnbank, to offer involved in running clubs, workshops and have to be prepared to deal with a different a focal point for those working to provide trips as well as offering support, advice and set of needs in every case.” support in relation to autism as well as for information to autistic people of all ages and While this uniqueness in every autistic those with the condition and their carers. those caring for them, and with a parent- person’s situation is, of course, far from being Run by the council’s Ramon Hutchingson, carer steering group feeding in suggestions the only factor that has to be considered when team leader in Social Work Resources, the and requests based on practical experience, aiming to help them, it is a dominant and building already hosts a variety of activities the hub is continuing to grow the invaluable inescapable one when planning the way that that are making a difference to people’s lives, services it can offer. care and assistance is structured. including having Margo – who has wealth Ramon said: “The benefits of the centre Individuals and organisations have long of qualifications and experience regarding are not only practical, in that it gives people worked to help autistic people in South autism – seconded there two days a week. working to support autism a physical place Lanarkshire, but their selfless efforts were For the first time, those working with they can use free of charge. They are also seen in the synergy that comes from people with SAIL offer support to adults different experience and knowledge coming together and being interested and involved in ARCH has not only helped Lanarkshire) was duly formed existence, SAIL has formed each other’s work, and in the many positive existing groups to flourish, but with an aim of supporting a group for 18 to 24-year- responses we get from people of all ages who has even enabled one charity adults with autism. olds, know as the SAIL Crew, benefit from familiarity. Here they can come to be set up in the first place. Ross said: “When we looked which is already growing happily to a place they know and mix with Ross Macfadyen and Linda at the services that already with several friendships being people they know. Morrow have around 20 years exist, it was clear that there formed already – something “It is a hub for the voluntary, statutory of experience between them in was support for children and that Ross finds extremely volunteering with the national teenagers but nothing for rewarding to see as it is a and community sectors to come together autism charity, but it was not those who have grown into significant step for an autistic and work together, letting us all give until ARCH opened that they adulthood. It is very often seen person to make. a consistent approach in a settled and were able to achieve their as a children’s condition, but He added: “We are looking dedicated setting.” dream of forming a charity to people forget that children in time to grow and form With the premises being solely for ARCH help specifically in the local grow up or that people can groups to support people of rather than the service having to share area. be diagnosed at any age, not older age groups also. But in a facility with other users, it has made it “We needed premises just as young children. In fact, the meantime, although the possible to adapt the light and airy building to like this to operate from and there are now three times SAIL Crew is for a specific create a community hub,” more adults with autism than age range, we are happy to provide exactly the facilities that are needed. explained Ross. children.” help people of any age who As well as a dining/kitchen area that is SAIL (Supporting Autism in In its first few months of approach us.” also suitable for anything from craft activities 12 the reporter FORWARD STEP: Michelle, with daughter Rebecca, has been impressed by the range of Users at the heart services the centre offers of the service Parent-carer Michelle Graham is so ARCH IS THE WAY delighted that ARCH was created that she joined the centre’s Steering Group. “I have been involved from the very start, so it has been amazing to watch it grow and be a part of that,” she said. “The biggest possible step forward for helping with autism in South Lanarkshire TO ORDER AND has been this place. It is a permanent commitment from the council, and is it also ideal for its purpose – it is homely, welcoming and secure, which is perfect for many autistic children, such as my daughter, Rebecca, who feel overwhelmed easily by places that are FAMILIARITY large and noisy. “It is not just the bricks and mortar, though – the people who you meet here are brilliant. Like many other autistic children, Rebecca has comorbid conditions, meaning that she has several medical conditions that exist alongside, and can affect, each other; in her case, it is dyslexia and sensory and auditory issues. That can be complicated, but everyone gets her here, and as a result she is so happy when she comes to this place. It is her safe haven.” Michelle believes that much of the success of ARCH has been the council’s decision to establish the Steering Group. “It means that the people who can benefit from the hub are able to have a meaningful input,” she said. “We get together and discuss issues, ask questions and make suggestions, and these are taken on board fully – we are able to shape the way the facility operates. “It is a wonderfully positive atmosphere here, because all of the groups involved see themselves as part of one big team, meaning that we can help parents whose children have recently been diagnosed as equally as those with long experience of caring. “There really is something for everyone.”

to meetings and social or fund-raising events, it also offers a sensory/private interview Carers should never feel alone room, a lounge, and a treatment room for children with complex disabilities in addition “Reducing isolation is closed or, just as bad, are thing that ordinarily would to autism. There are also disabled toilets, a such an important thing, too busy for an autistic be difficult or impossible lending library to help parent-carers and a and that is what we try to child to attend, so we will to take an autistic child to staff room to allow the administrative work do.” organise activities each because of the nature of necessary for such a busy facility, with all exits So said Carolanne week that are appropriate. the place, but in a group of fully alarmed to give peace of mind about the Fallone of COAST (Carers That is just one aspect familiar faces it is amazing security of those attending. of Autism Spectrum where ARCH comes into what can be achieved.” “We strive to make it a welcoming and Together), who meet at its own, because it can It is not only the children nurturing place, whatever the reason for ARCH once a week. She be difficult meeting the who COAST helps, but people to come here,” Ramon said. “And we continued: “There are expense of hiring a hall, the parents directly as are aiming to offer as many different things many ways to feel on your whereas here we have the well. Feeling alone can as we can to allow us to cater for as many own and helpless and we facilities available to us. also come when facing different people as possible. try to address as many as “We also look at fund- official or administrative “We offer a range support to people of we can. raising for trips away, situations for the first time. such as when we went to Carolanne added: “We all ages and it is all about listening to them, “In summer, for example, so many things that Drayton Manor theme park are there for them in learning what they need and working out support your child are last year. That is the sort of whatever way is possible.” how to help them.” 12 the reporter the reporter 13 New road first majorproject of City Deal HE first major transport project of the £1.1bn Glasgow City Region City Deal has been completed. Road will ease congestion TCathkin Relief Road, which is a new 7.3 metre wide carriageway between the junctions of the existing Cathkin and bring benefits to Bypass/Burnside Road and Fernhill Road/Croftfoot Road/Blairbeth Road, is communities now fully open The anticipated final cost of the project will be approximately £18.6m and as well as the new carriageway there is a 2m wide footway on the south side and a 3m wide combined cycleway / footway on the north side. There are three crossing points along the new route, one of which is a controlled crossing. The controlled crossing is around halfway along the new stretch of road. Chair of South Lanarkshire Council’s Enterprise Services Committee, Councillor Chris Thompson, said: “We are delighted to be able to deliver the first major transport infrastructure project of the Glasgow City Region City Deal. “Cathkin Relief Road supports the council’s objective of enhancing the local and strategic road network and providing improved conditions for economic recovery - a key aim of the Glasgow City Region City Deal. “It will provide improved and noise barriers areas for the next five infrastructure to employment areas years. across Rutherglen and Cambuslang and Stuart Dillett, Managing Director, reduce traffic impacts on neighbouring Land Engineering, said: “It has been a roads. real honour for Land Engineering to be “The road will also reduce congestion involved in delivering the Cathkin Relief at peak times with the knock-on effect of Road, the first major transport project of reducing carbon emissions. the Glasgow City Region City Deal. “Another benefit will be an “Like most major projects of this type, improvement to public transport the construction of the Cathkin Relief reliability and bus / rail Road did present a number of significant integration in the area, challenges during the build primarily because the new period and everyone involved road will remove congestion has had to work very hard to and through traffic from deliver the finished product. existing routes. “During the entire process “The capacity and we have striven to be a good quality of the wider neighbour to those local footpath and cycle residents who live around network in the area the site and we would like to has been enhanced take the opportunity to thank which will improve them most sincerely for their access for cyclists patience and understanding and pedestrians. during this time. The new paths are “We are confident the new also Disability Discrimination Act infrastructure will significantly enhance compliant.” the local roads network and we are especially pleased we will continue to be Noise barriers have also been erected The council’s contractor for the work to mitigate the traffic noise for homes at the Cathkin Relief Road has been involved with this great project through our on-going contract to ensure that all of adjacent to the site. Land Engineering. They will continue to The barriers are located between provide maintenance of the landscaping the landscaping works on either side of the new road become fully established.” panels of willow, which on some sides 14 the reporter New road first majorproject of City Deal PATH NETWORK: Artist’s impressions show how the area will look when the landscaping has had a chance to grow

FINISHING number of community benefits for the TOUCHES: wider area which the council will deliver. City Deal boost for The council’s South Lanarkshire Council’s Head Jim of Roads and Transportation, Gordon economy and jobs Lockwood, Mackay, said: “Wider complementary Bill Lees, works have already been undertaken to The Glasgow City Region City Deal is an Colin Park improve the adjacent footpath network and Land agreement between the UK government, and traffic signals on neighbouring routes. Engineering’s the Scottish Government and eight local Joe “Other improvements, including to authorities across Glasgow and the Clyde McLaughlin nearby cycling and bus infrastructure and Valley. on site as play areas, are being considered in order The UK and Scottish Governments will the project to lock in the benefits of the new road. each contribute £500million in grant neared “The junctions at either end of the funding, and the local authorities will completion new carriageway have been designed borrow a further £130million. to maximise the capacity and provide a Officials from each of the eight local controlled flow of traffic with enhanced authorities as well as other local partner pedestrian and cycle crossing facilities. organisations worked to develop the City “We will also have detailed traffic Deal. surveys undertaken once traffic It is estimated that up to 29,000 jobs patterns settle down, to assess whether may be created and there could be the level of benefits envisaged are being additional private sector investment in achieved.” the region of £3.3 billion. Councillor Thompson added: “I As well as significant infrastructure am certain that this road will have investment, there will also be investment immediate and long-term benefits to in life sciences and business support as people who are in its vicinity as well as well as employment programmes. everyone in the wider community.” will grow and provide screening and The other areas to benefit from City “I would like to thank our officers and more natural looking soundproofing as Deal alongside South Lanarkshire are our contractor Land Engineering as well well as improving the overall look of the East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, as everyone involved in the Glasgow surrounding areas. Glasgow City, Inverclyde, North City Region City Deal who has made this As well as the new road, there are a Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire and West project possible.” Dunbartonshire. the reporter 15 BY LYNNE CARSTAIRS

HE Glasgow City Region City Deal – which includes South Lanarkshire– will generate more than £1bn of investment over 20 years to fund majorT infrastructure projects, and help thousands back into work. It also aims to improve public transport and connectivity, drive business innovation and growth and generate billions of pounds of private sector investment. A key part of the South Lanarkshire benefit under city deal is the identification of four Community Growth Areas (CGAs) in Newton, Hamilton, Larkhall and East Kilbride. Essentially the £62m plan will help to Council Leader Councillor Eddie the end of last year. With funding being deliver four new communities, with a range McAvoy said: “‘Community growth’ is a approved shortly afterwards by the City of housing types and tenure, enhanced perfect description of what is proposed Deal Cabinet, a series of Full Business Cases transport links, education and community through this project, in that the investment are now being prepared. facilities. in housing, schools, local facilities and Each CGA should also bring thousands transport will improve all aspects of quality Community growth areas in focus: of life for people of all ages in the four areas of new jobs from construction activity and Hamilton the operation of new facilities as the CGAs of Newton, Hamilton, Larkhall and East The proposed £21m investment will see are built and developed. Kilbride. up to 1800 homes built on two sites either The Newton CGA has already brought “This investment is tremendously side of Torhead Farm, honouring a long- significant change to the former Newton exciting as it makes real and lasting standing commitment in the council’s Farm and Newton Colliery sites, lying to differences to people’s lives.” Local Development Plan. the north of Cambuslang, and adjacent to Councillor McAvoy added: “It’s no secret The development will be undertaken Newton rail station and the River Clyde. that new housing is desperately needed, but by a consortium of major housing Hundreds of new homes are in place from when we are dealing with the development developers, including Stewart Milne the original Newton Phase 1 development of such a high number of homes, it is vital Homes, Miller Homes and Avant with another 320 homes in the process of that it is structured in a way to create a Homes, over what was initially being completed and the brand new £13.3m new community while at the same time estimated as a 25-year build period – Newton primary school scheduled to open benefiting the existing communitiesalthough work done through the City in August (more info on right). surrounding it. Deal funding could see this timescale As well as state-of-the-art educational “The City Deal allows us to do exactly facilities, South Lanarkshire’s 128th primary that, and we are very much looking forward school will feature a community wing with to seeing this major project take shape and 3G all weather pitch which will transform start to improve lives.” the community and leisure facilities Meanwhile the outline available in the area. business case for the Construction of the school is being Hamilton CGA was undertaken by South Lanarkshire Council approved by the Property Services and funded by City Deal, Council’s Executive developer contributions and the council. Committee at

16 the reporter the reporter 17 New Head Teacher ready for challenge AS work continues on the build of the new school at Newton – its head teacher is busy planning for an exciting and busy first term in August. Catherine Meechan – currently HT at High Blantyre Primary School – will take up the reigns at the yet to be named new school in the coming months. With school enrolment ongoing, and the process of bringing together a reduced by as much as 11 years. used to enhance facilities at Glengowan new school community, Proposals for three affordable- Primary School, Larkhall Academy and Mrs Meechan relishes the housing sites will contribute to the Holy Cross High School whilst road challenge of the months targets set out in the council’s Housing improvements will focus on the junction ahead. Investment Plan. Investments are of the A72 / M74 slip roads and the She said: “I have been given a unique proposed at Woodhead and St Mark’s creation of a new site access to the north opportunity to work with our team in Education Primary schools as well as Calderside of the CGA adjacent to the A72. Resources, staff, parents and pupils, to Academy, and a new nursery will meet establish and run this fabulous new primary early years provision. East Kilbride school. Road junction improvements funded The fourth CGA at East Kilbride, which “We have enjoyed a successful enrolment by City Deal, developers contributions could deliver up to 2500 homes, is at period with lots of interest from the local and the council will be undertaken on a outline design stage and as discussions community and I now look forward to meeting phased basis at key locations and routes move forward with developers and with all involved as we move forward. between Hamilton Town centre and the planning applications are approved “An early task is to give the school a name CGA sites. a more detailed set of City Deal which will be decided along with pupils and infrastructure proposals will be defined. parents, and from there we have a busy summer ahead. It will all be worth it when we welcome Larkhall However it is proposed that a new primary school will be delivered along our families through the gates, and write our The outline business case for Larkhall opening page in our history book, in August.” is being finalised and seeks funding with a range of other transport and education projects. Mrs Meechan, has been a teacher since 1994 to accommodate infrastructure works and has led High Blantyre Primary since 2008. associated with the new house building She added: “I have had a wonderful time at activity that will generate up to 1000 new High Blantyre and will miss this community very The new homes on a site bounded by Duke BUILDING BLOCKS: much. But I know they will continue to go from school and community facility Street and the A72 Lanark Road. strength to strength.” City Deal funding will be in Newton takes shape

16 the reporter the reporter 17 RISE IN RECYLING RATES AS HOUSEHOLDS CLEAN UP Significant amount of waste now being recycled instead of going to landfill

OUSEHOULD recycling rates are “With regards the 15,000 tonnes of food and expected to be above 50 per cent garden waste collected in 2016, a significant for the first time ever in South amount of this waste would have previously Lanarkshire. gone to landfill. HAnd it’s all thanks to improved services “Instead of the waste decomposing in which have now been rolled out to more than landfill to generate greenhouse gases and 140,000 households in the area. toxic leachate it is turned into a high quality Changes in the past few years mean that compost that then have a variety of uses burgundy bins are now for food and garden including landscaping and land remediation. waste (there are also new kitchen caddies to “We appreciate that there is always a collect food waste before transferring to the period of adjustment when changes are put burgundy bin), light grey bins are for plastics, in place with regards bin collections, but we cans and glass, blue bins are for paper and have to thank our residents for their patience. cardboard and black or green waste bins are “The figures show they are clearly for non-recyclable materials. embracing the recycling opportunities they The new food and garden waste service now have and are recognising the importance has been extremely popular with residents. of doing so for future generations.” High presentation rates have resulted in One family who are a prime example of more than 15,000 tonnes of food and garden that are Paul Henderson, his wife Donna having to think about it. waste being collected in 2016. and sons Connor (4) and Alfie (1) from East “That can only be a good thing for the Chair of South Lanarkshire Council’s Kilbride. future. Connor is already a keen recycler and Community Services Committee, Councillor Connor in particular is a recycling there is a spin off bonus that he is learning Hamish Stewart, said: “It’s great news that it “champion” and said: “Recycling is good for about different materials and their properties looks like more than half the waste generated the world around us and everybody should as he helps sort the tins, bottles, paper and by households will be recycled. do it. It is good not to waste things.” plastics.” “We are always looking to improve Mum Donna said: “With the different Dad Paul added: “I think it really is a case recycling rates so we will work with residents bins I think the next generation will just think that if you have not been brought up with to ensure that this positive trend continues. it is natural to recycle and will do it without recycling it seems like a bit of work to learn 18 the reporter HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE COUNCIL PLAN The work of South Lanarkshire Council is guided by the Council Plan – Connect, which sets out our Vision, Values, Ambitions and Objectives. The current version of Connect will come to an end in March 2017. We are preparing a new plan for the period 2017 to 2022 and we are keen to hear your views on how we can make the Council Plan better. The Council Plan – Connect sets out what we aim to achieve over the next five years and how we will do this, making the most effective use of resources to deliver the best possible services for you and your family. Learning from experience and from previous plans, we are taking the opportunity to update Connect to make it clearer, in terms of explaining what is important, what we plan to do and what difference this will make. Our vision “to improve the quality

CHAMPION RECYCLERS: The Henderson family have embraced the changes to bin collections

what goes into each bin and to change long established habits of just throwing it all out, but for children growing up with the process it is just the normal, natural thing to do.” Paul admits to feeling quite apprehensive when he found out about the changes. He said: “I think everyone was quite sceptical before we had the new bins delivered. It was something new, we did not of life of everyone in South Lanarkshire” know what to expect and we did not know remains at the heart of Connect and we whether the collection rota would work for also recognise that we do not operate in us. But speaking for ourselves we have found isolation. This version of Connect shows it really easy to adapt and find it works really how we link with a range of partners. well.” Donna said: “The kitchen caddy for Have your say by completing our food waste is really handy, I had expected survey at http://tinyurl.com/SLC- something bigger but it is small enough to fit CONNECT in without getting in the way. It does also help you to think about where food is being wasted A paper copy of this survey can be “The kitchen caddy for and where you could maybe save a bit.” food waste is really handy, And any concerns Paul had about collection supplied on request: days were also quickly rectified. He said: “I Email us at: performance@ I had expected something find it really easy to follow the collection rota southlanarkshire.gov.uk and make sure we put the right bin out, I just Telephone us at: 01698 453927 bigger but it is small look it up on the online calendar.” Write to us at: Improvement Unit, Finance and Corporate Resources, enough to fit in without n For information on bin collection dates and Floor 7, Almada Street, Hamilton getting in the way” more, go to www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk ML3 0AB the reporter 19 “We should not underestimate the importance of good quality play areasinthelifeofourcommunities”

MAKINGBY ANDREW THOMPSON PLAY WORK UCCESSFUL partnerships with the community and a drive to secure external Sfunding has helped the council deliver a programme of improvements and redevelopment of play areas throughout South Lanarkshire. From urban parks in the larger towns, through visitor destinations such as country parks, to local facilities in rural villages a safe, fun and adventurous play areas are important resources for children, parents, grandparents and carers who look after them. The council’s Landscape Development Team has taken an imaginative approach to delivering their programme of redevelopment to ensure the most benefit is squeezed from every penny invested and also to maximise additional funding from external sources. Key to securing that additional funding has been the development of partnerships with various community groups, some of which already existed and some of which were established with a clear goal of supporting local play facilities. the life of our communities. the young and their parents applications for funds that South Lanarkshire Council “They support healthy and carers, and they can would not be directly available Chair of Community outdoor play for children from bring added value to visitor to South Lanarkshire Council. Resources Councillor Hamish the very young to their teenage destinations. In fact, more than £1million of Stewart said: “We should not years, they provide a meeting “The Landscape Development investment has been drawn underestimate the importance place and an opportunity for Team and their partners in down through this route in of good quality play areas in social engagement for both communities the length and 2016/17.” breadth of South Lanarkshire Uddingston Pride is one are doing a great job working such community partner. together to support these play The group worked hand- facilities.” in-hand with the council Executive Director of to mastermind and drive Community and Enterprise through a major investment in Resources Michael McGlynn play equipment for the town’s said: “Beyond meeting upkeep Crofthead Park. and maintenance costs for our Completed in April 2016 play parks there is very little new play facilities in the park available money within our include a designated toddler budget to replace damaged area, a junior area and an equipment or add new items. all weather multi use games “By working with partner area (MUGA). There is also organisations the Landscape outdoor fitness equipment in Development Team has a gym zone. DELIGHT: Local children are loving the facilities been able to support grant The work at Crofthead Park 20 the reporter the reporter 21 “We should not underestimate the importance of good quality play areas in the life of our communities” 10 PLACES TO PLAY Play areas fill an important role in both urban and rural settings and South Lanarkshire Council is committed to working with communities to maintain and improve these facilities and equipment. MAKINGPLAY WORK The council is working with community partners to secure grant support for investment in play facilities and here are some of the most recently completed projects:

n Greenhills Park, East Kilbride – the redeveloped play area opened in April 2016 and incorporates standing relationship with Uddingston Pride that the rockscapes that offer a range of Landscape Development climbing challenges. Team could tap into to ensure n Crawford – also completed in 2016 the project could go ahead, and suitable for toddlers and juniors. but Crawford presented a n Calderglen Country Park – with different situation. funding from sportscotland the “Our team worked with the country park’s new adventure play community who established area takes advantage of landscape a group to specificallyfeatures support the play project and n Rosebank – redeveloped in March who could identify funding 2016 the new play equipment is opportunities and apply for complimented by planting Crofthead grants that would not be Park, Uddingston –a popular town BALANCING available to South Lanarkshire centre park was redeveloped with a FUN: Friends Council on its own. new toddler Erin, Evie, Ellie “As a result of that and Ava from partnership with the and junior Muiredge Primary community we have been play area School enjoy able to develop a facility Braehead – hanging out at the village Crofthead Park that is not just an excellent resource for local children but play area can also serve as an attraction has been to encourage visitors to the significantly area to stop in Crawford and updated with work completed in perhaps spend a little money November 2016 locally – I might add it is n Tarbrax – improvement works were extremely handy for taking completed in January 2017 a break on a long journey on Almost 700 children attend the M74.” Coming soon: “Our team worked primary schools close to the Gail Coulter, Crawford n Blackwood Park – funding has centre of Uddingston and Community Council with the community been secured with work starting this has given them a new, member, said: “Working as a who established safe place for healthy outdoor community we were able to early this year. n a group to play. secure a maximum grant of Sandford – work is due to get “The play equipment £197,609 from SSE’s Clyde underway with grant support now in specifically support and sports area are part of Wind Farm Fund to finance place. the wider redevelopment of the play park and we are n Glassford – another project the play project the park which our group absolutely delighted with the starting this year thanks to a was made possible through a continues to support to results. successful funding bid. partnership approach which provide a space for all to “It took four years of work has seen Uddingston Pride enjoy in the heart of our and planning but when you Working with community partners to secure £185,000 in National community.” see the children, families and maximise external investment in play Lottery funding to support Some thirty miles south friends enjoying it shows it is a crucial part of South Lanarkshire South Lanarkshire Council’s of Crofthead Park in the was well worth the effort. Council’s strategy in the current Landscape Development village of Crawford a similar “Our former chair Robert challenging financial climate. Team in the redevelopment. transformation has taken Gemmel deserves recognition If you are part of a constituted Secretary of Uddingston place to deliver a safe, modern for working tirelessly to community group and would like to Pride Sandy Robertson said: place to play for toddlers and make this happen but I think “This was an important older children. we must also recognise the discuss a potential project in your project for us and has helped Mr McGlynn said: “In support, encouragement and area then email Amenity Services transform the park into a the case of Uddingston the hard work of our partners in [email protected] or place for all generations. council already had a long South Lanarkshire Council.” telephone 0303 123 1020. 20 the reporter the reporter 21 Perfect Haven in the heart of Clydesdale Located in the village of Forth the facility will provide much needed services to all surrounding local communities

ITTING in rural Clydesdale, a newly- their carers and family members. designed facility the best approach if it was built facility is allowing a charity to With more than 14 years’ experience in to offer the full range of services that the reach out to the surrounding areas developing and delivering healthcare to charity wished to provide. and provide support to people with around 750 clients through 14 employees, 18 Officers from across South Lanarkshire Slife-limiting illness. self-employed therapists and more than 50 Council combined their areas of expertise The Haven offers free and confidential volunteers, the charity operates from bases to work with the Haven Caring Counselling care, complementary therapies and in Blantyre, Wishaw and, until now, from a Communication Centre and funding information to people affected by illnesses flat that it leased in Forth. organisations to assist the new premises to such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, motor However, it had outgrown the Forth flat become a reality. neurone disease, Parkinson’s disease and and needed premises suitable for its level Janice Williams, Chief Executive Officer Huntington’s disease, as well as support to of work, with the construction of a custom- at The Haven, said: “Development of the A local service that stretches the arms of care far and wide THE Haven offers a programme therapists, and volunteers work wonderful, panoramic views The centre offers premises of support designed to help closely together to provide the across countryside to the Tinto designed to allow the provision individuals cope with the highest standard of care. Hills! of confidential counselling, physical, emotional and practical The new facility in Forth “The centre also gives us a therapeutic and complementary aspects of their illness and to has been designed to allow the hub from which we can reach therapies and group activities, enable them to face the future charity to offer its full range out to communities across while there is also an office base with hope. of services to the people of Clydesdale, ‘being there’ for to co-ordinate the Haven@Home Support is offered to people Clydesdale while, at the same people at all stages of illness - at service that provides treatment of all ages, including children, time, playing its part in the local diagnosis, during treatment and and support in clients’ own and to family members and village community. providing bereavement support homes. carers. It is specifically tailored to The Haven’s Janice Williams for families. Operated by full-time staff, meet the needs of the individual said: “The new purpose-built “Over time, the centre will the facility also includes an and is provided for people at all centre provides the warm, also be developed as a resource information hub containing stages of their illness from the welcoming and non-clinical for local communities and we literature and information point of diagnosis onwards. Haven environment that we look forward to working with on local and regional health, Operating as a drop-in know our clients need, where organisations and community social care and voluntary sector centre with no need for medical they can access emotional groups to ‘make a difference’ support services as well as referral, the charity provides support to manage the impact and support a wide range information on groups and local all services free of charge, and illness or caring has on their of health and wellbeing activities for members of the the team of specialist nurses, lives - an environment with initiatives.” local community.

22 the reporter the reporter 23 Perfect Haven in the heart of ClydesdaleTEAMWORK: the council, Haven representatives Located in the village of Forth the facility and local organisations worked together will provide much needed services to all to make the new surrounding local communities building possible

new Haven centre in Forth would not council’s Estates officials as, with Haven Funding amounting to £169,083 was have been possible without the generous representatives, they identified a suitable, granted from the Renewable Energy Fund, financial support of The Levenseat Trust, council-owned site in forth and developed which distributes Community Benefit Funds SLC Renewable Energies Fund and The a business case for a reduction in the rental from windfarms and which is administered Robertson Trust. price on community-benefit grounds to £1 by the council, to add to £340,000 from the “However, it was not just financial per annum. Levenseat Trust, which uses Landfill Tax assistance that made this possible: South Councillor McClymont said: “I am Credits and donations from local landfill Lanarkshire Council also provided advice extremely happy and proud to see what and recycling company Levenseat Ltd to and guidance at every stage of the project has been achieved with the new facility for support projects aimed at improving the and this was invaluable. From the first people with life-limiting illnesses in our environment for the benefit of local people. step of securing a lease on land, through to area. I was approached a couple of years ago William Haggarty, chairperson of the planning applications, to see if I could arrange Levenseat Trust, said: “The Directors of finance, tendering, roads new facilities as they the Trust were delighted to provide the and building control, “Not just funding, were growing out of the major funding for the new Haven Project. every department one-bedroomed flat the The worthiness of this new purpose-built in SLC that we have the council council had been happy facility allowed the Directors to agree to worked with has been to provide for more make the largest funding award in the extremely supportive than 10 years. history of The Levenseat Trust in the sum and this has been very provided advice “I managed to work of £340,000. much appreciated by the with SLC to secure the “Located in the village of Forth the Board of Directors and and guidance at Haven a long lease over facility will provide much needed services to project staff. the piece of ground and all surrounding local communities and the “We are delighted every stage of the then the ball started to directors are sure that all the end users will that The Haven can roll when the funding appreciate their new surroundings. The new now extend our project and this was was obtained via the centre, built on a previously derelict site, also services into Forth Levenseat Trust, of greatly enhances the appearance of the local and rural areas across which I am a Trustee, area.” Clydesdale. We know invaluable” and the Renewable Chris Walker, managing director of that rural communities Energy Trust. Muirhall Energy, said: “We are delighted that face particular challenges in accessing local “I cannot thank the funders enough and we could help towards the new building, support and that this can be particularly I know they are extremely proud of the new knowing that it helps so many local people. difficult for families affected by life-limiting facility and the legacy this will be for the “We have been involved with supporting illness.” area. This was an idea from Jessie Griffin the Haven for a number of years now, and it Councillor Catherine McClymont, chair who co-founded the original Little Haven is great to see the positive impacts that the of the Clydesdale Area Committee, lent her and I know she will be extremely happy money generated by wind farms can have in support to the project and worked with the with the outcome.” the community.”

the reporter 23 TAKING CARBON RENEWABLE: John Bingham says ETC is at the forefront of the drive for EMISSIONS sustainable energy (main pic), while Greystone also provide carbon reduction services TOHE East Kilbride TaskTASK Force better understand how becoming carbon continues to work collaboratively neutral can benefit them. to attract investment and business The Minister for Business, Innovation to the town. And it is looking for and Energy Paul Wheelhouse attended Tways to secure and create jobs as well as a meeting of the Task Force in December encouraging economic growth for East to hear about the ambitious plans to put Kilbride. East Kilbride at the heart of the low carbon The public/ private sector partnership sector in Scotland. includes representatives from South Mr Wheelhouse expressed interest in Lanarkshire Council, Scottish Enterprise, the proposals and welcomed the initiative Business Gateway Lanarkshire Enterprise being taken in the town. The Minister Services, Skills Development Scotland, said he would bring forward suggestions Lanarkshire Chamber of Commerce, South as to how the Scottish Government could Lanarkshire College and Orion Capital support the plans. Managers, on behalf of East Kilbride Town Councillor Chris Thompson, Chair of Centre. the East Kilbride Task Force, said: “We The Scottish Government introduced have a number of business and industrial new regulations last September requiring properties in the area that are more than owners of non-domestic buildings to 25 years old and due to the age, condition improve their energy efficiency and reduce and type of construction would struggle the CO2 emissions of their building. to be compliant with the emerging energy And a major focus of the Task Force over performance criteria. the last two years has been on developing “This initiative will ensure that, over the a low carbon economy strategy to put next 5 years, we can refurbish many of these East Kilbride on the map as a centre for to upgrade their energy potential and show excellence in Scotland. best practice to will have local, To date the Task Force and Zero Waste others. regional and Scotland have been involved in the early “East stages of a town-wide business and national benefits Kilbride, of the next 5 to 10 industrial site low carbon retrofit project, with its local which is now moving to the delivery phase. years. Much of concentration the initial work There are many commercial and business of similar is complete and properties within East Kilbride that were properties is the the project can constructed more that 25 years ago and, as ideal focus for be complete in a they stand, would find it difficult to meet this initiative timeframe and these new targets. within on a scale that So this initiative will offer practical Scotland and is is not possible advice, guidance and support to business well placed to anywhere else in owners and occupiers to ensure that they become a hub Scotland.” for low carbon reap all the benefits of becoming carbon One East industry. neutral or low carbon. Kilbride Businesses can sign up for specialist “By doing Company who bespoke energy efficiency assistance and this it will not is growing in information on the range of financial only secure this sector is the support available. In addition, businesses around 8,000 jobs but has the potential Greystone Group. The company, which without an existing Energy Performance to create 1,000 jobs for East Kilbride. This employs 55 staff, has been providing Certificate (EPC) will receive a free EPC is not only good for the environment but carbon reduction services to a wide and assessment. great news for the local economy too. diverse range of clients in both the private The project will improve the appeal and “East Kilbride provides the ideal and public sectors. marketability of East Kilbride as a centre for opportunity to bring together the objectives The company offers a variety of services growth by providing business properties of Zero Waste Scotland and Resource to help businesses reduce their carbon with support for owners and occupiers to Efficient Scotland to deliver a project that footprint. From LED lighting to infrared 24 the reporter N-ice development in EK The East Kilbride Task Force has worked closely with the Town Centre on the substantial redevelopment within the Olympia Mall. A new leisure hub has recently been opened, featuring a variety of family-orientated restaurants including Nandos and Frankie and Benny’s, a new commercial gym, the existing cinema complex and a better and brighter ice rink. The ice rink re-opened its doors to the public in December and feedback has been very positive. The £2.2M refurbishment included a new ammonia and air handling plant, ice pad, redecoration and improved access for those with disabilities. The majority of the costs involved in the refurbishment of the ice rink were met by the council with contributions secured from Sportscotland, Renewable Energy Fund and Orion, the Town Centre Developer. Chair of South Lanarkshire Council’s Enterprise Services Committee, and chair of the Task Force, Councillor Chris Thompson, said: “The ice rink forms a key part of the exciting “Energy demand was reduced by insulating new leisure hub and it is the walls, roof and floor of the buildings, fitting new doors and windows with good insulation properties and installing LED lighting.” heating and a number of measures to ETC has also implemented energy rectify heat loss in older buildings. efficiency measures at its own premises Craig Smith, Managing Director of and in 2014 completed an EU-funded Greystone said: “Commercial and business refurbishment of the property to reduce buildings can benefit from retrofit measures energy demand and to meet that demand resulting in substantial savings and partly from renewable supplies. improvement to the Energy Performance John Bingham, Chief Executive of rating. ETC said: “Our refurbishment was very something that as a council we are “The work already successful. Energy demand was reduced by delighted to be involved in. undertaken by the East insulating the walls, “Before the refurbishment, the Kilbride Task Force roof and floor ice rink attracted around 100,000 will ensure that local of the buildings, visitors a year, and with these businesses can benefit fitting new doors improvements we hope that even from carbon reduction and windows with more people will come and spend and really put the town good insulation a day enjoying all the facilities on on the map as a centre properties and offer in East Kilbride.” of excellence.” installing LED Councillor Hamish Stewart, Energy Technology lighting. Chair of Community Resources Centre, based in the Scottish Enterprise “To provide Committee said: “This is a major Technology Park in East Kilbride, is at the renewable energy to the facility, a biomass investment project to improve forefront of new developments in renewable boiler was installed for heating and a leisure facilities for the people of energy. This local engineering company, wind turbine and PV panels were used East Kilbride and surrounding which has both facilities and analytical for delivering green electricity. Effective areas and going from the capability, undertakes development of new management of these energy sources feedback we’ve received it will be technology in the wind energy, marine is being enhanced by the installation of very popular indeed.” power and low carbon heat sectors and has thermal and electrical energy storage clients across the world. systems.” the reporter 25 WITHZOO A VIEW BY LYNNE CARSTAIRS She revealed: “The trio fans in 2013 in the Pokemon arrived at the end of last year X and Y game. (See picture, HE advent of and were off display for a bottom right.) Spring is signalling while so they could get used Young visitors to the zoo new beginnings at to the keeping staff. However have already been delighted Calderglen Zoo. they have settled into their to find a ‘real’ pokemon or TAnd some recent new exhibit nicely. Frank is three in their midst. additions to the collection the cheeky boss of the group Also joining the new are tentatively showing who will sometimes steal his animals on the block are two themselves to the public, brothers’ food when they’re cute cusimanses. Members having spent the winter not looking. Foxy likes to of the mongoose family, adapting to their new investigate new toys and food they are best described as surroundings. in their enclosure, and Fred is bigger, browner versions Regular visitors to shy and prefers to relax on of meerkats. Natalie adds: the South Lanarkshire the sand in the corner, hiding “They are still a bit nervous Leisure and Culture (SLLC) under the plant.” around the public but are Andean mountain slopes. attraction, may already be In fact the zoo team has gradually becoming more So, the changeable Scottish acquainted with the Fennec its finger on the pulse of confident. They are hidden climate suits them well. Foxes – three brothers named one of the biggest gaming in the middle of the zoo And for visitors who Frank, Foxy and Fred. phenomena of the last year in the enclosure between want to do a little more than Their home is a new desert with this gang of newbies. the meerkats and polecats look at the zoo’s expanding exhibit in the conservatory Avid collectors of and like to hide. But they collection, Calderglen is where animal keeper Natalie ‘Pokemon Go’ will recognise should be out a lot more in continuing some of its most Martin has enjoyed watching Fennekin – a fennec fox fire the warmer months. Visitors popular hands-on activities their personalities develop. pokemon first introduced to may be able to catch a glimpse of them if they are throughout 2017. very quiet and sneak up so that the cusimanses can’t THESE INCLUDE hear them…” n ‘Wake up the Zoo’ - Finally, four young male participants feed breakfast coatis have arrived from to coatis, porcupines, Curraghs Wildlife Park on caracara, polecats, wildcats, the Isle of Man. Although not kookaburras, guinea pigs, a new species for Calderglen, rabbits and meerkats. the current coati enclosure Running for an hour from has been fully refurbished in 9am, this unique experience anticipation of their arrival, is open to adults and creating a warmer indoor children aged 6+ (maximum space for colder weather. In three people) and must the wild, coatis – which most be booked in advance. closely resemble raccoons – (weekdays only) have widespread habitats. n‘Meet the Meerkats’ – a Their habitats range from hugely popular experience hot and arid areas to humid where adults and children rainforests and even cold get to meet the meerkats 26 the reporter EVENTS Upcoming Events at 3:30pm - There will be Calderglen Zoo – dates for minibeast handling sessions, the diary bug hunting and worm Playful Pets - 11:30am-3:30pm digging sessions taking place on Wed 28th-Fri 30th June. throughout the day in an attempt Handling sessions with animals to raise awareness of how cool that also make great pets. these little critters really are. Wild about Wildlife Week Mon 3rd- Reptile Awareness Week - Monday Fri 7th July - Activities on offer will 16th- Friday 20th October from include minibeast hunting, worm 11:30am- 3:30pm - Reptile digging, pond dipping, owl pellet handling sessions and reptile- dissection and butterfly and themed craft sessions take bird feeder craft activities. place throughout each day. Big Bug Bonanza - *50% off Calderglen Monday 7th-Friday Zoo animal craft 11th August from activities for ACE 11:30am- members.

up-close in their enclosure. The experience lasts about 15-20 minutes with a THANK YOU maximum of 3 people in the enclosure at one time. The Calderglen Zoo (weekdays only) staff would like to say a massive thank you And new for 2017 is the to all who donated to Calderglen Zoo Summer the Amazon Wishlist School. Aimed at youngsters in 2016. The animals aged 6-11, the summer school received lots of objects will run daily from 24th to including hammocks, 28th July. Each day is based rope ladders, food around a different theme and balls, hedgehog houses promises lots of scavenger and cat chase toys. FEEDING TIME: Natalie Martin gets up close with hunts, fun outdoor activities If you would like to a coatis (main pic), while new additions include donate, the link to including worm digging cusimanses (bottom left) and fennec foxes (above) and minibeast hunting, and the Calderglen Zoo competitions with prizes up than 50 different species - of your group, including Amazon wish list is: for grabs. has a tropical glasshouse, contact person, address, https://www.amazon. Spaces will be limited and ornamental gardens, nature phone number and email co.uk/gp/registry/wishli advance booking is a must. trails and walks, courtyard address. Please also include st/?ie=UTF8&cid=A8211 Summer school will cost £100 cafe, play areas and an 18 the number of children 78FJSQ4L Alternatively for ACE members and £125 hole golf course. and number of adults and click on the ‘Your Lists’ without ACE membership. any additional needs or tab in Amazon and then Calderglen Country n For more info or to book requirements. Calderglen type in ‘Calderglen Zoo’ Park is a four-star tourist email calderglencountrypark Zoo is a disability-friendly in the search bar. attraction which as well @southlanarkshireleisure. attraction. Alternatively as the zoo – home to more co.uk giving details telephone 01355 236644. the reporter 27 The Reporter speaks to two families who have provided loving homes through fostering and adoption LOTS TO CELEBRATE ABOUT FAMILY LIFE

OST young people in South that 40 children can be paired with their forever knew that he was going to be their son. Lanarkshire will look families within the next year. The match was approved and they made forward to their birthday and John and Susan married in 2005 and preparations for him in their home. perhaps Christmas as days of immediately started trying for a family. They Susan comments: “That week was very Mcelebration, gifts and parties. quickly discovered that it was not going to be strange, we visited him for an hour on the But for two lucky children they each get possible for them to have birth children and Monday and then gradually upped the time a third annual day of celebration with their they ruled out having fertility treatment. we spent with him until we finally brought family, when they go out for a meal and get After much soul searching they decided him home. taken to the Bear Factory as a treat. that adoption was the way forward for them “The support we received from the council For Jack and Sophie are adopted, and their and they began the assessment process in 2006. was phenomenal and they kept in touch to family chooses to mark the day that their Susan said: “We put our details on the SLC make sure we were all doing well. We kept adoptions were finalised. website to request more information and the South Lanarkshire parents John and Susan information pack came through really quickly. “How great it is that we have kids feel that it’s important to mark the day their “We met with a social worker and were children legally became part of their family. enrolled in a preparation class which was a in our lives, making us a family. John said: “It was the end of a very long road group session along with other prospective We get so much out of it.” and it’s only right we celebrate it. The children parents.” look forward to it each year. We got them a bear John said: “It was actually really informative it very low key to begin with and slowly the first year and since then they’ve had a new when we got there and there are couples introduced Jack to our extended family and outfit for their soft toy and get to choose what we met there that have been a support right friends.” they want for dinner as a special treat.” through the process and we remain friends The court proceedings came about six Susan and John are happy to talk about with even now.” months later when the adoption was granted. their adoption experience to highlight the need When a potential match became available It was then that their family tradition started for adoptive families in South Lanarkshire. the couple were introduced to Jack in 2009. He as they took Jack for a teddy and for a special Indeed, the council has recently launched a was an adorable 2 and a half year old who was meal to celebrate the momentous day in their Find 40 Families campaign where they hope living with a foster family. They immediately family history. 28 the reporter The Reporter speaks to two families who have provided loving homes through fostering and adoption

SUPPORT: The council are there to FOSTERING A LOVING help anyone thinking about adoption (picture posed HOME FOR CHILDREN by models) HE council needs couples whether they are to me, she has taught foster carers to look married, living together me everything I know, after children of all or in a civil partnership. from cooking and lots T We are also looking for of practical skills, to ages who can’t live with their birth families. families with children and encouraging me how to be While the priority is without, and people from the best me possible. helping families stay all ethnic groups.” “I have absolutely no together, there are many One young woman whose doubt that my life would reasons why children need life was completely turned have taken a different path a period of fostering. around by a foster family if it hadn’t been for the It could be that a parent is 18 year old Shaddelle grounded, safe and stable has to go into hospital Reid, from Stonehouse. home Hazel was able to or is suffering a period She and her brothers offer me.” of ill health. There could were placed with her Shaddelle feels so be bereavement in the foster family when she strongly about children family or it could be that was 10 years old. getting the best start a child is being abused or Shaddelle says that from possible that she is now neglected. the minute she entered a spokesperson for Who Cares? Some children LOVING: stay in foster Shaddelle Scotland care for only Reid and and aims to a few days or foster mum help other weeks until Hazel young people their families who can’t be are able to care cared for in for them again. their family But in some homes. cases it isn’t She said: possible for “One of the them to return reasons that home and the I tell my story council needs is that I know to make plans mine has for permanent been really care. successful. Foster “I’m really They noticed that their son loved other carers give lucky that I children so decided that they would start the children the was kept with process again and adopt another child. opportunity my brothers They made another application and this to grow and and that my resulted in the adoption of their daughter ,who develop in placement has was 13 months old. Susan said: “Of course, I a safe and been stable. I got a bit carried away and after all the blue I have a happy painted everything pink in her room and had secure ending. lots of girlie outfits.” environment. “For me, every Sophie moved in with her family just They work before Christmas and John and Susan say they as part of a child in care felt their family was complete. team with should have Jack is 10 now and Sophie is 6, and both of the child’s social worker, that positive them are happy children doing well at school. birth parents and any her foster carer’s house experience. John said: “The thing that annoys me most other agencies involved in she felt loved and safe. “I hope that by people about people’s perceptions of adoption is that the child’s care. Shaddelle remembers: hearing my story, they will they say how very good of you to have helped Councillor Lynsey “Up until then I’d never realise that fostering really a child. Actually I think how great it is that we Hamilton, Depute Chair been read a bedtime story can change lives. have our kids in our lives, making us a family. of South Lanarkshire and I just remember Hazel We need good foster We have got so much out of it. I can’t imagine Council’s Social Work tucking me up in bed and carers in the South our lives without Sophie and Jack and I am reading to me. I felt like Lanarkshire area so if you thankful every day.” Resources Committee said: the luckiest girl in the think you could help out a n To get more information on becoming a “We are currently looking foster carer or adopting a child please visit for carers over the age of world. child like me then please www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk or contact the 21 from all walks of life. “Over the years Hazel get more information.” Family Placement Team on 0303 123 1008. We need single people and has been such a support 28 the reporter the reporter 29 JOBSPOTS HELP 600 YOUNG INTO WORK BY ANDREW THOMPSON OUNG people and businesses in South Lanarkshire are being given a massive head start with South Lanarkshire’s Youth YEmployment Initiative. Branded as Jobspot, the initiative was launched in February 2016 and by the end of the year it had already worked with 1400 young people and seen 600 of them starting work in the first 300 days. Jobspot offices are operating in Hamilton, East Kilbride, Rutherglen and Lanark, giving young people and businesses access to the support they need right on their doorsteps. News of the initiative’s success has spread beyond South Lanarkshire prompting a visit from the Minister for Employability and Training Jamie Hepburn MSP to the Hamilton Jobspot in December. The minister also visited a thriving Hamilton business which has benefited from the financial and training support that the programme provides. South Lanarkshire Council Chair of Enterprise Services, Councillor Chris Thompson, said: “It is no secret that the public sector is working under tough budget constraints but investment in the future of our young people is vital and the success of the South Lanarkshire Youth Employment Initiative shows that investment pays off.” The Youth Employment Initiative in South Lanarkshire is funded by South Lanarkshire Council, the European Social Fund and the Youth Employment Initiative. After visiting the Hamilton Jobspot office the Minister met former trainees who are now working at Henderson’s Butchers in the town’s New Cross Shopping Centre. The firm has been able to help six young “I am really people into good jobs. grateful for the The Minster said: “It was interesting support I have to hear how the been given South Lanarkshire Youth Employment to get started Initiative has been in a job that I working with love and that young people and employers at the local gives me real level to really focus opportunities in on the training been of great benefit. friendly and supportive and Jobspot were individuals need to to develop a “The young people who have come to brilliant in making it all happen for me.” help them find work. career” us have got here through their own hard Delicatessen Assistant Aimee Craw “From what I have work but have undeniably benefitted from from Larkhall said: “I felt that the staff at heard this project has made a very strong getting the right training and have quickly Jobspot were really able to help me figure start and I would wish it continued success become real assets to the business.” out what I needed to do to improve my in the future.” Apprentice Butcher Ryan Miller from chances of getting into work and then they Shop owner Andrew Henderson said: Glassford said: “I am really grateful for the knew how to make sure I got the training “We have developed a really positive support I have been given to get started and development to make that happen. relationship with Jobspot and working to in a job that I love and that gives me real “I think it is great that Henderson’s are ensure that I could recruit the right young opportunities to develop a career. willing to give young people a chance and people with the skills I am looking for has “Everyone at Henderson’s is really I would really encourage other businesses 30 the reporter JOBSPOTS HELP 600 YOUNG INTO WORK High performance vehicle for youth employment Through Jobspot the Youth Employment Initiative in South Lanarkshire is engaging with a wide range of employers and is able to work with young people to help them get into careers that suit both their skills and their interests. Keiran Murphy and Sam Meldrum share a love of cars and for them the opportunity to work day to day dealing with some of the most prestigious cars on the road was a dream come true. With support from Jobspot Kieran and Sam were taken on by East Kilbride based Concierge Vehicle Solutions, a specialist car buying company that offers its clients expertise in sourcing the car they want and in negotiating the best possible deal. Concierge are one of many local companies who have welcomed support to their businesses from South Lanarkshire’s Youth Employment Initiative as well as the energy and enthusiasm that young people bring.

“I felt that the staff at Jobspot were DREAM JOB: Kieran and Sam are loving the opportunities given really able to help to them thanks to Concierge and me figure out what Jobspot I needed to do to Director Andy Aird said: “We use our specialist knowledge and contacts improve my chances to get our customers the best car and of getting into work” the best deal. “Jobspot used their expertise to give us the support to create two new jobs and to find the two young people to fill them. “Sam and Keiran came in at the perfect time as we needed to see if Jobspot can help them offer that additional help to manage an opportunities to people of my generation WORKING HARD: Ryan Miller increase in customer enquiries while – we want to work and we won’t let you from Glassford and Aimee maintaining the high standards of down”. Craw from Larkhall are both customer satisfaction we demand. n A range of financial incentives, employed at Henderson’s “The funding and training support training support and recruitment Butchers thanks to support from Jobspot was essential in allowing us to take them on and to prepare them assistance is available. If your business from Jobspot for the roles they have undertaken. could create new jobs with the support We see this as business and public of Jobspot please contact Sandra sector working in harmony to increase Cuthbertson on 01698 454395 or email long term local productivity, reduce Sandra.cuthbertson@southlanarkshire. unemployment and offer young people gov.uk real opportunities.” the reporter 31 Service users benefit as phone app gives personalised schedules to home carers” NEW APP IMPROVES CARE FOR THOUSANDS BY EUAN DUGUID “The smartphone app now sets out personalised schedules at our workers’ OBILE PHONE fingertips and they can be updated instantly applications have made and as required.” managing many areas of Home carers’ roles can involve helping a life easier. person to wash, dress or get ready for bed. MKeep fit plans, sorting out finances or Some home carers are also trained to give staying a step ahead of the changeable more personal assistance such as help with weather, for example, are all at people’s medication, incontinence or catheter care. fingertips. “A full time home carer can visit Now a specially-designed smartphone numerous service users a day – so app has become a vital tool of the trade for coordination is vital,” Deborah added. workers with the caring touch. “The app sets out the day’s workload – South Lanarkshire Health and Social it tells home carers who they’ve got to see, Care Partnership’s Home Care Service what time they’ve got to see them and sets operates seven days a week, 365 days a year out what tasks the home carer needs to carry to help people remain as independent as out.” they can possibly be in their own home. The apps use the latest encryption It’s a vital service amid increasing technology to guarantee security. demand as people live longer lives. Overall, the development translates to Deborah Mackle, Home Care better care for people in South Service Manager, explained how Lanarkshire receiving the technology is playing a vital role service. in the delivery of the frontline Agnes Austin, is running a little late or make alternative service. Home Care arrangements to send another member of She said: “The rollout Operations Manager staff if the delay is going to be significant. of the app represents a in Rutherglen, “This reduces any anxiety for service quantum leap in terms of added: “As well as users and allows our staff to fully focus on how home care is managed providing staff with the task in hand.” and coordinated. details, the app Kelly Cunningham, a home carer, says Daily schedules were provides real-time the app has been hugely helpful in her day- traditionally drawn up updates of the home to-day work. and distributed to some carer’s working day Kelly said: “We may be meeting a service 1000 home care staff in to central offices. If user for the first time but that person won’t paper. there is any issue or find themselves repeating their story or challenge with any background. service user that creates “The most up-to-date information is SUPPORT: Sheltered a delay in the schedule, at our fingertips. We are using technology housing resident Mary the knock-on is reported via but it helps us to continue to ensure our Liddell (93) known as May the app. approach is very person centred.” from East Kilbride pictured with “That means the local office can Home carers are a vital part of integrated home carer Allison Duncan. inform the next service user if their carer working across health and social care. 32 the reporter Service users benefit as phone app gives personalised schedules to home carers” Help us #FindFraser A simple text message is being used to help people in South Lanarkshire take care of their hearts, minds and general health. And a new animation brings the cutting edge system in to sharp focus. The short film tells the story of Fraser – a busy thirty something who’s living with high blood pressure. Traditionally, that means he would have had to make regular trips to his GP to have his blood pressure monitored. But now, thanks to the help of a system called Flo, he can text his readings from home - ensuring his safety and reducing the need to attend the doctor’s surgery for routine checks. Morag Hearty, of South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership,

MOBILE: explained: “This system is easy and Home carer Kelly intuitive to use and is supporting people Cunningham is with a range of conditions and challenges delighted with the new app including mental health, smoking cessation, diabetes, heart failure and “The local office can inform complex care needs to people with less serious conditions which could require respiratory conditions, to name but a few. the next service user if their hospital admission if left untreated. “Fraser’s story provides a practical, carer is running a little late or Work is currently underway to develop easy to follow example of the technology in action.” make alternative arrangements the app with partners in health to reinforce links with community nursing and You can watch the animation here: to send another member of consolidate the flow of relevant information https://youtu.be/0UsK_vFbuAY staff if the delay is going to be and expertise. Val de Souza, Director of Health Can you #FindFraser? significant” and Social Care for South Lanarkshire The animation’s main character, Fraser Health and Social Care Partnership said: is so active, in fact, you’ll now be able to The service, for example, plays a key “The rollout of this app is reflective of find him across South Lanarkshire- so part in the Integrated Community Support our commitment to making continuous keep your eye out for a special poster. Team in South Lanarkshire. improvement in service delivery. If you see it, take a picture of Fraser The ICST, which is active across South “This is also about making sure our staff with your camera phone then post on Lanarkshire, aims to prevent unnecessary are equipped to work in the most efficient Facebook or Twitter with the hashtag hospital or care home admissions and and effective way possible – which enables #FoundFraser. reduce the length of stay in hospital. a smooth and coordinated approach for the Fraser himself will come back with a Recipients have ranged from those with people at the centre of care.” special reply! the reporter 33 BUSINESSES REAP REWARD OF COUNCIL ASSISTANCE Support available to local companies

BY ANDY LIVINGSTONE

CHANCE sighting in the Caribbean led to an East Kilbride couple operating a Abusiness in Edinburgh – and with its roots in such varied places, how fitting that the business offers tours with a difference! While working as a purser for an airline cabin crew 20 years ago, Alison Simpson happened across a restaurant that was housed in a stationary vintage London bus. She was captivated by what she thought was a great idea with only one thing wrong with it – the bus wasn’t mobile. Married life and motherhood – with Stuart and Bradley respectively – meant that time became limited and her business idea had to be put on the back- burner. However, once Bradley reached high school age, Alison dusted off her plans... and Red Bus Bistro was born. The business now offers tours around Edinburgh in a classic red Routemaster double-decker bus that has been stylishly fitted out councils in South Lanarkshire were a great help at this time, to also offer afternoon teas and and Edinburgh, the food assisting with our website – gourmet burgers. A landmark Standards Authority, Scottish which is so important for a ruling this year has also seen the Enterprise, Business Gateway, commercial business these days – bus being licensed as a premises Environmental Health, Health and with the final part of the refit, to sell alcohol – the first such and Safety, the Alcohol Licensing as well as offering advice on a licence to be granted in the UK Board and the Office of the Traffic regular basis. It was great to have since a blanket ban was put in Commissioner. on hand people who knew the place to address “party buses”. “In the meantime, we had process of setting up in business But things were not always plain bought the bus in September as it was totally new to us, and sailing. 2015 and had been working that combination of reassurance “It took a while to get extensively on it to ensure we and advice was invaluable.” things up and running,” Alison were ready to go as soon as we Stephen Keating, revealed. “No one in the UK had were given the go-ahead. The Business Support & Property ever attempted to have a vehicle work included lovingly restoring Development Manager at that was capable of both touring the paintwork inside and out, South Lanarkshire Council’s and serving food and drink like fitting it with a galley kitchen Business Support team, said: “It this, so not only were there a and upholstering original is gratifying to see someone not huge amount of regulations that Routemaster seat frames – only make a success of starting we had to comply with, but also overall, we were determined to a new business, but doing so the agencies had to work out keep as much of the character of with a ground-breaking concept, in the first place exactly what the bus as laws and regulations which means that they have no regulations were relevant to us! allowed us to do. comparable businesses to learn “Just to be able to start up “The Business Support team from but have to work it all out CHANGE: Taher’s leap of at all, we had to work with the at South Lanarkshire Council from scratch.” faith is paying off 34 the reporter BUSINESSES REAP REWARD OF COUNCIL ASSISTANCE

“The council were a great help. It was great to have on hand people who knew the process of setting up in VISION: Neil’s dream is set to become reality business” World first gets off to a flyer thanks to council support

SUPPORT: HE idea of creating the had disengaged from education Alison’s idea has Tworld’s first zero emission, at school, one had dropped the full backing all electric off road motorcycle out of university but they have of husband track was not an easy one to sell all blossomed in here. They Stuart and son but South Lanarkshire Council’s have bought into the vision Bradley Business Support Team stepped and thanks to support from up to make it a reality in East SLC we have been able to give Kilbride. them a chance and a leg up into Business partners Neil employment.” Buchan and Gary Brennan have The team have worked put a lot of time, energy, sweat miracles turning old scaffolding and investment into developing boards into polished rustic their Hyper Trax concept and tables, building tracks out building the tracks of recycled earth and facilities. But “Demonstrating and scrap wood, they found it difficult and teaching converting old pallets to get support from practical uses to beautiful scorched traditional funders. wood wall cladding Making a clean break was a beautiful move Taking a hard- of recycling and and a multitude earned break from renewable is of other recycling, NEW business is cleaning up at the Laundry and Cleaning construction Neil repurposing and when it comes to awards – News Awards, covering the very important A said: “The banks reusing feats. and clothes. whole of the UK. to this project” were not interested, Neil said: My Beautiful Laundrette, “I can’t speak highly enough they thought the idea too new, “Demonstrating and teaching based in Hamilton, was a about the help we got from the complete change of direction for council. They were our first port too risky but South Lanarkshire practical uses of recycling and Taher Purwaiz following 15 years of call on any matter and were Council understood the renewable is very important to of running a shop in Hamilton. instrumental in enabling us potential and have provided this project. We are currently The leap of faith has, however, to get off the ground, guiding invaluable support.” completing plans which will been worth it. What Taher set up us through every stage of the With funding from South have solar power used in was Scotland’s first laundrette process.” Lanarkshire Council’s Youth charging the bikes so that they that offered wet cleaning, a Robert Tomkins from the Employment Initiative, a young run on sunshine – they may relatively new process that avoids council’s Business Support team workforce aged between 16 be dirt bikes but that’s clean the disadvantages attached to said: “What Taher was proposing and 29 has been recruited from energy!” dry cleaning and allows almost to set up in the unit was attractive Jobspot, East Kilbride, and South Lanarkshire Council any item to be given a deep and to the council not only because trained on the job and building Chair of Enterprise Resources highly-effective clean. it would provide a service that Hyper Trax have gained a range Councillor Chris Thompson And in only two years of was needed in the area, but also of construction skills, valuable said: “I see huge potential for existence the business has been because it would create new jobs team working experience and Neil and Gary’s project to create rated number one for the best for local people, and would train access to opportunities. a great local leisure asset and cleaners in South Lanarkshire on those new employees to a high Neil said: “The team are to help bring people into South the Three Best Rated website and standard in what is an emerging great and come from a wide Lanarkshire from far and wide received a Best Newcomer Award industry.” range of backgrounds. Some to have a go.” the reporter 35 70 YEARS YOUNG!

SPLASHING TIME: The paddling pond in the town centre in the 1970s (above) and Duncanrig Secondary School library and reading room in the 1980s (below)

Take a trip down

memory lane as The CONGRATULATIONS: Reporter looks back Pupils from Maxwellton Primary and Greenburn on history of town School were on hand to APPY birthday East Kilbride wish the town a very – Scotland’s first “new” town happy birthday is celebrating its 70th birthday this year. HPreviously a village of around 2500 west of Scotland average and 75% by 2001. gradual rise in owner occupation as tenants residents, the decision back in 1947 to were able to buy their properties - by the This was reinforced by the development of transform East Kilbride into a new town early 1990s East Kilbride had reached the large private housing estates to the north was the catalyst to create one of the UK’s and south of the town. foremost business and commercial centres. The reorganisation of local government On Friday, August 8, 1947, the first in 1996 resulted in East Kilbride becoming meeting of the East Kilbride Development part of South Lanarkshire Council with Corporation was held, with the task of the local authority celebrating its own 20th drawing up and executing the new town anniversary last year. plans that would allow both an influx of Since then there has been massive people moving from the city of Glasgow investment in East Kilbride, with almost and new industry to provide them with all its school buildings either completely employment. rebuilt or modernised. There have also Developed around a central shopping been significant improvements to the and office area, a series of residential council housing stock, particularly through neighbourhoods emerged with, on the the Home Happening project. And the outskirts, industrial areas and business council’s Roads Investment Plan has been parks. Each neighbourhood was planned NEW BEGINNINGS: Elizabeth instrumental in the upgrade of several key to ensure there were shops and schools Mitchell, Secretary of State for routes throughout the town. nearby. Scotland Arthur Woodburn and Sir The Reporter has trawled through the As the town grew most of the housing Patrick Dollan put the first stake in archives to provide a pictorial memory of was public rented but with the 1980s came a place for new homes in Whitemoss the town through its seven decades. 36 the reporter 70 YEARS YOUNG!

VIEW FROM ABOVE: An aerial shot of the town centre from 1982 (above) and children making their way to the Dollan Aqua Centre (below)

WORK, REST AND PLAY: Houses in Westwood from 1969 (above); Rolls Royce machine shop (below left) and Princes Street in the 1960s (above left) the reporter 37 *** Update from NHS Lanarkshire *** Update from NHS Lanarkshire *** The changing face of General Practice in Lanarkshire

The provision of GP practices across Scotland and the UK is now an urgent national challenge. There are a number of factors that contribute to this including the lower number of doctors coming into general practice, more GPs who will reach retirement age over the next decade and our increasingly ageing population. Patient demand and expectation has never been higher.

“Patients in Lanarkshire will start to see these changes being put into practice over the coming months and years and we want to reassure them that continuing their Given the essential services that GPs provide in meeting high level of care remains our absolute priority.” the nation’s health needs, it’s no surprise that a major Patients can help their GP a lot by following the simple programme of action is underway to address the guidance in ‘Know Who To Turn To’. situation. In Scotland, work is ongoing at a national level between the Scottish Government and the British Medical Association to put in place a number of measures that will relieve the current pressures on GPs and create a new, common operating model that is fit for the future. The situation in Lanarkshire is no different, with work going on at a local level to identify effective solutions. NHS Lanarkshire has established a programme of change for primary care and mental health services, with a particular focus on General Practice. Dr Chris Mackintosh, Medical Director for South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership, explains, “It’s important that people know that steps are being taken now to resolve the wider primary care and GP issues as part of an integrated approach to improving primary and mental health care. “We’ve already identified a number of ways we can improve the current position including greater use of technology, increasing the role of a variety of health specialists in treating patients, and helping patients to look after themselves. It is important that all of this is managed in a way that we know is safe and an improvement for all. However, all of this takes time. “Putting patients and staff at the forefront of redesigning primary care and mental health services is at the heart of this work, as is the need to close the gap in health inequality.

38 the reporter *** Update from NHS Lanarkshire *** Update from NHS Lanarkshire *** *** Update from NHS Lanarkshire *** Update from NHS Lanarkshire *** Know who to turn to: Choosing the best route to feeling better

When we’re feeling unwell, we want to get the right treatment in the shortest possible time so that we can start feeling better quickly. That doesn’t always mean going to our GP, which can add an unnecessary step in many cases, taking it longer for us to start getting the treatment we need.

“NHS Inform is a national health information service providing a co-ordinated approach and a single source of quality assured health information for the Scottish public. “For many conditions, the pharmacist or optician on the ‘High Street’ can provide specialist advice, support and often treatment without the need for you to go to your GP. “Community pharmacists should also be considered as a first port of call for advice and treatment of minor ailments. For certain conditions, like sore throats, sticky eyes, stomach upsets, diarrhoea, bad colds and needing pain relief, a visit the pharmacist will result in the same treatment offered by your GP but you don’t need an appointment and you’re usually seen within a few minutes.

Our ‘Know Who To Turn To’ guide is available “Many patients are also eligible for the NHS funded on our website – www.nhslanarkshire.org.uk Minor Ailments Service which makes the treatments - and provides advice on how to access the right health available at no cost to the patient. service in the shortest time. The guide has information on a range of emergency and non-emergency care “For urgent eye problems – red or sore eyes, disturbance options including NHS services - pharmacies, dental in vision or deterioration of eyesight – or eye injuries, practices, optometrists, out-of-hours services, and minor the optometrist is the best person to assess and ailments – and self care. treat eye conditions rather than a GP. They have the George Lindsay, Chief Pharmacist, Primary Care, said, professional training and necessary equipment to assess “It’s important that people understand what the most eye problems. different services can offer them, so that they take “Many optometrists are part of the Lanarkshire the quickest and most effective route to care. Making Eye-health Network Scheme (LENS) and can offer an the right choice also means that resources are getting appointment and assessment service. We want to directed to where they’re needed most and we’ve all help people to get to the right person first time and to got a part to play in this. understand that often this will not be their GP. We all “Self-help can often be overlooked but many illnesses want to get better as quickly as possible and knowing can be managed at home without having to see a GP. who to turn to for help is the best place to start.” NHS Inform is Scotland’s national health information service and it offers a self-help guide for minor illnesses and injuries as well as a directory for health services. You can go online at www.nhsinform.scot where you can chat live with the health information team or you can call the helpline on 0800 22 4488.

the reporter 39 Scottish Local Government Elections take place on Thursday 4 May 2017 Your vote counts

On Thursday 4 May 2017 voters in South Deadlines: Lanarkshire will go to the polls for the Scottish Local • Registration – If you are not registered to vote, Government Elections. This will be the first time you must register by midnight on Monday that 16 and 17 year olds have been able to vote in 17 April 2017 to vote at these Elections. the Scottish Local Government Elections. Polling • Postal vote – if you wish to apply for a postal stations will be open from 7am – 10pm. vote (or make changes to your existing postal or proxy arrangements) you must do this by 5pm on Vote using numbers Tuesday 18 April 2017. For your vote to count you should vote using numbers. • Proxy – if you wish to appoint a proxy to vote on The instructions on the ballot paper are to “Put the your behalf you must do this by 5pm on Tuesday number 1 in the voting box next to your first choice. 25 April 2017. Put the number 2 in the voting box next to your second choice. Put the number 3 in the voting box next to your third choice. And so on. You can make as To check if you are already registered or many or as few choices as you wish”. arrange a postal or proxy vote contact: Electoral Registration Office, North Stand, There will be either 3 or 4 Councillors elected to each Cadzow Avenue, Hamilton ML3 0LU of the 20 Wards in the South Lanarkshire Council area. Freephone: 0800 030 4333 There will be a total of 64 Councillors elected. Email: [email protected] Website: www.lanarkshire-vjb.gov.uk Voting information If you are registered to vote, you will receive a poll card telling you where to go to vote, alternatively, if you are Interested in standing at the Scottish on holiday on polling day, or you are working, or prefer Local Government Elections? not to go to the polling station, do you know you can:- If you wish to stand at these Elections simply • vote by post contact the Election Office for your Nomination Pack and more information. The deadline for • ask someone to vote on your behalf lodging Nominations is 4pm on Wednesday (ie by appointing a proxy) 29 March 2017. You can also download a Nomination Pack from the South Lanarkshire If you are applying to vote by post please take into website at www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk consideration the time this may take to be delivered to from Wednesday 1 March 2017 onwards. you. Appointing a proxy may be a better option if you are applying to vote by post close to the deadline. For information on voting arrangements Make sure you are registered to vote or to stand at this election contact: You can register to vote online at Election Office, 21 Beckford Street, Hamilton ML3 0BT www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. Phone: 0303 123 1019 If you need to check you are registered to vote Email: [email protected] contact the Electoral Registration Office. Website: www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk

vote

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