January 2014 Copy:Layout 1 23/1/14 15:48 Page 1 Theviewjanuary 2014 All the News from YOUR South Lanarkshire Council

Page 1 January 2014 copy:Layout 1 23/1/14 15:48 Page 1 TheViewJanuary 2014 All the news from YOUR South Lanarkshire Council

New recruit makes debut as .. Meet superstar pals of SAFETY MASCOT BRAVE HITS THE ROAD TEENAGER PAGE 2 PAGES 4/5 INSIDESTORY Council dog dirt blitz Rinkupgrade 3 to collar lazy owners

£1.5m makeover for iconic town centre retail complex Healthyeating

Council’s winter school meals menu scoops top award Farflungpupils

Enforcement officers will be targetting notorious hotspots across South Lanarkshire where owners habitually fail to pick up after their pets

By Mhairi Anderson very real risk of stepping in something unpleasant and he warned £40 fixed penalty SOUTH Lanarkshire Council is notices will be given to those flouting the rules. Members of the public are being urged to launching a tough crackdown on do their bit by reporting those dog owners dog fouling and the owners who fail habitually failing to clear up after their pets. to pick up after their pets. “Dog fouling is a blight on our streets and The move comes in response to public public spaces,” said the Council Leader. concern over the issue and will see a targeted “And we are determined to tackle this campaign of increased patrols by enforce- issue for the good of everyone – local ment officers and a new ‘dish the dirt’ poster residents and visitors to our great parks and 8/9 campaign reminding owners of their respon- leisure attractions alike. We all have to take sibilities. pride in our area and that includes dog Teenagers enjoy Far East Council Leader Eddie McAvoy said people owners, who may not fully realise the impact adventure of a lifetime using parks and recreational areas, as well as their thoughtlessness has.” footpaths, were fed up having to run the G For the full story turn to page 10 Page 2 January 2014 selfish parents:Layout 1 23/1/14 15:50 Page 1 Page 3 January 2014 ice rink upgrade:Layout 1 23/1/14 15:51 Page 1

2 Follow @SouthLanCouncil www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk Follow @SouthLanCouncil 3 Antisocial USEFUL behaviour CONTACTS advice Editor Tom Little website

Deputy editor Eileen McAuley launched 01698 453975 A WEBSITE giving advice and Publisher information on a range of South Lanarkshire Council. antisocial behaviour issues Produced by South Lanarkshire has been launched across South Lanarkshire. Corporate Communications and The It’s Your Choice web- Public Affairs, site, aimed at P6 – S1 pupils, 7th Floor, Council Offices, is divided into three zones, Almada Street, Hamilton, including a password-protected ML3 0AA. area for teaching professionals Tel 01698 453975 and youth workers. www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk The site includes films that are made by pupils on various Payments topics with hints and tips on Phone 0303 123 1005 how to develop these into class discussions. Council tax and benefits It features a wide range of Phone 0303 123 1011 information and advice for pupils and families regarding Council Tax arrears drugs, alcohol, violence, Phone 0303 123 1014 mental health and wellbeing, as well as dealing with issues Housing repairs including how serious organ- ised crime can be and how it Phone 0303 123 1010 affects local communities. According to Councillor Housing enquiries (except repairs) Jean McKeown, chair of the Phone 0303 123 1012 council’s Education Resources Committee, it is an excellent Social Work and Money Matters resource and an outstanding Phone 0303 123 1008 example of what can be achieved when agencies work Refuse, grounds maintenance together. and street cleansing “This project was originally Phone 0303 123 1020 developed for pupils in the Cambuslang and Rutherglen Conference and banqueting area but I encourage all our Phone 0303 123 1009 schools to look at how they can use it, and promote the Parking website to parents and carers, The multi-million-pound makeover of the ice-rink in East Kilbride will help cement the town’s status as a retail and leisure mecca, attracting visitors from all over the Central Belt and beyond 0303 123 1006 as it contains the up-to-date, accurate information they need,” she adds. Bereavement services “I would also encourage (cemeteries and crematorium) teachers to submit their own Phone 0303 123 1016 experiences and ideas to support the ongoing develop- Fraud helpline ment and updating of the Phone 0303 123 1013 site.” Ice rink upgrade adds The initiative has been run- For all other enquiries ning in Rutherglen since 2006 Phone 08457 406080 Pupils from Hareleeshill Primary with the new road safety mascot Simone. P4 pupil Nathan Moody came up with the and is a partnership approach idea for the eye-catching mascot and his winning design was reproduced as posters now displayed at the school drawing on expertise from the Out-of-hours emergency repairs council, NHS Lanarkshire and Phone 0800 242 024 Police Scotland. new firepower to mall Out-of-hours Social Work Queen’s baton emergencies Phone 0303 123 1008 Selfish school-run tour of South By James Davitt £1.5M INVESTMENT TO TRANSFORM OLYMPIA CENTRE If you are hard of hearing you can Lanarkshire A NEW multi-million-pound ice rink use minicom on 0303 123 1017 leisure facility is to be created in ments follow months of work by the East “The opportunity of building on the cinema follows a number of significant retail openings THE Queen’s baton will pass East Kilbride. parents targeted through South Lanarkshire Kilbride Task Force, which includes anchor by providing a fantastic new ice rink in East Kilbride, including the launch of a ahead of the Commonwealth An initial £1.5million being spent on representatives from the council, Scottish and, hopefully, lots of new restaurants and a 22,000sq ft flagship H&M store in Centre If you need this information in Games in Glasgow. upgrading and improving the ice rink by Enterprise, Business Gateway, Lanarkshire state-of-the-art gym will create a fabulous West, and the arrival of BANK Fashion, JD another language or format, PUPILS from a South Lanarkshire dangers of irresponsible parking avoided. The pupils and staff at As part of the 288-day relay South Lanarkshire Council is likely to be Enterprise Services, Skills Development leisure hub that will keep East Kilbride Sports and jewellery store Pandora in the Plaza. please contact us to discuss primary have been highlighting outside schools and encourage Hareleeshill are very aware of leading up to the opening of added to by a variety of new family-orientated Scotland, Lanarkshire Chamber of shopping centre vibrant long into the night. “I am also delighted that both homebargains the dangers caused by irresponsi- drivers to find a safe place to park how serious a matter this is and I the Games on July 23, the restaurants, as well as a new gym, by the Commerce, South Lanarkshire College and “This development will build on EK’s how we can best meet your and JD Wetherspoon will be arriving in the ble drivers parking outside their when they pick up or drop off. congratulate them on their efforts baton is visiting 70 nations owners of the shopping and leisure centre. Cogent on behalf of EK, East Kilbride. position as one of the region’s leading retail needs. Phone 01698 454959 shopping centre this year,” adds Mr Low. school. Councillor Simpson said: to highlight the danger.” and UK territories. Advanced discussions are underway with Council Leader Eddie McAvoy said: “This and leisure destinations. or email margaret.barr@south The ice rink is currently operated by South Youngsters at Hareleeshill “Children’s lives are put in danger Inspector David Carballo, of The baton will pass through various high-profile restaurant chains and a is fantastic news for East Kilbride. Creating a “The proposed new development is a key lanarkshire.gov.uk Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture Ltd and is Primary, Larkhall, were joined by every time a parent or carer parks Police Scotland, added: “It is South Lanarkshire for around gym operator, with the new elements operat- leisure hub within the shopping centre is part of our ongoing development programme. held under a lease by the council, with a Councillor Graham Simpson, irresponsibly near school entrances. disappointing that many parents 10 hours on Sunday, June 22. ing alongside the existing cinema complex. something we are delighted to support and I Our aim is to deliver a high-quality, family- am sure will be a great success. focused leisure destination that will sub-lease to the trust. This arrangement chair of South Lanarkshire “This isn’t about convenience and other drivers continue to park Unfortunately, it will not be The full development programme – which “The ice rink is still very well used, with complement the improved retail experience would continue once the work has been possible for the tour to visit is scheduled to start this year and could be Council’s Roads Safety Forum, to and saving time – it is about keep- indiscriminately outside schools. more than 100,000 visitors each year. we are delivering across the centre. completed and a new 25-year lease agreed every local town due to time completed in late 2015 – will also see major hammer home the message that ing our children safe when they “Parked vehicles can hide “Unfortunately, it is now around 25 years “There is still a lot of work to be done and with the town centre owners. restrictions. improvements to the public areas throughout parking on yellow zig-zag lines, are crossing roads outside schools. children and adults trying to cross old and needs a major refurbishment if it is to we appreciate that the closure of a number of Councillor McAvoy added: “The news is The route, currently under the Olympia mall, cementing East Kilbride’s pavements, or other areas near “There are so many other the road and the potentially tragic continue to be fit for purpose. This announce- units and the food court may be disruptive. confirmation of the hard work being carried consideration, will go through status as a major shopping and leisure desti- school entrances, is both selfish options available to parents, such outcomes should be clear to all. nation across the Central Belt. ment safeguards the future of the ice rink and “But all of this is necessary to deliver a out by the council and its partners on the Lanark, Carluke, East Kilbride, and dangerous. as parking a short distance away “Responsibility for parking in a Upgrading work on the ice rink will begin ensures it will be at the heart of this exciting, top-class leisure development that meets the Task Force. The Action Plan gives a clear Rutherglen, Uddingston, The “Park Smart” campaign and walking, that irresponsible or safe place to pick up or drop off later on this summer and is expected to take new leisure development.” aspirations of our customers and of East direction and focus for the town in the short, Bothwell and Hamilton. aims to raise awareness of the dangerous parking can be easily children rests with the driver.” around 12 months to complete. The develop- Richard Low, a partner at Cogent, said: Kilbride.” The leisure development news medium and long-term.” Page 3 January 2014 ice rink upgrade:Layout 1 23/1/14 15:51 Page 1

www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk Follow @SouthLanCouncil 3

The multi-million-pound makeover of the ice-rink in East Kilbride will help cement the town’s status as a retail and leisure mecca, attracting visitors from all over the Central Belt and beyond Ice rink upgrade adds new firepower to mall By James Davitt £1.5M INVESTMENT TO TRANSFORM OLYMPIA CENTRE A NEW multi-million-pound ice rink leisure facility is to be created in ments follow months of work by the East “The opportunity of building on the cinema follows a number of significant retail openings East Kilbride. Kilbride Task Force, which includes anchor by providing a fantastic new ice rink in East Kilbride, including the launch of a An initial £1.5million being spent on representatives from the council, Scottish and, hopefully, lots of new restaurants and a 22,000sq ft flagship H&M store in Centre upgrading and improving the ice rink by Enterprise, Business Gateway, Lanarkshire state-of-the-art gym will create a fabulous West, and the arrival of BANK Fashion, JD South Lanarkshire Council is likely to be Enterprise Services, Skills Development leisure hub that will keep East Kilbride Sports and jewellery store Pandora in the added to by a variety of new family-orientated Scotland, Lanarkshire Chamber of shopping centre vibrant long into the night. Plaza. restaurants, as well as a new gym, by the Commerce, South Lanarkshire College and “This development will build on EK’s “I am also delighted that both homebargains owners of the shopping and leisure centre. Cogent on behalf of EK, East Kilbride. position as one of the region’s leading retail and JD Wetherspoon will be arriving in the Advanced discussions are underway with Council Leader Eddie McAvoy said: “This and leisure destinations. shopping centre this year,” adds Mr Low. various high-profile restaurant chains and a is fantastic news for East Kilbride. Creating a “The proposed new development is a key The ice rink is currently operated by South gym operator, with the new elements operat- leisure hub within the shopping centre is part of our ongoing development programme. Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture Ltd and is ing alongside the existing cinema complex. something we are delighted to support and I Our aim is to deliver a high-quality, family- held under a lease by the council, with a The full development programme – which am sure will be a great success. focused leisure destination that will sub-lease to the trust. This arrangement is scheduled to start this year and could be “The ice rink is still very well used, with complement the improved retail experience would continue once the work has been completed in late 2015 – will also see major more than 100,000 visitors each year. we are delivering across the centre. completed and a new 25-year lease agreed improvements to the public areas throughout “Unfortunately, it is now around 25 years “There is still a lot of work to be done and with the town centre owners. the Olympia mall, cementing East Kilbride’s old and needs a major refurbishment if it is to we appreciate that the closure of a number of Councillor McAvoy added: “The news is status as a major shopping and leisure desti- continue to be fit for purpose. This announce- units and the food court may be disruptive. confirmation of the hard work being carried nation across the Central Belt. ment safeguards the future of the ice rink and “But all of this is necessary to deliver a out by the council and its partners on the Upgrading work on the ice rink will begin ensures it will be at the heart of this exciting, top-class leisure development that meets the Task Force. The Action Plan gives a clear later on this summer and is expected to take new leisure development.” aspirations of our customers and of East direction and focus for the town in the short, around 12 months to complete. The develop- Richard Low, a partner at Cogent, said: Kilbride.” The leisure development news medium and long-term.” Page 4 January 2014 inspiration boy:Layout 1 23/1/14 15:52 Page 1

4 Follow @SouthLanCouncil www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk When brave Lauchlan met Harry at awards

NOT many 11-year-olds can Debbie, has raised her son alone, along SCHOOLBOY count superstar Rod Stewart with his 18-year-old sister, Amber, since his IS NAMED among their email contacts, dad, Barry, died of skin cancer three years or say they have met ago. BRITAIN’S MOST She explained: “When he was a toddler, Prince Harry – but South Lauchlan would get really bad headaches and INSPIRATIONAL Lanarkshire schoolboy hit his head against the wall. CHILD AFTER Lauchlan Dougall can. “To this day, if he’s got a really bad headache, he’ll But then not many hit his head against walls. UNDERGOING children have been hailed the “Lauchlan looks and acts like a normal MORE THAN UK’s most inspirational child, wee boy but has headaches every after enduring more than 50 day but he handles them so well. 50 BRAIN brain operations and raising “There is no other treatment and money to help others, this has been his life for the last OPERATIONS despite his condition. nine years. He is the bravest Lauchlan, a primary seven person I know.” pupil at Auchinraith Primary Due to the number of School in Blantyre, has operations, Lauchlan has undergone a gruelling 54 also developed complex brain operations and suffers hydrocephalus, also debilitating headaches every known as ‘water on the day. brain’. He started having surgery Despite his nine-year aged just three when an ordeal, Lauchlan is extremely arachnoid cyst was found on the matter of fact when frontal lobe of his brain. discussing his situation. It is a growth that swells and He said: “The causes pressure to build up in his headaches are constant skull. Surgeons have installed several but I’ve had them for so shunts to allow the fluid to run from his long I kind of got brain to another part of his body. But the shunts continue used to them. to fail and need replacing regularly. His proud mum, “Sometimes I Page 4 January 2014 inspiration boy:Layout 1 23/1/14 15:52 Page 1 Page 5 january 2014 inspiration boy:Layout 1 23/1/14 15:53 Page 1

4 Follow @SouthLanCouncil www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk Follow @SouthLanCouncil 5

IF THE CAP FITS: Lauchlan Dougall presents a Scots ‘see you Jimmy’ tammy to Prince Harry at the glittering Wellchild awards ceremony in London, When brave Lauchlan where he also met Duncan Bannatyne and Tess Daly, below met Harry at awards

am in and out in a few ous. “I met Prince Harry who said that he liked my kilt, so NOT many 11-year-olds can Debbie, has raised her son alone, along days after an operation I gave him a tartan hat to keep,” he says. SCHOOLBOY count superstar Rod Stewart with his 18-year-old sister, Amber, since his and sometimes it takes “He later wrote me a letter to thank me for it, so he must IS NAMED among their email contacts, dad, Barry, died of skin cancer three years me a while to bounce have liked that as well. Tess Daly and Vernon Kay were or say they have met ago. back. presenting the awards and, when I walked off stage, BRITAIN’S MOST She explained: “When he was a toddler, “The nurses are always Vernon told me I was the bravest boy he had ever met.” Prince Harry – but South Lauchlan would get really bad headaches and INSPIRATIONAL Lanarkshire schoolboy really nice and, since my Lauchlan also met ‘Dragon’ Duncan Bannatyne, singer hit his head against the wall. ward moved to Yorkhill, my Pixie Lott and the band Scouting for Girls, to name just a CHILD AFTER Lauchlan Dougall can. “To this day, if he’s got a really bad headache, he’ll favorite has been Donald. few of the celebs he rubbed shoulders with. But then not many hit his head against walls. “It’s also good when my But the teenager’s closest celebrity friend is none other UNDERGOING children have been hailed the “Lauchlan looks and acts like a normal teachers come and visit me in than Rod Stewart, far left. The two Celtic fans exchange MORE THAN UK’s most inspirational child, wee boy but has headaches every hospital – and I get to play the X emails about the team’s games and last year Rod took after enduring more than 50 day but he handles them so well. Box. I’ve had operations for all sorts Lauchlan to Parkhead – and has promised he’ll take him 50 BRAIN brain operations and raising “There is no other treatment and of things, to get shunts fitted to drain again. money to help others, this has been his life for the last fluid to other parts of my body and to Lauchlan said: “It was good going to the football with OPERATIONS nine years. He is the bravest despite his condition. get work done to expand my skull. Rod and we were in the directors’ box. He has said that I Lauchlan, a primary seven person I know.” “Each time, I hope it’s my last opera- can use his seat anytime. pupil at Auchinraith Primary Due to the number of tion but you never know what’s round “I emailed him during a game and got a reply back School in Blantyre, has operations, Lauchlan has the corner.” undergone a gruelling 54 also developed complex And it’s this mature attitude that saying he was watching the game from Palm Beach, Florida.” brain operations and suffers hydrocephalus, also led big sister Amber to enter him into Head Teacher Julie McCulloch says that, despite having debilitating headaches every known as ‘water on the the Wellchild Awards. to miss school when he is in and out of hospital, Lauchlan day. brain’. She was delighted when she is doing well with his coursework. He started having surgery Despite his nine-year received a letter back to say that “Lauchlan is a truly inspirational boy and the whole aged just three when an ordeal, Lauchlan is extremely Lauchlan had won in the category of school is extremely proud of him,” she says. arachnoid cyst was found on the matter of fact when Most Inspirational Child. “He has a sunny disposition and is always smiling. frontal lobe of his brain. discussing his situation. The family was whisked down to “Lauchlan is outgoing, responsive and responsible and is a It is a growth that swells and He said: “The London for a stay at the Dorchester, real asset to the school. He also fundraises for others and causes pressure to build up in his headaches are constant before attending a star-studded awards raised more than £2000 for the Children’s Brain Injury Trust.” skull. Surgeons have installed several but I’ve had them for so ceremony where they rubbed shoulders And for the future? Lauchlan is looking forward to his shunts to allow the fluid to run from his long I kind of got with royalty and celebrities. first game in the school’s football team and starting at brain to another part of his body. But the shunts continue used to them. Lauchlan wasn’t phased by it all, Calderside Academy. He would like to be a footballer to fail and need replacing regularly. His proud mum, “Sometimes I saying he was more excited than nerv- when he grows up – that or a neurosurgeon. Page 6 january 2014 school dinners:Layout 1 23/1/14 15:55 Page 1 Page 7 January 2014 app boy:Layout 1 23/1/14 15:56 Page 1

6 Follow @SouthLanCouncil www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk Follow @SouthLanCouncil 7 THE creation of a single police service in Thumbs up for Scotland in April last year brought about a Commissioner is independent watchdog SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL’S SCHOOL MEALS WINTER MENU WINS TOP AWARD significant change in the way that the police staff who keep in Scotland would be held to account. An independent body called the Police for the new single Scottish police service schools clean Investigations & Review Commissioner G you must first complain directly to the (PIRC) was established to investigate serious Professor relevant police body, using its internal and maintained incidents involving the police, with Professor John McNeill complaints procedure. John McNeill as the Commissioner. investigates Contact details for all police bodies operating JANITORIAL, cleaning and catering The Commissioner’s investigations are serious in Scotland are on the PIRC website staff have been given the thumbs- carried out either under the direction of incidents www.pirc.scotland.gov.uk. If, at the end of up for high standards of school Crown, at the request of the Scottish Police involving the that process, you remain dissatisfied with the maintenance and cleaning. Authority, or the Chief Constable of the Police Police way your complaint was handled, then you The accolade comes after the Service of Scotland. Scotland council bucked the trend by retaining The types of incidents he investigates are can request a review by the PIRC their own staff in new secondary deaths where the person has had recent G you must make your request for a review schools, which were built under contact with the police, deaths in custody, within three months of being notified of the public, private partnership (PPP). road collisions involving police vehicles and outcome of your complaint by the police. Rather than have ‘soft services discharges of firearms, including tasers, by There is lots more info on the role of the carried out by the contractor, in police officers. Commissioner, as well as help on how to go 2006 the council successfully The Commissioner can also instigate an about making a complaint about the police lobbied the Scottish Government investigation himself where there is a clear from the public they serve. The and requesting a review, at ww.pirc.scotland to keep them in-house. public interest. Commissioner is independent of the police .gov.uk. There you can view or download a And seven years down the line Previously known as the Police Complaints and his service is free and impartial. copy of the leaflet A guide for the public on the that move has certainly paid off. Commissioner for Scotland, Professor If you have a non-criminal complaint about role of the Police Investigations & Review Pupils at St The Scottish Futures Trust (SFT), McNeill is also responsible for reviewing the the police there are some things you have to Commissioner”. The Commissioner can also be Elizabeth’s Primary an independent company set up by way that all police bodies operating in do before you can request a review by the contacted on 0808 178 5577 or 01698 542900 or – but operating at arm’s length in Hamilton met Scotland handle non-criminal complaints Police Investigations & Review Commissioner: by emailing [email protected] the Go Fresh gang, from – the Scottish Government, including Sean visited four secondary schools to McMonagle, main, review their condition and the and Josh McPartlin standards of maintenance and and Monica Smith, cleaning. left inset, with They chose two refurbished Monica having a schools – Stonelaw High and Jordan put his thinking go at milking, Hamilton Grammar – and two above new-builds – Calderglen High and Biggar High. The trust was so impressed by what it found that it has now recommended that, in any future app on to attract Apple PPP-funded schools, janitorial, cleaning and catering services should be retained in-house by the local authority. By Sarah Burrows Calderglen High’s Councillor Hamish Stewart, chair Jordan Duncan has of the council’s Community COMPUTING whizz kid designed an app to Services Committee, said: “This is help communication Jordan Duncan is taking between teachers great testament to more than 400 the app world by storm. of our Facilities staff, who work and school pupils diligently to provide quality services Apps are software applications throughout for the children and designed to run on smartphones education staff in our schools. and tablet computers. “They are to be praised indeed And Apple, world leaders in for both the work they put in each this form of technology, were so Recipe for success day and for their caring attitude in impressed with Jordan’s they looking after our pupils, teachers have agreed to sell it. and staff in all schools in South The 17-year-old Calderglen By Mhairi Anderson menus in all 124 primary schools the Catering Mark in help the children of St Lanarkshire.” High pupil designed an app throughout South Lanarkshire,” said Scotland and is among Elizabeth’s Primary called Idlefire, which is available Stephen Kelly, Head of Facilities, Waste those leading the way School in Hamilton Scotland’s top on download from Apple’s i0S SOUTH Lanarkshire pupils are and Grounds Services. for improved public promote the healthy app store and is also being tucking into award-winning “This is an excellent achievement and I sector catering. winter menu. law lord visits picked up by Google Play Store. school dinners over the winter am extremely proud of the efforts our Laura Stewart, Each of the characters It is also being rolled-out to months. staff have made to ensure the health and Director of Soil represents an aspect of pupils and staff in school and ‘Street’ drama Jordan has his sights on being At a time when the quality of food is wellbeing of all our primary school Association Scotland, the council’s healthy children.” said: “South eating ethos: able to sell the software to other under the microscope, news that the G SCOTLAND’S top legal officer has South Lanarkshire schools, with council’s school meals service has earned According to Stephen, people are Lanarkshire Council Alan the Apple increasingly demanding healthier meal was the first in the UK promises all meals are attended a special performance of an eye or turning a profit. a top award will be welcomed by parents the interactive drama The Street. The Idlefire app, which Jordan, across the area. choices for themselves and their families, to pioneer the Food for freshly prepared each as well as asking for reassurance about Life Catering Mark and day with seasonal Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland of S6, demonstrated to staff at an South Lanarkshire Council, as well as watched the latest version of The where their food comes from. was awarded Bronze for produce in-service day, is designed to being the first catering service in the UK Street, which is aimed at helping “At South Lanarkshire Council we are G Colin the Carrot enhance communication between to achieve the Food for Life Catering their Community Meals young people challenge their committed to providing food that’s good Service earlier this year. promises menus are free teachers and pupils. Mark for its community meals, has now actions in society and discourage Staff members have just come for our children, for our communities “I’m delighted that from undesirable been awarded a Bronze Award for its antisocial behaviour. on-stream and are confident that and for our planet,” he added. they have followed this additives and trans fats primary school meals winter menu from The QC was invited along to the the system is going to speed-up “The Soil Association’s Catering Mark up so quickly with another Bronze Food G Sally the Strawberry promises the Soil Association. special dramatisation by the council’s communication and ensure all The Food for Life Catering Mark is the shows we are committed to providing for Life Catering Mark for their primary portioned seasonal fruit is available on a youth spokesman, Councillor Davie fresh food you can trust, sourcing daily basis school notices are relevant and Soil Association’s prestigious national school meals service. McLachlan, after they previously the school website, through to easily submit and manage and Music with Technology. As environmentally sustainable and ethical G Becky the Broccoli promises the three- up-to-date. food award. “Food plays such a vital role in our judged an anti-sectarianism art which notices can also be viewed. pupil notices and pupils to view well as a natural ability for food, making healthy eating easier and week menu has been nutritionally All pupil notices are now It is the UK’s only independent certifi- health and wellbeing throughout our competition run by the authority. Jordan plans to extend the them anywhere. design technology, in S4 Jordan championing local food producers.” analysed and is compliant with the channelled via Idlefire and both cation scheme setting standards of trace- lives, and the council has now made the During his visit to the Hamilton- app’s scope to include homework The app also features a created software for pupils to Stephen pointed out Schools (Health Promotion pupil and staff notices are acces- ability, quality and provenance for commitment that not only their based project, the Lord Advocate planning. timetable that pupils can use to upload articles they had written that all of the meat and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act sible through all school computers, public and private aged care customers, but their heard about some success stories as well as the mobile devices of He is also in the process of keep track of their classes. to the school magazine. on the primary 2007 from a few of the young people sector meals to primary and nursery pupils, pupils and staff. setting up a Google Chrome Jordan is planning a wide-scale Out of school, Jordan plays in a school winter G Pete the Potato promises who have visited The Street. ensure standards too, can enjoy fresh, Idlefire allows notices to be extension that will allow all distribution of Idlefire in order to rock band, called For What You’re menus was from unlimited vegetables, salad, Cast members Nicole Connelly are met. seasonal, healthy and tasty uploaded at short notice, which pupils to run Idlefire on their allow more school pupils and Worth. And, while he was in S4, farms that satisfy UK bread and fresh chilled and Kyle McCulloch told invited “We are meals that are better for will be particularly helpful in home computers. teachers to use the app. he recorded and engineered four welfare standards, water are available guests their stories and explained delighted to animal welfare and communicating last-minute All pupils were given a final The teenager has always songs for his band, using his with 75 per cent of with all meals why they believe being involved in have achieved the environment.” changes to arrangements, or in demonstration after which they excelled in areas of design expertise gained through his dishes being freshly G Gaz the Grape The Street changed their lives for the Soil The Go Fresh emergency situations where were be able to download Idlefire technology, yet he only took study of Music Technology. prepared. promises you can the better. Association’s Gang – the communication is required as a to their own mobile devices. Computing as a subject formally Jordan aims to become an app South Lanarkshire is pre-order and The Lord Advocate spoke Bronze Food for council’s healthy matter of urgency. The app consists of customised in his sixth year, which he is developer and has already gained Life Catering Mark one of eight local eating mascots – guarantee the meal positively about the drama and its impact, before thanking the young Idlefire also has a facility for server software and a mobile app managing comfortably at Higher. an unconditional offer to study for our winter authorities championing were on hand to of your choice. people involved for their excellent pupils to store their individual compatible with iPhone and He has achieved highly in Mobile Software Engineering at performances. timetables and has a shortcut to Android platforms. It allows staff Graphic Communication, Physics Glasgow University. 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6 Follow @SouthLanCouncil www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk Follow @SouthLanCouncil 7 THE creation of a single police service in Thumbs up for Scotland in April last year brought about a Commissioner is independent watchdog SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL’S SCHOOL MEALS WINTER MENU WINS TOP AWARD significant change in the way that the police staff who keep in Scotland would be held to account. An independent body called the Police for the new single Scottish police service schools clean Investigations & Review Commissioner G you must first complain directly to the (PIRC) was established to investigate serious Professor relevant police body, using its internal and maintained incidents involving the police, with Professor John McNeill complaints procedure. John McNeill as the Commissioner. investigates Contact details for all police bodies operating JANITORIAL, cleaning and catering The Commissioner’s investigations are serious in Scotland are on the PIRC website staff have been given the thumbs- carried out either under the direction of incidents www.pirc.scotland.gov.uk. If, at the end of up for high standards of school Crown, at the request of the Scottish Police involving the that process, you remain dissatisfied with the maintenance and cleaning. Authority, or the Chief Constable of the Police Police way your complaint was handled, then you The accolade comes after the Service of Scotland. Scotland council bucked the trend by retaining The types of incidents he investigates are can request a review by the PIRC their own staff in new secondary deaths where the person has had recent G you must make your request for a review schools, which were built under contact with the police, deaths in custody, within three months of being notified of the public, private partnership (PPP). road collisions involving police vehicles and outcome of your complaint by the police. Rather than have ‘soft services discharges of firearms, including tasers, by There is lots more info on the role of the carried out by the contractor, in police officers. Commissioner, as well as help on how to go 2006 the council successfully The Commissioner can also instigate an about making a complaint about the police lobbied the Scottish Government investigation himself where there is a clear from the public they serve. The and requesting a review, at ww.pirc.scotland to keep them in-house. public interest. Commissioner is independent of the police .gov.uk. There you can view or download a And seven years down the line Previously known as the Police Complaints and his service is free and impartial. copy of the leaflet A guide for the public on the that move has certainly paid off. Commissioner for Scotland, Professor If you have a non-criminal complaint about role of the Police Investigations & Review Pupils at St The Scottish Futures Trust (SFT), McNeill is also responsible for reviewing the the police there are some things you have to Commissioner”. The Commissioner can also be Elizabeth’s Primary an independent company set up by way that all police bodies operating in do before you can request a review by the contacted on 0808 178 5577 or 01698 542900 or – but operating at arm’s length in Hamilton met Scotland handle non-criminal complaints Police Investigations & Review Commissioner: by emailing [email protected] the Go Fresh gang, from – the Scottish Government, including Sean visited four secondary schools to McMonagle, main, review their condition and the and Josh McPartlin standards of maintenance and and Monica Smith, cleaning. left inset, with They chose two refurbished Monica having a schools – Stonelaw High and Jordan put his thinking go at milking, Hamilton Grammar – and two above new-builds – Calderglen High and Biggar High. The trust was so impressed by what it found that it has now recommended that, in any future app on to attract Apple PPP-funded schools, janitorial, cleaning and catering services should be retained in-house by the local authority. By Sarah Burrows Calderglen High’s Councillor Hamish Stewart, chair Jordan Duncan has of the council’s Community COMPUTING whizz kid designed an app to Services Committee, said: “This is help communication Jordan Duncan is taking between teachers great testament to more than 400 the app world by storm. of our Facilities staff, who work and school pupils diligently to provide quality services Apps are software applications throughout for the children and designed to run on smartphones education staff in our schools. and tablet computers. “They are to be praised indeed And Apple, world leaders in for both the work they put in each this form of technology, were so Recipe for success day and for their caring attitude in impressed with Jordan’s they looking after our pupils, teachers have agreed to sell it. and staff in all schools in South The 17-year-old Calderglen By Mhairi Anderson menus in all 124 primary schools the Catering Mark in help the children of St Lanarkshire.” High pupil designed an app throughout South Lanarkshire,” said Scotland and is among Elizabeth’s Primary called Idlefire, which is available Stephen Kelly, Head of Facilities, Waste those leading the way School in Hamilton Scotland’s top on download from Apple’s i0S SOUTH Lanarkshire pupils are and Grounds Services. for improved public promote the healthy app store and is also being tucking into award-winning “This is an excellent achievement and I sector catering. winter menu. law lord visits picked up by Google Play Store. school dinners over the winter am extremely proud of the efforts our Laura Stewart, Each of the characters It is also being rolled-out to months. staff have made to ensure the health and Director of Soil represents an aspect of pupils and staff in school and ‘Street’ drama Jordan has his sights on being At a time when the quality of food is wellbeing of all our primary school Association Scotland, the council’s healthy children.” said: “South eating ethos: able to sell the software to other under the microscope, news that the G SCOTLAND’S top legal officer has South Lanarkshire schools, with council’s school meals service has earned According to Stephen, people are Lanarkshire Council Alan the Apple increasingly demanding healthier meal was the first in the UK promises all meals are attended a special performance of an eye or turning a profit. a top award will be welcomed by parents the interactive drama The Street. The Idlefire app, which Jordan, across the area. choices for themselves and their families, to pioneer the Food for freshly prepared each as well as asking for reassurance about Life Catering Mark and day with seasonal Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland of S6, demonstrated to staff at an South Lanarkshire Council, as well as watched the latest version of The where their food comes from. was awarded Bronze for produce in-service day, is designed to being the first catering service in the UK Street, which is aimed at helping “At South Lanarkshire Council we are G Colin the Carrot enhance communication between to achieve the Food for Life Catering their Community Meals young people challenge their committed to providing food that’s good Service earlier this year. promises menus are free teachers and pupils. Mark for its community meals, has now actions in society and discourage Staff members have just come for our children, for our communities “I’m delighted that from undesirable been awarded a Bronze Award for its antisocial behaviour. on-stream and are confident that and for our planet,” he added. they have followed this additives and trans fats primary school meals winter menu from The QC was invited along to the the system is going to speed-up “The Soil Association’s Catering Mark up so quickly with another Bronze Food G Sally the Strawberry promises the Soil Association. special dramatisation by the council’s communication and ensure all The Food for Life Catering Mark is the shows we are committed to providing for Life Catering Mark for their primary portioned seasonal fruit is available on a youth spokesman, Councillor Davie fresh food you can trust, sourcing daily basis school notices are relevant and Soil Association’s prestigious national school meals service. McLachlan, after they previously the school website, through to easily submit and manage and Music with Technology. As environmentally sustainable and ethical G Becky the Broccoli promises the three- up-to-date. food award. “Food plays such a vital role in our judged an anti-sectarianism art which notices can also be viewed. pupil notices and pupils to view well as a natural ability for food, making healthy eating easier and week menu has been nutritionally All pupil notices are now It is the UK’s only independent certifi- health and wellbeing throughout our competition run by the authority. Jordan plans to extend the them anywhere. design technology, in S4 Jordan championing local food producers.” analysed and is compliant with the channelled via Idlefire and both cation scheme setting standards of trace- lives, and the council has now made the During his visit to the Hamilton- app’s scope to include homework The app also features a created software for pupils to Stephen pointed out Schools (Health Promotion pupil and staff notices are acces- ability, quality and provenance for commitment that not only their based project, the Lord Advocate planning. timetable that pupils can use to upload articles they had written that all of the meat and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act sible through all school computers, public and private aged care customers, but their heard about some success stories as well as the mobile devices of He is also in the process of keep track of their classes. to the school magazine. on the primary 2007 from a few of the young people sector meals to primary and nursery pupils, pupils and staff. setting up a Google Chrome Jordan is planning a wide-scale Out of school, Jordan plays in a school winter G Pete the Potato promises who have visited The Street. ensure standards too, can enjoy fresh, Idlefire allows notices to be extension that will allow all distribution of Idlefire in order to rock band, called For What You’re menus was from unlimited vegetables, salad, Cast members Nicole Connelly are met. seasonal, healthy and tasty uploaded at short notice, which pupils to run Idlefire on their allow more school pupils and Worth. And, while he was in S4, farms that satisfy UK bread and fresh chilled and Kyle McCulloch told invited “We are meals that are better for will be particularly helpful in home computers. teachers to use the app. he recorded and engineered four welfare standards, water are available guests their stories and explained delighted to animal welfare and communicating last-minute All pupils were given a final The teenager has always songs for his band, using his with 75 per cent of with all meals why they believe being involved in have achieved the environment.” changes to arrangements, or in demonstration after which they excelled in areas of design expertise gained through his dishes being freshly G Gaz the Grape The Street changed their lives for the Soil The Go Fresh emergency situations where were be able to download Idlefire technology, yet he only took study of Music Technology. prepared. promises you can the better. Association’s Gang – the communication is required as a to their own mobile devices. Computing as a subject formally Jordan aims to become an app South Lanarkshire is pre-order and The Lord Advocate spoke Bronze Food for council’s healthy matter of urgency. The app consists of customised in his sixth year, which he is developer and has already gained Life Catering Mark one of eight local eating mascots – guarantee the meal positively about the drama and its impact, before thanking the young Idlefire also has a facility for server software and a mobile app managing comfortably at Higher. an unconditional offer to study for our winter authorities championing were on hand to of your choice. people involved for their excellent pupils to store their individual compatible with iPhone and He has achieved highly in Mobile Software Engineering at performances. timetables and has a shortcut to Android platforms. It allows staff Graphic Communication, Physics Glasgow University. Pages 8-9 JANUARY 2014 CHINA FEAT 2:Layout 1 23/1/14 16:03 Page 1

8 www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk Follow @SouthLanCouncil www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk 9

‘Overall, the experience was amazing and I can’t give it ‘I strongly feel opportunities enough credit. I met some like this for our young people people I will definitely be will result in future friends with for a long time. generations understanding ‘It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I will each other more fully and never forget and I’m so could result in a future that grateful to have had the has more chance of bringing chance to go’ humanity together’

Pupils get into the spirit of things dancing in the street outside the famous Bird’s Nest stadium Among the highlights of the pupils’ visit was a visit to the iconic Olympic Birds’ Nest stadium

ome e to feel welc Pupils en pils were mad One of the stunning vistas enjoyed by South Lanarkshire pupils during their Chinese visit joyed a un ends Pu ique cult Making new fri ural opp Enjoy ing a sight seeing trip

South Lanarkshire pupils at the Great Wall of China By Sarah Burrows of the real thing. But what better way for them to learn than to experience first-hand SCHOOL trips are always memorable and literally be immersed in Chinese culture. and that is certainly the case for one “The feedback we’ve had from the schools group of pupils who jetted almost China on my mind who took part has been unanimously positive. 5000 miles across the world for a was going with once at a parents’ night, so university halls in Tianjin, a city four hours were able to fit in some retail therapy, as “Overall, the experience was amazing and “All six students have described the trip taste of adventure in the Far East. was looking forward to getting to know from Beijing, during which time they well as visiting art galleries, museums and I can’t give it enough credit. I met some as life-changing. The group of six fifth year pupils from them better.” attended a Chinese school. the theatre. people that I will definitely be friends with “In today’s shrinking world, they had the Hamilton Grammar, Strathaven Academy, Despite only having met briefly before Hannah explains: “Classes in school were According to Hannah, the highlight of the for a long time,” says Hannah. opportunity to study Mandarin intensively Calderside Academy and Biggar High setting off, the group bonded quickly, all challenging from the minute we walked in. trip was going to No.3 high school in “It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for 18 days, as well as to meet some incredible jumped at the chance to embark on the trip equally determined to make the very most But after only a day we could all introduce Tianjin, which is the partner school of that I will never forget and I’m so grateful to people, eat some delicious food and visit of a lifetime to China to experience first- of the unique opportunity. ourselves and talk about our home and Hamilton Grammar School, the Confucius have had the chance to go.” famous sights such as the Great Wall of hand its language, culture and tradition. During their first week, the pupils visited family. Hub for South Lanarkshire. South Lanarkshire Council’s Janey China, the Forbidden City and the Olympic They travelled to Beijing and Tianjin and Beijing zoo, the Olympic Park, the centre “Not only were there language lessons, we The head girl of the Chinese school took Mauchline, who arranged the trip, said there Park. spent almost three weeks living and breath- point of which is the iconic Bird’s Nest were also taught how to do some Chinese some of the Scots pupils home to meet her were numerous benefits for the pupils “They also visited a real Chinese home ing the vibrant Chinese culture. stadium, and the Summer Palace. arts, such as silk fan painting, paper cutting family, where they made dumplings, watched involved in what she described as a “life- and spent time with a family. Biggar High School’s Hannah Stuart was They cycled around the city on small and learning how to make Chinese knots.” Chinese films and played traditional games, changing experience”. “I strongly feel that opportunities like this one of the lucky pupils who made the trip. Chinese bikes and also visited the Science The pupils may have been on holiday but as well as enjoying a taster session of “As one of 12 Confucius Hubs in Scotland, for our young people will result in future Reflecting on the experience, she said: “I and Technology museum. there was no such thing as a long lie, as they Chinese teas. we have the opportunity to introduce pupils generations understanding each other more only found out I was chosen to go four The amazing experience also saw pupils were up at 6.30 every morning to do kung-fu It may have been a holiday of a lifetime in our schools to Mandarin and Chinese fully and could result in a future which has months prior to the trip and I was nervous climb the Great Wall, visit the Temple of and were busy with planned activities until for the teenagers but there was no escape culture,” she adds. more chance of bringing humanity together. but excited to see what these two and a half Heaven, the Forbidden City and Tiananmen 10pm. from exams, with all of the pupils sitting a “Native speakers like Su, our Chinese “We hope to involve students in a similar Pupils enjoyed quality family time Taking in the sights during their visit weeks would involve. Square. Despite their action-packed itinerary the Mandarin language test to consolidate what Language Assistant and Sophia, our Tianjin trip this summer and planning is already at “I had only met the five other people I For the next 10 days, the group stayed in pupils did manage some downtime when they had learned during their time in China. teacher, provide young people with a taste an advanced stage.” Pages 8-9 JANUARY 2014 CHINA FEAT 2:Layout 1 23/1/14 16:03 Page 1

8 www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk Follow @SouthLanCouncil www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk 9

Pupils get into the spirit of things dancing in the street outside the famous Bird’s Nest stadium Among the highlights of the pupils’ visit was a visit to the iconic Olympic Birds’ Nest stadium

South Lanarkshire pupils at the Great Wall of China By Sarah Burrows of the real thing. But what better way for them to learn than to experience first-hand SCHOOL trips are always memorable and literally be immersed in Chinese culture. and that is certainly the case for one “The feedback we’ve had from the schools group of pupils who jetted almost China on my mind who took part has been unanimously positive. 5000 miles across the world for a was going with once at a parents’ night, so university halls in Tianjin, a city four hours were able to fit in some retail therapy, as “Overall, the experience was amazing and “All six students have described the trip taste of adventure in the Far East. was looking forward to getting to know from Beijing, during which time they well as visiting art galleries, museums and I can’t give it enough credit. I met some as life-changing. The group of six fifth year pupils from them better.” attended a Chinese school. the theatre. people that I will definitely be friends with “In today’s shrinking world, they had the Hamilton Grammar, Strathaven Academy, Despite only having met briefly before Hannah explains: “Classes in school were According to Hannah, the highlight of the for a long time,” says Hannah. opportunity to study Mandarin intensively Calderside Academy and Biggar High setting off, the group bonded quickly, all challenging from the minute we walked in. trip was going to No.3 high school in “It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for 18 days, as well as to meet some incredible jumped at the chance to embark on the trip equally determined to make the very most But after only a day we could all introduce Tianjin, which is the partner school of that I will never forget and I’m so grateful to people, eat some delicious food and visit of a lifetime to China to experience first- of the unique opportunity. ourselves and talk about our home and Hamilton Grammar School, the Confucius have had the chance to go.” famous sights such as the Great Wall of hand its language, culture and tradition. During their first week, the pupils visited family. Hub for South Lanarkshire. South Lanarkshire Council’s Janey China, the Forbidden City and the Olympic They travelled to Beijing and Tianjin and Beijing zoo, the Olympic Park, the centre “Not only were there language lessons, we The head girl of the Chinese school took Mauchline, who arranged the trip, said there Park. spent almost three weeks living and breath- point of which is the iconic Bird’s Nest were also taught how to do some Chinese some of the Scots pupils home to meet her were numerous benefits for the pupils “They also visited a real Chinese home ing the vibrant Chinese culture. stadium, and the Summer Palace. arts, such as silk fan painting, paper cutting family, where they made dumplings, watched involved in what she described as a “life- and spent time with a family. Biggar High School’s Hannah Stuart was They cycled around the city on small and learning how to make Chinese knots.” Chinese films and played traditional games, changing experience”. “I strongly feel that opportunities like this one of the lucky pupils who made the trip. Chinese bikes and also visited the Science The pupils may have been on holiday but as well as enjoying a taster session of “As one of 12 Confucius Hubs in Scotland, for our young people will result in future Reflecting on the experience, she said: “I and Technology museum. there was no such thing as a long lie, as they Chinese teas. we have the opportunity to introduce pupils generations understanding each other more only found out I was chosen to go four The amazing experience also saw pupils were up at 6.30 every morning to do kung-fu It may have been a holiday of a lifetime in our schools to Mandarin and Chinese fully and could result in a future which has months prior to the trip and I was nervous climb the Great Wall, visit the Temple of and were busy with planned activities until for the teenagers but there was no escape culture,” she adds. more chance of bringing humanity together. but excited to see what these two and a half Heaven, the Forbidden City and Tiananmen 10pm. from exams, with all of the pupils sitting a “Native speakers like Su, our Chinese “We hope to involve students in a similar Pupils enjoyed quality family time Taking in the sights during their visit weeks would involve. Square. Despite their action-packed itinerary the Mandarin language test to consolidate what Language Assistant and Sophia, our Tianjin trip this summer and planning is already at “I had only met the five other people I For the next 10 days, the group stayed in pupils did manage some downtime when they had learned during their time in China. teacher, provide young people with a taste an advanced stage.” Page 10 January 2014 dogs/litter:Layout 1 23/1/14 16:05 Page 1 Page 11 january 2014 general news :Layout 1 23/1/14 16:07 Page 1

10 Follow @SouthLanCouncil www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk Follow @SouthLanCouncil 11 COUNCIL LAUNCHES NEW ANTI-FOULING CAMPAIGN Pupils face £50 FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THEIR MINING ANCESTORS fine for littering

Failure to clean up after outside school your dog will result in a £40 Fixed Penalty Fine in crackdown Surveillance is carried ‘Dish the dirt’out in this area blitz on the lazy dog owners Report Offenders to the

Community and Enterprise Resources Dog Fouling Hotline on: 0845 740 6080 By Mhairi Anderson Produced by Corporate Communications and Public Affairs for Community and Enterprise Resources. JT12063/Nov13

LAZY dog owners who fail to pick up after their mucky pups are soon to be targeted in a tough new crackdown. And the public will be urged to help By Mhairi Anderson collar thoughtless owners by dishing the dirt and reporting anyone they see regularly JOINT patrols by council allowing their pets to foul public spaces. enforcement officers and Police A hard-hitting poster campaign is shortly Scotland have been targeting being launched across South Lanarkshire known hot spots in a bid to curb and enforcement officers will be following the problem of lunch-time up tips from the public about repeat littering by school pupils. offenders, as well as conducting It has become a hot-button regular sweeps during prime dog-walking issue for the public and the times to hand out fixed penalty notices. council has responded by Failing to pick up after your dog is moving from awareness-raising illegal as a result of The Dog Fouling campaigns to enforcement. (Scotland) Act 2003 and can lead to This means that pupils now conviction and an on-the-spot fine of face on-the-spot fines of £50 if up to £40. caught dropping litter such as Members of the council’s Environmental fast food wrappers, cans or juice Services staff, and soon the Community bottles. Wardens, too, are authorised to issue fixed Previously, only adults were penalty notices to owners who do not clear given fixed penalty fines for up after their dogs. littering but this has now been You may not have given it much thought extended to include those aged before but dog mess affects everyone and under 16. can be a serious health hazard for children, School teachers have been if they come in contact with it while giving advice to pupils, parents playing in parks or open spaces. and carers informing them that In recent research to public attitudes to council enforcement officers and littering carried out by Keep Scotland police are conducting joint Beautiful, almost seven in 10 people rated patrols at well-known litter hot dog fouling as the issue that bothered spots around secondary schools. them most. And with around seven million And that, with police in dogs in the UK, producing 1000 tonnes of attendance, Fixed Penalty excrement per day, it’s easy to see why Notices of £50 would be issued there is a problem with dog dirt. to pupils found littering. But it is also a health risk as dogs not Councillor Hamish Stewart, treated regularly with worming pills can Chair of the Council’s Pits, ponies and people become infected with a type of worm that, Community Services Committee if passed on to humans, can lead to a explains: “Fixed Penalty Notices range of diseases. of £50 for littering had, until Report by Sarah Burrows Lanarkshire Council and its various partners. Council Leader Eddie McAvoy is 2011, only been served on adults It was awarded a £357,900 Lottery grant determined to see a reduction in the blight who were seen to drop litter. to enable the project to fulfill its objectives of dog fouling across South Lanarkshire. IT is Scotland’s biggest pit disaster, during “Young people in South which 207 miners perished, leaving 92 and takes the total contributions to “We have an excellent reputation for Lanarkshire had been excluded, £757,000. how we deal with the cleanliness of our widows and 250 children without a father. as we felt our intensive pro- The Pits, Ponies, People and Stories streets,” said Councillor McAvoy. Dog owners are being urged to clean up after their pets by using the special bins provided The Blantyre mining disaster of October gramme of awareness-raising project has been in development in South “But enforcement action and the fight 22, 1877, lives on in infamy as the campaigns to combat littering explosions that rocked pits No.2 and No.3 Lanarkshire for the past two years, with against environmental crime continues in visitors. “While enforcement action is an dog owners. The posters note that the was the best way forward. may have been prevented had miners’ various partners working together to con- South Lanarkshire and there is no hiding option, it’s not the sole solution – everyone ‘Reward’ for being good citizens is cleaner “However, one of the key warnings about safety been heeded sult with the community and submit an place for those who blight our streets and needs to play their part in tackling the streets and a brighter, healthier, happier issues raised by the public is instead of ignored. application to the Heritage Lottery Fund. open spaces. problem and the council’s message is, let’s place to walk, play, live and work. litter associated with school A group of pupils from Blantyre’s Schools and community groups have “We recognise that here, as indeed all take responsibility for our environment Anyone that can identify or describe an pupils travelling to and from Auchinraith Primary paid a visit to the worked hard during the development nationally, the problems are growing year and let’s all work together to improve our owner not cleaning up after their dog, can school, and during lunch times. National Mining Museum on the stage to ensure the application was a suc- on year and we are constantly striving to environment and rid ourselves of this identify an area where this is happening at “Therefore, following a pilot raise awareness of environmental crimes in blight on our landscape,” adds the Council a regular time of day or night, or has info anniversary of the disaster last year. cess and that generations to come will be scheme that ended in October able to explore the area’s mining heritage. our communities, be it dog fouling, litter- Leader. on an area that is causing concern, is asked 2011, issuing Fixed Penalty Each of the P5-7 pupils had a family ing in our street, parks and surrounding It means visitors to parks – including to call 0845 740 6080 (standard local call member who worked in the mines. The Heritage Lottery Fund grant will Notices for littering in South allow the project to continue for a further countryside or fly tipping.” football teams, children and dog walkers – from BT landline but other providers may Lanarkshire was extended to And the minute’s silence they observed South Lanarkshire Council spends can enjoy the green space with less chance charge differently), or email customer. in the musuem’s new memorial room on two years and will include a local mining include all young people under heritage resource project, a schools re- several million pounds every year clearing of stepping in something unpleasant. [email protected]. the age of 16. the anniversary of the disaster was dog fouling, picking up litter, removing As part of the council’s dog mess blitz, Responsible dog owners out and about particularly poignant for all. enactment and story book project, exhibi- “Since then, litter enforcement tion project and community film project. graffiti and dealing with fly-tipped waste ‘Wanted’ posters will be going up all over with their pets are also urged to pass on patrols have been carried out Lanarkshire’s mining heritage is a and abandoned cars. South Lanarkshire asking the public to information on those behaving less source of fierce pride and none more so where particular problems had G Look out for an expanded version of And Councillor McAvoy says in these give the council the information it needs to responsibly. than in Blantyre where the community been identified and areas around this story in the spring edition of the times of austerity and cutbacks, this catch offenders in the act. schools are being targeted. It is paid such a hefty price. G Report the lazy culprits to 0845 740 council’s Reporter magazine, which will money could be better spent in a far more And after successful tip-offs from the hoped there will be a noticeable And helping to ensure that this proud 6080 (standard rate call) and help get be delivered to every home in South productive way, such as improving parks, public, ‘Thank You’ posters will follow, reduction in the amount of litter heritage is celebrated is the Pits, Ponies, a cleaner, healthier environment for Lanarkshire during March. play areas and a variety of other local reinforcing the message that the council is present.” People and Stories Project, led by South amenities for the benefit of residents and taking positive action to collar nuisance everyone. Page 11 january 2014 general news :Layout 1 23/1/14 16:07 Page 1

www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk Follow @SouthLanCouncil 11 Pupils face £50 FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THEIR MINING ANCESTORS fine for littering outside school in crackdown

By Mhairi Anderson

JOINT patrols by council enforcement officers and Police Scotland have been targeting known hot spots in a bid to curb the problem of lunch-time littering by school pupils. It has become a hot-button issue for the public and the council has responded by moving from awareness-raising campaigns to enforcement. This means that pupils now face on-the-spot fines of £50 if caught dropping litter such as fast food wrappers, cans or juice bottles. Previously, only adults were given fixed penalty fines for littering but this has now been extended to include those aged under 16. School teachers have been giving advice to pupils, parents and carers informing them that council enforcement officers and police are conducting joint patrols at well-known litter hot spots around secondary schools. And that, with police in attendance, Fixed Penalty Notices of £50 would be issued to pupils found littering. Councillor Hamish Stewart, Chair of the Council’s Pits, ponies and people Community Services Committee explains: “Fixed Penalty Notices of £50 for littering had, until Report by Sarah Burrows Lanarkshire Council and its various partners. 2011, only been served on adults It was awarded a £357,900 Lottery grant who were seen to drop litter. IT is Scotland’s biggest pit disaster, during to enable the project to fulfill its objectives “Young people in South which 207 miners perished, leaving 92 and takes the total contributions to Lanarkshire had been excluded, widows and 250 children without a father. £757,000. as we felt our intensive pro- The Blantyre mining disaster of October The Pits, Ponies, People and Stories gramme of awareness-raising 22, 1877, lives on in infamy as the project has been in development in South campaigns to combat littering explosions that rocked pits No.2 and No.3 Lanarkshire for the past two years, with was the best way forward. may have been prevented had miners’ various partners working together to con- “However, one of the key warnings about safety been heeded sult with the community and submit an issues raised by the public is instead of ignored. application to the Heritage Lottery Fund. litter associated with school A group of pupils from Blantyre’s Schools and community groups have pupils travelling to and from Auchinraith Primary paid a visit to the worked hard during the development school, and during lunch times. National Mining Museum on the stage to ensure the application was a suc- “Therefore, following a pilot anniversary of the disaster last year. cess and that generations to come will be scheme that ended in October able to explore the area’s mining heritage. 2011, issuing Fixed Penalty Each of the P5-7 pupils had a family member who worked in the mines. The Heritage Lottery Fund grant will Notices for littering in South allow the project to continue for a further Lanarkshire was extended to And the minute’s silence they observed in the musuem’s new memorial room on two years and will include a local mining include all young people under heritage resource project, a schools re- the age of 16. the anniversary of the disaster was particularly poignant for all. enactment and story book project, exhibi- “Since then, litter enforcement tion project and community film project. patrols have been carried out Lanarkshire’s mining heritage is a source of fierce pride and none more so where particular problems had G Look out for an expanded version of been identified and areas around than in Blantyre where the community paid such a hefty price. this story in the spring edition of the schools are being targeted. It is council’s Reporter magazine, which will hoped there will be a noticeable And helping to ensure that this proud heritage is celebrated is the Pits, Ponies, be delivered to every home in South reduction in the amount of litter Lanarkshire during March. present.” People and Stories Project, led by South Page 12 January 2014 general news:Layout 1 23/1/14 16:08 Page 1 Page 13 JANUARY 2014 Nurse copy:Layout 1 23/1/14 16:10 Page 1

12 Follow @SouthLanCouncil www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk Follow @SouthLanCouncil 13

THE Dukes of Hazzard may have gained notoriety for their high-speed car capers in the early ’80s, writes Euan Duguid. Now, in Lanarkshire’s deepest south, ‘The Nurse returns to ward where Dukes of Uke banjo way to fame.. Dukes of Uke’, a wacky ukulele ensemble, are also making a big name for themselves for their high-octane performances with the smallest member of the guitar family. Yet, unlike their hell-raising American name- sakes, the eight-piece band really are going she once battled brain tumour the extra mile to help ongoing efforts to strengthen local communities for older people. The Dukes, from Biggar, have been taking their distinctive music out to a variety of By Euan Duguid community events and are active supporters of the nationwide Reshaping Care for Older People (RCOP) programme. WARD 18 of Hairmyres Hospital RCOP aims to help growing numbers of will be forever etched into Patricia older people to continue to live full, positive and independent lives in the community. Anne Murphy’s soul. Lead uke player Ian Murray explained his The building in East Kilbride is where ukulele band is the ideal accompaniment to the mum-of-three spent two years that very ethos. battling back from a brain tumour in the “The songs we perform cover a very wide 1990s. range of musical styles, from rock and pop, The experience brought the fragility of country and western to folk,” he explains. “I life – and the finality of death – into suppose people are surprised to see and hear sharp focus. these tiny instruments sounding great together Yet a poignant twist of fate has seen the – that’s what makes it funny.” nurse of 30 years return to Ward 18 in Ian, who works for South Lanarkshire Council, recent months – to care for older people a key partner in the RCOP programme, adds: in their final weeks and days. “We’ve played at many events for older people The life experience gone full circle has where they really come out of their shells, equipped the Senior Charge Nurse with a joining in the songs and laughing at the heightened sense of devotion – and group’s banter. “We’ve seen even quite frail people get up empathy– for her patients and their to dance. Our music is a great icebreaker that families. can bring people together at events geared to “When I was ill, I spent many long preventing older people from falling into nights in this building, plagued by my isolation, which is a key aim of the RCOP deepest fears, worrying about my partnership.” children and husband if I didn’t make it,” RCOP partners include NHS Lanarkshire, reveals Patricia Anne, 49, from Hamilton. North and South Lanarkshire Councils, the “I’ve worked in many areas of nursing voluntary sector (not-for-profit and charitable in my career and it’s only latterly I’ve organisations) and the independent sector, been involved in end-of-life care. including care homes and care-at-home services. “Chance returned me to Ward 18 just as G For more information on The Dukes of it reopened after refurbishment in July. Uke visit www.thedukesofuke.org.uk “Coming here brought a lot of emotions back from the darkest time in my life. But when you’re faced with death, you realise just how important Reshaping Care for Older People (RCOP) left. It also allows staff to build up a every second is. programme into their daily working relationship with the patient.” “I’m always mindful of what I went practices. And Patricia knows from personal through. Hopefully that can ease the RCOP is looking at ways to support experience just how important that is. experience of patients and their families People given greater control and care for the growing numbers of “Any illness can lead to feelings of here.” people aged 65 years and over by providing desolation,” she said. Having enjoyed good health, Patricia more care at home, in homely settings “I remember after my operation, there Anne, pictured, began experiencing and in the community. were complications that left me with breathlessness and sudden weight Hospital will always be available when debilitating headaches. gain in 1994. required. “I was in a low place but there were over their support provision After two years of trying vari- “When it is, as in the case of those on certain nurses that made the recovery ous diets and holistic therapies Ward 18, emphasis continues to be put on from that bearable. while holding down her nursing PEOPLE with long-term health RCOP’s main aims – to make positive “It was the wee things that made the job working with young people, and independent living a reality. difference. The sister came in with a cup conditions are being empowered she was finally diagnosed with a CHANGES WILL LEAD TO GREATER INDEPENDENCE “When it comes to the final days of of coffee when I was upset one day and to take greater control over the brain tumour. someone’s life, without exception, just sat with me. G Option 1 – Direct Payment: G Option 4 – Mix and match: Centre for Inclusive Living (GCIL) has been Although the tumour was type of support they receive. they always want fundamental, simple “That’s just what I needed at that The supported person – or an organisation The supported person can choose to ‘mix commissioned to provide independent benign, it was having a direct Changes introduced under the new Social things,” explained Patricia Anne. moment. As a nurse, I’ve always been or individual identified by them (a and match’, with a combination of two or user-led support to users and carers to help impact on her adrenal system and Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act “Whatever it is, a treasured song especially mindful that we’ve always got so-called “third party” direct payment) – more of the options, recognising that some them set up and manage their support Patricia Anne’s health problems come into effect in April and mean people or a favourite meal, we always to step back and look and ask ‘what’s a receives the sum of money into a bank people will be happy to take some control arrangements. were predicted to get worse. will have far greater choice over the person asking for?’ account. Then, either on their own or with but perhaps not the full control that comes GCIL is a Disabled People’s Organisation There were also no guarantees try to make these ‘dying wishes’ support package they receive from their happen. “They maybe just want someone to local council. help, they can buy the support they need. with a direct payment. with more than 17 years’ experience of that she’d make it through a vital supporting and developing direct payments “Some people might want to hold their hand. They maybe just want to It will allow them greater freedom and The supported person can use the resource This ensures maximum flexibility in the operation at Glasgow’s Southern as they wish, provided it secures the options available and may be attractive to systems and, more recently, SDS in and take in the fresh air and listen talk about the weather. independence to live their lives, to make General hospital. provision of support agreed and that it people who would like to experiment with around Glasgow. to bird song, for example. “It’s so important here that we put the informed choices and to be actively Patricia Anne spent regular meets the outcomes in the support plan. the direct payment, or individual service GCIL’s service will be based in Campbell “We can now take their person at the centre of everything we do involved and take more control of their overnight stays in Ward 18, then a G Option 2 – Directing the available resource: fund approach for a small aspect of their Street, Hamilton, from where a small team beds onto the veranda here – and provide as much freedom and support provision, rather than simply be specialist medical unit, for tests in The individual selects the support that they support, or for a small portion of their will offer support with: the months leading up to surgery. because of the modifications independence as we can.” passive recipients of care services. want and the local authority – or a provider outcomes. G information and training on SDS to to the ward.” NHS Lanarkshire is a key partner in The Act enshrines as its core principles She also convalesced in the building on their behalf – makes various administra- Under each of the four options, the ensure that service users are able to make after the procedure. Invariably, though, final RCOP, which also combines the expertise the right of people to be involved, to have tive arrangements on the supported council considers a reasonable estimate of an informed choice about the best way to wishes are simply to be of North and South Lanarkshire councils, informed choice and to collaborate in their Since the opening of the new main person’s behalf. Unlike the direct payment the cost of securing the provision of use their funding hospital in 2001, Ward 18 has close to loved ones. the independent and the third sector. care plan and its delivery. there is no requirement for the funding to support for the individual and this is G recruiting and managing personal “We have two consult- David Hume, General Manager for It further enshrines the right to dignity specialised in caring for older people. be provided directly to the individual as a termed the “relevant amount”. assistants, or engaging service providers A refurbishment programme com- ants so all treatment can NHS Lanarkshire’s Older People and to participate in community life. cash payment. The council will also try to identify and G setting up payroll systems if required be administered on Directorate, explained: “The partnership Carers, too, are also to be given greater G pleted last summer coincided with Option 3 – the local authority arranges involve third parties to help individuals understanding the responsibilities involved Patricia Anne’s appointment to Ward 18, no matter how has introduced a raft of schemes and support under the terms of the new Act, support for the supported person: when choosing their options for self-directed in employing staff complex the patient’s programmes to make independent and with local authorities now required to G manage the ward. The council arranges support on behalf of support, where mental health issues or meeting council financial monitoring Today, all of Ward 18’s patients needs are,” continued positive living a reality throughout local consider whether they also have needs in the supported person, in collaboration with physical disability might cause difficulties requirements. Patricia Anne. communities in Lanarkshire. their own right regarding their ability to have complex, round-the-clock care the individual. With the appropriate in communicating their wishes. GCIL’s service is scheduled to start in needs. “That means patients “That ethos is extending to the hospital provide care. support agreed, the council then makes But any supported person is entitled to April 2014 as the new legislation kicks in.” aren’t moved around the wards, too. The four options for self-directed support G Anyone who wishes further info All are cared for until the end arrangements on the supported person’s help from a third party in communicating and Patricia Anne, along with her hospital. That’s crucial for the “RCOP is also about continuing a that will be available to individuals when about the various options available behalf. Under this option, the supported decisions about their options and can team, is striving to engrain the family as it allows them to make mindset that puts the individual – and they are assessed as needing care and should contact their local social work person chooses to leave the day-to-day expect the council to help identify and main principles of the nationwide the most of the time they have their needs – at the centre of care.” support or support as an adult carer are: details and arrangements to the professional. involve them in the process. Glasgow office. Page 13 JANUARY 2014 Nurse copy:Layout 1 23/1/14 16:10 Page 1

www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk Follow @SouthLanCouncil 13 Nurse returns to ward where she once battled brain tumour

By Euan Duguid

WARD 18 of Hairmyres Hospital will be forever etched into Patricia Anne Murphy’s soul. The building in East Kilbride is where the mum-of-three spent two years battling back from a brain tumour in the 1990s. The experience brought the fragility of life – and the finality of death – into sharp focus. Yet a poignant twist of fate has seen the nurse of 30 years return to Ward 18 in recent months – to care for older people in their final weeks and days. The life experience gone full circle has equipped the Senior Charge Nurse with a heightened sense of devotion – and empathy– for her patients and their families. “When I was ill, I spent many long nights in this building, plagued by my deepest fears, worrying about my children and husband if I didn’t make it,” reveals Patricia Anne, 49, from Hamilton. “I’ve worked in many areas of nursing in my career and it’s only latterly I’ve been involved in end-of-life care. “Chance returned me to Ward 18 just as it reopened after refurbishment in July. “Coming here brought a lot of emotions back from the darkest time in my life. But when you’re faced with death, you realise just how important Reshaping Care for Older People (RCOP) left. It also allows staff to build up a every second is. programme into their daily working relationship with the patient.” “I’m always mindful of what I went practices. And Patricia knows from personal through. Hopefully that can ease the RCOP is looking at ways to support experience just how important that is. experience of patients and their families and care for the growing numbers of “Any illness can lead to feelings of here.” people aged 65 years and over by providing desolation,” she said. Having enjoyed good health, Patricia more care at home, in homely settings “I remember after my operation, there Anne, pictured, began experiencing and in the community. were complications that left me with breathlessness and sudden weight Hospital will always be available when debilitating headaches. gain in 1994. required. “I was in a low place but there were After two years of trying vari- “When it is, as in the case of those on certain nurses that made the recovery ous diets and holistic therapies Ward 18, emphasis continues to be put on from that bearable. while holding down her nursing RCOP’s main aims – to make positive “It was the wee things that made the job working with young people, and independent living a reality. difference. The sister came in with a cup she was finally diagnosed with a “When it comes to the final days of of coffee when I was upset one day and brain tumour. someone’s life, without exception, just sat with me. Although the tumour was they always want fundamental, simple “That’s just what I needed at that benign, it was having a direct things,” explained Patricia Anne. moment. As a nurse, I’ve always been impact on her adrenal system and “Whatever it is, a treasured song especially mindful that we’ve always got Patricia Anne’s health problems or a favourite meal, we always to step back and look and ask ‘what’s a were predicted to get worse. person asking for?’ There were also no guarantees try to make these ‘dying wishes’ “They maybe just want someone to that she’d make it through a vital happen. hold their hand. They maybe just want to operation at Glasgow’s Southern “Some people might want to talk about the weather. General hospital. take in the fresh air and listen “It’s so important here that we put the Patricia Anne spent regular to bird song, for example. overnight stays in Ward 18, then a “We can now take their person at the centre of everything we do specialist medical unit, for tests in beds onto the veranda here – and provide as much freedom and the months leading up to surgery. because of the modifications independence as we can.” She also convalesced in the building to the ward.” NHS Lanarkshire is a key partner in after the procedure. Invariably, though, final RCOP, which also combines the expertise Since the opening of the new main wishes are simply to be of North and South Lanarkshire councils, hospital in 2001, Ward 18 has close to loved ones. the independent and the third sector. specialised in caring for older people. “We have two consult- David Hume, General Manager for A refurbishment programme com- ants so all treatment can NHS Lanarkshire’s Older People pleted last summer coincided with be administered on Directorate, explained: “The partnership Patricia Anne’s appointment to Ward 18, no matter how has introduced a raft of schemes and manage the ward. complex the patient’s programmes to make independent and Today, all of Ward 18’s patients needs are,” continued positive living a reality throughout local have complex, round-the-clock care Patricia Anne. communities in Lanarkshire. needs. “That means patients “That ethos is extending to the hospital All are cared for until the end aren’t moved around the wards, too. and Patricia Anne, along with her hospital. That’s crucial for the “RCOP is also about continuing a team, is striving to engrain the family as it allows them to make mindset that puts the individual – and main principles of the nationwide the most of the time they have their needs – at the centre of care.” Page 14 January 2014 war hero copy:Layout 1 23/1/14 16:12 Page 1 page 15 January 2014 war hero copy:Layout 1 23/1/14 16:15 Page 1

14 Follow @SouthLanCouncil www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk Follow @SouthLanCouncil 15 Pilot scheme helping elderly ‘The sight of burning, ‘... Receiving the A LIFE LESS sinking British ships telephone calls – stay at home one night that had and just knowing been torpedoed someone is there ORDINARY in our convoy with a listening ear scoops award has never left me. ALEX Brock’s self-effacing demeanour and a kind word – belies a life of derring-do and drama By Euan Duguid You never forget the has been a huge on the high seas. finality of that. “I was a stoker in the engine room boost mentally’ of the cruiser HMS Arethusa, which AN award-winning community-based You never forget was first to bombard German gun care and support team that’s meet- those poor souls batteries at D-Day,” says Alex, below. ing the challenges of an ageing who lost their lives “King George himself came population has proven the power of onboard from Portsmouth just after partnership is the key to success. in the blink of an eye’ the assault to see what we’d being The Integrated Community doing in the fateful attack. Support Team (ICST), which aims to “We dropped him off at Sword prevent unnecessary hospital or care beach, on the captain’s barge, to home admissions and reduce the meet the Army top brass.” length of stay in hospital, scooped Days later, however, disaster struck the Integrated Care for Older People as Arethusa was ferrying injured Award at the annual Scottish Health troops back to Portsmouth. Awards. “A blast shook through the boat. It Nine out of every 10 people was as if I’d been picked up and supported by the ICST, a pilot dumped on the floor by a huge hand. scheme which operates in East We reckon we sailed over a German Kilbride and Strathaven, have been mine. able to remain in their own home “It goes beyond a loud bang –a since its launch last year. blast like that reverberates throughout And the team say the key to the your body and soul. marked success so far is all down to “It’s terrifying. I learned many things joined-up working across agencies. in the Navy but I never learned how NHS Lanarkshire’s Morag Hearty, to swim. I’d thought my time was up Project Manager for the ICST, as the boat began to tilt. explained: “The ICST has brought “The Arethusa remained afloat – but together nurses, physiotherapists only just. All the English ports were and hospital discharge rehabilitation full of other vessels that had been staff from NHS Lanarkshire with damaged and three tugs towed us all social workers, home care workers the way up the west coast to and occupational therapists from Glasgow – with the boat at a 45 South Lanarkshire Council. degree angle. “Medical care is provided by the person’s own GP who links, when Alex’s ship voyages into U-Boat-infested waters during a highly dangerous WWII mission, above needed, with hospital consultants. Alex Brock says VASLan’s new telephone befriending scheme is proving to be a vital lifeline as he confronts loneliness, which he says is his greatest-ever challenge “We really are drawing on a huge bank of skill, experience and knowledge and channelling that to tailor and co-ordinate support to the individual needs, especially of older people, in homes and the community.” The ICST initiative has been formed through the nationwide, ‘I have seen worst of combat but my multi-agency Reshaping Care for Older People (RCOP) programme. Research shows most older people would prefer to remain in their own homes, with support, if they are unable to look after themselves. RCOP is looking at ways to support biggest battle was against loneliness’ growing numbers of people aged 65 and over by providing more care and support at home. Key partners in South Lanarkshire A NEW BEFRIENDING A VETERAN of some of the most But in the last three years his health has include the council, NHS Lanarkshire, SERVICE IS HELPING TO tumultuous episodes of the Second deteriorated. “I remember vividly the peculiar the independent and the third sector. World War says fighting loneliness He adds: “My wife, Helen, died 20 years sensation of walking on level ground RCOP partners are also focused EASE THE ISOLATION OF ago and all of my old mates have passed when we got on shore. It took a bit of on recognising and supporting unpaid is the greatest challenge of his life. away. Eye deterioration has also really getting used to again.” carers and the ICST has positively PENSIONERS WHO LIVE Now battle-hardened Alex Brock, 89, from impacted on my independence. As well as close shaves and engaged with South Lanarkshire ON THEIR OWN SUCH AS East Kilbride, has found solace in a new “Although I get out and have forged new slapstick moments, Alex also experi- Carers Network to make this a reality. pilot scheme that places friendship at the friendships at a local blind club and receive enced the full destructive horror of The aim has been to increase their ALEX BROCK, WHO SAYS forefront of the fight against isolation. visits from home support and health war. knowledge of carer issues and IT PROVIDES HIM WITH Mr Brock, a Royal Navy sailor whose workers, it can be tough living alone. “We were protecting convoys support services to ensure that war-time experiences include narrowly “You can get little worries out of perspec- running supplies into Malta when it unpaid carers are identified and have COMFORT AND SUPPORT. cheating death after his light cruiser HMS tive and, before you know it, you’re carrying was in the grip of fierce bombing access to the information they need. Arethusa was hit by a German mine, has the weight of the world on your shoulders. raids by the Luftwaffe and Italian air EUAN DUGUID REPORTS force. In the first year of ICST, 921 people joined Voluntary Action South Lanarkshire’s “But receiving the telephone calls – and “The level of sheer destructive force were referred and around 90 per (VASLan) new telephone befriending project. cent of these – many with complex just knowing someone is there with a never leaves you.” As VASLan launch an appeal for older care needs – were able to stay in listening ear and a kind word – has been a It was the terror of negotiating the their home within 30 days of referral. people living alone to take part in the huge boost mentally.” Atlantic’s U-boat infested waters – Harry Stevenson, South scheme, great-grandfather Alex says the VASLan set up the befriending scheme as and providing protection to merchant Lanarkshire Council’s Executive scheme is proving to be vital boost for him. part of its vital work in the multi-agency shipping – that made the biggest Director of Social Work Resources, “I’ve seen the very worst of war, from Reshaping Care for Older People (RCOP) impact on Alex, however. said: “We are fully committed to merchant ships being struck by U-boats in project. “The sight of burning, sinking Reshaping Care for Older People’s the dead of night and cities being relentlessly RCOP is looking at ways to support the with recipients in terms of interests and RCOP combines the expertise of key befriending volunteer finds out something British ships one night that had been integrated approach to supporting bombed, to nearly being sunk myself in the growing numbers of people aged 65 and background, have been trained to talk partners in South Lanarkshire, including is wrong, contact will be made with the torpedoed in our convoy has never older people and ensuring South English channel, just after D-Day,” he over, focusing on providing more help and regularly on the phone to older people. voluntary sector organisations, such as person’s named contact in the first instance left me. Lanarkshire is great place to live and explains. support to enable older people to remain at Brian Duffy, Locality officer at VASLan, VASLan with NHS Lanarkshire, South or with statutory agencies. “You never forget the finality of grow old in. “It was always companionship and friend- home and stay connected to their local explains: “One of the main reasons we’re Lanarkshire Council and the independent “It’s about reassurance, too.” Places are that. You never forget those poor “This recent accolade is testament ship that got me through the darkest of community. The scheme has been rolled out doing this is to reduce feelings of isolation. sector. still available for those in need of the service. souls who lost their lives in the blink to exemplary teamwork across hours. I feel the phone scheme has provided at a crucial time – during the winter months “When our befriender calls, the older The new service is also set to have real VASLan staff are especially keen to hear of an eye. agencies. me with that very same comfort and support – when older people living alone can be at person knows there’s someone out there practical benefits in partnership working, from older people living alone, or from “The war taught me just how precious every second of life is. It’s a “The ICST has set down a very today.” their most vulnerable and their most who is looking out for them and is there to including other key agencies being able to family members or neighbours who have strong foundation stone for the After the war, Alex led an active life, isolated. lesson that’s always stayed with me.” future of community-based care listen. That can be a huge boost if they refer people for extra support. concerns for someone who is. including running a busy shop in Glasgow. A team of volunteers, who are matched G Contact the team on 01698 300390. and support.” don’t have a lot of contact with others.” Brian added: “In a scenario where a Page 14 January 2014 war hero copy:Layout 1 23/1/14 16:12 Page 1 page 15 January 2014 war hero copy:Layout 1 23/1/14 16:15 Page 1

14 Follow @SouthLanCouncil www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk Follow @SouthLanCouncil 15 Pilot scheme helping elderly ‘The sight of burning, ‘... Receiving the A LIFE LESS sinking British ships telephone calls – stay at home one night that had and just knowing been torpedoed someone is there ORDINARY in our convoy with a listening ear scoops award has never left me. ALEX Brock’s self-effacing demeanour and a kind word – belies a life of derring-do and drama By Euan Duguid You never forget the has been a huge on the high seas. finality of that. “I was a stoker in the engine room boost mentally’ of the cruiser HMS Arethusa, which AN award-winning community-based You never forget was first to bombard German gun care and support team that’s meet- those poor souls batteries at D-Day,” says Alex, below. ing the challenges of an ageing who lost their lives “King George himself came population has proven the power of onboard from Portsmouth just after partnership is the key to success. in the blink of an eye’ the assault to see what we’d being The Integrated Community doing in the fateful attack. Support Team (ICST), which aims to “We dropped him off at Sword prevent unnecessary hospital or care beach, on the captain’s barge, to home admissions and reduce the meet the Army top brass.” length of stay in hospital, scooped Days later, however, disaster struck the Integrated Care for Older People as Arethusa was ferrying injured Award at the annual Scottish Health troops back to Portsmouth. Awards. “A blast shook through the boat. It Nine out of every 10 people was as if I’d been picked up and supported by the ICST, a pilot dumped on the floor by a huge hand. scheme which operates in East We reckon we sailed over a German Kilbride and Strathaven, have been mine. able to remain in their own home “It goes beyond a loud bang –a since its launch last year. blast like that reverberates throughout And the team say the key to the your body and soul. marked success so far is all down to “It’s terrifying. I learned many things joined-up working across agencies. in the Navy but I never learned how NHS Lanarkshire’s Morag Hearty, to swim. I’d thought my time was up Project Manager for the ICST, as the boat began to tilt. explained: “The ICST has brought “The Arethusa remained afloat – but together nurses, physiotherapists only just. All the English ports were and hospital discharge rehabilitation full of other vessels that had been staff from NHS Lanarkshire with damaged and three tugs towed us all social workers, home care workers the way up the west coast to and occupational therapists from Glasgow – with the boat at a 45 South Lanarkshire Council. degree angle. “Medical care is provided by the person’s own GP who links, when Alex’s ship voyages into U-Boat-infested waters during a highly dangerous WWII mission, above needed, with hospital consultants. Alex Brock says VASLan’s new telephone befriending scheme is proving to be a vital lifeline as he confronts loneliness, which he says is his greatest-ever challenge “We really are drawing on a huge bank of skill, experience and knowledge and channelling that to tailor and co-ordinate support to the individual needs, especially of older people, in homes and the community.” The ICST initiative has been formed through the nationwide, ‘I have seen worst of combat but my multi-agency Reshaping Care for Older People (RCOP) programme. Research shows most older people would prefer to remain in their own homes, with support, if they are unable to look after themselves. RCOP is looking at ways to support biggest battle was against loneliness’ growing numbers of people aged 65 and over by providing more care and support at home. Key partners in South Lanarkshire A NEW BEFRIENDING A VETERAN of some of the most But in the last three years his health has include the council, NHS Lanarkshire, SERVICE IS HELPING TO tumultuous episodes of the Second deteriorated. “I remember vividly the peculiar the independent and the third sector. World War says fighting loneliness He adds: “My wife, Helen, died 20 years sensation of walking on level ground RCOP partners are also focused EASE THE ISOLATION OF ago and all of my old mates have passed when we got on shore. It took a bit of on recognising and supporting unpaid is the greatest challenge of his life. away. Eye deterioration has also really getting used to again.” carers and the ICST has positively PENSIONERS WHO LIVE Now battle-hardened Alex Brock, 89, from impacted on my independence. As well as close shaves and engaged with South Lanarkshire ON THEIR OWN SUCH AS East Kilbride, has found solace in a new “Although I get out and have forged new slapstick moments, Alex also experi- Carers Network to make this a reality. pilot scheme that places friendship at the friendships at a local blind club and receive enced the full destructive horror of The aim has been to increase their ALEX BROCK, WHO SAYS forefront of the fight against isolation. visits from home support and health war. knowledge of carer issues and IT PROVIDES HIM WITH Mr Brock, a Royal Navy sailor whose workers, it can be tough living alone. “We were protecting convoys support services to ensure that war-time experiences include narrowly “You can get little worries out of perspec- running supplies into Malta when it unpaid carers are identified and have COMFORT AND SUPPORT. cheating death after his light cruiser HMS tive and, before you know it, you’re carrying was in the grip of fierce bombing access to the information they need. Arethusa was hit by a German mine, has the weight of the world on your shoulders. raids by the Luftwaffe and Italian air EUAN DUGUID REPORTS force. In the first year of ICST, 921 people joined Voluntary Action South Lanarkshire’s “But receiving the telephone calls – and “The level of sheer destructive force were referred and around 90 per (VASLan) new telephone befriending project. cent of these – many with complex just knowing someone is there with a never leaves you.” As VASLan launch an appeal for older care needs – were able to stay in listening ear and a kind word – has been a It was the terror of negotiating the their home within 30 days of referral. people living alone to take part in the huge boost mentally.” Atlantic’s U-boat infested waters – Harry Stevenson, South scheme, great-grandfather Alex says the VASLan set up the befriending scheme as and providing protection to merchant Lanarkshire Council’s Executive scheme is proving to be vital boost for him. part of its vital work in the multi-agency shipping – that made the biggest Director of Social Work Resources, “I’ve seen the very worst of war, from Reshaping Care for Older People (RCOP) impact on Alex, however. said: “We are fully committed to merchant ships being struck by U-boats in project. “The sight of burning, sinking Reshaping Care for Older People’s the dead of night and cities being relentlessly RCOP is looking at ways to support the with recipients in terms of interests and RCOP combines the expertise of key befriending volunteer finds out something British ships one night that had been integrated approach to supporting bombed, to nearly being sunk myself in the growing numbers of people aged 65 and background, have been trained to talk partners in South Lanarkshire, including is wrong, contact will be made with the torpedoed in our convoy has never older people and ensuring South English channel, just after D-Day,” he over, focusing on providing more help and regularly on the phone to older people. voluntary sector organisations, such as person’s named contact in the first instance left me. Lanarkshire is great place to live and explains. support to enable older people to remain at Brian Duffy, Locality officer at VASLan, VASLan with NHS Lanarkshire, South or with statutory agencies. “You never forget the finality of grow old in. “It was always companionship and friend- home and stay connected to their local explains: “One of the main reasons we’re Lanarkshire Council and the independent “It’s about reassurance, too.” Places are that. You never forget those poor “This recent accolade is testament ship that got me through the darkest of community. The scheme has been rolled out doing this is to reduce feelings of isolation. sector. still available for those in need of the service. souls who lost their lives in the blink to exemplary teamwork across hours. I feel the phone scheme has provided at a crucial time – during the winter months “When our befriender calls, the older The new service is also set to have real VASLan staff are especially keen to hear of an eye. agencies. me with that very same comfort and support – when older people living alone can be at person knows there’s someone out there practical benefits in partnership working, from older people living alone, or from “The war taught me just how precious every second of life is. It’s a “The ICST has set down a very today.” their most vulnerable and their most who is looking out for them and is there to including other key agencies being able to family members or neighbours who have strong foundation stone for the After the war, Alex led an active life, isolated. lesson that’s always stayed with me.” future of community-based care listen. That can be a huge boost if they refer people for extra support. concerns for someone who is. including running a busy shop in Glasgow. A team of volunteers, who are matched G Contact the team on 01698 300390. and support.” don’t have a lot of contact with others.” Brian added: “In a scenario where a Page 16 January 2014 full page ad:Layout 1 23/1/14 16:17 Page 1

www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk Follow @SouthLanCouncil 16

LGBT History Month 2014 Programme of Events - Brochure

1 February 2014 28 February 2014 Saltire Thistle - Challenge match versus Horse McDonald in Concert Hotscots ‘Horse comes Home’ Hamilton Palace Sports Ground Lanark Memorial Hall Saltire Thistle FC are a gay friendly football team based in Glasgow. Horse grew up in Lanark and returns ‘Home’ in this one off ‘an audience with’ performance with her full band. Come and hear the artist described by Q Established in 2010, initially they where a group of folk with a common magazine as “One of the ﬁnest singers in Britain” whose “voice wraps us up sexuality and interest to regularly play 5-a-side, they now have 40+ loyal like a great big duvet” – The Scotsman - in a night not to be missed. members and are still growing. They play nationally in the Gay Football Supporters Network (GFSN) League Division 1 and locally in the Glasgow and Combined with music from her excellent 9th album ‘Home’, Horse will District Sunday Football Championship (GDSFC) Division 3. perform songs from throughout her career.

Come along to enjoy a great game of football for all. Tickets cost £17.50 and £15.50 for concession and can be booked by contacting Lanark Memorial Hall on 01555 667 999 or online at www.sllcboxoffice.co.uk 1 – 16 February 2014 Our Story Scotland Every Monday throughout February Low Parks Museum from 6.30 – 7.30pm An exhibition presenting the life stories and experiences of the LGBT (lesbian, Words with Wings gay, bisexual and transgender) community of Scotland. This involves oral Hamilton Town House Library history work with all ages, including the older generation. Their stories reveal the tremendous changes that have occurred in the lives of LGBT people Words With Wings: Where art and words collide. A fun and supportive space during their lifetime and demonstrate how Scotland has and continues to to build confidence in exploring creative ways of expressing who you are. move forward. This is an opportunity to tell your stories with words, art and music. We provide a platform to encourage and stimulate your creative talents. 4 – 16 February 2014 Words matter - words can change lives - words connect us all. Let’s share our Lucy Holmes Elliott - The Queer Window Project words together! East Kilbride Arts Centre All welcome. No experience required. This session is aimed at young people Lucy Holmes-Elliott is a Glasgow based artist and filmmaker. Her most recent between 13 – 18 years of age. work The Queer Window Project, commissioned by Creative Scotland, is a series of fifteen large-scale portrait illustrations and thirty photographs Further details contact AJ: [email protected] depicting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. www.wordswithwings.me

Come and enjoy this fantastic exhibition celebrating the diversity of Scotland. Every Thursday throughout February from 1.00 – 3.00pm 7 February 2014 Film Night - ‘The kids are alright’ Words with Wings Hamilton Town House Library Rutherglen Town Hall Words With Wings: Creating a space for voices that are often unheard Share Starring: Annette Bening, Julianne Moore and Mark Ruffalo poetry, a word, an idea. Two children conceived by artiﬁcial insemination bring their father into their family life in this moving family comedy/drama from writer/director Lisa Our ‘drop-in’ sessions invite you to write a poem, participate in a word game; Cholodenko. collaborate on a piece of visual poetry or meet like minded people sharing their stories. Working towards an inclusive community. Tickets cost £5 and £3 for concession and can be booked by contacting Rutherglen Town Hall on 0141 613 5700 or online at www.sllcboxofﬁce.co.uk We provide a safe environment full of word and wonder to inspire and provoke the writer within.

22 February 2014 No booking required. Suitable for all ages. Rainbow 5K Trail Run Further details contact AJ: [email protected] Chatelherault Country Park www.wordswithwings.me The Rainbow Trail Run celebrates LGBT History Month and this year’s theme of ‘sport’. It will take place on the undulating country trails and tarmac paths in the lovely Chatelherault Park. The run, jog or walk, Full details of all events relating to LGBT History whichever takes your fancy, is suitable for all abilities and if you have Month can be found by visiting the events page at never attempted one before, this is will be a great event to join in the fun and experience a sense of achievement amongst friends. www.slleisureandculture.co.uk

www.slleisureandculture.co.ukwww.slleisureandculture.co.uk South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture Limited is a recognised Scottish Charity, No. SCO32549