Issue 08 Autumn 2010

Tel: 01259 450000 email: [email protected] You answered BittenBitten byby our call t has been widely publicised that Ithere will be a minimum 12% reduction in public sector budgets, to pay back large scale public sector the Bookbug borrowing at a national level. For the Bookbug Council that means budget savings of around £18m over the period 2011-2014. However, we don’t yet know the details of our grant and we could have to make even greater savings, perhaps up to 20%. At the same time, we’ll have to find ways of dealing with increased demand for some Council services, with a growing along with initial proposed elderly population and more savings, coming forward in young people requiring our December, once the Scottish support. For example we expect Government has announced its to see a rise in the number of 5th funding for the public sector. and 6th year pupils staying on at Then specific budget savings will school because of the decline in be proposed in January and the available jobs for school leavers. 2011-12 budget will be presented There has been a great response to a full Council meeting in to our public appeal for February for councillors to take a feedback which will help us to decision. make decisions on the future Council Leader Sam Ovens shape of Council services in said: “We’re delighted with Clackmannanshire. the response to our budget We launched our wide-ranging engagement programme. The budget engagement programme process has generated lots of in the summer, seeking ideas and debate and we are comments from the people who now developing the solutions use the hundreds of services we as we plan for the future. Local provide every day to help inform government is accustomed to some of the difficult choices making major efficiencies, which ahead. generate millions of pounds of savings every year. While we will And you responded to the all continue to modernise the way call, sending us letters and we work, there is no way that we emails with ideas, filling in the can find these significant savings questionnaire and telling us their by making efficiencies alone. thoughts at face to face events. We have to look at doing things All the comments and differently, possible stopping suggestions received are being some services and perhaps considered and will be fed charging for others. back into the decision making “Our engagement exercise process. Many will ultimately has raised awareness of the help to inform those decisions challenges the Council is facing that the Council will take in and what it means for public achieving the required savings. services. Thanks to the feedback The initial results of the budget we’ve received the decisions we engagement process will be make in February will be well reported to councillors in informed and their impact will be November, with the full results understood.” Christine the Children’s Librarian with Luka at Hillfoots Family Centre. See page 9 for more. Inside VIEW...

Eastern Routes in Clackmannanshire An Exhibition of work by Delhi trio p3 Garden party p4 Home insulation p10 What’s on p12 international artist Paul Binnie Saturday 23 Saturday 30 rd October until th October 2010 Venue GR McFarlane Art Gallery, 41 Mill Street, FK10 1DW 9am -5pm (closed Sunday)

Artist Talk Paul Binnie, Saturday 23 rd October 2010, 2 This is a free event, please bookpm via the venue, either in person or by calling 01259 723303.

Regional Partner to:

This exhibition is part of the Clackmannanshire storytelling festival. Please visit www.clackmannanshiretourism.com for full details. Clackmannanshire VIEW Autumn 2010

Clackmannanshire urgently needs foster carers. Who Cares Wins Care for the children

Love them by Natasha Sharp, age 10

Are you interestedDo you in making care about a difference children? to a child’s life? If so, fostering may be the rewarding experience you have been looking for.

Call: 0125 9 450000 Email: chil [email protected]

Log on: www.clacksweb.org.uk/children/couldyoufoster

Some of Clackmannanshire’s most inspiring Clackmannanshire foster carers receive a weekly fee Clackmannanshire Council people were recently recognised for their and an allowance for each child placed as well as training and www.clacksweb.org.uk outstanding efforts at a special event. support. By fostering through your local Council, you are helping to keep children Provost Derek Stewart foster carers how much the near their schools, family and friends. To find out more, call 01259 450000 or go to invited foster carers to Council appreciates them, www.clacksweb.org.uk/children/couldyoufoster attend a Civic Reception the better.” at Greenfield House in More foster carers are recognition of the vital role needed to offer children they play. suitable long and short Supporting young people Provost Stewart said: “This term placements. To be a event highlighted the carer you can be single, important role foster carers married or in a relationship Skills & play. Clackmannanshire and don’t have to have and families Employment Council relies on a fantastic children of your own. The group of foster carers important thing is that you We constantly work to ensure people have learning Health & the Did you know? to support and care for have the space, time and and employment opportunities. Our priorities also Environment The number of young vulnerable children. As patience to help vulnerable include supporting vulnerable people and families. people achieving at well as being a chance to children. To achieve these aims we have rolled out a series Did you know? least five foundation thank our foster carers, of plans and strategies and have made progress In Clackmannanshire, level awards has There are currently 23 foster 63% of primary and 60% the Civic Reception was a towards local and national targets. increased 2.5%, up to families in - of secondary age children 96%. Those achieving chance to raise awareness shire. So far this year walk or cycle to school. five or more general and help attract people Clackmannanshire Council Vulnerable Children & Families The UK average is just level awards increased who can work with the has recruited an additional half. to 76%. Fifth year pupils Council to build better Did you know? Did you know? three foster carers and we achieving at least three futures for children in Nearly three quarters Perceptions of drug hope that another seven Did you know? highers increased by Clackmannanshire. It was of looked-after children and alcohol misuse in All pupils in our primary almost 2%, and there people will come forward in Clackmannanshire Clackmannanshire are also a chance to present schools receive at least was an impressive and foster children by achieved more than one improving. The proportion long service certificates and an hour and a half of 6% increase in those the end of the year. We foundation level award of residents who said retirement gifts. physical education per achieving at least one currently have a number of in the 2009/10 exams: alcohol was something week from a PE specialist. higher. “Being a foster carer can children in foster care substantially higher than they disliked about their All P4 and P5 pupils the Scottish average neighbourhood reduced be an incredibly rewarding out with Clackmannanshire receive 20 swimming Did you know? of 59%. We try to keep from 37% in 2008/09 to 28% role and we are always and new recruits means sessions each year. 86% of young people these children’s home in 2009/10. The proportion from Clackmannanshire looking to attract new these children can be cared environment stable, with who say drugs are a dislike Did you know? leaving school carers and to hold on to for in their own community. an average of only one about their neighbourhood 15 of our educational in 2009 moved those who provide this move per child last year. has also gone down, from Although she was unable centres reduced gas and into employment, vital service. Children thrive 33% to 21%. to attend the reception, Did you know? electricity usage last education or training: in families and finding the event marked the Though the number of children on the child protection year. Primary equal to the Scottish people who can offer local retirement of Jean register has increased this year, the average time School made the biggest average. Just under children a loving home can Johnstone who has been a children are spending on the register is falling. We’re cut, with a huge 18% 200 young people be difficult - so the more started the national foster carer for 22 years. implementing child protection plans more quickly, reduction! we can do to show our keeping children safe. training programme in 2009 and 439 participated in Modern Schools & Education Apprenticeships, It pays helping people improve Did you know? Did you know? their employability. to be a good tenant Our three new high We got positive school We’ve also seen an schools are now inspections throughout increase in accredited Congratulations to the winners of the can be devoted to delivering continuous complete and the new 2009/10. So far in 2010/11, training for both young recent Tenant Reward Draw. Three lucky improvements and providing value for Forth Valley College the Care Commission has people and adults Clackmannanshire Council tenants received money to tenants across the full range in Alloa is expected rated the Hillfoots and Alloa within the community. shopping vouchers after being chosen at of housing management services,” said Jennifer Queripel, Service Manager, Housing to be completed for Family Centres, the Schools random from all the tenants who were up to Did you know? date with their rent. Management. the 2011-12 academic Support Service, Woodside year, providing young Children’s Unit, Abercromby 2359 new books The draw is carried out twice a year, in August were added to “This is our way of saying thank you to all people with a modern and Clackmannan the tenants who pay their rent on time. As and again in January. To be in with a chance Clackmannanshire’s learning environment. Nurseries, and Claremont, more tenants continue to pay their rent on of winning next time, make sure your rent is children and teenage time and in advance, in line with the tenancy up to date. and St John’s library stock in 2009/10 agreement, the less need there will be for £100 winner - Craig Kortje, Primary Schools all as Very to help improve young resources to be directed to managing rent £75 winner - Anna Alcock, Good or Excellent. people’s literacy skills. arrears. This means that more resources £50 winner - Yvonne Boyle Page 2 Autumn 2010 Clackmannanshire VIEW Clacks trio shine in Delhi Three young people flew the Tammy said: “I filled in an flag for Clackmannanshire and application form and didn’t think when they took part any more about it. I was really in the Commonwealth Games surprised to be chosen. I still can’t handover ceremony in Delhi. really believe we’re going.” Tammy Breingan, Kerstin Kerstin added: “We had an McKelvie and Jamie Devlin were orientation day in which picked for their dedication to was good and they showed us sport in the county, through a recording of the handover volunteering and coaching. ceremony from Melbourne to Their places were funded by Delhi so we had some idea of the Glasgow 2014 community what we’re taking part in. We engagement fund. then had a three week bootcamp Tammy (20) from is a to learn the routine. It’s all very coach with Alloa Gym Club and exciting.” has taken her squad of 9 and Jamie said: “I do a lot of outdoor 10 year old boys to national activities with Street Sport, as well competition level. The former as sports such as martial arts and Lornshill pupil is currently in football. I’m very excited about her 3rd year of a Sports Studies going to Delhi - I never thought I degree at University. would be visiting India.” Kerstin (20) from Alva is also The Council’s sports development a gymnast and competes for manager Marjorie MacFarlane Midlothian Teamgym at a called for applicants to take part national level - she’s going to in the event earlier this year and the European Championships received lots of nominations from in Sweden later this month. local clubs and individuals. The former pupil The Closing Ceremony, which is currently studying Health, the Handover Ceremony was Fitness and Exercise at Forth part of, concluded the Delhi Valley College. Games. It was expected to have Jamie (20) has recently moved to a celebratory and festival feel. Stirling and has worked for over The Ceremony was due to take a year with Street Sport, which place in the main Jawaharlal helps young men to improve 60,000 seat stadium on the last their lives, from improving their day of the sports competition housing situation to help with on 14 October. A special big drug and alcohol issues. screen transmission of the closing Before leaving for Delhi, the trio ceremony - which featured New buses hit the road Tammy, Kerstin and Jamie - was spoke to the View. New-style buses featuring Clackmannan while the H2 Councillor Eddie Carrick, the due to be held at photographs of a Forth Valley bus serves Dollar, , Council’s Sustainability Portfolio followed by the release of prayer family have been spotted Coalsnaughton, Alloa and Holder, said: “While these lanterns. throughout Clackmannanshire. Clackmannan. new bus services have been the new hospital easier. A new The Handover included an eight The buses first hit the road created primarily to connect shuttle bus is also operating from The H1 bus serves from minute performance to celebrate at the beginning of August Clackmannanshire with the new Larbert train station which is free two new bus stops on and have been specially Forth Valley Royal Hospital at for rail ticket holders. the honour of hosting the next Road, opposite Broompark East commissioned by NHS Forth Larbert, it is worth noting that Commonwealth Games, which and Middleton. Valley to serve the new Forth they also provide an improved They feature pictures of Wendy is the responsibility of Glasgow Valley Royal Hospital at These buses provide a direct local service with a journey time Harley, who works as a clerical 2014. The dance performance Larbert. The new H1/H2 service service to Alloa and Forth Valley of 14 minutes between Alloa and services co-ordinator in the showed traditional aspects is open to everyone, not just Royal Hospital. Journey time Menstrie, every two hours. There laboratories at Stirling Royal that the world associates with staff, and passengers can be is 14 minutes to Alloa from the will also be an hourly service from Infirmary, with her family. Scotland as well as a modern and picked up and dropped off Hillfoots and 42 minutes to the Alloa and the new hospital.” urban feel to represent Glasgow anywhere along the route. hospital. The services operates She said: “It may not be as the host city. The 346 members every two hours from 6.41am to The new buses are part of everyone’s cup of tea appearing of the cast were from the whole The H1 bus serves Alva, 8.41pm Monday to Saturday, with an overall transport strategy on the side of a bus, but we have of Scotland and all backgrounds. Menstrie, Tullibody, Alloa and a reduced service on a Sunday. designed to making getting to had great fun as a family taking The routine was expected to be part in the project. It’s strange to watched live by 1 billion people. see ourselves whizzing past and Glasgow 2014 aims to use the is a bit of a talking point amongst handover ceremony as a catalyst friends and colleagues.” for engaging communities A range of new travel leaflets across Scotland. They will be and timetables for the new bus establishing a network of people services have also been produced who will become ambassadors for and distributed widely. They Glasgow and the Games over the are available in GP practices, next four years. bus stations, libraries and on Council spokesman for Sport and the Forth Valley Royal Hospital Leisure Councillor Bobby McGill website www.nhsforthvalley. said: “Choosing the individuals com/forthvalleyroyal to take part was a difficult task, as Clackmannanshire has such National Entitlement Cards are a strong culture of sport and of accepted on the H1 and H2 volunteering. Tammy, Kerstin services, but please note this is and Jamie stood out as being an exact change service for fare hardworking and dedicated payers. young people who have made Clackmannanshire and Scotland proud.” Page 3 Clackmannanshire VIEW Autumn 2010 Clackmannanshire in The winners and runners-up in the Council’s annualBloom garden competition have been announced. This year’s overall winner is Haldis Scott of Gean House, Alloa (main photo), who was runner-up last year. She also picked up Alloa’s top floral garden award. Around 80 people entered this year’s competition with a particularly strong entry in the allotment category. The competition, which is in its 35th year, recognises achievement in the areas of Biodiversity, Best Council Tenant, Commercial Premises, Floral, Vegetable, Allotment, Floral Containers and Best Newcomer. 5 The regular judges were joined by Martin Jeffcot from Fife Council along with Provost 1 Ann Russell, of Hill Street, Alloa, who won Best Council Tenant’s Garden 3 Derek Stewart. and was 3rd overall. 2 Andy and Marjory Warrender of Harviestoun Grove, Tillicoultry, who won the Best Containers category. 3 Catherine Martin said: “Everyone who entered the Forsyth and her son Aaron of Donaldson Drive, Tillicoultry, who won the competition can be proud of their efforts Biodiversity category. 4 Eddie Newlove of High Street, Tillicoultry, was - the gardens I visited were great and I named Best Newcomer. 5 Archie Lesslie of Sorley’s Brae, Dollar, who won Best Vegetable Garden. 6 Len Hadlow won Best Allotment for his plot in thought Clackmannanshire was beautiful. Tillicoultry. I was impressed by all the gardens I visited 1 2 and enjoyed the vibrant colours and mix of plants on show. The allotments and vegetable 6 gardens were also very tidy and well looked after. The overall winner’s garden was 4 absolutely marvellous. It was a real pleasure to visit, very well designed and contained some unusual plants, which was nice to see. Congratulations to all the prizewinners.” The lucky winners received a range of vouchers to spend in garden centres. The competition trophies, certificates and prizes were presented at a reception hosted by Provost Derek Stewart in September. A full photo gallery of winners is available at www.clacksweb.org.uk/community/gardencompetitionresults2010/ Garden Party Glamour Staff at the Woodside Residential Invited guests included Provost Staff recreated the Unit for Children brought the glitz Derek Stewart and Councillor Sam garden party and glamour of a royal garden Ovens along with Chief Executive atmosphere with party to Clackmannanshire when Angela Leitch and Deirdre Cilliers, cucumber sandwiches, they held their own celebration Head of Social Policy. Tony Clark fancy cakes and tea for the young people in their care. from the Care Commission, who has served in bone china awarded the unit top marks during cups - sourced from The idea for the ‘not-royal garden his inspections, also attended. Kaye local charity shops! party’ came from Woodside also invited neighbours and friends. manager Kaye Smith who was Woodside Residential invited to attend the annual Royal Councillor Ovens said: “This event Unit for Children Garden Party at Holyrood Palace was an excellent example of is managed by this summer. corporate parenting. It was lovely to Clackmannanshire see everyone dressed in their best, Council. It provides She said: “I was nominated especially the young people in their domestic scale, to attend because of our suits and dresses, and enjoying the individualised consistently excellent inspection occasion, chatting to guests. The support for five reports. I was allowed to take young people themselves make young people a guest and had hoped to take a huge contribution to Woodside between the ages along one of our young people, receiving these excellent reports, of 12 and 16. And but was disappointed to be told so it was only right that they got to three young people that I couldn’t take anyone under celebrate. I was also pleased that who have recently the age of 18. I took our Senior neighbours attended and it was left Woodside to Care Officer Edwina Jenkins with great to hear how supportive they live independently me to Holyrood and then we did are of Woodside and the interest also returned for our best to recreate the garden they take in the young people.” the day to mark the party at Woodside a few weeks occasion. later.” Page 4 Autumn 2010 Clackmannanshire Alliance - Annual Review Annual Review 2009-10

id you know that all sorts of organisations Dare working together to make Clackmannanshire Young People Fill 52 better?

Public sector organisations like the Council, police and NHS work together with local New Jobs businesses and voluntary and community groups to improve issues the county’s communities care about; things like creating jobs, encouraging tourism, tackling the fear of crime and increasing opportunities for young people.

When these organisations work together, they are known as the Clackmannanshire Alliance: the area’s community planning partnership.

The partners of the Alliance have agreed priorities based on circumstances facing Clackmannanshire and taking into account the views of Clackmannanshire residents.

We want Clackmannanshire to be a safe and attractive place for people to work, live and visit. We want there to be jobs in Clackmannanshire and for residents of the county to be able to get and maintain these jobs. We want to help people improve their health and lifestyles and we want to offer support to those who have particular needs. Overall, we want all the services we provide to meet your needs.

Despite the difficult economic climate nationally and internationally, there was still positive news for Clackmannanshire in 2009-10. Colin Douglas with David Haswell of Thredgards. The Scottish Index of Economic Resilience, which compares The Future Jobs Fund has been unemployed for over six their employability in the and got back into the world of Council areas, showed exceeded expectations in months. labour market. work. I have been grateful for Clackmannanshire as the Clackmannanshire, creating this opportunity and I have met second top improver in having a more than the 50 new jobs Clackmannanshire Works Of the 52 jobs, 22 were amazing new people.” resilient economy. originally planned. Employability, the Alliance’s placements within the employment service, has Council, with the remaining This is reflected in the fact that The target was surpassed as managed the project and 30 new jobs in the social in relation to a number of key the project drew to a close with matched potential candidates, enterprise and small Did you economic indicators which an additional two jobs being identified at the Job Centre, and medium sized have declined nationally in created, bringing the total to 52. into positions. Once matched enterprise sectors of the last year, the decline in to a suitable vacancy and in Clackmannanshire. know? Clackmannanshire has been This follows a successful bid last work, the candidates are paid proportionately less. year by the Clackmannanshire the minimum wage funded Stacey Craig has 90% of adults are very Alliance, led by the Council, for by the UK Government for six been employed as an Each year, the Alliance sets out or quite satisfied with money from the Future Jobs months. The jobs all have a admin assistant with the things it wants to achieve Fund, run by the Department community benefit, and the the Council. She said: Clackmannanshire across its various priorities. In for Work and Pensions. This Alliance has also allocated “Future Jobs Fund has these pages, we tell you about employment initiative aimed to additional funding for on-the- been a great opportunity as a place to live the progress we’ve made in this create 150,000 new jobs in the job training. Together with work for me. I have gained so in 2009-10. UK for 18-24 year olds who have experience, this will enhance much relevant experience Page 5 Clackmannanshire Alliance - Annual Review Bucky Happy Busters &Healthy Clackmannanshire Healthier Lives is a spread community based health and wellbeing programme which aims to tackle health inequalities in Clackmannanshire. Did you Using a unique partnership approach, the word the programme prioritises those know? from more deprived areas or who are vulnerable in some way and We have reduced This group is made up of young people from supports and encourages them to Alloa who are raising awareness about the The project was launched on the amount of achieve their own goals. dangers of alcohol and safety as well as in March 2010 by Keith Brown biodegradable CHL’s aim is to empower MSP at the Bowmar Centre to waste sent distributing information to their peer group. people with the greatest need to raise awareness, distribute the to landfill improve the quality of their lives, The group had been meeting with the detached information leaflet as well as giving youth workers at various locations in Alloa on a progress, and contribute to a thriving young people attending the opportunity Clackmannanshire. Friday night. The topic of alcohol and health was to try out different activities. often discussed with the group, however, they felt that much of the information Following the success of this event, the available was not relevant to their Bucky Busters held a summer roadshow experiences. with events every Friday for six weeks at different venues throughout The detached workers therefore agreed Clackmannanshire. These provided to support this core group to develop young people with the opportunity this peer education project. to take part in interactive alcohol As part of the project, group members workshops led by group members, worked with our detached youth workers learn about health and community in putting together an information leaflet safety issues associated with young geared towards young people. people and alcohol as well as take part in healthy taster Did you alternative activities Did you and participate in know? a prize quiz. know? Class A drug The number of offences have reduced. house fires has fallen.

The programme is funded through the Clackmannanshire Alliance and its main Safe and Sound aim is to improve health and employability through the provision of tailored packages of Levels of recorded crime have the crime statistics - but levels of support designed to meet clients’ specific needs. fallen by more than 18% in such crimes are down by 22% in Clackmannanshire - with crime Clackmannanshire in the past year, CHL provides a full range of services from holistic reported across the whole of the with 276 fewer crimes reported. health assessments and confidence building to area falling how to increase your physical activity, support Crimes of violence in the by 12%. to stop smoking and healthier food shopping, Clackmannanshire area are also cooking and dietary skills. The figures, published in the Chief down by 31%. Constable’s annual report for 2009- The team includes, two Health and Wellbeing The crackdown of drug dealers has 2010, show there were 2286 fewer Nurses, a Food Development Worker, Physical resulted in some significant successes crimes across the force area during Activity Worker, Health and Wellbeing Mentor, during the year, with one particular that period than the year before. case involving the seizure of a large Alcohol Support Workers, a Stop Smoking Support The force detection rate was 60%, amount of heroin and bulking agent Worker and a Communications and Marketing which is above the national average. in Clackmannanshire. Had the drugs Officer. Crimes of violence, dishonesty, reached the streets, their estimated Earlier this year, a Learning Disabilities Nurse, vandalism and anti-social behaviour value was approximately £1 million. Voluntary Sector Development Worker and a all decreased during 2009-2010. On the roads, seven people lost their Walking Development Officer joined the team. Calls to the police in relation to lives across the force area, compared The community programme also anti-social behaviour and disorder with 15 the previous year, while the Did you launched its own website - www. dropped by 6% in Clackmannanshire, number of people injured in road healthierlives.org.uk - and a with 419 fewer calls received than accidents has continued to fall. know? new range of free exercise and the previous year. One death is too many and public Car journeys are activity classes throughout Vandalism is still a major problem agencies are working to ensure we all on the decrease. Clackmannanshire. - it is the single biggest factor in take road safety seriously. Page 6 Clackmannanshire Alliance - Annual Review CLACKMANNANSHIRE Encouraging impressions PRIORITY OUTCOMES

and attracting jobs The area has a positive image Clackmannanshire Alliance was delighted to Happy and attracts people and support a successful bid for funding to transform business Alloa town centre. The Imagine Alloa project was awarded £2 Our communities are more & million from the Scottish Government’s Town Healthy cohesive and inclusive Centre Regeneration Fund and work was carried out over eight months delivering improvements in the roads, pavements and shop fronts. People are better skilled, trained and ready for learning The initiative included opportunities for many artists to contribute to the project and and employment the ‘Make Room’ became a focal point for workshops and creativity involving many local Our communities are safer people as well as professional artists. Primrose Street, High Street, Drysdale Street and Vulnerable people and Shillinghill have seen the most benefit from the families are supported work. The High Street has a new events space made of top Substance misuse and its quality sandstone, taking away the tricky and uneven effects are reduced cobbles that used to be at the top of the town’s main street. Three 10ft tall stainless steel figures by Kathy O’Neill, General Manager of Health is improving and Aberfoyle-based artist Rob Mulholland are health inequalities are Clackmannanshire Community Did you a focal point in the new space. Health Partnership, said: “This reducing know? The town centre now has new lighting, programme is very exciting for street furniture and more litter bins. Clackmannanshire. Alcohol related driving The environment is protected “CHL staff and partners are incidents have reduced and enhanced for all working with clients, at the client’s for the second year own pace, to help them overcome in a row. Public services are improving barriers to improving their health Working together for and well-being. For more information, contact: “Small changes to food, physical activity, kids in Clackmannanshire Community Planning stress, smoking etc together with increased Greenfield House, Tullibody Road, Alloa, confidence can have a huge impact on things like FK10 2AD blood pressure, heart disease and cancers. Tel: 01259 452012 / 450000 “These small changes can also help clients to Email: [email protected] take control of their lives and make decisions that work for them and their families.”

The CHL team works closely with colleagues in a range of partnership organisations including Tullibody Healthy Living, Clackmannanshire Works, Braveheart, Council for Voluntary Service Clackmannanshire (CVSC), Signpost and the Volunteer Centre Clackmannanshire (VCC).

People can book individual appointments for health checks or with specific workers. All the members of the Alliance, particularly the Council, NHS Forth A programme of various group activities Valley and Central Scotland Police, work together to ensure that is also available at venues throughout vulnerable people and families are supported. Clackmannanshire. Following an independent Immediate actions taken by More information about CHL can be found on inspection in January, a report staff to keep children safe the website - www.healthierlives.org.uk. To make was published which showed an appointment with one of the key workers, Strong teamwork by staff that significant progress had please contact 01259 452209 or e-mail info@ helping individual children and been made across all agencies healthierlives.org.uk. their families to ensure the needs of children and families are being met in The leadership of Clackmannanshire. improvements in services to protect children The following particular strengths that make a difference to children This level of commitment Joint Community and families were noted by HMIE: can only ensure that Council Forum Clackmannanshire remains at the Trusting relationships built up forefront of providing the highest by staff who know children quality of service to our children helping you make the changes that matter well and families. Services which help and support children and families www.healthierlives.org.uk at an early stage

Page 7 Clackmannanshire Alliance - Annual Review Keeping it green

Clackmannanshire is one of three local authorities in Scotland who have joined forces with the BBC Breathing Places campaign to turn their communities into breathing places.

BBC Breathing Places is a five year BBC Learning Campaign to inspire people to connect with nature. Developed in partnership with a huge range of wildlife and conservation organisations the campaign encourages new audiences to get involved in doing one thing for nature, while creating Breathing Places across the UK.

Did you know?

77% of Council houses meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard Living A Breathing Place is a green space that is great for wildlife and people. It could be a local woodland, roadside, park, nature reserve, pond, and green corridor or meadow. It has an active community of people creating, enjoying and maintaining it.

The Clackmannanshire Green Map Initiative Learning established by CVS Clackmannanshire and Action for Change has been the driving force The Alliance will make sure that people in that has nurtured and co-ordinated activities areas such as construction, engineering, motor vehicle from a wide range of community organisations Clackmannanshire are trained and have the maintenance, science, business, computing, childcare and and local schools in developing the area’s two skills they need to go onto employment. education, creative industries, hairdressing and beauty Breathing Places. The new Alloa, Alva and Lornshill Academies opened in therapy. Over the past 18 months funding from the Big 2009 and the three schools are embracing the changes and Forth Valley College have Lottery Fund and BBC Breathing Places, along benefits of Curriculum for Excellence. recently completed a project with funding from the Clackmannanshire Looking ahead, the new Forth Valley College campus in Alloa which implemented a bespoke Biodiversity Partnership, Clackmannanshire is due to welcome its first cohort of students in August 2011. programme for young people Healthy Futures Network and Clackmannanshire leaving Clackmannanshire and Stirling Environment Trust, has enabled Construction work on the £21 million development is well schools. The programme involved attendance at the work to be carried out at the Delph Pond in underway in the Hawkhill area of Alloa. College’s Clackmannan Campus and a work placement Tullibody and Cowpark Wood in Sauchie. The new campus development will with a local employer. The programme intended to give Huge improvements have space for up to 2900 young people in Clackmannanshire the support they need have been carried out students per academic to develop a good work ethic, relevant skills, knowledge at both areas, making year, across all modes of and experience to help them secure future employment a positive impact on attendance, and will or further study/training options. 12 young people started the environment and on the course with 10 completing the course at the end include high tech- making the areas more of the project. 8 have secured full time College courses, specification teaching attractive to wildlife rooms, workshops, with the remaining 2 being supported by careers staff. The and more fitness suite and programme has welcomed support from local employers accessible cafeteria. The for future projects and Forth Valley college have ensure to local Did you campus will offer sustainability of the programme by including it for future people. know? provision in subject years within its mainstream activity. 45% of waste was This review covers just some of the positive things which the partnership has been delivering for recycled in Clackmannanshire. If you are interested in reading about the Alliance’s work in more detail, a full Annual Clackmannanshire Report is available on ClacksWeb. in 2009-10

Page 8 Autumn 2010 Clackmannanshire VIEW Youngsters catch the reading bug Youngsters as young as six weeks old will be encouraged to catch the reading bug thanks to the new Bookbug bags. The bags are part of the Scottish parent’s guide to sharing books Book Trust’s new Early Years with your child, all contained Programme, formerly known within a strong canvas bag. as Bookstart. The programme The Baby Pack, contains age is run in Clackmannanshire by Three and four year olds receive new Bookbug programme 2pm, at Hillfoots Family Centre appropriate, family favourite the Bright Start Worker Angela a small canvas bag full of encourages all parents and on Mondays at 1.30pm, at books The Baby by Rod Watson who is based at Hillfoots exciting pirate themed contents, carers to enjoy books with Clackmannanshire Community Campbell and Tickle Tickle by Family Centre. Over the summer including a sturdy metal children from as early an age Healthcare Centre on Thursdays Helen Oxenbury she handed out 1690 free packs ‘Treasure Chest’ pencil case, as possible, helping to develop at 1.30pm and at Sauchie Hall to babies, toddlers, three year Youngsters aged from 13-24 filled with a variety of different a lifelong love of books. This on Fridays at 1.30pm. Bookbug olds and primary ones. The bags months receive a Bookbug writing and drawing tools, a scheme is based on scientific Sessions are fun, free events are gifted to families at venues Toddler Pack which aims bundle of postcards which evidence and is part of the for children aged birth to four such as local libraries, nurseries to boost a child’s language can be used to tell friends and solution to increasing literacy and their parents, incorporating and family centres and by health building and listening skills family about their adventures levels in all our communities.” songs, rhymes, books and play. visitors. with fun, engaging books on the high seas, and two As well as the packs, the Bookbug Sessions are fun, and materials. As well as age beautifully illustrated picture The Bookbug Baby Pack is programme includes free free events for children aged appropriate books - The Hungry books - A Pirating We’ll Go by handed out to babies between Bookbug sessions in libraries birth to four and their parents, Caterpillar by Eric Carle and Can Kaye Umansky and The Fish Who the ages of 6 -16 weeks and with singing and rhyming incorporating songs, rhymes, I have A Hug? by Debi Gliori - the Could Wish by John Bush. is a fantastic introduction for for youngsters. Within books and play. pack contains brightly coloured parents to sharing books with Councillor George Matchett, Clackmannanshire, free crayons and a ‘My Storybook’ The packs and sessions aim their child from birth. The pack the Council’s Inclusion Portfolio Bookbug Sessions are run in pad to encourage early mark to raise awareness of the includes two sturdy board Holder, said: “Building on Alloa Library on Mondays at making. importance of early literacy. books, a musical CD and a the success of Bookstart, the 10am and on Thursdays at Pupils benefit from new curriculum This term has seen hundreds Clackmannanshire’s nursery, Academy in August He added: “Significant gains of secondary school pupils primary and secondary schools where he hosted a public have been made in pupil across Clackmannanshire have all been working together discussion on Scottish attainment at Alva Academy in being taught using the new to look at ways of ensuring a education, which included “the new recent years by allowing pupils Curriculum for Excellence. joined up approach. a number of questions curriculum is to choose subjects at the end from parents about the of the S1 for more in-depth Curriculum for Excellence aims new curriculum. strengthening to achieve a transformation the work of study. The new curriculum has “my staff have Curriculum for allowed us to build on that.” in education in Scotland by the school” providing a coherent, more embraced the Excellence is all about children/ Councillor George Matchett, flexible and enriched curriculum new curriculum from 3 to 18. young people One of the major differences of Portfolio Holder for Inclusion, in a positive developing skills for Curriculum for Excellence relates said: “Curriculum for Excellence Everyone involved in education learning, future life and way” to ‘how you teach’ rather than is all about building on the in Clackmannanshire has been the world of work. preparing for the launch of the ‘what you teach’. strengths of the existing new curriculum since 2006, Iain McGhee, the Acting system by bringing a new focus John Meney, Head Teacher when the first document on the Head Teacher at Alloa on the skills we want pupils subject was published by the Academy, has taught at at Alva Academy said that in to develop and changing the the school since 1997 designing their own unique Scottish Government. Jackie Dunlop, the Acting Head way they’re taught to maximise and was previously a Depute curriculum, they had closely Teacher at Lornshill Academy, the opportunities to build the Curriculum for Excellence Head Teacher, he said: “For staff followed the principles of has taught at Lornshill for the skills they need for a job when promises a challenging this has meant building on the Curriculum for Excellence. past 27 years and has been a and enjoyable education best practice that already exists. they leave education. Thanks Depute Head for the past five for all young people which For pupils a Curriculum to the years Clackmannanshire years, she said: “Staff have a good ensures they have learning for Excellence means the has spent preparing for this understanding of the changes “Pupils will opportunities relevant in chance to experience change, we are well placed and benefits A Curriculum for today’s world and in the future. a much more exciting, experience a to embrace the changes Excellence will bring to the The curriculum was revised to relevant and dynamic broad education and benefits Curriculum for accommodate changes in a education of our children and curriculum.” and a sense of Excellence is already bringing fast changing world, such as young people. A Curriculum for progress and to the education of our developments in technology. Excellence offers an opportunity Alloa Academy was invited Young people today also for creativity, flexibility and thus to showcase its innovative achievement children and young people.” need to develop their skills in an enriched learning experience.” work on Curriculum for through active Excellence at the Scottish investigating, analysing and Cabinet Secretary for Education learning.” Learning Festival in working together. Michael Russell visited Lornshill September.

Page 9 Clackmannanshire VIEW Autumn 2010 Save money with home insulation It’s easy to save energy and money with the Home Insulation Scheme.

A successful bid by Clackmannan- Disclosure Scotland approved, If you need additional support 1 shire Council means the Home and can be easily identified The assessor will explain to install insulation, for the full conditions, but Insulation Scheme will be offered through wearing a Home example your loft cleared or to around 11,800 properties in Insulation Scheme uniform and Top-ups will be offered free to it’s usually free if you are scaffolding, we may be able to receiving benefits or are Clackmannanshire. The Scheme is carrying an ID card. help everyone, within the area, who funded by the Scottish Government already has loft insulation that is aged 70 or over. The scheme offers: Links to other initiatives and and delivered by the Energy Saving not up to the recognised standard. 2 Based on a three bed semi- services which might help Trust and will see residents being A home energy check and detached house with gas you to stop wasting energy A third of all the heat lost in an offered insulation for their home at report heating and a gas price and money such as home uninsulated home is through the special prices, or even for free. of 3.67p/kWh . Installing Impartial and personalised renewables and eco-driving walls. Typically, a quarter of the Teams of Home Energy Assessors energy saving advice heat in an uninsulated home is lost cavity wall insulation can This offer is for private tenants will work their way across Alva, through the roof. save around £110 a year. Cavity wall insulation at a and homeowners. If you live in Clackmannan, Dollar, , 1 Installing loft insulation specially negotiated price a property owned by your local To find out more about the benefits Sauchie and Tullibody this autumn if you already have some authority or housing association of the scheme, and what to do next, taking a street-by-street, door-by- Loft insulation at a specially (50mm or 2 inches) can 1 our assessors can explain how the visit www.homeinsulationscheme. door approach. If your home is one negotiated price save around £40 a year. scheme can help you. co.uk Alternatively call your local to benefit from the scheme you will Loft top-up insulation free Installing loft insulation if Energy Saving Scotland advice be given prior notice of when Home of charge if you already have you do not have any at the Insulating your loft and cavity walls centre on 0800 512 012 for more Energy Assessors will be in your between 60mm and 160mm 2 moment can save around may save you up to £150 a year on information. area. All Home Energy Assessors are existing loft insulation your energy bills. £145 a year.

Investment in Council housing

Clackmannanshire Council aims to maintain its housing stock 942 properties now have a It is anticipated that the following will be carried out in 2010/11: in the best possible condition to ensure that every tenant has a new bathroom, with 2953 still good quality and affordable home that meets their needs. to be installed Project Number Complete Kitchens 403 In 2004 the Scottish SHQS. By the end of this financial Over £7.5 million will be invested Bathrooms 892 Government announced that year this level will have increased in Council housing during this all social landlords would to 79%, rising to 87% in 2012 financial year. We expect to have Central heating 130 have to meet a new national and 100% by 2015. replaced all the kitchens in our Electrical rewiring 167 standard for housing - the Council houses by March 2011, Clackmannanshire Council is Electrical testing 500 Scottish Housing Quality with new bathrooms to follow. committed to going beyond Standard (SHQS). The Council This investment will enable vast Roof replacements 19 the standards set by the is committed to achieving improvements to take place, Communal door upgrade 16 blocks SHQS through setting out a the Scottish Housing Quality ensuring that tenants' homes are Clackmannanshire Standard: Structural works (refurbishments) 18 Standard, as well as the modern and safe. enhanced Clackmannanshire All properties have had a new As well as major work such as repairs, external woodwork improving the service that we Standard, by 2015. secure door fitted or been installing new kitchens and and decorating common provide and the standard of offered an new door that In 2009/10 we invested £4.3 bathrooms, every year the staircases. In this financial year Council housing throughout meets the Clackmannanshire million in improving the Council carries out maintenance work is being carried out in Clackmannanshire. Standard condition of Council houses. which involves inspections Alloa, Tillicoultry, Tullibody If you require any further This included installing 160 By the end of 2010/11 all and repairs to any external and Sauchie and a total of 989 information on any of the new bathrooms. properties will have been defects which will hopefully properties will be surveyed and improvement projects planned offered a new kitchen, with prevent more extensive damage maintained. At the moment 76.5% of the for this financial year please 4,340 already installed happening in the future. This Council's 5000 houses meet the We are committed to continually contact the Council on 450000. throughout the county includes work such as roof

Page 10 Autumn 2010 Clackmannanshire VIEW Protecting you and yours

Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service Often small adjustments like not may result in structural instability protects the Clackmannanshire community overloading sockets or ensuring or collapse of buildings or any 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are you have an escape plan should other structures. a fire break out can make a big two Fire Stations in Clackmannanshire - Alloa Station Manager at Alloa and difference. and Tillicoultry. Alloa is a full or whole time Tillicoultry, Gregor Dobbie said: station based in Clackmannan Road and the We also work closely with a "Alloa and Tillicoultry have Tillicoultry Station in Devonvale Crescent number of organisations in attended almost 1000 incidents operates on a retained or part-time basis. Clackmannanshire to inform of the in the last year, mostly within Although Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service dangers from fire, including regular Clackmannanshire. Often these is geared up to respond to a range of emergency contact with schools and voluntary can be serious incidents with long situations, we would prefer they didn’t happen organisations. lasting consequences such as rescuing a person from a burning in the first place. Fires within the home are often A little known fact! Alongside building or freeing a casualty preventable and can attending fire related incidents, trapped as a result of a road traffic often have long-lasting, road traffic collisions, chemical and collision. Whatever the incident serious consequences. biological incidents and rescue our crews are both professional The Service provides operations, Alloa Fire Station is and efficient and their actions are a Home Fire Safety also home to the Urban Search and rightly valued by our communities. Check, which is free to Rescue (USAR) Team. The USAR However, a lot of the incidents we all Forth Valley residents capability includes equipment to attend are preventable so please by calling 0800 012 lift, cut and remove rubble from contact the Service for further 1465. You will receive collapsed structures and to locate advice and information." an appointment at a and rescue casualties. There are convenient time and if lots of different causes of USAR Please visit our website for you need one, we will incidents. They include accidental more information about Central fit a free smoke alarm. events, such as severe weather Scotland Fire and Rescue We will also look around conditions, like snow, ice and floods Photographs of training undertaken at Alloa your home and offer tips and events that are deliberate such Service and the job we do: Fire Station in line rescue techniques. on how to prevent fire. as malicious or terrorist acts which www.centralscotlandfire.gov.uk

Action on metal thefts Be Prepared for Winter Road Conditions Winter weather conditions can affect roads and paths anytime between October and April.

The Council is responsible for around 285km (177 We also deal with miles) of road and 447km (278 miles) of paths. The paths on a priority priority of our winter service is to keep the roads basis. In ice and and paths safe for public use and minimise delays snow conditions and the economic impacts of winter weather. paths leading to schools, hospitals, We do this in a number of ways depending on the health centres, shopping areas and where there forecast conditions: are heavy pedestrian flows are treated first. • ‘pre-salting’ to prevent ice forming In addition there are over 200 salt bins across the • ‘post-salting’ to melt ice & snow already there county to allow the public to treat public roads There has been a rise in the number of metal thefts recently - with • snow ploughing to remove snow and paths. Salt bins are only provided in locations railways, utilities substations, businesses, houses and even road signs • providing & maintaining salt bins with particular difficulties such as steep hills and and drain covers being targeted by criminals. sharp bends. During the summer officers from Sergeant Kevin Chase of Central We cannot treat all roads and paths at the same British Transport Police (BTP) and Scotland Police said: “In the last three time so we prioritise the routes we treat. We aim to Contacting the Council Central Scotland Police joined years, we have investigated over 150 treat the most heavily used routes first, taking into Queries, requests or complaints relating to the forces in a day of action to target crimes relating to the theft of metal.” account bus services and school transport. winter treatment of public roads and paths should thieves and scrap yards – the But it is not just power supplies be directed to the Council as follows: method of choice for criminals to that have fallen foul of criminal Priority 1 roads are main roads between sell on their stolen metal. behaviour. communities or major traffic routes within By phone - 01259 450000 The desirability for metal has been communities including all major bus routes Man-hole covers, domestic gas pipes By email - [email protected] fuelled by increasing commodity and lead flashing from homes and Priority 2 roads are roads giving access to prices which have seen various In writing - Roads & Transportation Manager churches have also been taken by housing and industrial areas and certain roads metals reach all time highs on Kilncraigs, Greenside Street, Alloa, FK10 1EB criminals looking to make a quick opening up less populated rural areas world markets. profit. Other Sources of Information In Clackmannanshire thefts have Priority 3 roads are the rest of the road network DCC Crowther added: “Often dealers Local radio stations are a good source of included dozens of cast iron are unaware that the metal is stolen with priority being given to areas with known information. Information is also available from: metal gulley covers, beer kegs, and can be left out of pocket when difficulties scaffolding poles, drain covers and checks carried out by police result AA Roadwatch at 0906 88 84322 (Premium Rate) even a disabled access ramp. The emphasis is on keeping the higher priority in the material being seized. It is www.trafficscotland.org Paul Crowther, Deputy Chief imperative that we continue to routes open and treatment of other routes will Constable of British Transport work with other forces and agencies only be carried out when major routes are clear. Police said: “There is no doubt that to educate scrap yards, stop them metal theft is a huge problem for from unwittingly taking in stolen the UK. The conservative estimate is metal and, in turn, reduce the that it costs UK businesses around opportunities for thieves to make £770million each year – although it money. No one organisation can deal is difficult to put a true cost on the with metal theft in isolation. But, impact this crime has. collectively, and through partnership “There have been incidents around working, we can make a difference.” the country in which homes, Industry experts predict the price businesses and even hospitals have of copper and other metals will suffered power cuts and surges as continue to rise throughout 2010 a result of criminals stealing copper and into 2011. from power substations.”

Page 11 Clackmannanshire VIEW Autumn 2010 Take Action for Eastern Routes Exhibitions

Eastern Routes in Clackmannanshire

in Clackmannanshire An Exhibition of work by international artist Paul Binnie Better Mental Health Saturday 23 October until Saturday 30 October 2010 23rd October until Venue GR McFarlane Art Gallery, www.stepsforstress.org 41 Mill Street, Alloa FK10 1DW 9am A festival of ‘live storytelling’ -5pm (closed Sunday) World Mental Health Artist Talk Paul Binnie, Saturday 23 October 2010, 2 19th December 2010 and exhibitions celebrating This is a free event, please bookpm via the venue, either in person or Day was on Sunday by calling 01259 723303. Clackmannanshire’s trading 10th October. Every Dollar and the Orient year, around this time, links with the Far East will take thousands of people place in various venues from Dollar Museum across the world Saturday 23rd October until Saturday 30th October. Regional Partner to the 1 High Street, Dollar FK14 7AY raise awareness and Scottish International understanding of mental Steps to deal with stress Storytelling Festival Saturday 11-1 and Sunday 2 - 4.30 A simple guide to stressing less and enjoying life more health and mental illness. Events Intrepid Victorian traveller Ella Christie, , Clackmannanshire appropriate professional missionary and translator and the19th Integrated Mental Health help. Saturday 23rd October century scholar and travel writer, are just some of the Services are keen to inspirational people who have left their mark on Dollar. raise awareness of the SMHFA is a FREE 12 Adventures on the High Seas Learn more of their fascinating stories, and the legacies importance of looking hour course that can be they left behind, with this new exhibition at Dollar after our own mental delivered in a variety Alloa Library 11am Museum. wellbeing, the positive of ways, to fit in with Drysdale Street, Alloa FK10 1JL steps we can take to people’s busy lives. If Tel: 01259 722262 23rd - 30th October 2010 do so and the help that you are interested in is around to raise our finding out more, please A special event for children and families. Create your The Wee County in The Far East very own adventure story in words and pictures. understanding and contact us on 01259 GR McFarlane Art Gallery 9am - 5pm ability to cope. 215048 Are you a swashbuckling pirate or perhaps a stowaway (closed Sunday) 41 Mill Street, Alloa, FK10 1DW, on a ship? Come along with your imagination and have Top 10 tips for Clackmannanshire fun . A selection of photographs and artefacts will be on positive mental Integrated Mental display, documenting Clackmannanshire’s historical health Health Services: links to the Far East. The Paton and Baldwin wool We provide a range of Artist Talk with Paul Binnie spinning mill in and John Johnson of Alva’s Talk about your services for our local GR McFarlane’s Art Gallery 2pm career as commander of the artillery with the East India feelings  community, ranging Company, where he played a part in the Battle of Plessey, from services dealing 41 Mill Street, Alloa, FK10 1DW, in are just two of the themes being explored. Keep active  with mild to moderate Tel: 01259 723303 mental health problems All events are free but places are limited. Eat well  International artist Paul Binnie will be discussing his to psychiatric services. Please book via the venue or visit work, his travels, and the inspiration behind his images. Drink sensibly  Referrals are via General www.clackmannanshiretourism.com Keep in touch with Practitioners. The exhibition is open 9am to 5pm from Saturday 23rd for full details of all events. friends  You can find out more October until Saturday 30th October about our services  Ask for help on: www.clacksweb. Tuesday 26th October 2010 Take a break  org.uk/social/ 16 Days of Action mentalhealthdayservices/ The Clackmannanshire Action for Change Do something you Ghost Walk group is once again working with partners are good at  Working with 8pm from across Forth Valley to support the 16 Days of Action campaign. Accept who you are  Community Groups: Join us for a ghost walk around Alloa’s famous ‘ghostly’ This international campaign aims Do you belong to a haunts! to eliminate all forms of violence Care for others  community group? Are against women. The campaign runs from you sometimes stuck for 25th November to 10th December each year. Fancy becoming speakers? Saturday 30th October 2010 A number of awareness raising activities are currently being planned and the full programme of events will be a Mental Health We can deliver FREE Dollar and the Orient - Live published on ClacksWeb nearer the time. First Aider? Mental Health Awareness sessions, approximately Scottish Mental Health Storytelling 2-3 hours long, to 19th Alloa Octoberfest First Aid (SMHFA) is community groups. These Dollar Museum 10am The annual Alloa Octoberfest Beer Festival based on the concept sessions are informative, 1 High Street, Dollar FK14 7AY organised by the Forth Valley Branch of of general First Aid interactive and always get Tel: 01259 742895 training and aims to people wanting to know CAMRA is at Alloa Town Hall on Friday improve the general more….please contact us Storyteller Ewan McVicar hosts a fun, lively interactive 22nd October and Saturday 23rd public’s awareness on 01259 215048 storytelling event, inspired by Dollar Museum’s latest October. and understanding of exhibition celebrating the fascinating travels of Ella For more information visit mental health. Supporting Christie, creator of the Japanese Garden at Cowden, www.camra-forth-valley.co.uk someone with 19th century travel writer Wang Tao and Chinese

The course teaches translator and missionary James Legge. C a mental health View is delivered to every house in Clackmannanshire you to: ONT problem? four times a year. It contains news from all Council Give initial help to services as well as information from our partner Ochil Carers can be of The Wee County in the Far East organisations that we hope you find interesting and

someone experiencing A use to you if you live - ‘Live Storytelling’ informative. a mental health with, are related to, or are C We pay for View by using it to distribute information problem. simply close to someone GR McFarlane Art Gallery 2pm T

U that would previously have been printed in separate Deal with a crisis who has a mental health 41 Mill Street, Alloa, FK10 1DW, leaflets or advertised in local press. We’ve calculated situation or the first problem. We provide up S that each copy of View costs less than 11p to print to date information as well Tel: 01259 723303 signs of someone and deliver. as support. For further Clackmannanshire is the smallest county in Scotland, If you have any suggestions, questions or comments on developing mental ill details, please contact health, and with a big story to tell. A ‘Live Storytelling’ event View please contact us by writing to The Editor, View, Isobel Reed on 01259 exploring Clackmannanshire’s historical links to the Far Communications Unit, Clackmannanshire Council, Guide people towards 290343 East will be fun for all ages. Greenfield House, Alloa, FK10 2AD or email us at press@ clacks.gov.uk and put the word ‘View’ in the subject box.

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