Community Conference 27Th October 2010

Community Conference 27th October 2010

County Buildings, Ayr REPORT

Contents

Page No

1. Introduction 1

2. Community Planning Update 2

3. Fast Chat Sessions 5

4. Our Young People 15

5. Our Community Planning Board Representatives 15

6. The New Third Sector Interface 16

7. Workshops for Community Based Groups 17

8. Results of the Nomination Process for Community Planning 22 Board Representatives

9. Question and Answer Panel session 22

10. Evaluation 25

11. Appendices 29

1. Introduction

The third Community Conference to be organised by South Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership took place in County Buildings, Ayr on Wednesday 27th October 2010. The conference, normally held in June, had been moved to a new Autumn slot to allow progress against the Single Outcome Agreement to be reported. The event was opened by Councillor Bill McIntosh who became Leader of the Council in February 2010 and also took on the role of chairing the Community Planning Board. He welcomed over 160 people to the conference.

Cllr McIntosh stated how impressed he was by the energy and enthusiasm he had already observed among the partners in the voluntary, public, community and private sectors in South Ayrshire and that this was already bringing benefits to the area. He also spoke about the budget decision, recently announced by the Westminster Government which would impact on the Scottish public sector settlements and result in having to make some tough decisions in the coming months.

Cllr McIntosh described the conference as important for a number of reasons – to provide a platform for the partners to outline some of the challenges they face and report progress made in addressing them but also to give those who represented communities an opportunity to have their views and concerns heard.

He described the Fast Chat sessions as a way to find out first-hand about the work of Partnership Theme Groups and to put forward views and ask questions about services. The Youth Forum had used a similar format earlier in the year which had been both informative and stimulating.

He explained that as Chair of the Partnership he was determined to improve the way that business is conducted and described how the Board had been expanded to include a youth representative, initially Andrew Jarvie whom he described as ‘blazing a trail’ at the Board and leaving no-one in any doubt about the importance of having an input from young people. Jodie McCoy has now taken Andrew’s place. Job Centre Plus, Scottish Natural Heritage and Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry are also now represented at the Board and Cllr McIntosh welcomed the appointment of a community representative as Vice Chair which he described as ‘reflecting a greater confidence in the relationships we have been working hard to build’

The importance of continuing to engage with the whole community over priorities and services provided was emphasised and Cllr McIntosh recognised the importance of harnessing the energies and local knowledge in communities in order to address those challenges. He referred to the wide range of engagement and consultation methods used by partners at a local level and how the partnership was working to improve these mechanisms.

The Chair also spoke about the Partnership’s electronic newsletter ‘Bitesize’ which is circulated by e-mail and gives an insight into what partners are doing. A special edition of Bitesize, reporting on progress made in delivering South Ayrshire’s Single Outcome Agreement, was printed for the conference (Appendix I) and the newsletters are also posted on the community planning webpages which can be accessed at www.south- ayrshire.gov.uk/cpp/

Cllr McIntosh ended his opening address by encouraging people to make the most of the opportunities presented to engage with, and contribute to, the work of the Community Planning Partnership and to network with colleagues from all parts of the South Ayrshire Community.

He then invited David Anderson, Chief Executive of South Ayrshire Council, to talk about progress made in the preceding year and the challenges faced by the Partnership.

2. Community Planning Update

David Anderson referred to the Single Outcome Agreement, explaining that the first iteration had been a Council only document but that this had been replaced by a Community Planning Partnership document containing 18 local outcomes and launched at the previous conference in 2009. He informed the conference that the partnership had received good feedback from the Scottish Government in relation to its annual report, submitted at the beginning of October, and that 70% of targets, for which data is available, had been met in the first year – he recognised that this result could be improved upon and that the Partnership would strive to improve its performance in the coming year.

David gave a brief progress report in relation to the five main themes of the Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) – highlighting the areas where the Partnership is doing well and those where we need to improve. Appendix II contains a copy of these slides.

The Real Stories As the final part of his presentation, David referred to some of the stories which reflect how the work we do as a Community Planning Partnership, and some of the services we support and deliver in partnership, is making a real difference in people’s lives.

Family Group Conferencing Service – Children First Mark was a 10 month old baby referred from Social Work. He was being considered for adoption unless a suitable family member could be identified to care for him. He was on the child protection register and had been with foster carers since birth as his mother could not care for him due to her substance misuse. His father was in prison with no contact. Dad was contacted in prison. Two family members unknown to social work were identified by Dad and given an opportunity to attend a Family Group Conference and agree a safe plan for Mark. Everyone involved wished Mark to remain within the family and not be adopted and a care plan was agreed by the Children’s Hearing System 2

A quote from the father: “If you had not been involved social work would not have listened to my views and considered me to care for my son”

Domain Youth Centre A young woman who participated in the Healthy Lifestyles dance group was not attending school education. She developed an interest in Dance and was supported to attend a five day residential “Girls on the Move” project, designed to increase physical activity levels among girls and young women. This is a Scottish Government (NHS) initiative, supported by the Robertson Trust. She successfully auditioned for, and participate in a Dance Elements course, run over two weeks at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Dance.

Care and Share A woman who was escaping domestic violence came to Ayr, declared herself homeless and was accommodated in a local hostel. Her alcohol misuse increased and she had no job and no hope. She started to go along to Care and Share and to engage with services. As she says herself ‘I’m now in my own flat and doing well. Care & Share helped me out with some stuff for the flat. My drinking is under control and I’m working’.

Employability Our previous Bitesize newsletter told the story of Gary Goddwillie. He is 24 and gained a job through the Future Jobs Fund as one of the Regeneration Operatives in Ayr Town Centre. He has learned a host of new skills and as he said himself ‘I didn’t like being unemployed – I wanted a job. I now work full time as part of a team that is really helping to improve Ayr Town Centre and it gives me a sense of satisfaction to know that I am helping the community’

Substance Misuse – Family Support Barnardos helps families with substance misuse issues. In one family both parents were misusing drugs. The mother died and their child was taken into care. With assistance from Barnardos, Dad was able to take control of his drug use and is now caring for his son again himself.

It cannot be underestimated how vital all these services are to help people who face multiple barriers in life. A joined up approach in community planning is taken to ensure that all service providers - the NHS, Jobcentre Plus, Council services such as Social Work, Housing and Community Learning, Ayr College, the Police and our voluntary sector partners are involved in helping people improve their life opportunities.

Budget Challenges David informed the conference of the huge challenges facing the public sector in terms of the potential future budget cuts and an even greater need for the Community Planning Partnership to work more effectively to reduce costs and deliver services more efficiently. He spoke about the Big Budget Challenge debates that would take place in South Ayrshire in

8 locations and would give the opportunity for members of the community to give their own views. Engaging our Communities David also spoke about community engagement and commended the assistance from Joe Lafferty and David Kiltie as community members of the Board. He conceded that although some progress had been made in improving how we engage with our communities, it had not been in a structured way and that further plans were being progressed to improve our engagement mechanisms.

Finally, he referred to the work the Community Planning Partnership is currently undertaking to ensure a more focussed approach to addressing a smaller number of ‘Big Issues’. He referred to a slide outlining 7 of these issues and asked each person attending the conference to consider these issues and then, using the stickers in their packs, to mark their top three from the posters around the walls of County Hall.

Note As two of the ‘Big Issues’ had been posted on the opposite wall of County Hall and received a smaller number of stickers, potentially due to this position, it was decided to disregard this exercise.

3. Fast Chat Sessions

Each of the following Community Planning Theme Group’s ran three ‘Fast Chat’ sessions.

Economic Development Partnership Community Health Partnership – Children’s Services Community Health Partnership - Adult Services Alcohol & Drug Partnership Sustainability Forum Community Safety Partnership

The purpose of these sessions was to give a brief verbal overview of the work of the Theme Groups and then to answer questions, or take on board any issues raised in relation to that theme. Each session lasted for approximately 25 minutes and delegates had the opportunity to attend three out of a possible six.

Overview of the Fast Chat Sessions

1. Economic Development Partnership Presented by Patricia Wallace (Ayr College), Liz Kennedy (University of the West of Scotland) and Moira Kelly (Jobcentre Plus)

Question or Issue Raised Answer

Given the loss of jobs in Ayrshire over It was suggested by a delegate that Renfrewshire the last 35 years, what has been done which, by its marketing and advertising of itself, or is being done to encourage: appears to have an “open for business” attitude New business unlike South Ayrshire. Help for existing business Encourage entrepreneurship? Answers to both:

How is it that immigrants (e.g. Polish Scottish Enterprise is trying to address these people) seem to arrive on a Monday issues but because of the current economic and have a job by a Friday? Why is climate, progress is difficult. Hopefully real more help not given to local people partnership working will begin to address these rather than incomers? issues What are we not doing re job losses? There is real momentum in partnership working to What else could we be doing? address these issues.

Does the Partnership have plans for Some companies – e.g. Glaxo Smith Kline in Irvine, dealing with small companies which when making people redundant have agreed to will be set up using redundancy cash set up a fund for the community. There are but will inevitably not be sustainable positives to this. Some jobs will occur as a result. in the current climate? Could this example be followed? 5

Why was £54 million pumped into It is difficult to answer this as no cost benefit North Ayr? Is this value for money? analysis has been carried out.

North Ayr was highlighted because Access to Given all the “good news” stories Employment Ayr/Job Centre Plus has accessed a about North Ayr by Job Centre Plus, significant amount of funding to tackle why is North Ayr always the target for worklessness. Also North Ayr is always near the the cash? What about top in the Scottish Index of Deprivation. Examples Girvan/Mayole? given by Job Centre Plus: Scotland as a whole has 1 in 5 workless households South Ayrshire as a whole has 1 in 4 workless households North Ayr has 1 in 2 workless households ie 50% of households have no one working Statements: Responses: We’ve been here before. Work Investment in people is paramount. experience and this kind of initiative is Learning a wide range of transferable skills not enough when there are no jobs for is more important than training for a job people at the end. Surely then, a type which may be out of fashion in time. waste of money? If the pension age is being raised, there will be fewer jobs for younger people.

Figures will inevitably be skewed Job Centre Plus will continue to try to support following the Governments unemployed people back into work. announcements re benefit withdrawals.

Work Clubs/Job Clubs. What Job Centre Plus is collating as much information information do you have about those? which is currently available but will not run these clubs. They will be run within communities.

Is there a time frame for Job Clubs? No

2. Community Health Partnership - Children’s Services Presented by Hugh Carswell (Head of Children’s Services, South Ayrshire Council

Hugh Carswell gave brief overview of Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)which highlighted the links to the Scottish Government’s 5 Strategic objectives, 15 National Outcomes and 45 National Indicators. He outlined the links to the Single Outcome Agreement and Strategic drivers and stressed the fact that GIRFEC should be child centred, accessible, based on early intervention and prevention, shifting the balance of care and focussed on achieving better outcomes for children.

He highlighted the model of well- being of a child with key elements of successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens. He identified the challenges and what we need to succeed including maintaining clarity in practice, ensuring the correct structures and posts are in place which support the delivery of the vision, promote positive behaviours and attitude, implementation at a time of reducing resources requiring innovation, e solutions and continuous improvement.

He advised that GIRFEC has established 4 locality teams- Girvan/Maybole, Ayr (North) Ayr(South) and Prestwick/Troon. Decisions would be based on need and resources would be allocated accordingly. In South Ayrshire, 58 young people are on child protection register. There are 342 Looked After Children.

Many young people are carers and for known individuals there are a number of services provided but there are many who are not known. The appointment of 6 home link workers would help to identify more young carers.

Question or Issue Raised Answer

Informal co-operation in relation to There are a number of services involved in the re requests - the service has become structuring- education, psychological services. more bureaucratic. What are your It is crucial to approach these issues from a Multi views on this? Disciplinary perspective. It is important to question whether services are as appropriate as they should be- “ Scotland Performs” where we are at in comparison to other services in Scotland.

How much more does it cost not to With 342 Looked After Children we want to shift have used early intervention? the balance of care and looked after children accommodated in South Ayrshire not outwith the area. Evidence in Scotland shows that if we invest in early intervention the costs are 9 times less in the long term. Dyslexia would appear not to be Outcomes have improved. We have been investing identified until it’s too late and time in the individual. For example, bringing older 7

children are older. Is this the case? and young people together has been a new initiative we have adopted. People with different experiences, skills and backgrounds are encouraged to come in from the community and contribute to Curriculum for Excellence. Attainment and achievement is going up and the number of pupils in the lowest 20% nationally is going down. We have formed a Partnership for Children’s Services which gives added value and outcomes for young people are improving.

How close are you to implementing We are reviewing how we will be delivering their the Early Years Framework? services locally- parenting support is crucially important. We will have to shift recourses so will need to make efficiencies elsewhere.

What is the cost of early Early Intervention not just about outcomes. It is Intervention? about challenging the NHS & other services to shift resources, adopt a service delivery model and delivering services in localities. Partners have to respond to the needs which requires transparency.

Has South Ayrshire Council created Pupils may drive to school. However, the education cycling/parking spaces for pupils in authority does not encourage or condone this. We schools? encourage walking to school.

Why are there so many children in Mainly due alcohol and drug issues many families care? are dislocated due to social factors. Substance misuse is the main issue.

With limited resources, how can we Scottish Government advocates intervening as early have a shift on money? as possible. At local level, a locality based service approach will map the needs for that particular area- these are the things we can shift? Bigger decisions on stopping doing things, ie disinvestment, will require a new service delivery model- transparency of need.

What about locality profiles and Community Engagement structures have yet to be community engagement? finalised within the Council. However, for young people there is the “ Having Your Say” initiative. We need to have better communication with the public, proper Community engagement processes and broader engagement.

3. Community Health Partnership – Adult Services The session was presented by Kenny Leinster (Head of Housing and Community Care, South Ayrshire Council) and Phil White (Community Health Partnership Co-ordinator)

Question or Issue Raised Answer

People being discharged from hospitals Discharge protocols are assessed in hospital are being sent home without adequate and a care package is put in place. Sometimes discharge notes. This results in OT etc not all services are available because of the being late. GP doesn’t know they are volume. We will pick up the issue and look at home. Can we work more closely planning processes to address this. Electronic together? The elderly are sent home records at point of discharge cause a patient with hospital related infections and the confidentiality issue. You need sufficient carers are not aware of this. people to do the job. Groups comment: There are issues regarding violent patients, and the use of private contractors who don’t have information given to them i.e. HIV etc

Does the Council have a dementia This is currently being developed – it takes time strategy? to get right. There are now special door gadgets in place – these notify if person leaves the property and does not return after ten minutes. A message is sent.

Are home care services contracted out? The Council employs 400 home carers – Are all employees SAC employees? Specialist carers are required for specific needs and there are contracts in place with other organisations. The Care Commission regulates Homes and the care standards for home care. Inspections are conducted twice a year and employees need to have training. Including Health and Hygiene, Hoist, Rehabilitation and Movement. Strict procedures are in place.

There are issues with addictions to The effects are well documented – there is a co Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs. Situation relation with dementia and alcohol. It is known arising regarding who looks after older that cannabis affects mental health but there people with drug problems. are few studies beyond this although more are likely to be published in the future – it is not clear what we can do. Older people are a resource and not a burden on society as such. In the third generation of drug use, with brain damage at 45, some may be lucky to survive into old age. There are, however, more 9

problems associated with alcohol than with drugs.

What help is out there to assist people to Older people tend to be the main carers live at home? (informal). A Carers Strategy and Dementia Strategy is being developed. Respite services for carers and people being cared for needs to be in place . Telecare and Medihealth cause social There is a need to develop more Lunch clubs isolation which is a big problem. Is cash etc. Specialist care is reserved for more serious set aside to address this issue? Some cases. There is no ring fenced money. people have lost their confidence. Comment from delegate. First class support was received by his mother in law when she was ill recently. Yes there were some gaps, but would like to applaud the Council and Health Board.

Why not separate the Theme Groups for Not clearly defined groups – e.g. alcohol affects Older People over and above “Adult” all. It’s difficult to target specific groups when themes cut across each other.

4. Alcohol & Drugs Partnership The session was presented by Ruth Shepherd (Co-ordinator, Alcohol and Drugs Partnerships Support Team)

Questions or Issues Raised Answers

Why is there not more community The ADP has a good attendance from the representation in the theme groups, and voluntary & statutory sectors though it could why are the client group not represented be improved. Two representatives are voted on the ADP. onto the ADP from the voluntary sector at present. With regard to integration of services, not all groups are represented when a more More effective links need to be further integrated approach is needed from the developed including service users voluntary and statutory sector. themselves.

Are 2 voluntary sector reps enough? Some services do not ‘fit in’ with the overall strategy. A Consultation was held on Friday 22nd October in John Pollock Centre to both clarify the role of the ADP and consult widely with groups on what new services /approaches could be developed. 10

Early intervention is seen as a more The ADP may not be the appropriate productive route and recently of over 125 resource for referrals, and referrals may be fires, 85/86 were alcohol related. No better placed with Community Safety where referrals however have been received by links could be better. the Fire Service for awareness raising workshops from schools, community groups

Why is there confusion about two separate Nationally the two are separate as different strategies for Drugs and Alcohol. departments in the Government deal with each, Alcohol – Dept. Of Public Health, Drugs – Dept. Of Justice. Locally services are combined to better access and development of planning for services.

What about those who are not addicts but An extremely complex question. To better suffer the consequences of anti social understand the impact on community behaviour of a family member, neighbour members and to treat symptoms of drug or community member due to addiction in abuse is to work with abusers and those their area? recovering and suffering impacts of drug / alcohol abuse. Communities need to understand that by targeting those users and the services providing support that they are indeed tackling issues of anti social behaviour.

How do you measure the impact of services In a number of ways by using statistics from on service users and communities? police/ hospitals/ GP’s etc.

Do you ask families? Services have mechanisms for checking the impact and effect on families although these could be improved.

Is it true that GP’s are reluctant to take on There are a range of services that work with and prescribe medication for drug addicts? service users and GP’s are part of that process.

How long would a person be on This would vary dependent on the individual methadone? and their circumstances, and that various services would be involved in programme.

Suggestions were sought from delegates about how services could be improved and the following suggestions were made:

Lack of knowledge on referral routes and procedures, needs to be improved. Information on services to be sent to groups including Community Councils and Voluntary sector. Publicity in doctor’s surgeries would be helpful for signposting. Leaflets to be better designed to be more ‘readable’. Lack of publicity in general, lack of literature specifically aimed at those with alcohol addiction problems. More community workshops to be organised especially in relation to alcohol abuse. Better targeting of groups More promotional materials to be made available for kids and adults (more giveaways like the tumblers giving information rather than posters warning of symptoms) The use of the larger stores/supermarkets where cheap alcohol is on sale was discussed with ADP saying that larger stores have not been discouraged from exhibiting promotional materials and stalls. This issue really needs to be tackled nationally as the companies involved need to have a national policy.

5. Sustainability Forum The session was presented by Liz Marquis (Energy Agency) and Lorna Jarvie (Policy Officer, Sustainable Development)

Liz Marquis explained the role of the Energy Agency and the scope for microgeneration of energy for in small communities and that this could be applied to larger communities in them generating energy on a larger scale. The Energy Agency would support communities to do this and there are very good funding opportunities for communities to develop schemes such as community heat generation.

The group was asked to think about how they viewed climate change. Future scenarios for communities and housing were discussed and importance of carbon capture. It was highlighted that making changes in the energy efficiency in your own home would impact on your community.

The group went to talk about the education of the public, with the aims of behaviour change. Currently primary school children are told about climate change and energy conservation in schools.

The Forestry Commission ‘s tree planting project in Kirkmichael was highlighted as a project that the Sustainability Forum could benefit from having an understanding of as well as the other work that the Forestry Commission undertakes in South Ayrshire.

Question or Issue Raised Answer

What is the Energy Agency’s The Scottish government had provided monies to the involvement in the Symington Energy Agency to undertake a comprehensive survey community? of the energy usage of the community and they will 12

then put a plan in place to help the community to reduce their energy consumption. They will map individual houses and this research can be use in the future if a district heating system was put in place. They are looking at rural gas for this community. They are also looking at insulation in Maybole. It was suggested that three things That microgeneration should be reconsidered in should be looked at with regards to conservation areas and these communities sustainability, these were: should have their energy uses assessed. That cyclists find it difficult to cycle on the roads because of their condition, primarily because of potholes. The question was asked who should get priority, cyclists or motorists? Resources should be shifted into safe routes for schools; this would encourage a shift in culture. A small amount of money could be used to make this work.

Would the council consider There are no current plans in place to do this but the installing a cycle lane on issue can be raised. Dalmellington Road up to Ayr Hospital? What areas of deprivation are The group were informed that everyone is eligible for currently looked at? an energy assistance package There was a lack of awareness in If a new scheme is coming into an area then there communities about what was out will be a focus on information sharing in that area there and that there is not good and community councils will be involved. dissemination of information – how is this being addressed? In communities that have them community newsletters could be used to promote the work of the Energy Agency and the Sustainability Forum. It was highlighted that dissemination of information is crucial and that maybe road shows would be a good idea.

Who would pay for the installation The landlord should be responsible for the insulation of the heating system and then the and maintenance of the new central heating system, ongoing maintenance for people there have been grants to help with this however the living in private rented no grants left to assist with maintenance packages. accommodation?

What are the main issues for older New properties are generally more energy efficient properties versus new builds? than older properties. Building Standards now consider energy efficiency when looking at buildings and there are new building standards that consider 13

energy issues, this is taking some time to implement. The Scottish Housing Quality Standard will address some energy efficiency issues in its implementation, and this will be applied to council and housing association properties. It is to be implemented by 2015.

How do we reduce our energy Everyone will require to make changes to everyday consumption? things we all do and cut down waste. Can people be involved in The previous grants from the Scottish Government generating their own energy using have now stopped except in certain areas. In the solar panels and what grants are longer term homes that generate their own energy available? will receive monies back from the energy companies.

Can cavity wall insulation be fitted This will be addressed in the longer term by the in older properties? Green Deal.

How does the sustainability forum The forum meets 6 times a year and can provide get this message out to community support to local groups. groups?

How are all the sides of the climate There is general consensus that energy consumption change argument being heard, as needs to be reduced as it has quadrupled over the some parts of the argument are not last century. We in South Ayrshire have a global scientifically proven? responsibility for our local choices and as part of this South Ayrshire Council has signed up to the Scottish Climate Change Declaration. Analysis of this is available of the Sustainability Forum.

Following the Fast Chat sessions, delegates returned to County Hall

4. Our Young People

Unfortunately our Youth Forum was unable to perform the planned drama but Jodie McCoy and Elliot Nash from the South Ayrshire Youth Forum gave a short presentation (attached as Appendix III) informed the conference of the wide range of engagement and consultation activity undertaken by young people throughout the year.

This included a consultation with young people around Access to Leisure and Cultural Activities and was part of a Petition exercise with the Scottish Parliament.

Elliot spoke about the success of the ‘Fast Chat’ sessions that had been organised with the community planning theme groups in June so that young people could find out more about what was happening in the Partnership. The Forum had also visited young people in communities and members had attended community council meetings and council committees. He referred to the 4 members of the Youth Forum who had attended the Commonwealth Games in Delhi as part of the handover to Scotland for the 2014 Games and informed the Conference that the annual Youth Conference would take place on 12th November when an expected 70 young people would attend to discuss issues pertinent to them.

A short DVD entertained the audience with scenes from a Team Building Day – although lots of work had been done there had also been lots of time for some fun!

5. Our Community Planning Board Representatives

Carrick David Kiltie, who represents the Carrick area of South Ayrshire, introduced himself as the newer of the two representatives and explained that it takes a while to begin to understand how the Community Planning Partnership works and what is going on.

In relation to what he thought could be improved, he said that he was not convinced that quarterly meetings were the best way to function and that more was needed to come from the ‘bottom up’ ie from the communities rather than from ‘top down’. He proposed that the Partnership should consider developing more joined up projects with local communities as community groups are often in a better position to access funding eg Lottery or LEADER funds, which could multiply the amount of funding brought into South Ayrshire. It would also ensure that local knowledge and community energies were more effectively harnessed.

He asked how he could work more effectively with other community representatives in his area, especially given the amount of paperwork involved. He stated that he e-mails out copies of the CP Board and other papers but finds it hard to get feedback but conceded that we need to capitalise on local knowledge and that only by working together with community members could we improve. He also suggested that a term of 1 year for

community representatives to sit on the Board was too short and that a term of 2 years would be preferable.

Kyle Joe Lafferty, who represents the Kyle area, stated that the main community influence could not be through the Community Planning Board but rather through the Theme Groups and that local people who have a particular interest in a topic could be nominated to the relevant Theme Group.

He referred to the Single Outcome Agreement and how he was the only community representative involved in the development of the outcomes and indicators. He proposed that if indicators were set by the local communities then they would be much more demanding than those set by service providers. The challenge to people at the conference would be to truly represent the community. There are some people in communities who have a greater knowledge of certain issues such as drugs or alcohol and that these people should be given the opportunity to comment as one person, such as himself, could not represent all views.

6. The New Third Sector Interface

Marie Clark, formerly Manager of the Volunteer Centre South Ayrshire, informed conference delegates of the new organisation that has been established in South Ayrshire which has resulted in CVO Kyle and Carrick merging with the Volunteer Centre to become Voluntary Action South Ayrshire or VASA. This had come about following a request from the Scottish Government to have one organisation, or interface, in each area to represent all the local voluntary, or third sector, organisations.

Marie explained the process that had resulted in the merger, due to be officially recognised from 6th November 2010 and outlined some of the initiatives that would improve services for voluntary sector organisations. VASA is working towards Investors in Volunteers and in addition, staff are being up skilled to meet the new their new roles. Much of this training has been possible from the Supporting Voluntary Action programme which is being funded by the Big Lottery to support Interfaces.

She also referred to the four main objectives to meet local needs which include a mapping of all third sector organisations in South Ayrshire, the development of ‘mirrored theme groups’ which will reflect the work of the community planning theme groups and give third sector organisations a voice in the community planning structures, the ongoing delivery of the Compact and the production of a directory of services.

Marie’s slides can be found in Appendix Illl.

7. Workshops for Community Based Groups

The conference broke up into workshops which had been especially developed for community based groups – delegates were able to attend two out of the three workshops on offer.

Fundathon - Funding Workshop This was designed to give community groups a more in depth knowledge of some of the current funds available, both locally and nationally. Funds included the Community Development Fund, LEADER, the Council’s Voluntary Grants Scheme, SAWET and the Big Lottery. Presentation slides are contained in Appendix V which also contains contact details for the funders. General information about local grants is listed below:

1. Voluntary Organisations Grant Grants are made by South Ayrshire Council to voluntary organisations and Jacqueline Brown outlined the criteria and eligibility.

Standard Awards It is anticipated that many of the applicants for support from a small grants budget will fall into a number of identifiable groupings. These standard amounts should only be varied in circumstances in which the awarding Committee feels are appropriate.

1. New organisations: £100 start-up grants for groups setting up for the first time. 2. Elderly/Senior Citizens Clubs: £200 per annum for programme costs. 3. Youth Clubs: £250 per annum for programme costs. 4. Tenants/Residents Associations: £250 per annum for programme costs. 5. Pre-Five Organisations: £350 for equipment identified in annual inspections. 6. Playschemes: The Council should consider using formulae previously utilised by SRC Community Grants Committee. 7. Gala Days: £100

General The grant is allocated for this project/activity only and no guarantee can be given that further funds will be available. The financial support must be spent only on the purpose for which it was granted. The Council's liability shall be to make a payment of the grant to the organisation. All other liabilities or claims are the responsibility of the organisation receiving grant. The organisation will, at any time, if requested provide information or copies of financial records as may be required by an authorised officer of the Council and make items purchased or projects developed available for inspection.

2. Community Development Fund Valerie Stewart, Community Planning Co-ordinator, outlined the purpose and criteria for this fund, overseen by the Community Planning Partnership.

Purpose of the Community Development Fund The Community Development Fund will be provided by South Ayrshire Council, in line with recommendations made by South Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership (CPP), to provide training, capacity building and support to community groups to enable them to become more engaged in improving their neighbourhoods (with potential to match with LEADER for related work in rural areas and with other external funds for both rural and urban areas).

Criteria for Funding Applications must be made by a community based organisation which is appropriately constituted and is working for the benefit of its local area and residents. Funding will be made available for: The provision of appropriate training to members of community groups to enable them to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to more effectively work to deliver improvements in their area. Access to appropriate expertise, professional services and support to assist community groups to engage with their local communities and develop new projects, service proposals or development plans. For example:

o To develop an evidence base to inform the development of new services or projects and local development plans. o To conduct local surveys o To organise local community engagement events o To purchase professional services and technical expertise in the undertaking of feasibility studies, business plans, tenders etc as preparation for community led funding bids. o To develop, write and publish a Local Development Plan or Community Action Plan o Access to appropriate capacity building support to assist community groups to engage more effectively with community planning partners to deliver neighbourhood and service improvements.

3. South Ayrshire Waste & Environment Trust (SAWET) SAWET is a registered environmental body set up to give out money raised through the Landfill Communities Fund to approved projects. The aim of the Trust is to help organisations, groups, communities within South Ayrshire to make practical improvements to their environment by providing funding for environmental projects.

Type of projects can be funded?

There are 6 categories for which funding can be provided under this Fund: The remediation or restoration of land which cannot now be used because of a ceased activity that used to take place there The reduction, prevention or mitigation of effects of pollution that has resulted, or may result, from an activity which has now ceased The provision, maintenance or improvement of a publicpark or other general public amenity The conservation of a specific species or a specific habitat where it naturally occurs The repair, maintenance or restoration of a Place of Worship or a Place of Architectural Importance The provision of financial, administrative or other similar services by one organisation Enrolled with ENTRUST to another

Examples of funded projects • Improved facilities for disabled • Sports changing accommodation • Creation of footpaths e.g. Ayrshire Coastal Path • Community hall improvements • Surveying & control of invasive weeds • Church repairs • Harbour improvements • Community gardens • River Ayr gorge improvements

What grants are available & who can apply? • Grants of up to £20,000 are available, though larger grants can be awarded if a sufficient case can be presented to the Trustees. • Match funding is NOT necessary. • Up to 100% of the total eligible cost of the project can be funded. • Applications are welcomed from any group in South Ayrshire providing that they are non-Profit making and are formally constituted. • Projects MUST be within a 10 mile radius of an active landfill site to be eligible for funding.

Training and Skills Development -Workshop Many community groups want to gain basic skills in relation to running an organisation and others are ready to access more advanced training options. This workshop was designed to help organisations to think about how to assess their training needs and then where they could access the appropriate training and skills development.

The workshops were run by Gus Collins and Collette McGarva. Following a presentation (Appendix Vl) people were asked to identify any barriers their organisation has to making progress – this would help them to identify the type of training or skills development they may require 19

What are the barriers to progress? Initial thoughts were captured on the Flipchart

Lack of self confidence Collective action by communities Basic information about services- Need more community development who is responsible for information workers coming into recession. sharing? Staffing down from 7 to 2.1/2. (it Structure of organisations such as the was explained that there is a review NHS, SAC, PPF. Difficult to identify underway) who is responsible. Fear of change Funding – ongoing issue for the Events (Community Engagement) voluntary sector Valuing community development Consistency – not all departments/ All agencies/partners should be partners are willing to engage with involved in engagement communities Voluntary sector can network and Understanding the agendas of support other voluntary sector different groups organisations Understanding the roles of different One Stop Shop – use of facilities agencies- more clarity is required Ongoing committee skills training Time restraints on volunteers needed (volunteer training) VASA training calendar- we all need Jargon Busters- language is too access to this complicated for many people Lack of volunteers/regulations which Who would be responsible for groups need to comply with “sharing all relevant information” to Information on resources available voluntary sector eg. Training calender Costs of training E-mail v post- not all community Access to Team Building Resources members have e- mail Needs assessment for staff training Reports too long and complicated – calendar keep them simple Individual & collective responsibility Community members question what Training in marketing skills for the they will achieve voluntary sector Need self belief Raising the profile of groups Are you listening to the community? Valuing the contribution of Voluntary Sector

Further discussion raised the following issues:

Training calendars – what information should be included? Various – e.g. children’s services Training to be aimed at agency staff but some for volunteers Sharing information regarding training opportunities

Jargon Busters – recognise importance of clarity and straight talking – plain English approach welcomed

Email v post – assurances for ‘snail mail’ people

Barriers: Stumbling blocks to training Cynicism about what can be achieved Training required for all committee members – not just office bearers

Developing Local Community Action Plans Workshop Several communities in South Ayrshire have been assisted to conduct community appraisals to establish the priorities of their community and then progress to develop local action plans to help to deliver these priorities. Some of these can be done by the community themselves but other actions will require input from community planning partners.

This workshop was designed to explain the process of engaging with local community members in order to identify priorities and then develop relevant plans. Workshop slides are contained in Appendix VIl and the following questions were asked.

Question Answer

How is the process enacted? It is different for each Community – there has to be a vision

What is a “Community” In this respect we have considered Community Council areas or an area covered by a Local Regeneration Group

How does a Local Action Plan (LAP) We consider the Actions in the LAP and see how they get collated & fed through into the fit into the SOA and Local CPP Objectives Community Planning Partnership?

How do LAPs compare with This is the feasibility of a Community - how it can feasibility studies happen. A Local Action Plan is a starting point.

What is the cost for completing a This depends on the amount of work carried out by plan? volunteers. Leader, FSF and Ailsa Horizons funded a project last year. Also perceptions – Consultation re fear of crime or actual crime - dog fouling etc.

Where do you get relevant A Community Council Link Officer or local Councillor information? may be able to help. They will have a knowledge of what surveys have already been done

8. Results of the Nomination Process for Community Planning Board Representatives

Cllr McIntosh announced the results of the ballot which had taken place during the lunchtime break. Local representative and umbrella community organisations in South Ayrshire had been invited to nominate candidates to sit on the Community Planning Board. Only one nomination was received for the Carrick area so there was no need for a ballot to take place and David Kiltie retained his place on the Board.

Four nominations were received for the Kyle area and therefore voting was open to organisations in this area. Joe Lafferty received the greatest number of votes and retained his place on the Board.

9. Question and Answer Panel Session

Cllr McIntosh chaired the annual question and answer session where conference delegates have the opportunity to ask our community planning partners a series of questions. At the suggestion of one of our community representatives, organisations were invited to submit questions in advance of the conference this year - there was insufficient time to answer all the questions at the conference so those questions which were not taken at the conference, along with answers from relevant partner organisations, are incorporated into Appendix Vlll.

This year our panel included David Anderson, Chief Executive of South Ayrshire Council Pamela Millar of SPT Area Commander Paul Tanzilli of Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Amanda Coulthard of NHS Ayrshire and Arran Marie Clark of Voluntary Action South Ayrshire David Kiltie and Joe Lafferty, Community Representatives on the CP Board Inspector Andrew Clapperton of Strathclyde Police.

Questions one and two submitted by Joe Cassidy, Troon Community Council and Joe Dalling, Tarbolton Tennants and Residents Association in relation to shared services

David Anderson answered on behalf of the Council, commenting that the there is a growing list of services being considered for delivering together which include environmental health, roads provision and building control with considerations around a single manager. There is also a single Ayrshire strategy for tourism and emergency planning and thoughts are turning to joint purchasing and housing repairs. The NHS replied that working in partnership with the local authority has led to some services being stopped due to duplication and that further potential for sharing services is being examined. Strathclyde Police is considering the closure of police offices and possible co-location with partners and Inspector Andy Clapperton referred to the successful one stop shop approach in Dallmellington 22

Strathclyde Fire and Rescue is delivering a number of initiatives in partnership with other agencies including addressing road traffic collisions, the Home Fire Safety Visits, the development of community fire stations and engaging more effectively with young people through the cadets scheme. SPT works across 12 local authority areas and could not be as effective without the Community Planning Partnerships being in place to oversee the Transport Outcomes set for each area.

Caroline Lorimer – CPP and Arts

Marie Clark from VASA stated that her organisation had been contacted by Voluntary Arts Scotland to ask if VASA could assist in recruiting a Volunteer Arts Ambassador or Arts Champion to strengthen the arts in South Ayrshire and that she would take this forward.

David Anderson commented that there has been a change in emphasis to Arts services and that Roddy MacDonald’s team were actively working to overcome funding challenges. There was a commitment to re-open the Gaiety Theatre and to develop the relationship between the Arts Council and SAC. He stated that the local arts community has expertise which we need to use more effectively.

Anne Cameron - ADOC and NHS 24

Amanda Coulthard from the NHS responded saying it was a national service for help and advice and access to out of hours care and because it is national it could not be separated. The Call Centre at the Crosshouse Hospital site provides a very good ADOC service ie a local hub for local people.

The chair asked for any other questions or comments and Les Anderson, representing the Seniors Forum, expressed the opinion that they had been ‘talked at’ all day and that there had been no time for relevant questions and to talk about the structure of the community planning partnership. She continued that she was disappointed at the lack of ability to participate and asked where the evidence is that the community, and particularly older people, are at the heart of planning. She also wondered how ordinary members of the community can input to the processes.

Cllr McIntosh stated that he is keen to ensure that the right format for community planning is put in place and acknowledged the need to talk to communities and expand our community engagement mechanisms.

David Kiltie agreed that community engagement is key to community planning and commented on the fact that no other nominations came forward from the Carrick area for a place on the Communtiy Planning Board. He said that it had been the intention to issue a paper outlining plans for community engagement mechanisms before the conference and was critical of how slow the process had been.

All conference delegates agreed that this was a fundamental issue. David Anderson commented that in preparation for the conference, staff and community representatives had taken on board comments from previous events and had therefore tried to ensure that the workshops were relevant to the needs of community groups for example finding funding and skills training. He admitted that community planning could be complex, high level and cumbersome and that a more localise approach was needed.

A further question was asked about the one stop shop process in Dalmellington, as referred to previously by Inspector Andy Clapperton. He replied that a number of voluntary organisations, partners such as the Police and housing and services such as dentists had come together to offer services in one place – this had resulted in a more vibrant community and it was agreed that this approach should be considered in South Ayrshire.

Clllr McIntosh brought the session to close and thanked everyone for attending the conference. He invited delegates to stay for a cup of tea or coffee and the chance to network with friends and colleagues.

10. Evaluation

11. Appendices

Please see separate file for APPENDICES 1-4

APPENDIX l Community Planning Bitesize Special Edition

APPENDIX ll Community Planning Update David Anderson Presentation

APPENDIX lll South Ayrshire Youth Forum Presentation

APPENDIX llll Voluntary Action South Ayrshire Presentation

Please see separate file for APPENDICES 5-10

APPENDIX V Funding Workshop Presentations 1. Investing In Communities 2. Ayrshire Leader

APPENDIX Vl Training and Skills Development Workshop Presentation

APPENDIX Vll Developing Community Action Plans workshop Presentation

APPENDIX Vlll Additional Questions and Answers

APPENDIX Vllll Programme

APPENDIX X Registration List