this is the community plan for kincardine & mearns. it ... · this is the community plan for...

This is the Community Plan for Kincardine & Mearns. It sets out the Kincardine & Mearns Community Planning Group’s main actions for the next four years. If you have difficulty understanding this document and require a translation, or would like a copy in a larger print, please contact the Kincardine & Mearns Area Manager, on 01569 768200.

Cover photograph – Howe of the Mearns © Aberdeenshire Council

KINCARDINE & MEARNS COMMUNITY PLAN2013 – 20161

Contents

1 Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

2 Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

3 Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

4 Data Gathering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

5 Developing the Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

6 Kincardine & Mearns Priorities and Aberdeenshire Single Outcome Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

7 Contact us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

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Foreword by Chair of the Local Community Planning Group

Welcome to the Kincardine & Mearns Community Plan 2013-2016. This plan sets out 12 priority areas which have been identified through strategic assessment and feedback from various Community Engagement activities, including a Horizon scanning exercise. The Community Planning group, which is made up of service providing agencies and community representatives, has worked these priorities up into specific actions which we intend to take forward addressing issues which affect the quality of life of the people in the Kincardine & Mearns area. Community Planning is about working together to achieve the best quality of life in the area whether this is at an individual level, local community level or at a more strategic level addressing issues which affect all communities.

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Executive Summary

The Kincardine & Mearns Community Plan 2013 - 2016 brings together input and action from Community Planning Partners, Elected Councillors and local communities. It is a plan for the area jointly developed and owned by all. Through engagement with these groups, 12 priority areas have been identified for the Plan. These priorities are often a direct continuation of priorities in the previous Community Plan, while some have been removed or revised and others added. These priority areas are:

• Local Development and Its Impact on Existing Communities

• Meeting Transport Needs

• Meeting Housing Needs

• Supporting Local Economies

• Including Everyone in Our Communities

• Supporting Healthy Lifestyles

• Welfare Reform

• Ageing Well

• Engaged Communities Supporting Themselves

• Adapting to Climate Change, including Resilience to Severe Weather

• Social Media Supports Our Priorities

• Enabling Multi-user Services and Facilities

Sunrise near Drumoak Stonehaven harbour


This document describes the way in which partners came together to develop the priority areas and the actions within them. It also sets the local priorities against the regional Aberdeenshire priorities.

Having identified the 12 priorities, each one was assigned a set of outcomes to achieve within the life if this Community Plan. Each priority area is set out to give an overview of the evidence of need used to identify the priority and guide the actions that were developed to achieve the outcomes. It also sets the actions developed for this Plan in the context of other key activity taking place within that priority area. A Lead Partner has been assigned to each priority and is responsible for bringing partners together to develop the actions. They, alongside other contributing partners, are identified in the Plan.

By bringing all these priorities and partners together in one place, it starts to become more clear where the links between aims and activities are found and as we work to progress and monitor actions, so the links can be strengthened.

An equalities impact assessment has also been carried out against the 9 protected social characteristics which public bodies must take account of when developing projects or actions.

Cairn O’ Mount Grassic Gibbon Centre

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Background

Kincardine and Mearns Community Plan 2013-2016 outlines the key actions to be taken to help meet local needs and priorities over the 3 year period. It is the key strategic document for the area. It aims to demonstrate and influence where funding and resources need to be focused to improve the quality of life within communities in Kincardine & Mearns (K&M). The development of the Plan has been facilitated by the partners on the Local Community Planning Group in a way that ensures good understanding of local issues and joint working in delivering solutions.

Kincardine & Mearns is the most southern of six administrative areas within Aberdeenshire, as recognised by the local authority, Police Scotland and NHS Grampian. The area is 756 sq km (293 sq miles), representing 12% of the whole Aberdeenshire area and is defined by 59 km of coastline to the east and the foothills of the Grampian Mountains to the west. The area itself is very diverse; in the north proximity to Aberdeen has encouraged considerable development of population and industry, the southern part contains the rich farmland of the Mearns and a series of attractive former fishing villages.

Over the past ten years the population has been steadily increasing - in 2011 there were 41,922 people living in Kincardine & Mearns. The demographic is shifting towards an ageing population with the number of children decreasing. This rapidly changing demographic provides unique challenges in delivering services and additional housing and meeting demands on community facilities.

Craighead Stone Circle Johnshaven Conservation Area


The percentage of those who experience employment deprivation in Kincardine & Mearns is 4.8%, which is lower than the Aberdeenshire average of 6% and the Scottish average of 13%. It is assessed that this low level is due to the close proximity of part of the area to Aberdeen City, and has better access to transport compared to some more rural parts of Aberdeenshire.

None of the areas in Kincardine & Mearns fall into the most deprived 15% in Scotland. However, three areas fall into the top 15% most deprived in Aberdeenshire, they are: Mearns South & Benholm, Stonehaven South & Mearns North and Inverbervie. Significant issues around health exist in the area with over 60% of Aberdeenshire’s population estimated to be overweight or obese. It is also estimated that in Aberdeenshire 46% men and 36% women drink over recommended limits and 1 in 11 people are dependent on alcohol.

Kincardine & Mearns has comparatively low levels of crime and disorder. Policing issues are predominantly related to antisocial behaviour, road safety and quality of life. There is an average of 227 crimes per 10,000; which is lower than the Aberdeenshire average of 355, and the Scottish average of 749. For 2010/11, 93.6% of school leavers from Kincardine & Mearns went onto a positive destination - further education, training or employment, this is higher than the Aberdeenshire average of 91.3%, and the Scottish average of 88.8%.

Rarmland Badentoy Business Park, Portlethen

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4

Data Gathering

In order to analyse real and potential pressures placed on the local partnership and to find out where local strengths and weaknesses lie, a Horizon Scanning exercise was carried out in February 2013. It is a technique for detecting early signs of potentially important developments in terms of threats and opportunities, with emphasis on new technology and its effects on the issue at hand.

This exercise was undertaken by a range of local partners, including elected councillors, at the forefront of areas of concern. They shared perspectives and knowledge with each other so as to scan how existing and new phenomena might influence the future for Kincardine and Mearns communities.

The discussion was initiated with research materials and then framed by the PESTELO headings - Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, Legislative and Organisational – to encourage wide and informed debate.

The main issues and opportunities identified at this event are outlined below.

Near Future (1-3 Years)

PESTELO Issues & Opportunities for Kincardine & Mearns Communities• Aberdeenshire Placemaking Project – Be Part of the Picture

• Political changes - independence?

• Increased expectations and opportunities for local communities to take more control of what they can do for themselves; a time for ‘opening doors’, citizenship & responsibility

• Existing demands of the community (expectations) in changing times

• Support with training, information and skill sharing

• Healthcare affected by aging population

• Welfare Reform & Financial education

• Accommodating Travellers

• Issues around job opportunities especially for young people and supporting opportunities for businesses

• Energy costs

• Successful regeneration of the coastal area

• Employability issues

• Young people & Ageing population - supporting opportunities, accessing their potential in our communities (lifelong learning & wellbeing)

• Migration issues


• Need for investment by local authority & communities into leisure

• Local cycling & Walking opportunities

• Mental health

• Changing family structure

• Child poverty

• Alcohol consumption

• Supporting Recovery (from addiction) Communities

• Transport

• Food supply/costs

• Broadband availability

• Social & Digital media for collaborative action, engagement & social relationships and connectedness

• Flooding & Climate Change

• Recycling

• Local Development - Chapelton of Elsick

• Construction of Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route – disruptions to traffic

• Parking spaces

• Equalities Agenda

• Redesign of Health & social care – Self Directed Support & day services

• Redesign of public services in the face of reduced public budgets

• Shrinking resources of voluntary organisations, increased expectations – public sector too

• Communication and interaction between Councils

• Single Police & Fire and Rescue Forces

• Uncertainty in changing times

• Security of funding

Further Future (4-10 Years)

PESTELO Issues & Opportunities for Kincardine & Mearns Communities• Cost of education for young people

• Get people talking and active about issues

• Growth and development of area

• Impact of elderly population in relation to growth of younger population

• Social media – issue and opportunity

• Cost of fuel/heating

• Climate change – food/fuel

• Economic problem – revising what we do now, compared to the past

• Budget cuts still to come/recession, Barnet Graph - local govt unlikely to have funding beyond projected social care costs

• Renewables, eco growth – centres of expertise

• Broadband

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• Integrating transport

• Youth transportation Issues – cost of learning to drive

• Public transport

• Better communication links with Aberdeen

• Care professions recruit and retain

• Use of energy

• Affordable housing opportunities e.g. Elsick development

• Low unemployment – Oil

• Changing retail environment

• Town centres

• Effect of current spread of people and transport provision and behaviour

• Greater influence needed on public bodies – local democracy and accountability

• Agriculture – squeezed by retailers & consumers

• Travel infrastructure projects – Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route

• Creating sustainable communities

Distant Future (10+ Years)

PESTELO Issues & Opportunities for Kincardine & Mearns Communities• Continuing climate change.

• Need to encourage and support cultural and behavioural change so that organisations and communities are prepared to adapt and flourish in any changes that are around at this time.

• Digital technology/engagement for enabling collaborative action and doing more with less.

• Projected continued budget cuts in Local Government = funding that will only cover projected social care costs and no other statutory services, reduced Local Government Staff, reduced grants to third and community sectors. Communities will need to be able to provide for their own needs and public sector support and provision will need to do more with less.


5

Developing the Plan

Combined with the Horizon Scanning exercise, the findings of Kincardine & Mearns Strategic Assessment 2013-2016 enabled the Community Planning Group (CPG) to make an informed decision in setting priority areas for the Plan that reflect the needs of communities in Kincardine & Mearns. Lead Partners were chosen for each priority area who engaged further to develop specific actions. The joint meeting of K&M Community Planning Group, Area Committee and Aberdeenshire Council’s Kincardine & Mearns Area Management Team enabled further discussion around the proposed actions. To open the discussion more widely a K&M Community Plan Blog was published and promoted, inviting all interested parties to comment and contribute to the plan.

Progress on actions will be updated at each CPG meeting. The Plan will be monitored fully on a 6 monthly basis and an annual report will be produced highlighting achievements. An equalities impact assessment has also been carried out inline with Scottish legislation.

KINCARDINE & MEARNS PRIORITIES 2013 – 2016 • Local Development and Its Impact on Existing Communities

• Meeting Transport Needs

• Meeting Housing Needs

• Supporting Local Economies

• Including Everyone in Our Communities

• Supporting Healthy Lifestyles

• Welfare Reform

• Ageing Well

• Engaged Communities Supporting Themselves

• Adapting to Climate Change, including Resilience to Severe Weather

• Social Media Supports Our Priorities

• Enabling Multi-user Services and Facilities

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

The following table shows the relationship between our priorities and the Aberdeenshire Single Outcome Agreement.

http://kandmcommunityplan.wordpress.com/

http://www.ouraberdeenshire.org.uk/soa

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Kincardine & Mearns Priorities and Aberdeenshire Single Outcome Agreement

KINCARDINE & MEARNS PRIORITY

ABERDEENSHIRE OUTCOME

Local Development and Its Impact on Existing Communities

Improved infrastructure will provide a supportive business environment, promoting investment in the region and providing increased employment opportunities

Meeting Housing Needs

Communities benefit from the delivery and improved access to affordable housing

Engaged Communities Supporting Themselves

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

Communities across Aberdeenshire are more engaged in local decision making

Including Everyone in Our Communities

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

Supporting Healthy Lifestyles

Reductions in inequalities in health outcomes between communities and across Aberdeenshire

Supporting Local Economies

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

Adapting to Climate Change, Resilience to Severe Weather

Why Blank

Enabling Multi-user Services and Facilities

Community planning partner services identify and are responsive to local people’s needs

Meeting Transport Needs

Businesses and individuals have access to a fully integrated transport network

Welfare Reform Vulnerable customers are recognised and supported through the Universal Credit journey towards or into work

Social Media Supports Our Priorities

Improved digital infrastructure


Priority Area 1: Local development and the Impact on Existing CommunitiesLead Partner: William Munro, Area Manager, Aberdeenshire Council

OutcomeInfrastructure needs are identified and in place in line with development and a full range of services available and accessible to new communities without compromising existing ones. People feel engaged in the planning process and in identifying issues, needs and solutions.

OverviewThe Local Development Plan is the subject of extensive consultation during its formulation and sets out policies and sites for new development and the infrastructure required to support it. There are various developments taking place in Kincardine and Mearns which will have significant impact on local communities, the biggest ones are: Scotland’s largest new town Chapelton of Elsick with 4045 houses; 300 houses at the Newesk development in Edzell Woods; and significant development at both Laurencekirk and the Hillside area of Portlethen. As specific infrastructure needs have been identified it is important they remain appropriate for this new development as far as possible. Moreover, the developments taking place in Kincardine & Mearns will increase the number of people in local communities who equally should have access to a full range of services. It is therefore crucial to make people engaged in the planning process. The concern of the local communities as identified during Kincardine & Mearns Horizon Scanning 2013 exercise is that the infrastructure will not keep pace with development.

What’s Happening Now The current Local Development Plan was adopted by Aberdeenshire Council in 2012 and engagement towards the next Plan is underway. A new settlement, Chapelton of Elsick, was granted an approval for an outline planning application to transform 2,000 acres of farmland into a vibrant new community for the north east. The detailed application for the first 825 homes was also passed. Newesk has planning permission. The ‘M1’ site at the north end of Laurencekirk has been the subject of consultation. The Hillside area of Portlethen has 840 houses under construction. The Portlethen community campaigned actively for a new school at Hillside and, after a comprehensive review of education provision taking account of Curriculum for Excellence, the decision was taken by councillors to build a £12.9m primary school.

Emerging Issues It has been estimated that Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire may need 75,000 more homes over the next 20 years to cope with demand.

The recent School Estate Review predicts that the school roll at Fishermoss Primary will fall to 214 (currently 302) by 2018, while the school roll at Portlethen Primary will rise to 646 (currently 394) in the same period.

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Actions

Action When Who1.1 Set up implementation group for Elsick (and for other allocations as they come forward)

June 2013 Council, Developers, Public and 3rd Sector service providers

1.2 Set up Elsick Liaison Group and Infrastructure Group

Sept 2013 Council, Developers, Public service providers, Community Representatives

1.3 Conclude work of Hillside working group and agree plans for new school

June 2013

Sept 2016

Council, community

1.4 Through robust assessments and governance, agree and implement community infrastructure for new developments

Review Sept 2016

Council other public sector bodies, 3rd sector, community

1.5 Ensure appropriate consultation and engagement for new Local Development Plan (LDP)

Nov 2013 onwards

Council,

Community Councils, business interests

1.6 Support Community Councils to organise engagement events for LDP

Nov 2013 onwards

Council,

Community Councils

1.7 Information/signposting on the LDP and other planning processes

End 2013 Council,

Community Councils

1.8 Raise awareness through Councillors to encourage community participation

Nov 2013 Council, community


Priority Area 2: Meeting Transport NeedsLead Partner: Mark Skilling, Transport Strategy Manager, Aberdeenshire Council

OutcomeThrough increased options and integration, transport supports participation, inclusion and business.

Overview – The needIn general, Aberdeenshire has a very high level of private car ownership, which in a rural area means that the demand to support public transport provision is relatively low. There are, however, significant numbers who depend on public transport – including young and older people and consultations, informal discussions and reports from staff in various organisations repeatedly highlight the difficulties in accessing and delivering services and opportunities for those without private transport in the more rural areas of Kincardine & Mearns.

Available evidence shows that while it is often difficult to get to and from other towns and villages in the area, public transport along major corridors in and out of Aberdeen is generally considered well provided for, with user surveys showing positive feedback. However, the length and timing of even these journeys can be a barrier to training, employment or leisure opportunities. The re-opening of Laurencekirk Station in 2009 has exceeded passenger usage expectations by almost double and the re-opening of Newtonhill Station features in the NESTRANS Rail Action Plan and remains a local priority in the Newtonhill Community Action Plan 2012.

Solutions to the needs of those dependent on public transport in rural areas need to be creative. Increasing the level of use of public transport through better integration in the system is one avenue while others include local, community-based approaches and the improvement of active travel networks such as cycle routes.

What’s Happening Now In response to Audit Scotland’s report on Health and Social Care Transport the Grampian HTAP (Health and Transport Action Plan) Steering group has prioritised a Transport to Health Information Centre (THInC) which offers advice and information on available transport options to health care services and will record the gaps where currently needs are not being met. Dial-a-Bus services operated by the council continue to be used, while pilot routes trialled in partnership with Mearns Area Partnership connecting the coast to the inland Mearns area were stopped due to lack of use. The Kincardine & Mearns Bus Forum continue to meet on a quarterly basis and a number of services have been amended to reflect local need.

Through their involvement in regeneration activity along the coast south of Stonehaven, Mearns Area Partnership have facilitated the Mearns Co-wheels Car Club and with use increasing it looks like it’s here to stay. They are looking into relocating one of the three cars currently available in Laurencekirk and Inverbervie to Edzell Woods. They are also developing a wheels-to-work moped rental scheme for young people who need support accessing work opportunities and have supported the Benholm Mill Cycle Shed, which offers skill sharing and resources for bike repair as well as bike rental.

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Emerging Issues Planned Local Development at Chapelton of Elsick and around Laurencekirk will have some impact on demand for public transport and travel patterns. The construction of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route will have short -disruptions to traffic and longer terms impacts for travel in the area.

Community Action Plans developed by individual communities often identify specific needs and desires of local residents in relation to road infrastructure.

The continuing shift of social care activities into community settings and the new arrangements around Self Directed Support will lead to changes in the travel needs of those currently accessing and supporting social care.

Increases in the cost of fuel affect inclusion around access and travel. Aberdeenshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership have been lobbying for those recovering from addictions to be included in criteria for receipt of travel benefits.

There is a recognised need to encourage and support cultural and behavioural change around sustainable and active travel. Social media and digital technologies present opportunities for creative, collaborative solutions for local transport needs.

Actions

Actions When Who2.1 Develop and support a Transport Needs Forum in Kincardine & Mearns that will incorporate the views of all transport users and stakeholders in the area and lobby for improvements in provision and infrastructure

Spring 2014 Initially a Council officer will facilitate the Forum involving public transport providers, Community Councils, Area Partnerships, K&M Bus Forum, Nestrans, Transport Scotland, Eurorail, rail operators, interested individuals

2.2 Aberdeenshire Council is undertaking a comprehensive review of all public transport with the aim of providing best value in the delivery of public transport options to necessary services and facilities. The Community Planning Group and lead partner for this priority will seek to influence the review to ensure positive outcomes for Kincardine and Mearns.

Review complete Spring 2014

Outcomes 2014/15

Aberdeenshire Council, Nestrans, bus operators, bus forums, school bus contractors and health partners.


Actions When Who2.3 Develop a marketing plan to support the uptake of the new Transport to Health Information Centre (THInC), developed under the Health and Transport Action Plan (HTAP).

March 2014. Nestrans, NHS & NHS Area Teams, Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen City & Moray Councils, Scottish Ambulance Service, Aberdeenshire Signposting Project, Community Newsletters, Local Community Planning Groups

2.4 Community partners in Stonehaven, where car parking charges are in place, will be involved in a review of Aberdeenshire Council’s policy for car parking charges in the town.

Initial meeting June 2013.

K & M Area Committee September 2013 & November 2013.

Infrastructure Services Committee December 2013.

Aberdeenshire Council Transport Strategy Manager, Stonehaven & District Community Council, Stonehaven Business Association, Stonehaven Town Partnership, Stonehaven Tourism Group, Stonehaven Horizon Group, Stonehaven Festival & Events

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Priority Area 3: Meeting Housing NeedsLead Partner: Liz Hamilton, Strategic Development Officer Housing Strategy, Customer Service, Aberdeenshire Council

OutcomeAwareness of the need and options for appropriate and affordable housing is raised among all stakeholders. Levels of homelessness are reduced through early intervention, education and the development of supportive social networks.

OverviewAccording to the Housing Need and Demand Assessment (HNDA) 2011, there is a shortfall of affordable housing in Aberdeenshire, with around additional 540 homes being required each year over the next ten years. Aberdeenshire Council has a current housing waiting list of over 6,000 people. As identified by the Citizen’s Panel 2010, provision of affordable housing and appropriate housing for older people is seen as priority for Aberdeenshire. The Aberdeenshire region is facing unique patterns of population growth, within a mixed geographical area of urban and rural environments, which places pressures on resources. The constrained financial climate indicates that public subsidy is likely to remain limited over the short to medium term. Homelessness is a significant problem in Aberdeenshire. Though often hidden it costs the Council significant sums to fulfil its duty of housing those presenting as homeless. It requires a targeted response and homelessness prevention measures aim to reduce homelessness presentations by up to 25% by 2014/15 and are forecast to achieve savings of £300,000 over three years.

What’s Happening Now Aberdeenshire Council’s Housing and Social Work Service Plan 2012 to 2015 continues to address housing needs in the region: according to their Affordable Housing Strategic Outcome Statement, 1000 new affordable housing units will be delivered between 2012 and 2017 and an Asset Management Plan is being developed to support the local authority to analyze and plan future work to make its stock sustainable. This tool will be ready by the end of 2013. The Council has set up a Homelessness Prevention Team which is working with partners and stakeholders to develop a coordinated approach across Aberdeenshire.

Emerging IssuesWelfare Reform is anticipated to increase the number of people falling into arrears and losing tenancies. Aberdeenshire Council’s Housing and Social Work Service is facing various challenges, including the growing and ageing population of Kincardine & Mearns.


Actions

Actions When Who3.1 To ensure that they meet needs, new housing initiatives developed by Aberdeenshire Council’s Housing Service and Registered Social Landlords will be done so in consultation with appropriate tenants groups and community organisations.

As and when developments/ initiatives come forward

Aberdeenshire Council Social Work and Housing, Registered Social Landlords, Tenant Associations and Kincardine &d Mearns (& other) Community Planning Group.3.2 To raise awareness of housing need

and proposed housing provision, key messages will be identified by housing providers and promoted through various media channels.

3.3 To raise awareness at a local level, Aberdeenshire Council’s Housing Service will provide information on local housing need, including waiting list size and levels of homelessness, and other key messages to inform any communities undertaking a community action planning process.

As and when communities undertake community action planning.

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3.4 User experience will be kept at the centre of the management and delivery of Apply4Homes, the new integrated online system for applying for social housing (Council and Housing Associations) in Aberdeenshire & Moray with any further developments being based on figures and customer feedback and evaluation. The Apply4Homes partners will meet regularly to look at new developments and ongoing improvements and maintenance.

Commenced and monitored on a regular basis

Aberdeenshire Council, Grampian Housing Association, Tenants First Housing, Langstane Housing Association, Castlehill Housing Association, Aberdeenshire Housing Partnership, Hanover (Scotland), The Moray Council and Moray Housing Partnership

3.5 As part of the Aberdeenshire wide exercise to promote a coordinated approach to preventing homelessness and supporting those experiencing it back into secure housing, a K&M forum of partners and interested stakeholders will be formed to develop and take forward a local action plan based on early intervention, education and the development of supportive social networks.

Aberdeenshire Homelessness Action Plan updated June 2013; reviewed regularly. Local Forum October 2013. Local Action Plan February 2014 - To be confirmed

All stakeholders and partners who have links to homelessness – still to be confirmed.


Priority Area 4: Supporting Local EconomiesLead Partner: Robert Armstrong, Business Development Executive, Aberdeenshire Council

OutcomeKincardine & Mearns is recognised as a supportive business environment providing opportunities for home-grown businesses, business growth and employment; and an area where residents, businesses and social enterprises are encouraged and assisted to make their communities self-sufficient, providing opportunities for all.

OverviewSupporting, and removing barriers, to local business growth and development was seen as a local priority in the Community Ward Forums, especially in the southern Mearns and the coastal area and by a cross section of partners during the development of this plan. There is a wish for more investment in tourism and leisure, supporting communities and town centres to adapt to a changing retail environment and developing suitable premises for business. It is recognised that achieving greater engagement with the business sector in wider community planning networks would be beneficial to local communities.

What’s Happening NowLaurencekirk Business Club has reformed and Laurencekirk Development Trust has been established to develop projects that support community economic development. Stonehaven has seen investment and activity driven from within the community by groups such as Stonehaven Town Partnership, Stonehaven Tourism Group and Business Association, for example, at the Caravan Park and in the Hogmanay celebrations ‘Open Air in the Square’.

Regeneration investment and activity has been delivered along the coastal strip south of Stonehaven and includes refurbishment of the Maggie Law Museum, a gateway feature for Gourdon and a Johnshaven Heritage Hub.

Emerging Issues Funding in the coastal regeneration strip is finite, but the opportunity remains to build on the successes so far.

Significant local developments are planned at Laurencekirk and the new site of Chapelton of Elsick. While concerns exist within communities, opportunities are being taken to plan for facilities and infrastructure that support healthy, sustainable communities and economies. The construction of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route represents a further development, which will impact on the area.

Broadband is part of a changing business and retail environment, creating challenges and opportunities for town centres and agriculture and ensuring its availability in rural areas is important.

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Changes in climate, most recognisably flooding, have had significant impacts on businesses, especially in Stonehaven. Projections are for this change to continue and ensuring community and business resilience is important.

The renewable energies market and upcoming legislation to promote greater community ownership and benefit from these represent another factor affecting our communities.

Actions

Actions When WhoAction 4.1 – An Aberdeenshire Council Community Economic Development Officer is being provided to support communities to strengthen the Rural Area Partnership network in Kincardine & Mearns and thereby improve the capacity of organisations to support community economic development and social enterprise.

Commenced 2013-14

Current rural partnerships, wider community stakeholders and members, CLD, CVSA.

Action 4.2 – Working together, Aberdeenshire Council and interested local organisations will take forward opportunities to transfer assets to communities to better meet local needs. In line with these transfers, Aberdeenshire’s Community Asset Transfer (CAT) policy will be monitored to ensure it is flexible and supportive.

Commenced - ongoing

Interested community organisations, Aberdeenshire Council K&M Area Manager & CAT Steering Group, wider communities

Action 4.3 – Aberdeenshire Council will engage local business organisations in the development of a Town Centres Action Plan and Toolbox that will be used to strengthen the economic base of Kincardine & Mearns towns and encourage local businesses and communities to work in partnership to create more sustainable and vibrant town centres.

Plan by end 2013. Delivery 2014 onwards.

Business groups and community development trusts, Aberdeenshire Council’s Economic Development section & K&M Area Manager.

Action 4.4 – Working together, Aberdeenshire Council and community organisations will develop and promote tourism opportunities in Kincardine & Mearns including the developing assets in the Mearns Regeneration Priority Area.

2013-16 Community groups, Aberdeenshire Council’s Economic Development section


Actions When WhoAction 4.5 – Aberdeenshire Council and Business Gateway will work together to support business development in Kincardine & Mearns by providing advice and financial support that will sustain and create employment.

2013-16 Business Gateway and Aberdeenshire Council

Action 4.6 – Businesses, community development trusts and Aberdeenshire Council will work together to encourage the development of employment sites across Kincardine & Mearns. In particular the “study on potential infrastructure for employment” in Laurencekirk will be completed and inputted to the emerging Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan. Aberdeenshire Council’s Estates section will draw up a new policy available to businesses, outlining how and when the Council will be able to assist businesses with new build and property purchase projects. The policy will be promoted through existing channels.

By 2015 (estimated)

Aberdeenshire Council, Local Development Trusts and local businesses.

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Priority Area 5: Including Everyone in Our CommunitiesLead Partner: Claire Thomson CLD Team Leader, Kincardine & Mearns, Aberdeenshire Council

OutcomeAll local residents feel included and able to participate equally in vibrant and resilient communities and organisations are supported to be inclusive to include a wide range of people in their work.

OverviewThe idea of general wellbeing is being increasingly shown to relate to feelings of and opportunities to be involved in meaningful social relationships. Our abilities and the support required to be involved in relationships varies among individuals and specific conditions and different life experiences can have a significant impact on this. There is a continuing shift to support all individuals to be involved and supported within communities and raising awareness and confidence for this to happen.

Local engagement activity has highlighted the importance of ensuring young people have attractive and accessible opportunities to contribute positively in their communities and that information on local opportunities and services is readily accessible. Issues relating to social inclusion have been specifically highlighted for Portlethen where the lack of any central focus or facility for the community is apparent. Evidence showing the increasing levels of isolation and exclusion among older people is being addressed elsewhere in this plan.

What’s Happening Now Aberdeenshire Council’s Inclusive Day services – Enabling Aberdeenshire (IDEA) project has been engaging with current services users, their families and communities in order to improve day services for adults with disabilities, ensuring that support is provided and people with disabilities are more involved, valued as members and fulfilling their potential in their local communities.

Users of alcohol and drug services are being involved in the design and delivery of services and peer support groups and promoting the message of recovery to professionals. A leaflet on ‘Welcoming New members and Inclusion’ is being developed for the K+M Effective Community Group Pack.

Young people are supported through a range of youth work opportunities with a focus on young people being empowered and are confident, skilled and active members of the community. Specific projects have developed to support vulnerable groups and enable them to participate in their communities e.g. Seasons for Growth, Job clubs and support to young people through transition periods.

Emerging IssuesChanging family structures and the fact that many families no longer live in proximity to each other means that traditional support networks are not always present.


Welfare Reform is anticipated to have an impact on families that are already vulnerable to social exclusion through, for example mental health and low incomes.

There is a growing recognition among professionals that people in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction are ‘experts by experience’ and there is an expectation that the development of recovery communities be supported.

Social media is recognised as a powerful tool for engagement & developing social relationships. However, there are also fears that its overuse may have some negative impacts.

New Equalities legislation is ensuring that all public sector organisations bring increasing consideration of potential impacts on recognised groups to all of their work.

Continuing public sector budget cuts and the shrinking resources of voluntary organisations is resulting in a strong drive towards a culture shift towards communities able to serve their own needs and new and creative ways of working.

Actions

Actions When Who5.1 Having identified current levels of community involvement and wellbeing, the Kincardine & Mearns Community Wellbeing Network will develop and deliver a project to encourage socially inclusive attitudes and behaviour in Portlethen.

Survey March 2014

Identification of project May 2014, delivery December 2014

K&M Wellbeing Network including Social Work, K&D Befriending, Pillar Kincardine, local Libraries Network, NHS Grampian Public Health Coordinator, Police Scotland.

5.2 K&M Youth Forum will be supported to work and address issues that they feel are important to them and their peers and their community.

Group to look at remit and role – December 2013

CLD / Youth work organisations/ schools.

5.3 Young people and residents are able to access information and feel confident to engage with a range of services and organisations in Kincardine & Mearns, particularly around issues of employability, welfare reform and personal finances.

Dec 2014 CLD / Youth work organisations/ schools.

5.4 Young people are engaged in the development of online networking and information sharing tools which may include the promotion of the current Youth Opportunities Database Aberdeenshire (Y.O.D.A.) and/or the development of an interactive, one-stop community website for K&M. K& M youth forum will be supported to develop an App for dissemination of quality current youth information.

October 2014 CLD / Youth work organisations/ schools

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Priority Area 6: Supporting Healthy LifestylesLead Partner: Edith Criggie, Kincardine & Mearns Area Manager, NHS Grampian

OutcomePeople can readily access the most appropriate care and support options for their particular needs and more local residents are supported to maintain healthier lifestyles, with a focus on the areas identified as containing greater levels of need.

Overview – The needWhile comparing well with Aberdeenshire and Scotland generally, there are patterns of health inequalities in Kincardine & Mearns that relate directly to other patterns of social and economic disadvantage. There are consistent and significantly higher levels on various health indicator measures in identifiable areas such as Stonehaven South, parts of the coastal area including Inverbervie and pocket in the Mearns; among dispersed individuals living in rural areas and key vulnerable groups such as older people, homeless and looked after children.

While local figures are difficult to gauge, it is estimated that in Aberdeenshire 46% of men and 36% women drink over recommended limits and 1 in 11 people are dependent on alcohol. As alcohol has become more and more affordable over the years, levels of drinking have also increased. According to measures, over 60% of Aberdeenshire’s population are estimated to be overweight or obese.

What’s Happening NowAs health is linked to most other areas of this Plan, activity supporting, for example, social inclusion, employability and sustainable local economies all contribute towards this outcome. There are specific strategies in place, such as the Guide to Improving Health and Reducing Inequalities in Aberdeenshire, to encourage everyone to recognise the contribution their activity could make towards improving health.

Specific activity includes the delivery seminars on obesity to councillors and partners and establishing affordable opportunities for physical activity for families. In the course of the last Community Plan, for example, Health Improvement and Working for Families Workers came together to provide confidence to cook courses and increased access to the Leisure Centre in Inverbervie for targeted groups. A number of individuals developed news skills and qualified as trainers to give further training. Since completing the project, participants have also gone onto to further education and gain employment.

Plans are being developed by NHS Grampian and Aberdeenshire Council’s Social Work service as to how the Scottish Government directive to integrate health and social care provision will be implemented in Aberdeenshire.


Emerging IssuesThe impact of the upcoming legislation that introduces minimum pricing on alcohol is awaited.

Cost, provision and travel remain barriers to some, giving unequal access to health promoting activities in the area.

Actions

Actions When WhoPartners and communities will be brought together to plan and deliver work projects that promote positive health and active lifestyles.

November 2013 with short term outcomes sought June 2014; mid-longer term outcomes 2014-16.

A range of NHS Grampian staff, Council’s Working for Families, SW & EL&L including CLD & Active Schools and Communities Teams, Community Development Groups & Trusts, Patient Participation Groups, Aberdeenshire Signposting Project; & Voluntary Sector Organisations

Evaluation of the health improvement activity undertaken as part of the regeneration project, Making the Most on the Coast, between 2011-13 will undertaken and fed into the above meeting and into decisions regarding the spend of K&M’s NHS Health Improvement Fund.

November 2013

The Regeneration Area Health Improvement Worker; NHS Grampian’s Public Health Coordinator & Area Management Team

In order that more residents are encouraged to take part in social, leisure and support activities that promote positive health and wellbeing, Aberdeenshire Signposting Project, whose trained volunteers offer information, support and advice to the clients referred to them, will work with local partners to raise awareness of their work and undertake a recruitment drive with the aim of increasing their number of signposters in the area to one in each GP surgery and community hospital by end 2014 and two in each by end 2016.

Short term aim end 2014.

Longer term aim end 2016.

Aberdeenshire Signposting Project, Social Work, Health Professionals, local community & voluntary organisations, Community Learning & Development, Libraries, Working for Families

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Actions When WhoThe South Aberdeenshire Alcohol, Drug and Blood Borne Virus (BBV) Forum will develop and promote activity in a way that is complementary with other community action in Kincardine & Mearns. In particular, the Forum will act as a local hub of accessible information, guidance and funding for activity leading to prevention, protection and recovery from alcohol and drug misuse, including:

•encouraging parents, schools and communities to help establish the social norm that children and young people do not normally use alcohol or other drugs.

• supporting at risk children to access the support they need from service providers

•assisting service users to tell their stories of recovery confirming to professionals, communities, families and other service users that recovery is possible

2013-14 Local Alcohol, Drug & BBV Forum members such as Social Work staff, NHS Substance Misuse staff, Community Learning and Development, Voluntary sector organisations such as the Foyer and Barnardos, Service Users and people in recovery, Community Planning Officers, Schools


Priority Area 7: Welfare ReformLead Partner: Ricki Lyon, Project Officer, Welfare Reform, Aberdeenshire Council

OutcomeLocal partners and residents feel informed and prepared for Welfare Reform and the impacts on residents are identified and monitored with sustainable solutions sought as appropriate.

Overview – The needAlthough the numbers of people affected by the welfare reforms may be less in Kincardine & Mearns than in some areas of the Shire, for those affected the impact will be equally as significant. The changes will affect the amount of benefit payments received, who receives them in a household and how payments and applications are made. There will be a greater requirement for budgeting skills not previously needed and there are concerns as to the impact this may have on some households. In June 2013 it was estimated that 800 people in Kincardine & Mearns were in receipt of housing benefit and for many of these claimants their rent is paid directly by Aberdeenshire Council. Under Universal Credit, these claimants will start to receive one monthly payment to their bank account and be required to budget accordingly to pay their rent. While some of the changes to benefit amounts received may appear small, the fact that up to 28% of residents in the Mearns responding a 2011 Citizen’s Panel survey described themselves as being in fuel poverty (spending more than 10% of their household income on household fuel) it demonstrates that there is often little room for manoeuvre in household budgets that are already stretched.

Another challenge that requires to be addressed includes access to and support for internet for applications; 17% of households in Aberdeenshire do not have internet. Local partners have also requested clear signposting options and information so they can better direct affected residents.

What’s Happening NowAberdeenshire Council set up a cross service working group to prepare for the incoming Welfare Reforms and has kept staff and partners informed with information, developments and training. Across Aberdeenshire, digital education has been developed to support staff and residents in the use of online applications, including a focus on digital inclusion during Mearns Adult Learning Week in May 2013. Aberdeenshire Council’s Housing Allocation Policy has been reviewed taking account of the changes and data mining across various partners has provided information to target resources where most needed.

Emerging IssuesLibrary staff reports an increase in requests for support for online applications that they are not trained to provide. Applications also take longer than the normal one hour given for internet access.

In some areas, churches are mobilising themselves to provide food for households turning to them for support. Three years ago, a short lived but well received community food initiative in the Mearns was stopped due to cuts in funding.

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Actions When Who7.1 A local grouping will function as a hub for coordinating and accessing the resources and activity needed locally to support partners and residents to successfully adapt to the changes within the current Welfare Reform.

Specifically, the grouping will:

• seek solutions for supporting affected residents with budgeting and internet access for benefit applications

•ensure clear signposting information is available for partners supporting residents

•monitor the impact of the changes being implemented through available data and reports from local partners, seeking solutions where they are required

Grouping established August 2013

Signposting material available November 2013

Support solutions

2014-16

Libraries network, Social Work, NHS Grampian, Police Scotland, Working for Families Project, Community Learning & Development, Voluntary sector organisations such as Pillar Kincardine, K&D Befriending & Citizens Advice Bureau.

The Welfare Reform Project Officer for K&M linking to the Cross-Service Welfare Reform Working Group for Aberdeenshire.


Priority Area 8: Ageing WellLead Partner: Edith Criggie, NHS & Janine Howie, Care Team Manager, Social Work, Aberdeenshire Council

OutcomesOlder people and their carers will be enabled to remain at home for longer leading healthier, more active lives in their communities and where this is not possible, residential care options will enable older people to continue with appropriate leisure activities and maintain contact with their local community.

Appropriate care and support will be provided to older people who have long term conditions such as dementia

Preconceived perceptions of age related activities will be challenged, enhancing confidence and greater awareness that everyone has skills to offer whatever their age.

OverviewDuring the Horizon Scanning 2013 exercise, local partners identified ‘supporting well being of our growing older population’ as a priority. K&M Strategic Assessment reports that nearly 20% of adult protection referrals 2010-12 in Aberdeenshire arose from infirmity due to age. At the same time according to the 22nd Aberdeenshire Citizen’s Panel Viewpoint Survey, only a minority of 55+ made plans for future care needs. It is recognised that by remaining active, both physically and mentally, people remain fit and lead healthier lives for longer. Consultations with stakeholders identified a number of factors which are barriers to participation in activities including – transport, cost, accessibility and gender as many groups are female orientated. Currently, the Aberdeenshire region is facing unique patterns of population growth, within a mixed geographical area of urban and rural environments, placing pressures on resources.

What’s Happening NowAberdeenshire has a new ten year health and wellbeing strategy for older people, Ageing Well in Aberdeenshire where there is a belief that old age should be celebrated, not stigmatised by society. The Aberdeenshire Change Plan and Fund for Older People is working to build capacity and activity within our communities with the aim of increasing health and wellbeing in later life and eventually being able to disinvest some of resources currently going into acute and critical care. Local projects have received Change Fund allocations, such as the extension of Kincardine and Deeside Befriending to be able to match befrienders to older people in Kincardine Community Hospital before discharge and the development of projects by Mearns and Coastal Healthy Living Network to extend shopping services and the development of older people’s forums.

Emerging IssuesSubstantial work with partners will be required to support the integration of health and social care. The anticipated rate of growth in the older population in Aberdeenshire is higher than in any other part of Scotland. By 2025, the number of people over 75 years in Aberdeenshire is expected to rise by 130%. The impact of recent and forthcoming legislation,

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such as the Welfare Reform Bill 2011, the Health and Social Care Bill 2011, the Children’s Hearing Act 2011, the Scottish Housing Quality Standard 2015 and the Self Directed Support Scotland Bill 2010 will all place added responsibilities on local authorities in a time of reduced public funding.

Actions

Actions When Who8.1 Public, voluntary and community partners will work together to mitigate against barriers to inclusion and participation for older people by:

• identifying local needs and gaps in provision

•better promoting existing activities and examples of good or innovative practice

•encouraging and supporting opportunities to extend existing or develop new activities and services

Identify local needs & gaps in provision – 2014 – 16

Promote existing groups and activities – 2014 – 16

Develop new activity groups – 2014 - 16

Network of Older People’s Forums, Community Groups

Council’s Housing & Social Work and Education Learning & Leisure; Third Sector

Private activity providers; Aberdeenshire Signposting Service.

8.2 Having measured current levels of provision and engaging with stakeholders and the wider community around needs, local partners will work together to develop opportunities for new and extended services that:

• increase awareness of the importance of nutritionally balanced meals

•allow a wider choice of meals to be provided to vulnerable older people living at home and

• increase opportunities for older people to access community activities where a meal is an integral part of the activity, including lunch clubs, food delivery, food skills and shopping services.

Review of services 2013-2014.

Engagement with key stakeholders and the wider community - 2014

Extend existing services if appropriate during 2014

Development of new services if required during 2014/15

Public Health Co-ordinator

Council’s Housing & Social Work; MCHLN;

K&D Befriending and further Third Sector organisations;

Businesses

8.3 A Time Bank (community exchange scheme) will be researched, designed and piloted to encourage individuals to recognise that whatever their age every person has a skill, quality or experience that they can share.

Research March 2014

Project development 2014-16

Mearns & Costal Healthy Living Network; CLD/SW Older People’s Development Worker; NHS; Council Social Work; Aberdeenshire Signposting; Grampian Opportunities


Priority Area 9: Engaged Communities Supporting ThemselvesLead Partner: Ed Garrett, CVSA & Ian Hunter, KMAP

OutcomeLocal residents are actively involved in developing vibrant and resilient communities, of place and of interest, which support the needs of all their members. These communities are increasingly empowered by revitalising and broadening community engagement opportunities.

OverviewIt is a recognised national, regional and local priority to encourage and enable local people to get involved in growing strong communities able to meet many of their own needs and to acquire the skills and the resources needed to sustain such activity. This is rooted in a growing recognition of the vital role that being part of a strong, supportive community plays in maintaining many people’s health and wellbeing, and that this in turn may help to stem growth in demand for increasingly hard-pressed public services. Ensuring that communities can work effectively with public, private and voluntary agencies is key to them acquiring and making the most of resources and being part of decisions that affect them.

In Kincardine & Mearns there is a recognised need to better clarify, coordinate and strengthen the roles of the agencies that exist to support community development so that, for example, there is consistent support available for communities to develop Community Action Plans and that more community projects in Kincardine & Mearns have success in securing the funds they need to achieve their aims.

What’s Happening Now The Community Planning Group is working to further develop community steering groups for local Community Forums that put the ‘community into community planning’. A significant achievement of the Forums so far has been their role in securing funding from Aberdeenshire Council towards priorities raised by participants, including an all-weather pitch for Stonehaven, community facilities at Hillside and the potential development of business land and premises around Laurencekirk.

Mearns Area Partnership and Laurencekirk Development Trust are planning to develop a community action plan for Laurencekirk.

Stonehaven Town Partnership has run a series of Planning for Real events and are developing a community action plan for Stonehaven from the results.

Newtonhill, Muchalls and Cammachmore Community Council have developed community action plans for Newtonhill and Cammachmore and are working with other community planning partners to address the issues. So far, achievements include the setting up and resourcing of Newtonhill Environmental Action Team and the resurfacing of the village tennis courts.

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Gourdon Improvement Group are being supported by Community Learning & Development to deliver on priorities raised by residents through local community engagement exercises around making more of the heritage and cultural identity of the village.

Emerging Issues Aberdeenshire’s creative placemaking programme, Be Part of the Picture, is using a range of cultural engagement projects to celebrate the strengths of Aberdeenshire. The programme will showcase the best of Aberdeenshire as a place of beauty, quality and innovation and diverse, individual communities that are great places to live, work, invest and visit. There are opportunities for local projects celebrating ‘place’ to be showcased as part of this bigger project.

New Scottish legislation being developed in the Community Empowerment and Renewals Bill aims to further empower the role of communities and increase the resources available to them.

Actions

Actions When Who9.1 The K&M Effective Community Group Pack will be developed further (with material on marketing/publicity; engaging/lobbying/petitions; fundraising; event management; inclusion and recruiting new members; business planning & evaluation; risk assessment and data and child protection) and made available to community groups. A means of providing support to groups to use the pack will also be developed.

Material completed end 2013.

Support for use June 2014.

Evaluation of use, support & success November 2014.

CVSA, Rural Area Partnerships, Volunteer Centre Aberdeenshire, CLD, Community Planning Officers and other experts as required

9.2 An open and inclusive engagement process is underway to develop the future of Rural Area Partnerships in the area that support communities to support themselves.

2013/14 Existing Rural Area Partnerships and other community organisations; the wider community.


Priority Area 10: Climate Change, including Resilience to Severe WeatherLead Partner: Stuart Ednie, Kincardine & Mearns Inspector, Police Scotland with Alison McGaughlin, Grampian Housing

OutcomeCommunities and partners in Kincardine & Mearns are more resilient and adaptive to current and future effects of climate change, including severe weather.

OverviewScotland’s Climate Change Adaptation Framework predict by 2050 for Northern and Eastern Scotland that summer average temperature will increase by about 2oC, winter temperatures by 1.7oC. Summer average precipitation will reduce by about 10% with an increase in winter precipitation of between 10-13%. While climate change itself is largely outside of our control, the UK being responsible for only 2.7% of global CO2 emissions, the need to deal with the effects is becoming increasingly important. The serious floods in both 2009 and 2012 affected communities across Kincardine & Mearns and have highlighted the need for a structured and coordinated approach to flood resilience and risk prevention.

What’s Happening NowThe Scottish Flood Forum has been supporting communities to recover in the aftermath of the floods and to set up resilience groups to help them be more prepared for any future floods. Local community flood action groups have been established in Stonehaven, Portlethen, Fettercairn, St. Cyrus, Auchenblae, Edzell Woods and Mill of Uras. Similarly in Catterline residents have set up a Residents Action Group.

Emergency response agencies continue to work well together with joint emergency response procedures in place.

Aberdeenshire Council has engaged with communities on structural flood prevention options and continues to work towards the implementation of agreed measures.

A number of community organisations exist in Kincardine & Mearns, such as Transition Mearns, Johnshaven SHARK, Sustainable Energy Association Stonehaven (SEAS) and Portlethen Moss Conservation Group, with the goal of raising awareness and developing projects to support local environment issues. Recently, these groups have started to come together in a K&M Environmental Forum to strengthen their impact and share knowledge.

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Emerging IssuesAs well as being responsive this work needs to be anticipatory, pro-active and future proofed based on emissions scenarios and climate probabilities. Communities in Kincardine & Mearns need information and support to develop their own adaptive capacity so that they can start to develop their own solutions, engage more readily with partners and be in a position to plan more effectively, not only for what climate change means for them now but what it will mean in 30, 40, 50 years time and beyond. Local communities and other key stakeholders and partners have a wealth of knowledge to bring to bear about the locality and this resource needs to be tapped to enable communities in Kincardine & Mearns to become more resilient and effectively plan for the environmental challenges they will face in the future.

Actions

Actions: When Who10.1 A coordinated approach will be taken to support communities in K&M to develop their resilience to severe weather by developing a user-friendly template for working Community Resilience Plans. This will be piloted by an appropriate community before being made available to other interested communities.

July – November 2013

Scottish Fire & Rescue Service; Scottish Flood Forum; Grampian Housing; Aberdeenshire Council’s Sustainability Officer & relevant Infrastructure Service officers; Community Councils; Community Flood Action Groups; K&M Environmental Forum, Police Scotland & other interested stakeholders

10.2 Explore interest and options for facilitating training with communities in the carrying out of Community Resilience Plans.

2013-14


Priority Area 11: Social Media/Digital Technologies are used to meet our priorities Lead Partner: Community Planning Officers, Emma Kidd and Jola Lyson

OutcomeLocal partners are confident using social media to meet their needs of their communities and online platforms are developed to strengthen partnership and community engagement.

OverviewThe internet revolution means that products and services are increasingly offered to, and used by the public online. Social media can empower people to be involved in the decision making process. According to the 2013 BDO Local Government Social Media Survey, 98% of councils are using some form of digital or social media to engage with communities.

During the K&M Horizon Scanning 2013, social media and digital technology was identified as an important opportunity to support other local priorities. It was felt that their potential to achieve ‘more with less’ was vital in the face of reducing public budgets. However, while their positive contribution was recognised, significantly in rural areas, there were potential threats noted in terms of inclusion and social wellbeing. It was felt that these platforms should be developed as part of a wider, balanced approach to increasing engagement and access to information. The Kincardine & Mearns Community Planning Group is working with local partners to develop an online network in Kincardine & Mearns that supports the activity of partners and increases levels of engagement and inclusion in local communities.

What’s Happening NowAberdeenshire Council has agreed to contribute up to £18million to improve broadband services in the area and has undertaken a survey to provide evidence of demand from residents and businesses in order to be in the best position to access additional funding from the Scottish Government. The results have shown an over-whelming demand for improved provision in the area.

Kincardine & Mearns Community Planning Group has provided and promoted opportunities for social media training to partners and communities. Feedback from both the training provided and signposted to has been very positive. Many local community organisations and projects already have and use Facebook pages and relevant information is being disseminated through those with which we have established links. As a result of the February 2013 Ward 17 (North K&M) Forum, a K&M Grapevine Facebook Group was set up to share information and knowledge to support community projects in the area. The K&M Community Plan Blog has been launched to engage with the local community and collect opinions on local priority areas.

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Emerging Issues Within the UK, rural Scotland’s broadband services are amongst the poorest and in Aberdeenshire 17% of all addresses have no broadband connection because of infrastructure constraints. Availability of good broad band connection will be important in ensuring equal opportunity and access for all.

Projects, such as Coding for America and NHS24’s Project Ginsberg in Scotland, are bringing experts and programmers of digital technology together with the public sector to develop solutions around areas from health to transport and community safety.

Actions

Actions When Who11.1 The K&M Communities Facebook Page will be developed and promoted among communities and partners as a means of engagement and sharing information.

To be reviewed March 2014.

CPG,

CLD, Community Planning Officers

Private/Creative sector.

Academies/Colleges.

Local community/voluntary projects & partnerships as appropriate

11.2 A review of local online and traditional engagement and information sharing will be commissioned by the Community Planning Group. A local partnership group will then be assembled to consider and take forward recommendations.

Review March 2014

Steering Group June 2013

Short-term actions September 2014

Mid –long term actions 2014-16


Priority Area 12: Enable inclusive, multi-user services and facilitiesLead Partner: William Munro, Area Manager, Aberdeenshire Council

OutcomeOpportunities for the co-location of services/activities/organisations are explored and realised to enable greater access and increased sustainability. Moreover, accessible services and information are delivered that encourage social inclusion and integration among everyone in our communities.

OverviewPublic bodies have to reduce expenditure on buildings to focus on service delivery. Sharing premises or seeking to have the community run buildings helps this aim. During the K&M Horizon Scanning exercise in February 2013, local community, public and voluntary partners highlighted the need to move away from services designed for specific categories of person or specific organisations, to ones that are inclusive, accessible, multi-use, co-produced with the community and less formal. High cost and the inflexibility of public and community transport is an overriding problem for delivering and accessing services/activities in Kincardine & Mearns’s rural communities. The location and methods for delivering services is a constant issue among all partners. This combined with other factors leads to exclusion among our increasing numbers of older people. The impact of recent and forthcoming UK and Scottish legislation including the redesign/merge of Health & Social Care creates an increasing need to accommodate various client groups within community facilities.

What’s Happening Now Several community asset transfers are being considered and one has been completed. Having a financially sustainable business plan is critical for success but in most cases challenging.

The new Mearns Community Campus provides opportunity to rationalise community buildings. Integration of health and social care is being progressed between Council and NHS and will present opportunities for new ways of working and sharing. The Council has a service point strategy and roll out of major points NHS is providing two information points in the regeneration area. Council has workspace strategy to reduce overall office accommodation and is developing a similar depot strategy.

Emerging Issues Aberdeenshire Council’s Service Point Strategy is being delivered to improve customer service through cross-service face-to-face service points.

There is a continuing need to ensure equitable access to services and information.

Resources within the public sector continue to reduce.

The integration of health and social care presents opportunities and challenges.

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Actions

Actions When Who12.1 Review Community asset Transfer Policy

June 2013 Aberdeenshire Council with Ward 19 Forum

12.2 Work in partnership to achieve community asset transfer where appropriate

Review Sept 2014

Aberdeenshire Council plus community groups

12.3 Elsick Implementation – look for and create opportunities

Review Sept 2014

Council and developer with all public and third sector service providers

12.4 Implement service points in line with roll out of strategy

End 2015 Council, communities, service partners

12.5 Share plans for infrastructure and service developments to create opportunities

Review Sept 2014

Council, service providing partners

12.6 Health and social care integration implemented locally

Review Sept 2014

Council, NHS, user groups

12.7 Joint Commissioning Strategy for Older People implemented locally

Review Sept 2014

Council, NHS, 3rd sector, user groups


7

Contact us

Area Manager’s Office:

Viewmount,Arduthie Road,Stonehaven AB39 2DQ

Telephone: 01569 768206Email: [email protected]: www.ouraberdeenshire.org.uk/kincardinemearnsBlog: www.kandcommunityplan.wordpress.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/kandmcommunities

The K&M Community Planning Officers are:

Emma [email protected]: 01569 768327Mobile: 07979 708132

Jola [email protected]: 01569 768323Mobile: 07500 124479

K&M Community Planning Group

http://www.ouraberdeenshire.org.uk/kincardinemearns

http://www.kandcommunityplan.wordpress.com

http://www.facebook.com/kandmcommunities

Produced by Aberdeenshire Council GDT21827 October 2013

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