Behind the data: case studies

Tackling poverty

Supporting People - Addressing Need Programme (SPAN)

Purpose

Supporting People - Addressing Need Programme elements were determined following feedback from parents from Priority family groups.

The parents expressed

•  A strong preference for cash-first approaches,
• A strong preference for a one-stop access point to a range of services and support for families experiencing financial challenge

Parents made

• A clear link between poverty, stress and mental health and wellbeing challenges for both parents and children and
• Identified access to affordable childcare and transport as barriers to employment.

Activity

The Programme partners and elements are:

• Perth CAB - Money Talk Service (enables clients to manage and improve their financial circumstances) and Cash First Partnership
• Tackling Poverty Unit, Perth and Kinross Council - Social Needs Screening Tool (to identify unmet need), Support and Connect (to empower frontline workers to connect families to help and support) and Building Resilient Families (to empower priority parents)
• Children's Services Planning Partnership - Universal Whole Family Support Service.

Results

The SPAN programme has leveraged £1.3m for poverty mitigation measures which integrate income maximisation, employability and wellbeing.

Perth and Kinross, Warm Welcome Fund 2023/24

Purpose

In 2023, Perth and Kinross Council granted a budget of £250,000 for the Warm Welcome Fund Initiative. This was a re-brand of the previous years' Cost of Living Fund. The aim of the funding was to support community groups and organisations in their delivery of the provision of warm spaces and warm home packs over the winter months. This would help alleviate the cost of living whilst also contributing to a reduction in social isolation.

Activity

The £250,000 funding was broken down and allocated to each ward area based on population size. This was to ensure fairness and to maximise the potential for the use of the funding. A series of workshops were facilitated by the Community Learning and Development team in each ward area to encourage community groups and organisations to work more collaboratively with each other, avoiding duplication of their offer and recognising what their communities' needs were. Funding was then allocated through collective agreement with each other based on what they could offer and what local needs were.

Results 

94 groups received a share of the funding and evaluation of the project identified the following benefits to the community:

• Warm packs allowed people to stay warm in their own homes
• Provided company and friendship
• Increased inter-generational socialisation
• Provided access to free activities which were engaging
• Universal access helped reduced stigma
• It was possible to transport people in rural communities to benefit from warm spaces
• Provided access to free hot meals
• People learnt new skills 
• People could access wider support at a warm space e.g. Welfare Rights
• People engaged in new activities and joined new clubs and groups

Bringing community groups together to develop shared plans maximised the use of the funding and ensured activities and provision was spread across the week and there was signposting of individuals between groups.

What's next?

If there is further funding for Warm Welcome Fund or similar the CLD Team will take a similar approach towards facilitating and enabling partnership working at a local level.  Locality profiles will be utilised to a greater extent to identify areas of highest need.

Perth CAB - Pathways to Advice Cash/Cash First Partnership

Purpose

Perth CAB - Pathways to Advice Cash/Cash First Partnership aims to capture the expertise and vast knowledge of organisations in order to help families and children in hardship as we recognise that we cannot tackle poverty alone.

To ensure that support is getting to priority families and children in need. Lived experience data gathered identified that people find it difficult to know where to go to when in times of need.

Activity

Led by Perth CAB, the project has secured funding from the Trussell Trust, the Whole Family Wellbeing Fund and more to ensure that support is getting to priority families and children in need.

The project plans to offer easy access to holistic support to improve outcomes for individuals and families through a shared referral system, which will incorporate partners working in local authority and third sector settings across Perth & Kinross. The system will allow for easy access and a 'no-wrong-door' entry to advice, support (including cash first approaches) and information for individuals/families in need, utilising local organisations who have established relationships with clients.

Current partners include Letham4All, P&K Central Arrears Housing Team, P&K Access Team, The Heat Project, PKAVS Carers, Buttons and Bows Baby bank, Broke Not Broken, Turning Point and more. The web-based tool includes directory pages for partners and links to the Whole Family Wellbeing directory and TSI Service Navigator for practitioner info.

Results

Last year Perth CAB achieved a client financial gain of £5,049,000 - of this they estimate over £2M went into the pockets of 1800 families with children.  7,113 people were supported by Perth Cab in 2023/24.

What's next?

The project will continue to grow the system with partners in targeted areas of employability support, criminal justice, youth services, wellbeing and more. The project hopes to extend the project by creating a shared CRM database so that we are able to track client progress in a more in-depth way.

The PACS project aligns closely with other strands that CAB is already running or plan to develop in 2025 - including the support provided through Money Talk Plus; education and peer support through Building Resilient Families and Communities; and in-depth support provided to priority parents and families through No-one Left Behind identified through the incoming FORT referrals to the service. Families with complex needs will also be triaged through the Universal Whole Family Support service with whom we will be working closely.

Climate Change

Riverside Primary School

Purpose

To enhance learning opportunities of our young people, by developing new learning environments that are built to the highest environmental standards, so they are better for the environment and while also being cost efficient.

Activity

Riverside Primary School, a £16.5 million project, is one of the first primary schools in Scotland built to Passivhaus standards, where quality of construction and energy saving measures are integral to the construction of the building. The two-storey school replaced North Muirton and Balhousie Primary Schools and has a capacity for 500 pupils. It incorporates a nursery and Additional Support Needs Provision (ASN). The building has been built with a steel frame and has air source heat pumps, and it is 15-20 times more airtight than a traditional build, with a 50% reduced heat energy leakage.

Results

Riverside Primary School opened to pupils earlier this year and has attracted praise for its Passivhaus design features and innovative approach to sustainable building. Riverside Primary School sets a benchmark in Scotland for Passivhaus, by choosing this design standard Perth and Kinross Council is clearly illustrating its commitment towards net zero and high quality by providing facilities which are economical to run and have been proven to help improve pupil attainment.

Riverside Primary School in Perth has won the Innovation in Delivering a Sustainable Learning Place at The Learning Places Scotland Awards ceremony in Glasgow (November 2023), for its innovative environmentally friendly design. The awards recognise excellence in Scotland's learning estate. Riverside Primary School - Scottish Design Awards 2024.

What's next?

Perth and Kinross Council are committed to giving our children and young people the best start in life by focusing on opportunities to develop fantastic environmentally friendly learning environments that will serve the community for generations to come, while also contributing to our work to tackle climate change and our journey to net zero.

Rewilding Denmarkfield with CTLR

Purpose

Whilst development of the Cross Tay Link Road (CTLR) project has resulted in the loss of 12.7 hectares of woodland, it is targeted to provide compensatory planting of 13.53 hectares. In addition, the project will ensure that more than 100,000 trees and shrubs are planted across the site. This will generate a net-positive effect on the biodiversity of the area, as well as bringing additional social benefits including the restoration of lost habitats.

As part of their compensatory planting strategy, the CTLR team is also working with local community groups and schools to develop new habitats and improve biodiversity. These projects have been agreed with the Planning Authority and NatureScot, and include a partnership with Rewilding Denmarkfield, the community group focused on delivering a 90-acre rewilding project just north of Perth.

Activity

The first ground was broken onsite in December 2022, by a 27-strong group of BAM employees, the Friends of Denmarkfield community group, and the Denmarkfield Rewilding Project staff. Since then, there have been various site visits from local schools and groups to plant trees and gain knowledge around the rewilding scheme. The children and volunteers have planted more than 2,000 trees throughout these events and in addition to this, the project's landscaping contractor, GB Landscapes, has planted more than 8,000 additional trees across the rewilding site.

Latest contribution involved 15 additional support needs students from Perth Grammar school who planted approximately 65 trees, including hazel trees, silver birch, elder trees, oak trees and wild roses, and 30 children from Pitcairn Primary School who rolled up their sleeves to get stuck into a day of tree planting. This included digging the holes with the designated shovel carrier and holder, placing the trees into the hole, and then covering them with fresh soil. The adults drove the poles into the ground and the children then placed the bio-degradable guard over the tree and placed the soil firmly back over the bottom of the guard to prevent any wildlife eating or destroying the newly planted trees and plants.

Results

The careful planning and design of the woodlands, community orchard and species-rich grassland, has also resulted in the creation of a 1km-long pollinator corridor. This connects the new woodland to the semi-ancient oak woodland which runs along the River Tay Special Area of Conservation. Rich in diverse forms of pollen and nectar from native flowering trees, shrubs, and herbs, this will provide habitat and food for a wide variety of pollinators and other wildlife.

Izzy Jones of Rewilding Denmarkfield commented, "Since our work with the Cross Tay Link Road project began, we have seen a 317% increase in bee recordings, and a 124% increase in butterflies throughout the whole site. We have also recently recorded pine martens on the site for the first time, and there have been 81 different bird species recorded onsite, 21 of which are of conservation concern."

Latest Community Benefits delivered included:

• Community Planting Day with ASN Students from Perth Grammar School, February 2024
• A special tree planting event at Pitcairn Primary School, January 2024

This is a major rewilding project and a great example of Perth and Kinross Council's commitment to providing additional value to local communities as part of the Cross Tay Link Road project. To access more details, please use link  Rewilding Denmarkfield With CTLR (perthtransportfutures.co.uk)

What's next?

Perth and Kinross Council will continue to address the immediate issues surrounding climate change, and work towards mitigating the impact of new development. The new woodland, orchard and allotment at Denmarkfield are just three of the many community benefits associated with the wider construction project. Ultimately, this project is about improving air quality by reducing vehicle emissions caused by traffic congestion, so it is a great bonus to be having positive carbon outcomes through new forestation as well.

Perth and Kinross Council Youth Climate Conference

Purpose

Youth Climate Conference  was created as an action under the Perth & Kinross Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan. It addresses the Council's core priorities of tackling climate change, developing a resilient, stronger and greener local economy and enabling our children and young people to achieve their full potential. The conference brings together pupils from S1 to S6 from both local authority and independent schools across the region, with around 100 young people attending on the day.

This innovative youth focused event delivers excellence in interdisciplinary learning and provides direct engagement with non-teaching environment sector specialists. The conference is comprised of a mix of speakers and interactive workshops designed to inspire and empower young people to talk about, and take action on, climate change in all facets of their lives. It also provides an opportunity for their voices to be heard, and a safe place to share their thoughts, ask questions and articulate their anxieties about the future of our planet. It also outlines potential avenues for reducing emissions including de-carbonisation activities that can be applied at home, school or in the community. The conference not only raised awareness but also inspired practical steps towards sustainability, supporting and amplifying the voices of the next generation in the fight against climate change.

Activity

The conference covers all themes under climate change including energy, transportation, waste and the circular economy, land use, resilience/adaptation and biodiversity. Presentations are delivered by those working in the sectors giving pupils a unique opportunity to see what real climate action looks like in a local context. In 2023, we were joined by speakers from Keep Scotland Beautiful, Sustrans, Roobedo (sustainable micro fashion brand), Rewilding Denmarkfield and a keynote address from Laura Young better known as 'Less Waste Laura' an influencer and environmental campaigner who has spearheaded the movement to have disposable vapes banned across the UK.

Youth were actively involved in the planning and execution of the conference, including presentations and discussions led by students and youth members of the Perth and Kinross Climate Change Commission. Workshops were delivered by Sustrans, Perth & Kinross Countryside Trust, SSE as well as members of the Council's own Waste, Energy, Transport and Local Development Planning Teams. Teachers facilitated student participation and supported the dissemination of information and activities post-conference.

Results

The ultimate goal is to have young people leaving the conference engaged, enthused, hopeful and optimistic about the positive climate actions they can achieve, be it at home or in school. By taking the conversation out of the classroom, and providing an open environment for discussion and empowerment, the Youth Climate Conference contributes to a just transition to a net zero economy.

The Youth Climate Conference stands out for its innovative approach in several ways. Firstly, it leverages interactive workshops and state-of-the-art technology, such as VR simulations for offshore wind energy, to engage students in immersive learning experiences. The involvement of diverse stakeholders creates a multidisciplinary platform that provides comprehensive insights into various aspects of climate action. Additionally, the initiative emphasises active participation through hands-on projects such as promoting active travel competitions, ensuring that students are actively involved in taking climate action. The conference also promotes knowledge sharing, encouraging students to disseminate what they've learned within their schools and communities, creating a ripple effect of awareness and action.

What's next?

All participants, including pupils, teachers, speakers and workshop hosts are all given an opportunity to feedback and reflect on their experience. This feedback has led to some adjustments in delivery and the inclusion of teachers in the 2024 conference working group currently organising the event for this year. Our intention for 2024 is to highlight green skills, and the diverse careers options for those in the field of climate change.

Green Economy

Digital Skills in Pitlochry

Purpose

Digital Skills in Pitlochry over the past year has seen tremendous growth. The average learner is over 60 and most have never used a digital device and have no confidence in learning how to use them. Learners feel they are being forced into joining the digital world because most services are now accessed online, and shop locations are closing.

Learners for this area must travel to Perth from Pitlochry and surrounding areas to go into a bank or shop in a physical store  where transportation is limited. Learners have different devices which makes it difficult for training purposes and some devices are older handed down from a well-intentioned family member. Learners say that they cannot learn from their family due to lack of patience or the work is just done for them, so they are not learning to do it independently.

Learners want to gain confidence in using their devices to be part of their communities. They feel like they are not aware of what is going on due to the majority of information being posted on social media, conversations taking place on WhatsApp, shopping and banking is now online and parking is now done with an app.

Activity

We offered digital skills courses at the Pitlochry Library. These consisted of:

• 5 week basic course covering computer basic operations and terminology such as keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, apps etc. Internet navigation/Safety, watching, listening, reading online, how to access Public Services online (MYPKC, NHS), and how to set up and use email
• 5 week building skills course covering social media, video calling, online shopping, file management, and using online forms and evaluation
• Drop-ins at the end of classes for specific questions
• SQA Information and Communication Technology (ICT) The focus of this course in on transferable ICT skills: Using ICT systems, using applications software, and finding information from electronic data sources
• ASDANS - courses designed to motivate and enhance learners' confidence, self-esteem and resilience

Results

• 31 learners completed basic digital skills course
• 25 learners completed building digital skills course
• 1 learner completed an expressive arts ASDAN
• 1 learner continued to take the SQA ICT course and planning on attending college once they have acquired the digital skills needed for college
• a total of 104 hours of learning in Pitlochry
• met the Action Plan Priority - IT skills training for seniors
• one learner said they gained back their independence after having to give up their car and license . The course helped them to gain the confidence to shop online, use WhatsApp to communicate with community groups, keep up to date with what happening locally, buy bus tickets online, and keep in touch with friends. "I've gained confidence in my digital skills so that I am not afraid to try things now."
• Active citizenship - learners are confident to take part in voting online for Participatory Budgeting, some have shared their new skills in community groups, and are able to participate in volunteer opportunities now that they are aware of what's happening in their area on social media, and many have  now joined WhatsApp groups.

Perth Museum

Purpose

Promote what our city and towns have to offer to businesses, investors and tourists by capitalising on built and natural heritage and assets such as the new Perth Museum and the benefits to the whole area of Perth's status as UNESCO City of Craft and Folk Art.

Activity

Perth Museum opened its doors 30th March 2024, the £27m redevelopment project included £10m funding through the Tay Cities Region deal and Perth and Kinross Council. This world-class cultural heritage attraction highlights the fascinating objects and stories that put Perth and Kinross at the centre of Scotland's story.

Results

The museum is managed in a partnership between Perth and Kinross Council and Culture Perth and Kinross and created just under 30 new jobs. Since opening on March 2024, the museum has already welcomed more than 100,000 visitors and recently awarded five stars by Visit Scotland. This award is a true reflection of the dedication and hard work put in by the visitor experience team in the museum and the 'Stone' café staff.  This latest award follows on the back of a flurry of other accolades, including a 5-star review from The Guardian, a 4-star review from The Times and others. The Perth Museum café, was also awarded Taste Our Best status recognising its focus on providing and promoting locally sourced, high-quality food and drink.

What's next?

Perth and Kinross Council are committed to developing a resilient, stronger and greener local economy, where people and businesses are increasingly able to prosper, and will continue to create new employment opportunities.

Futures for Families (anonymised)

Purpose

Futures for Families is a coordinated and multi-agency approach to tackling child poverty through employability and skills, supporting parents in the 6 priority groups. Our aim is to provide holistic, client-centred support, ensuring the barriers parents face are addressed and navigated with the use of mixed provision and flexible funding.

Activity

The programme is financially supported by Scottish Government (£305k) and Perth and Kinross Council (£335k) to ensure flexibility of options when supporting our clients. Our experienced Key Workers create actions plans to design pathways with clients, to ensure they receive appropriate support at the right time for them and their family. Our offers include:

• Support for childcare costs for parents entering employment/self-employment (3 months)
• Grants for those entering else employment to fund transitionary period
• Elev8 Training and Equipment Grants up to £4,500
• Funding for digital hardware and connectivity, providing internet contracts, laptops and iPads to clients in need
• Funding for incentivised employment, creating new jobs in local small businesses
• Funded travel to and from employment and skills interventions

We deliver this service in conjunction with partners, including with Business Gateway to engage with parents in their self-employment journeys. The service is delivered with other family-centred and community learning provision in targeted areas of need.

Results

Please see example below:

Barry,  48, engaged with the team in April after being made homeless with his 8-month-old little girl. He was claiming universal credit (UC) for the first time and feeling a little hopeless. With our support we were able to supply him with an iPad and pay for a Project Management qualification, which he completed by June. With the new qualification he secured some interviews. However, these were unsuccessful, and he continued to claim UC. Along with his Key Worker, Alex, Barry developed a business case for self-employment, and secured our Self-Employment Grant, which enabled him to launch his business and start generating income again. He has since moved off UC benefit.

"Financially, I'm pleased to say that the business is going well, and the grants have allowed me to travel and take meetings throughout Scotland. It has grown to a point where I will be able to stop claiming UC in October. This has been a major milestone for me, and I couldn't have reached it without the assistance and kind support from you. Mentally, I feel in a better place now and I feel much more optimistic about the future. Your support has been invaluable in helping me get to this point."

Enabling Children and Young People

Kinross High School received the STEM Nation Award

Purpose

To promote education and a wider range of opportunities for pupils across science and the wider STEM subjects.

Activity

In recent years, the Kinross High School has introduced new courses such as Practical Electronics, Laboratory Science as well as offering a vast range of curricular enhancement including Maths and Science weeks; has gained a green flag for environmental initiatives; supported pupils to build their own aeroplane and provided strong links to STEM careers.

Results

The national education body praised the school's wide range of opportunities for pupils across science and the wider STEM subjects and were impressed by the passion and enthusiasm staff and young people showed for these subjects. At Kinross High, thinking outside the box comes naturally to teachers, and has led to a rise in the number of girls taking STEM subjects to such an extent that they now outnumber boys in most of the classes up to Higher level.

Kinross High School received the STEM Nation Award by Education Scotland in 2023, which celebrates excellent practice in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths education. Kinross High School is the first school in Perth and Kinross and only the 12th secondary school across Scotland to receive the award which celebrates excellent practice in STEM education.

What's next?

Kinross High School is a proud learning community with a vision for Learning Together and Achieving Together. As a school learning community, we continue to develop our practice and understanding. By promoting our shared values of being ambitious, responsible, resilient, and compassionate, all young people at Kinross High School will continue to be supported to learn and succeed.

Crest Service, Lifelong Links (anonymised)

Purpose

John is 17 years old; he had been living with his Foster Carer for one year and had been in Local authority Care for 12 years. John had no contact with any of his birth family and wanted to find out more about his family and explore if there were any family members that he could reconnect with.  A referral was made to the Crest, Lifelong Links Service.

Activity

John was allocated a Lifelong Links Co-ordinator who spent time getting to know him, the worker used a range of tools including ecomaps, mobility map, genogram and connections plan to find out more about John.  John has additional support needs.

There was very limited information available about John's extended family, he only knew about having a sister and an uncle.  Using deep file searching the Co-ordinator was able to locate his sister and make links with her and her support workers.  John and his sister were supported to have a video call and this meant a great deal to John.

The Co-ordinator carried out further searching through files and discovered that he had maternal family who lived quite some distant away. The Co-ordinator encountered barriers in seeking information due to GDPR and information sharing protocols, however continued to try and locate family through addresses that were in historical case files, this resulted in her successfully contacting John's maternal grandmother who was delighted to be contacted and keen to reconnect with John as long as he wished to do so.  Gran was able to provide information about other family members, including aunts, uncles and cousins.

The process evoked emotions for the family and they were given the space and time to talk through their joy at being contacted by the Lifelong Links service and the pain of losing touch with John and his sister.  His aunt and gran wrote letters and provided photographs to be passed on to John. John had never seen photos of himself when he was younger and the meaning of this cannot be underestimated. He didn't know what his mum and dad looked like, or his sister and he discovered that he had cousins he didn't know existed. This brought John's family to life and meant the world to him.  The Co-ordinator supported John to write to his family.

John has been working through all sorts of emotions from happiness, to anger to sadness and loss. He didn't know that he had family members who loved him. He didn't know he had anyone else in the world other than his Foster Carer whom he had only known for a year.

The Co-ordinator continued to work with John and his maternal family, gradually building up trust and understanding. John made all the decisions about the process and the pace of this. John, his gran and his aunt worked towards them being able to have a video call, seeing one another and talking for the first time.  

During this process, John's Foster Carer informed the Co-ordinator that John became happier and appeared more settled, knowing that he had family who he could reconnect with. This view was echoed by other support workers who worked with John who commented on the positive impact that this process had on John.  John spoke about feeling a sense of belonging and was fascinated to learn about where his family came from.

The Co-ordinator was also able to locate and contact John's mother.  Due to some personal circumstances, they were unable to meet however Johns mum wanted him to be part of her life and spoke about looking on social media for John. Finding this out meant a lot to John.  John and his mum took time to connect in safe way, they wrote letters and this built up to them sending messages to one another.

After being in touch with his family the Lifelong Links Co-ordinator supported John and his family to meet in person for the first time.  John's family, his Gran, Grandad, Auntie and cousins travelled to meet him. This was an emotional meeting and, having met them, John felt ready to exchange phone numbers with his family so that he could contact them independently from the Co-ordinator.

The Co-ordinator continued to support John and his family, and this resulted in his family visiting John and his Foster Carers at John's home. John's Foster Carer and Gran started having regular phone calls and updates with Johns' permission.

Results

Ultimately this culminated in a Lifelong Links Family Meeting where everyone came together to talk about and arrange future plans and what they could offer John. At this meeting John was able to meet his mother for the first time in thirteen years and it was a very emotional reunion for everyone. 

John, his Foster Carer and his family all have a sense of optimism about his future, however they are realistic that it may be a challenging and lengthy process to properly reconnect. John talks about how happy he is now. He knows that he has people who love him and has been able to learn about his history and understand more about his life journey.  John is looking forward to meeting more family members through his Grandparents and he is starting to build a relationship with his mum.  

What's next?

John is thinking about his future and his social worker is exploring whether John may be able to live closer to his extended family.   This process has widened John's world and created options for his future that he never thought would be possible.  John feels part of his wider family network and they are willing and able to support him and want him to be part of their lives.  Without Lifelong Links involvement John's future and support network would have looked very different.

To find out more about Lifelong long links watch this short, animated film:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nITZ6RuBUPU

Intergenerational Peep, Parenting and Family Learning Team

Purpose

The Peep (LTP) is an evidence-based programme which helps parents and carers to improve their children's life chances by making the most of every day learning opportunities, supporting their young children's learning through play and developing sensitive and responsive relationships with their children.

The improvement area was to pilot an Intergenerational Peep programme to allow participants to learn new skills, share experiences across generations and reduce loneliness/isolation. The aim of the joint venture was to create an age inclusive Intergenerational Peep group where the toddlers, parents and tenants could build relationships, feel more socially connected and increase their confidence and wellbeing.

Intergenerational learning creates opportunities for all generations to feel valued and part of their community and we felt linking this to the Peep LTP provided the ideal environment to build reciprocal learning relationships. Intergenerational learning was also included in the Housing and Communities Team's test for change to encourage the use of all housing complexes as hubs which are open to non-residents.

Activity

We worked in collaboration with the Housing and Communities Team to plan the first Intergenerational PEEP group.  The group was delivered by a trained Peep practitioner from the Parenting and Family Learning Team and a Project Officer from Housing and Communities. 

The group was piloted at Strathmore Street Sheltered Housing Complex, the location is close to Isla Court enabling tenants from both complexes to attend a group in a familiar environment close to where they lived. This helped to reduce/eliminate any physical barriers and anxiety around attending.

Staff from both teams worked together to plan the weekly sessions to ensure the topics included in the programme delivery were well matched to the participants needs, taking into account the differing requirements of the children, parents/carers and older adults attending.

A range of Peep LTP topics were explored, including:

• The importance of relationships
• Lot of ways to play and learn
• Exploring Movement
• Mark Making
• Movement and language
• Developing balance and co-ordination

Results

Evaluations were completed by parents/carers and tenants who attended the group to gather impact and shape future delivery. Overall feedback from all attendees, including staff, has been extremely positive. Tenants and families enjoyed the sessions and were keen to get involved with the singing and activities together each week. Relationships were built between participants.

Feedback from written evaluations completed by parents/carers highlighted that, as a result of coming to Intergenerational Peep:

Parents:

• 100% of the parents feel they understand the importance of singing and sharing books with their child and that they have bonded more with their child. Almost all of the parents stated that their levels of stress and anxiety have reduced a lot.
• 100% of parents reported that their self-esteem and confidence have increased a lot and that they gained knowledge/skills from different generations.

"I loved the atmosphere, the bond that developed with the older participants (especially when Maura got comfortable enough to go to one of the ladies for a cuddle)." Parent

 

"It has made a new routine and has helped with my child's confidence and her speech". Parent

Older Tenants

• 100% of the older tenants feel a lot more socially connected and that their levels of stress or anxiety have reduced a lot.
• Almost all stated that their self-esteem/confidence has increased a lot with one tenant sharing that it had increased a little.
• Almost all felt that they had a lot of opportunity to share their knowledge and skills with the group with one tenant feeling that they had a little opportunity.
• 100% gained knowledge/skills from different generations.

"Helps the days be less lonely". Tenant

"Nice to mix with younger people and watch them come out of their shells." Tenant

What's next

Based on the success of this project, a similar model will be used for future groups and sessions will continue to be adapted based on the needs of the group participants. Separate sessions will be organised by the Housing and Communities Team to allow parents/carers to continue to meet the tenants to maintain and enhance the relationships they have established. In future we hope to link Intergenerational Peep to the intergenerational work currently carried out in some Early Learning and Childcare settings.

Vulnerable People

PKC Lets and Ukraine Landlord Offer Project

Purpose

The Ukraine Landlord Offer (PDF) [312KB] was developed to encourage private landlords to make properties available for people and families displaced by the war in Ukraine. Whilst people displaced from Ukraine have an immigration status that means they are eligible for social housing, we felt that it was important to minimise the additional demand for Council and Housing Association properties where there is already a lengthy waiting list.

Activity

PKC Lets (the only example of a social letting agency managed and delivered by a local authority in Scotland) & Ukraine Landlord Offer project, put together an innovative package of incentives for local private landlords to make properties available to vulnerable Ukrainian people and families displaced by the war.  This incentivisation was not a response to a reluctance from private landlords but provided an opportunity to source properties at scale with the incentives being funded using funding provided by the UK and Scottish Governments.

Results

The council's private sector housing team has increased the supply of homes available for affordable private rent. To date this approach has secured over 50 private-rented properties for individuals and families displaced by the conflict in Ukraine.  PKC Lets and Ukraine Landlord Offer' project was the winner in the Excellence in the Private Rented Sector category at the Chartered Institute of Housing Scotland Awards in Glasgow (October 2023). The award recognised the work by the Housing Service for their work in resettling people fleeing the war in Ukraine.

What's next?

Perth and Kinross Council and the Housing Service will continue to work towards increasing access to good quality, affordable accommodation in the private-rented sector where market conditions remain challenging. This package of incentives is being rolled-out more broadly and was most recently used to source properties for international social care workers recruited by the Health and Social Care Partnership.

Voluntary Throughcare Co-ordination and Sustainable Tenancy Tests of Change 2023-24

Purpose

The tests of change were established to enhance the support offer available to people being released from a short-term prison sentence. 

• The focus of the voluntary throughcare test of change - support people to access the service best able to meet needs on release. 
• The focus of the sustainable tenancy test of change - explore opportunities to move directly from prison to a sustainable tenancy

Activity

During 2023/24 the Criminal Justice and Scottish Prisons initiated a Voluntary Throughcare Co-ordination meeting as part of a Voluntary Throughcare (opt out as opposed to opt in) Test of Change.  A weekly meeting was established attended by the Community Justice Co-ordinator, Complex Needs Co-ordinator, Justice Social Work, Apex (New Routes) and Churches Action for the Homeless (April to September 2023) and more recently IDART's Prison/Hospital liaison nurse (December 2023).  Where appropriate, the voluntary throughcare offer was provided by Community Justice Social Work (i.e. where a difficult to engage person already had a relationship with a worker) or Intensive Housing Support when the service was launched in October 2023 (where a person was known to have more complex needs requiring a higher level and intensity of support).

The test of change activity concentrated on releases from HMP Perth and HMP Glenochil during the reporting period. Prompt discussions were held with housing colleagues where No Fixed Abode was identified giving opportunities for consideration for a sustainable tenancy.

Results

The Voluntary Throughcare Co-ordination meeting considered the support needs of males serving a short-term prison sentence (sentence of under 4 years and not subject to statutory supervision) due for release within the following 3 months.  The meeting sought to ensure that support was offered to the person by the organisation best placed to support. The meeting also considered the person's accommodation needs and GP registration.

Between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024, 29 people (from HMP Perth and Glenochil) were discussed via the Voluntary Throughcare Co-ordination meeting.  Twenty-four (83%) signed up for voluntary throughcare either via the New Routes offer or via a local support service offer. Over the same period six people moved directly from prison to a furnished, social housing tenancy.

Case example: Andrew (not his real name), in his 60's, was serving a short-term sentence in HMP Perth.  Andrew had a history of offending and had been in and out of prison throughout his life (generally short-term sentences). Andrew agreed to the offer of voluntary throughcare from a Justice Social Work Assistant (support was offered by Justice Social work as Andrew was well known to the service).

It was identified that Andrew would be homeless on release, and he was referred to the Sustainable Tenancy test of change as part of the pre-release planning activity. A property was identified for Andrew, and he subsequently accepted the offer.  In addition to arranging the tenancy, the Housing Team also worked behind the scenes to source furnishings for the property so that it was ready to move into prior to release.

Andrew had fond childhood memories of the area where the property was offered and was pleased to be moving to a street where he felt he had a connection. Andrew's worker engaged with him prior to release and spent the entire day with him on the day of his release.  Andrew was supported with a range of tasks including setting up a bank account, registering with a GP practice close to his new address, accessing a Welfare Rights benefits check and applying for eligible benefits etc.

Andrew engaged well with his worker in the community and sustained the tenancy for 6 months, prior to passing away from natural causes.

What's next?

A decision was made to scale up the voluntary throughcare test of change to all short-term sentence releases for Perth and Kinross residents (any prison establishment) following the introduction of the Emergency Release Regulations in June. Further testing and learning will take place during 2024/25. The sustainable tenancy test of change will also be scaled up during 2024/25 with the Housing Options team exploring opportunities to accommodate one sustainable tenancy per month.

Physical and mental wellbeing

Cycling and Active Travel in Perth and Kinross

Purpose

To promote Active Travel, Cycling and Road Safety in Perth and Kinross.

Roads, Safer Communities and Sustrans worked together to develop a 'virtual' unit working with communities and across disciplines, to co-ordinate activities. The arrangements include the following roles:

• Road Safety and Sustainable Transport Co-ordinator
• Sustrans Embedded Officer, Schools IBike Officer and Community IBike officer
• Bikeability Co-ordinator and Bikeability Delivery Officer
• Sessional trainers and volunteers

Activity

During 2023/24 the team made positive steps in facilitating cycling activity. The Team organised several events throughout 2023 with positive impact. As well as events, there have been weekly cycle confidence sessions, women only sessions, Dr Bike, Learn to Ride, Cargo bike training and e-bike trial sessions.

The Sustrans I Bike Schools officer regularly works with local schools and the Bikeability (Scotland) team teaching young people how to cycle safely and increase rider confidence delivering the scheme in all but one of Primary Schools. The team worked with partners in Live Active to establish a Cycle Hub at Balhousie Primary School from where all activities are delivered.

Results

The Team has learned there is a growing appetite for active travel in Perth and Kinross. This has been evidenced by the engagement levels at events and classes. Confidence levels are on the rise and more people are reaching out to engage, not only residents, but other agencies, partners and council services. Key highlights include:

• The team worked closely with the Alcohol and Drug Partnership to aid recovery and ran events in conjunction with the Climate Café to encourage active travel. Spring cycle classes were attended by over 40 people despite the weather.
• Led rides, all ability bike lessons, work in HMP Perth, and Bikeability have all proved popular and help to maintain the impact of events such as the Canny Cycle which saw over 130 people sign up to and our event space at the Gran Fondo during which we offered a Dr Bike stand, 3x free cycling sessions per day over the course of five days and became an unofficial bike mechanic for competitors.
• In response to the growth in interest in active travel, the Team has established a cycle hub at Balhousie Primary School. The Hub comprises fully kitted out containers with eco-friendly power generators to charge the E-bike fleet and offer lighting to those using the kit. Equipment is available for all abilities and ages. Classes and events now run from this location and are always free to join. Loan bikes are available to participants.
• The Team have successfully run Women's Cycle Confidence classes which has allowed them to gain confidence whilst on the road and the opportunity to meet new people and get some exercise at the same time.
• PKC has invested in front and back cycle cameras which record all activity. This gathers evidence of unsafe driving. An excellent working relationship has been developed with Police Scotland which further builds confidence in attendees that they will be safe when riding.

What's next?

There are significant difficulties in making the unit sustainable in the current financial environment. The Council is working closely with Sustrans to find alternative sources of funding, this will remain challenging. Work will continue to further develop and expand the Balhousie Cycle Hub and Bikeability and parent and child lessons at Perth Prison.

MacRosty Park in Crieff has been granted dementia friendly status

Purpose

The park is a vital local community and green space, used regularly by residents at Richmond House Care Home and local community Health Walk group. Recognising its potential, staff at the care home sought assistance from Perth and Kinross Council Community Greenspace team, Friends of MacRosty Park and Paths for All to help the park achieve its dementia friendly status, and make it accessible for all age groups, including all ability play park.

Activity

A newly awarded Dementia Friendly Environments accreditation comes after a series of improvements were made to the park to make it more inclusive for people living with dementia. Enhancements included a new accessible map located at all entry and exit points which now provide more information to better inform visitors of the layout and facilities within the park. Corresponding coloured way markers now offer increased navigation, including how to return to the car park. Dementia friendly signage has been installed within the toilet block and café, as well as a contrasting toilet seat.

All benches, many of them commemorative, have been completely refurbished in an ambitious undertaking to restore them all, and a series of new picnic benches have been installed. Pathways throughout the park have been cleared of debris and the edges more clearly defined and new and improved water safety signs have been fitted.

Results

MacRosty Park in Crieff was granted a dementia-friendly status from Paths for All in November 2023. The park is only the second in Scotland to have the status, and enhancements made such as a new accessible map located at all entry and exit points which now offer an increase in information have allowed the park to receive the accreditation. The park also has coloured way markers and dementia friendly sign language.  Comments included:

'We are delighted to be involved in this project which will hopefully make it easier for people living with dementia and their carers to enjoy this lovely park. We would also like to thank everyone who has supported us to achieve the accreditation'. (Richmond House).

 'Friends of MacRosty Park are delighted with the accreditation - all the groups have worked well together to achieve this very important outcome. We hope that the people involved will enjoy walking round this lovely park'. (Friends of MacRosty Park).

Scotland's second Dementia Friendly Environment accreditation awarded to Perthshire park - Paths for All | Paths for All

What's next?

Perth and Kinross Council are committed to work in partnership with local community groups to improve health and wellbeing in Perth and Kinross by increasing overall participation in sport and physical activity and promoting the wellbeing benefits of time spent in our natural surroundings, for all age groups. 

Scottish Government Children's Play Park Renewal Initiative

Purpose

The Scottish Government committed funding to all Scottish Local Authorities to undertake a programme of renewal of their children's play areas during the current parliamentary term.  They recognise that the extent of renewal will vary across the whole play estate and will be influenced by local plans and investment priorities and engagement with children and young people. Renewal can include, introducing new equipment, replacing existing equipment, extra seating, suitable surfaces, planting, improved access points and circulation routes, water fountains and other measures to make parks more inclusive, welcoming and enjoyable.

Activity

The Council have been allocated £1.741m over the 5-year period 2012/22 to 2025/26.   The Council manage 145 equipped play areas and the resources are therefore being targeted at the ones that are in most need of renewal based on assessments of their condition.  This is supplemented by the Council's own Community Greenspace Capital Programme and funding raised through community groups. A recent example was the full upgrade of the 'Premier' play area at Auchterarder Primrose Park costing over £300k with the community raising £150k. Communities are normally fully engaged in the design and development of refurbishment projects by the in-house Landscape Architects project team of 4 staff.  This is a great example of community partnership working, with the Council's professional expertise co-producing community aspirations for their play areas and greenspaces. All refurbishments aim to make sites as accessible as possible, with ramps, basket swings, play landscape and specialist kit on some sites.

Results

14 play areas have been upgraded since the programme started in 2021/22.  Local elected members and community groups, including Community Councils, Friends of Parks Groups, schools, Cubs and Brownies where appropriate, are advised of play park upgrades before the design work starts and invited to get involved in helping shape the plans. Some communities are more proactive than others, like Auchterarder, Bridge of Earn and Kinross, and the design team adapt their approach to suit the level of involvement communities want to have.

What's next?

The team are currently working on 18 more play area renewals for implementation over the next 2 years and encouraging local communities to get involved in their design.  Council play areas are one of the few free at the point of use, safe local spaces in the public realm for young children to be physically and socially active outdoors. This is becoming increasingly important to combat social isolation, mental health and obesity issues arising from sedentary activities associated with the 'virtual' world. The capital investment is very welcome and essential to ensure play areas remain safe and stimulating for children to use, and in locations where they can be accessed reasonably close to home.

Communities

Letham4all - Letham Hub

Purpose 

The drive for this project came from the local community to address local inequalities and improve health and wellbeing. The LethamHub provides opportunities for partner agencies to deliver a range of services in the locality and engage with local people who attend the many community based activities.

Activity 

The Letham Hub is the result of a unique and productive collaboration between the local community and Perth and Kinross Council. Working together over the last 6 years this partnership has resulted in a community facility, which has been returned to community ownership.

Results  

The Hub is run and owned for the community by Letham4All (SCIO). The building offers many free and very low-cost activities for local people. The Hub is open 7 days a week, offering access to the Community Fridge and Community Café making good food accessible with choice and dignity and at a very low cost. The affordable Community Gym has opened, and this is being complemented by Fitness Activity Co-ordinator to deliver a range sessions which are usually beyond the budgets of many people in the community.

There is a diary of local activity groups from Keep Fit, Sewing classes, Youth Work, Cycling Projects and Digital Skills, as well as local access to employability support , financial wellbeing services and much needed community space for local groups to access, including the sports hall. All of this activity enables a sense of anonymity when people enter the building to see more confidential services for guidance and support.

Letham4All now employs a team of 20 full and part time staff, providing valuable local employment and they are a Real Living Wage employer.

What's next? 

Letham4All are looking forward to co-designing and producing new services with partners and the community, exploring new ways of working and delivering locally.

Friends of Cemeteries

Purpose

The aim of this initiative was to address community concerns about the upkeep of cemeteries and offer opportunities to develop a community partnership approach along the lines of the other 'greenspace' volunteer groups.  This was started from scratch in 2022 and has since built to over 20 active and supported groups throughout Perth and Kinross.

Activity

The Friends of Cemeteries work closely with Council staff to enhance the appearance and quality of local cemeteries which would not be otherwise possible through the resources available to the Council.  Activities include maintaining shrub beds, planting bulbs, tidying grass edges, painting gates and railings, fundraising for new benches etc, encouraging and recording biodiversity in the site and recording and researching headstone information.  Groups are provided with training and advice and assisted with materials and equipment.

Results

Friends of Cemeteries have improved and transformed many local cemeteries and embraced partnership working with the Council.  They have spent an estimated 4000 volunteer hours since the initiative started, and the benefits are not limited to improvements to the cemetery as there are significant social, physical and mental health and wellbeing benefits for the individuals involved.  The groups are supported by two Environmental Initiatives officers and staff from Bereavement Services.

Activities continue year-round and have included restoration of old paths; new noticeboards and benches; planting and maintaining trees, shrub beds, wildflower and grass areas; installing bat boxes and fixing and painting gates and railings.  This helps to ensure cemeteries are a source of pride for communities and fitting place to pay respect to those who have chosen to be interred in them. 

What's next

The Friends of Cemeteries groups will be encouraged to learn and develop from each other and build skills and experience to do a wide range of activities to enhance their cemeteries.  Some are looking to develop more ambitious refurbishment projects and apply for funding to help make them happen.  New groups will also be encouraged to establish within the resources are available to properly support them and ensure the work they do is safe and appropriate for the locations they are working in.