LIBERTON & GILMERTON VOLUNTARY SECTOR FORUM
THURSDAY 27th NOVEMBER 2014
GILMERTON COMMUNITY CENTRE
PRESENT AND APOLOGIES
Present:
June Dickson – EVOC (JD)
Stewart Laird – Partnership Support Worker (SL)
Sheena Smith – Home Link Family Support (SS)
Apologies:
Amanda Vickery – Home Link Family Support
MINUTES OF LAST MEETING & MATTERS ARISING
SL and JD approved the minutes, however, SL asked for an amendment to be made to the update SD gave at the
last meeting from “heavily involved” in the Sports Forum and Community Council to “supporting”.
SUB-GROUP UPDATES
OLDER PEOPLES ACTION GROUP
It was explained that over the past three years issues relating to older people had been addressed via the
Liberton Gilmerton Health Inequalities Group but it had been felt that this group had too wide a remit and
the community had preferred a more focussed approach and selected Reducing isolation in Older People
(50+) as one of its priorities for inclusion in the 2014-2017 Local Community Plan.
ACTION GROUPS - Representation on the Group:
The group will be required to construct some practical actions to provide an enhanced service to local
people which are complimentary and additional to current statutory provision. In order that this is
achieved the group needs to ensure that the correct organisations and/or individuals are represented. It
was noted that some organisations may only attend meetings when pieces of work relevant to their area
of expertise are on-going. Conversely others will be required to attend on a more regular basis. In both
cases they will always receive copies of the relevant papers and be kept informed of progress.
REMIT OF THE GROUP:
It was noted that the principal remit of the group is to support and progress the work of the
Neighbourhood Partnership and in particular the specific priority for which they are responsible. In order
to do this the group is required to agree and implement an action plan which will be designed to reduce
isolation in older people (50+).
NAME OF THE GROUP:
It was reported that it was up to the group what it wished to be named. However, in the absence of any
practical suggestions it will remain known as the Liberton Gilmerton Older Peoples Action Group until such
time as a suitable alternative is put forward.
ACTION PLAN (Report and Draft Plan Circulated)
1
It was reported that after a period of consultation the Neighbourhood Partnership at its meeting of 26th
March 2014 approved four priorities of which Reducing Isolation in Older Residents (50+) was one, for
inclusion within its 2014-2017 Local Community Plan.
On 13th May the Liberton Gilmerton Neighbourhood Partnership (LGNP), in conjunction with South
Central Neighbourhood Partnership hosted an “Acting Together” Workshop. This was a well attended
event at which time a number of proposed actions were suggested. These have been grouped together
into themes and form the basis of the draft Action Plan.
The group discussed the draft action plan which has been updated to reflect their suggestions and/or
amendments. The actions will be contained within the following three principal themes.
Engagement: Identify those individuals who can be described as socially isolated in order that they can be
helped to become involved in community life.
Communications/Information/Awareness: Improve the distribution and communication of information on
the opportunities available for older people. This relates to both social activities as well as local services.
Activities/Inter Generational Activities: Enable the provision of activities and inter generational provision
for the mutual benefit of the younger and older members of the local community.
Monitoring & Evaluation:
Clear and defined actions will ensure that real improvement is delivered again the priority. Evelyn
emphasised that Older Peoples Action Group needs to prove its impact and not just show that they have
done the work.
The Action Groups will be required to agree a number of performance targets against which the work of the group
will be measured.
SUPPORT TO PARENTS ACTION GROUP
Representation on the Group:
A number of the invited personnel were unable to attend the first meeting due to other commitments.
It was noted that the group had no representation from GPs or Midwifery, which may potentially impact on the
draft action plan. Carolyn agreed to contact her colleagues about the group and discuss possible future
involvement.
The group also expressed a desire to have representation from other areas of provision in the community
including, early years, schooling and those providing dedicated support to male parents and parents from the BME
community. It was therefore agreed to invite additional providers from these areas of work.
REMIT OF THE GROUP: It was discussed and agreed that the principal remit of the group is to provide additional
support to vulnerable parents across the community who require it. In order to do this the group is required to
agree and implement an action plan that will be designed to provide support to those individuals.
NAME OF THE GROUP: After some discussion, those present agreed that the ‘Support to Parents Action Group’
was an appropriate name.
ACTION PLAN:
A general discussion took place about the needs and existing support to vulnerable parents in Liberton &
Gilmerton and it was agreed that all members were to review the action plan and consider the following areas:
 Which action points is each agency best suited to supporting.
 What should be measured in relation to each action point.
2
 Has anything been missed on the action plan.
It was agreed that an individual named person would be identified to lead individual actions in the Action Plan and
that all partners should consider their roles. It was also agreed that all members would compile a contact list of
professionals they knew who had contact with vulnerable parents who required support.
AOB
It was agreed that this group would engage with the service which will be newly appointed through the Health and
Social Care commissioning process.
YOUTH ACTION GROUP
REPRESENTATION OF THE GROUP
Brian Jennings chair of the group asked the group to consider if it had the correct balance of representation from
the local community. It was highlighted that it would be beneficial to have young people and teachers involved at
the meetings. Andrew said that young people
and schools would be involved but not always at YTAG meetings. It was suggested that the next meeting could be
held in a school and Andrew said he would try to arrange this.
REMIT OF THE GROUP
Brian stated that it is the remit of the group to oversee the delivery of the YouthTalk 2013 priority in the new local
community plan. These include celebrating local youth achievement, highlighting diversity in the community and
promoting the development of life skills for school leavers.
NAME OF THE ACTION GROUP
After some discussion the group decided that the Youth Talk Action Group was a suitable name.
ACTION PLAN - LIFE SKILLS
Brian outlined the key points of the Life Skills programme: housing and welfare; budgeting and nutrition;
employability; crime and justice.
YOUTH AWARDS
Andrew proposed that the Youth Achievement Awards was a great opportunity to celebrate the successes of local
young people. He added that a short-life working group was being put together and that pupils would have as
much ownership as possible of the awards.
DIVERSITY (LGBT)
There is a drop-in service for young people currently running at The Mansion which offers confidential support and
advice on relationships, sexual and emotional health, and that they are in the process of setting up another at Inch
Park Community Centre.
REPORT OF THE YOUTH PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING EVENT
Evelyn highlighted that 16 local school pupils from Gracemount and Liberton were involved in the Youth
Participatory Budgeting event on June 19th. She added that £11,000 was ring fenced for the event and awards
made to 7 local organisations in the Liberton Gilmerton area. She added that it was hoped to have more pupils
involved next time and that it is being considered whether to lower the minimum bid to £1,000.
SPORTSFEST 4 REPORT
Stewart updated the group about Sportsfest 4 which was held within the grounds of Liberton High School on
3
Friday 20 June at Liberton and consisted primarily of P7’s. It was found to be an effective way of increasing
memberships to local sports providers. The event boasted a large range of sports and was attended by over 200
people.
DOMESTIC ABUSE ACTION GROUP
REPRESENTATION OF THE GROUP
It was noted that a number of the invited personnel were unable to attend the first meeting due to other
commitments.
The group were asked to consider if it had a sufficient balance of representation from across the spectrum of local
organisations that might be able to assist with the group’s remit. After some discussion it was agreed to seek
additional representation from the Willow Project, Dunedin Canmore Housing Association, Place 2 Be, as well as
CEC Social Work, Safer Families and the city-wide Domestic Abuse Action Group.
REMIT OF THE GROUP
It was discussed and agreed that the principal remit of the group is to raise awareness of domestic abuse across
the community. In order to do this the group is required to agree and implement an action plan that will be
designed to provide support to those individuals.
NAME OF THE ACTION GROUP
After some discussion, those present agreed that the ‘Domestic Abuse Action Group’ was an appropriate name.
ACTION PLAN - LIFE SKILLS
A general discussion took place about the various approaches to awareness raising that could be undertaken
across the community. The group talked about the benefits of subtle awareness raising, in spaces such as
libraries, and by using resources such as self-help books. Posters in areas such as toilet cubicles could also prove
effective. It was also stated that people were not always aware about what consisted domestic abuse. It was
agreed that any an approach should target both victims as well as those who may suspect someone of being a
victim.
It was agreed that all members were to review the action plan and consider the following areas:
 Which action points is each agency best suited to supporting.
 What should be measured in relation to each action point.
 Has anything been missed on the action plan.
JD thanked SL for his comprehensive update on all the subgroups.
Future Dates and Contact details for Subgroups in Liberton/Gilmerton:
Lib/Gil Support to Parents Action Group
27 November 2014
Andrew.Gallacher@edinburgh.gov.uk
4
Lib/Gilmerton Support to
27 November
Liberton/Gil Domestic Abuse Action Group
TBC
24 February 2015
Andrew.Gallacher@edinburgh.gov.uk
Andrew.Gallacher@edinburgh.gov.uk
DEVEL
OPME
NT DAY
The attending members discussed the need for a Development Day for all Third Sector organisations within the
VSF boundaries to discuss the aims, objectives and goals of the Forum. JD to take forward with a view to having a
plan for the next meeting in January 2015. It was agreed that a Development Day and also a presentation on the
LDP would be beneficial.
CSMG UPDATE
Paula Swanston from Home Link Family Support forwarded the Proforma sheet to inform the Forum of the main
points from the CSMG meetings:. These were:
1. Recent survey around young people and risk taking behaviours had provided good feedback from young
people along with some focus groups on risk taking behaviour. Liberton HS are starting a research project
called “Do you feel safe and well cared for”.
2. Liberton HS shared their wider achievement pathway for LAC and accommodated children providing
bespoke packages.
3. Gracemount Pilot for Transition for Parents from Primary to Secondary school. A three tier programme
would be delivered to support parents/carers to make a smooth transition in a positive and supportive
way.
4. Psychology of Parenting – Important to discuss the challenges of implementing this first phase and the
issues surrounding it. Staffing etc.
5. Local Perspective of 27/30 month check – It would be helpful to know who they are flagging up so early
years services can be implemented. Graham McKenzie to be contacted.
Next meeting 8th December, 3.30pm. Liberton High School.
Issue for Network to discuss
The Voluntary Sector getting a secure NHS email – JD to discuss with Kate Kasprowicz – (update: Kate and Sarah
(EVOC) meeting with NHS staff next week (12th January) and will update JD as to the outcome of meetings)
Follow Up Action: The Voluntary Sector getting access to the data from the 27-30 month check? – JD to discuss
with Kate Kasprowicz. (as above)
DATE OF NEXT MEETING:
Thursday 29th January 2015 – Development Session 10.30-12.30 Gilmerton Library (please enter through side
door at car park as Library closed to public on Thursdays)
Thursday 26th February 2015 – South Edinburgh VSF – 10.30-12.30 Gilmerton Library. (please enter through side
door at car park as Library closed to public on Thursdays).
ADDITIONAL DATES FOR DIARIES:
5
Parents Action Group
2014
Lib/Gilmerton Support to
Parents Action Group
26 February
2015
Thursday
10am
Goodtrees N C
Andrew.Gallacher@edinburgh.gov.uk
Lib/Gilmerton Support to
Parents Action Group
28 May 2015
Thursday
10am
Goodtrees N C
Andrew.Gallacher@edinburgh.gov.uk
Lib/Gilmerton Support to
Parents Action Group
27 August
2015
Thursday
10am
Goodtrees N C
Andrew.Gallacher@edinburgh.gov.uk
Lib/Gilmerton Support to
Parents Action Group
26 November
2015
Thursday
10am
Goodtrees N C
Andrew.Gallacher@edinburgh.gov.uk
Liberton/Gilmerton
Domestic Abuse Action
Group
24 February
2015
TBC
Andrew.Gallacher@edinburgh.gov.uk
Liberton/Gilmerton
Domestic Abuse Action
Group
03 March
2015
Tuesday 2pm
Gilmerton Library, 13
New Toft St
Andrew.Gallacher@edinburgh.gov.uk
Liberton/Gilmerton
Domestic Abuse Action
Group
26 May 2015
Tuesday 2pm
Gilmerton Library, 13
New Toft St
Andrew.Gallacher@edinburgh.gov.uk
Liberton/Gilmerton
Domestic Abuse Action
Group
26 August
2015
Wednesday
2pm
Gilmerton Library, 13
New Toft St
Andrew.Gallacher@edinburgh.gov.uk
Liberton/Gilmerton
Domestic Abuse Action
Group
24 November
2015
Tuesday 2pm
Gilmerton Library, 13
New Toft St
Andrew.Gallacher@edinburgh.gov.uk
Liberton/Gilmerton Older
Peoples Action Group
05 February
2015
Thursday 2pm
Gilmerton Library, 13
New Toft St
Andrew.Gallacher@edinburgh.gov.uk
Liberton/Gilmerton Older
Peoples Action Group
14 May 2015
Thursday 2pm
Gilmerton Library, 13
New Toft St
Andrew.Gallacher@edinburgh.gov.uk
Liberton/Gilmerton Older
Peoples Action Group
13 August
2015
Thursday 2pm
Gilmerton Library, 13
New Toft St
Andrew.Gallacher@edinburgh.gov.uk
Liberton/Gilmerton Older
Peoples Action Group
12 November
2015
Thursday 2pm
Gilmerton Library, 13
New Toft St
Andrew.Gallacher@edinburgh.gov.uk
Liberton/Gilmerton Youth
Talk Action Group
14 February
2015
TBC
Andrew.Gallacher@edinburgh.gov.uk
Liberton/Gilmerton Youth
Talk Action Group
17 February
2015
Valleypark
Community Centre
Andrew.Gallacher@edinburgh.gov.uk
Tuesday 2pm
6
Liberton/Gilmerton Youth
Talk Action Group
19 May 2015
Tuesday 2pm
Valleypark
Community Centre
Andrew.Gallacher@edinburgh.gov.uk
Liberton/Gilmerton Youth
Talk Action Group
18 August
2015
Tuesday 2pm
Valleypark
Community Centre
Andrew.Gallacher@edinburgh.gov.uk
Liberton/Gilmerton Youth
Talk Action Group
17 November
2015
Tuesday 2pm
Valleypark
Community Centre
Andrew.Gallacher@edinburgh.gov.uk
South Edinburgh VSF
21 May 2015
Thursday
10.30 - 12.30
Gilmerton Library back entrance
june.dickson@evoc.org.uk
South Edinburgh VSF
27 August
2015
Thursday
10.30 - 12.30
Gilmerton Library back entrance
june.dickson@evoc.org.uk
South Edinburgh VSF
26 November
2015
Thursday
10.30 - 12.31
Gilmerton Library back entrance
june.dickson@evoc.org.uk
Liberton/Gilmerton NP
Meeting
19 March
2015
Thursday 6-8
pm
Gracemount High
School
Andrew.Gallacher@edinburgh.gov.uk
Liberton/Gilmerton NP
Meeting
04 June 2015
Thursday 2-4
pm
Goodtrees N C
Andrew.Gallacher@edinburgh.gov.uk
Liberton/Gilmerton NP
Meeting
17 September
2015
Thursday 6-8
pm
Gracemount High
School
Andrew.Gallacher@edinburgh.gov.uk
Liberton/Gilmerton NP
Meeting
17 December
2015
Thursday 2-4
pm
Goodtrees N C
Andrew.Gallacher@edinburgh.gov.uk
7