Tag: Aileen Campbell

Community spirit strengthens

Scottish Household Survey 2019.

Most people are happy with their neighbourhood, feel a strong sense of belonging and think their local heritage is well cared for, according to the latest Scottish Household Survey.

Concern about the environment has continued to grow, particularly among young people – the survey found that last year 69% of 16 to 24-year-olds agreed climate change was an immediate and urgent problem, up from 38% in 2013.

Meanwhile, more people were online than ever before, including older people, with 66% of over-60s now using the internet. However, the most common cultural activity was reading, with 62% of adults having read in the year before the survey was undertaken.

https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTheScottishGovernment%2Fvideos%2F780891376097964%2F&show_text=0&width=476

The survey found that:

  • 94% of adults said their neighbourhood was a good or fairly good place to live, while 78% said they felt a strong sense of belonging there
  • satisfaction with local schools rose to 73% from 71% in 2018, while satisfaction with public transport increased from 65% to 68%
  • 86% of adults agreed that it was important for Scotland’s heritage to be well looked after, with 69% agreeing that the heritage of their local area was already well cared for
  • 90% were culturally engaged, either by attending or visiting a cultural event or place, or by participating in a cultural activity

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “I am pleased so many people have a strong sense of belonging to their neighbourhood, which contributes towards making Scotland a warm and friendly nation where everyone is welcome.

“Of course, this survey predates the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, but that sense of community spirit was vital during lockdown when we were all required to work together to help suppress the spread of the virus.

“The rise in digital connectivity will also have been hugely beneficial under lockdown, with more people than ever able to use the internet to buy essential supplies, keep in touch with friends or take part in cultural activities.

“As we set out in our Programme for Government, we are determined that our recovery from the crisis will be a green one. I share the concerns of so many people that climate change is an urgent problem, and through the 2019 Climate Change Act the Scottish Government enshrined in law its commitment to a just transition to net zero – in which wellbeing, fair work and social justice are prioritised and no-one is left behind.”

Scottish Household Survey 2019 Annual report

Scottish Household Survey 2019 Key Findings report

The Scottish Household Survey is the largest social survey of people across Scotland, giving them an opportunity to provide information to government on their experiences, views, attitudes and behaviours. 

The survey has run since the outset of devolution in 1999.  It provides robust data on a wide range of different topics, including housing, neighbourhoods, sport and physical activity, internet use/digital engagement, views on local services, culture, the environment, and volunteering, at both national and local authority level.

This year 10,580 households took part in the survey.

Comparable survey data from 1999 to 2019 has been published on an interactive Data Explorer. For the first time national and local data has been published on the same day.

Regenerating communities

£30 million to support economic recovery

All of Scotland’s 32 local authorities and more than 25 individual community regeneration projects will receive a share of £30 million of new investment for regeneration and town centres.

The funding will be available immediately through the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) and the Town Centre Fund (TCF), both delivered in partnership between Scottish Government and COSLA.

Edinburgh’s share of the Town Centre Fund is £954,000.

The Govanhill Baths refurbishment in Glasgow, Midmills in Inverness, which will support creative industries and cultural social enterprises in the Highlands; and the Mossedge Centre, which will be a multi-purpose facility for use by the surrounding communities in Linwood Renfrewshire are among the community led regeneration projects that will benefit from this funding.

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “We want to go beyond rebuilding – to refresh and reform and help drive the social and economic renewal necessary to achieve the best future for Scotland.

“This further £30 million capital funding for regeneration and town centres will stimulate local construction across Scotland and support disadvantaged areas in the recovery.

“Communities are best placed to identify specific needs and aspirations and this regeneration funding enables the delivery of a wide range of locally-developed projects to be made into reality.

“Our places must work for our communities, and the Town Centre Funding will build on the success of last year’s fund. With it, local authorities will be able to drive forward projects that help people live better locally and reduce their carbon footprint while driving footfall to local businesses.”

COSLA Environment and Economy Spokesperson Cllr Steven Heddle said: “The additional challenges facing Scotland’s most vulnerable communities due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic means there has never been a more important time to strengthen the economic, social, and physical wellbeing of our places.

“This additional funding for the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund and Town Centre Fund will support the regeneration aspirations of our communities, and also accelerate the delivery of projects to support the recovery, tackle disadvantage and deprivation and support jobs.”

Linwood Community Development Trust will receive £400,000 from the RCGF this year to bring forward completion of the Mossedge Centre.

Trust Manager Kirsty Flannigan said: “Complemented by the existing 3G pitch, the Mossedge Centre will provide a resource for all within the local community, including a purpose-built home for our community run Roots Shop.

“Now we see the finishing line in sight, and can look forward to the post-pandemic future with confidence, knowing that this project will provide a legacy for present and future generations of the Linwood community.”

This funding will support accelerated delivery of projects this year, and forms part of the £230 million Economic Recovery Stimulus package announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance in June.

It includes:

  • an additional £18 million through the Town Centre Fund (TCF)
  • an additional £12 million through the existing Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF)

Eradicating Child Poverty: Minister to outline next steps

“We can do better, and we will” – Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell

A progress report on child poverty to be published by the Scottish Government today sets out a different path to UK Government austerity. It’s thought that a new Family Income Supplement benefit, which was due to be introduced in 2022, will now be fast-tracked following pleas by Scottish charities. Continue reading Eradicating Child Poverty: Minister to outline next steps

Volunteering Framework launched

A new framework aimed at getting more people involved in volunteering has been launched. The Volunteering Outcomes Framework aims to reduce barriers to volunteering for people from all sections of the community, regardless of their background.   Continue reading Volunteering Framework launched

Holiday meals for Scottish children

More children and young people are set to benefit from nutritious meals and a place to play and socialise when schools are closed for the holidays this year.

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell has announced £340,000 for six charities that offer children breakfast, healthy snacks and a hot lunch, as well as a range of games and activities during the school holidays. Continue reading Holiday meals for Scottish children

Tackling food insecurity during school holidays

More than 7,000 children from low income families will have access to healthy and nutritious food during the Christmas school holidays, Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said this morning. Continue reading Tackling food insecurity during school holidays

‘Shop Social’ this Christmas

More funding to strengthen the social enterprise sector

Over £396,000 in additional funding has been announced to support the delivery of eight new social enterprise programmes.

Since the launch of Scotland’s ten-year Social Enterprise Strategy in December 2016, more than £14 million has been invested to encourage the growth of social enterprises.

There are more than 5,600 social enterprises across Scotland.  They trade for the common good, addressing social needs, strengthening communities, improving people’s life chances and protecting the environment.

One of the programmes receiving additional funding is a ‘Social Enterprise Retail Academy’ aimed at getting more products into shops.

Meanwhile, a new website (www.shopsocialscotland.com) has been set up giving ideas for social enterprise presents this Christmas.

Together with a new marketing campaign coordinated by Social Enterprise Scotland, the funding will help raise awareness of social enterprises locally and nationally and tap into a growing desire from consumers to buy ethically.

The funding will expand the impact which this innovative sector can have on reducing inequality, working with communities to tackle tough social issues at source .

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said:  “Social enterprises are a vital partner in our communities and support ethical and worthwhile causes. We want them to achieve their full potential by ensuring they have access to the right resources, knowledge and networks.

“Particularly in the run-up to Christmas and ahead of Fair Saturday this weekend, I would encourage shoppers to support their local social enterprises and businesses and shop ethically for Christmas gifts. A purchase really could have an impact on a local social cause.”

Founder of the Scottish Design Exchange Lynzi Leroy said: “The Scottish Design Exchange exists to provide a space where local artists and designers, and social enterprise businesses, can sell direct to customers on the High Street.

“By supporting us and other social enterprise businesses at Christmas, you will not only have a direct impact on the local economy, you also help to fund businesses that are working hard for social causes.”