New participatory budget meeting trial was a success
Argyll and Bute Health and Wellbeing Network held an open participatory budget meeting on Friday September 14 to decide who should get a share of the £5,000 pot.
Grants of up to £2,000 were applied for to support health and well-being activities in communities.
In a new twist, speakers for various organisations gave their case for why they should get a share of the budget, with the rest of the room using their vote to make the final decision.
Antonia Baird spoke for the Argyll Pharmacy, asking for quality pedometers to rent out, encouraging people to walk more and see how far they’ve come.
Colin Ferguson asked for £1,000 for Head’s Up to gain exercise classes and equipment so that it can expand beyond mental health support into physical health, aiding mental health in the process.
The Dochas Centre’s Doris Linstead and Craig Butler laid out all the mental and physical benefits of karaoke, including physicality of dancing, the mental benefits of singing and the community spirit of singing in a group, in order to gain £900.
David Smart, leader for the 19th Argyll Scouts asked for £1,000 to take all the Scouts to Lochgoilhead Outdoor Centre, free of charge.
Raymond Deans asked for £400 for the NHS Chaplaincy to start exercise classes in the Succoth ward to keep patients’ mood and health good.
David Hewitt and Ros Duthie danced their way to £700 for tango lessons at the MS Centre.