21 new health and wellbeing projects
People living in some of the most deprived communities in Rutherglen and Cambuslang are benefitting from £ 72,000 investment in health and wellbeing initiatives chosen by them.
Burnhill, Springburn, Westburn and Whitlawburn have welcomed 21 projects funded by South Lanarkshire Council’s participatory budget.
A unique pot of money within the local authority, the participatory budget allows residents and community groups to get involved in decision making and prioritise how money is invested in their area.
It has seen a series of improvements in all communities including the upgrading of the Venchie in Westburn to create a lush football ground, refurbishing the Cage sports arena in Springburn and improvements to the Westburn Community Garden.
Money has also funded the introduction of a baby and toddler group and two activities for pre-fives, as well as family fun sessions offering bespoke outdoor play experiences for pre-fives and parents.
Six youth club programmes have been supported, including a residential trip for young people, and a second for both children and parents,
Two community hubs will be established, with their own resources and equipment, whilst a community fun day will be held to promote community spirit.
A series of initiatives to get people active have also been funded including try a sport sessions - to encourage early involvement in sport - and weekend football.
The 21 projects - many of which have already been implemented - won financial backing after receiving support from the community.
Almost 400 people across the four communities took part in discussions about how to build safer, healthier communities and took part in Community Decision Making Days when residents learned more about potential projects. Initiatives were then prioritised for funding through a voting system.
Pauline Elliot, South Lanarkshire Council’s head of planning and economic development, said: “The way in which local people and communities have embraced and responded to this opportunity has been fantastic. The level of participation has been incredible across all the neighbourhoods, particularly among children and young people.
“There is no doubt that participatory budgeting has been a very effective and positive way of bringing local people together with communities leading on local priority setting, decision making and allocation of funds. Local people are helping to bring about and deliver a whole range of projects that will bring lasting and positive changes in their neighbourhoods.”
Youth clubs operating Burnhill, Springburn, Westburn and Whitlawburn were vital in securing the views of younger people, with primary and secondary school aged children also given a vote, and encouraged to take part in discussion groups.