Golf clubs and Scout halls could help keep Fifers warm this winter
GOLF clubs, libraries and Scout halls could be used to provide a warm place this winter as part of Fife Council’s plans to tackle the cost-of-living crisis.
South and West Fife area’s share of the recently-announced £10 million Community Recovery Fund is £1.2m and councillors were given an update on how it’ll be used to help local residents struggling with soaring bills.
Community manager Alastair Mutch said the response would evolve over the coming months but, initially, they’ll focus on establishing community assistance hubs and warm places as well as offering assistance with food, fuel and finance.
He told councillors: “We’re proposing to set up hubs at Inverkeithing Civic Centre, Parkgate Centre in Rosyth and High Valleyfield and Oakley community centres.
“They will be open Monday to
Friday, 9am to 5pm. If there is significant demand, we will consider extending the opening hours, the Community Recovery Fund could be used to support that.
“Those hours are based on existing resources and staffing.”
He added that they were looking to open an “enhanced warm place rather than a community assistance hub” in Kincardine and they were in discussions with Saline Golf Club about the possibility of locals being able to stay warm and get a hot meal there.
The council proposes to open the pool at Inverkeithing High School during the October holidays to offer free swims while there are also plans to open it every Saturday, from late October until March.
He added: “We’re taking what I see as innovative approaches and solutions to the problems.”
The community assistance hubs will have soft seating, access to PCs, coffee- and tea-making facilities, kitchens, some have showers, they’ll offer newspapers, activities, board games and places suitable for families, as well as advice and support.
Mr Mutch said: “It’s a bit of crystal ball-gazing because we’re not quite sure what support people will require as we go through the winter. There may be elements not included just now that we pick up on.
“We’ve looked at these buildings too because we want to develop further wraparound support, such as health and social care. They also host job clubs, foodbanks, community pantries occasionally operate there or there will be one close by we can redirect people to.”
He continued: “Warm places will be established in both the voluntary sector and Fife Council buildings where demand is experienced.
“At this point, I would suggest we progress with the community assistance hubs between October and December and gauge demand over the coming months. If needs arise, we can develop warm places in other facilities and we’re not only looking at Fife Council buildings.
“We’ve done a mapping exercise regarding what facilities are out there, who they are run by and how could we possibly access them.
“That might include church halls, social clubs, libraries, it will certainly be community-use sports and leisure centres and small community halls.
“We’re even looking at Scout halls and places like golf clubs.
“So could there be an offer the golf club can present to the local community if someone needs a warm place to go and stay for a period of time?”
Mr Mutch said discussions were taking place with local businesses, cafes and other agencies in relation to food assistance – they’ll run Cafe Inc in the holidays and link with community food providers and foodbanks (see story, page 33) – while ‘energy champions’ and Cosy Kingdom will try to help those struggling with their utility bills.
On the financial side, there will be welfare support, job clubs, food vouchers, crisis grants, credit unions, help from the Scottish Welfare Fund and the introduction, Fifewide, of pre-paid credit cards.