Groups have teamed up to help foster community spirit and protect the planet.
A groundbreaking partnership project in West Lothian could be implemented in communities across Scotland after demonstrating its effectiveness in fostering community spirit, promoting environmental sustainability, and combating loneliness.
The pilot programme, run jointly by West Lothian Youth Action Project (WLYAP), Almond Housing Association and Spark – a Livingston-based social enterprise dedicated to tackling social isolation and loneliness – has been praised for its innovative approach to tackling social issues while exploiting the added value of pooling resources and expertise.
Scotland's Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes visited the project last year and was hugely impressed by what she saw, highlighting its potential for other communities across Scotland to follow its example.
Funded by the Scottish Government’s Investing in Communities programme, Growing Together has helped to empower local residents, equipping them with the tools and resources to create a thriving community.
As well as helping to revitalise green spaces and implement community clean-up initiatives, it has also delivered a series of diverse community events and activities, catering to a wide range of interests and age groups.
The project supports five community gardens in Craigshill, providing green spaces for growing, relaxation, and social interaction.
A creative writing programme, led by local author Laura Farrell, engaged community members in creative writing, particularly poetry, and a pre-employability project helped to deliver practical skills training for young people.
Another project helped to provide support for young people struggling in traditional education. Organised by the WLYAP, it offered practical skills training and supportive mechanisms to help them transition to positive destinations like college or employment.
Growing Together coordinator David Tatton said: "The benefits of the project are multifold for the area of Craigshill.
“The money that is invested by the Scottish Government through a partnership such as ours pays out in much more dividends than if it had just been paid to one of the organisations involved.
“We're able to tap into much larger portions of the community and ensure that more people benefit from that money coming into the community and it stays in the community as well."
Spark has played a pivotal role in tackling social isolation and promoting mental well-being.
The social enterprise has organised a diverse range of activities, including creative writing workshops, community cinema screenings, employability programmes for youth, and outdoor events, all aimed at connecting residents and fostering a sense of belonging.
Alex Fleming, chief officer of Spark, said: "We've seen incredible progress in bringing people together and instilling a sense of ownership over our shared spaces. Through collaborative efforts, we're fostering stronger bonds and building a more resilient community.
"We firmly believe that the model of collaboration established through Growing Together has the potential to be replicated and scaled up. The shared learning and collective impact have been truly remarkable."
Beyond its formal partnerships, Growing Together also collaborates with various local groups, including schools, community organisations, and service providers.
This network allows the project to reach a broader audience and connect individuals with relevant resources, ensuring the project's impact extends beyond its direct reach.
A cornerstone of the programme is its focus on environmental sustainability.
The WLYAP employs two dedicated gardeners and a coordinator and it has been instrumental in spearheading clean-up efforts, revitalising green spaces, and promoting environmental awareness.
John Davidson, CEO of Almond Housing Association, said: "We're thrilled to be part of this initiative that aligns perfectly with our commitment to building thriving communities. The positive impact of Growing Together is undeniable."
