Pilot project hailed a success

Schools across Scotland should be used as community hubs to deliver a wide range of public services.

That’s the verdict of South Ayrshire Council and its partners following a pilot in north Ayr, which culminated in a community marketplace at Ayr Academy on 23 February.

Our People, Our Place saw the council partner with NHS Ayrshire & Arran, South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue and the voluntary sector where they used Newton Primary and Ayr Academy as local community hubs.

Crucially, services were available to everyone living in the area – not just those with children in the schools.

Services provided included money and debt management advice, employability and skills information and advice, health and wellbeing support from school nurses and assistant nurse practitioners.

South Ayrshire Council leader Douglas Campbell, said: “This has been a really worthwhile pilot that has already given us lots of food for thought about how we take forward the community hub approach across South Ayrshire.

“It’s been a terrific learning opportunity for all the partners involved and that’s been one of the key outcomes of this week – getting to know more about what each of us has to offer and how we can better link in and signpost to provide a more joined-up service for people.”