North Ayrshire Council is striving to make communities stronger through its Community Learning and Development (CLD) Plan 2024 to 2027.
Adult learning, youth work and capacity building are the foundation of the plan – which has health and well-being, Community Wealth Building and workforce development at its core. Tackling inequalities and the need to target resources are also covered.
The views of people living in communities; Council partners including schools, colleges and third sector organisations; volunteers and staff have been vital in developing the plan, which local authorities are legally bound by the Scottish Parliament to develop every three years.
The plan offers a framework that helps to empower people of all ages, individually and collectively, to make positive changes in their lives and in their communities. This is done through supported learning for adults and families, personal development and active citizenship to create stronger, more inclusive communities.
“What we are aiming to do is continue the good work that has been done previously to help residents across North Ayrshire learn, develop new skills and improve their own life chances while boosting their communities. There are many great opportunities within the plan for community development and individual learning. We want to ensure everyone – especially those who are vulnerable or marginalised – has access to learning opportunities and nobody is left behind.”
Councillor Alan Hill – Cabinet member for Communities and Islands
Achievements from the previous CLD Strategic Plan (2021 to 2024) across the six Localities include the success of Community Asset Transfers, food larders, participatory budgeting – which sees communities deciding how they want to spend public funds – and Community Investment Fund support.
North Ayrshire Green Health Framework