Community Info

highland perthshire plus spring event.pdf

 CLD Challenging Poverty

Education Scotland have recently published a new web page which collates a series of case studies showcasing how CLD services have responded to the cost of living crisis across Scotland. It also includes a recording of a webinar we held during Challenge Poverty week 2023 with practitioners and young people talking about the projects in their area.  More info here… Challenging Poverty | Resources | Education Scotland

LEARNING, VOLUNTEERING & JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Details of ASIST training and Exploring Needs across Perth and Kinross

Thank you for circulating the alert for the March ASIST training and I am delighted that this is now full.  There will be further opportunities for ASIST from June onwards and I am just finalising the details. These will all take place in Perth City, but I am keen to discuss with anyone, the suicide prevention training needs across other areas of Perth and Kinross and I already know that trainers for Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) and Suicide Intervention Prevention Programme (SIPP) and Suicide Safety Plan training are happy to travel to help us meet our more rural needs.  Some of the courses to come will be open to members of the public so we can help build suicide safer communities across Perth and Kinross.  There will still be the usual advertising and application process required but to help with planning so that people can get dates in diaries now and have discussions with Team Managers to get approval to attend in place, please see the dates for ASIST for the next financial year 2024-2025.

 Wednesday 19  and Thursday 20 June 2024
Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 July 2024
Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 August 2024
Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 September 2024
Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 October 2024
Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 November 2024
Wednesday 04 and Thursday 05 December 2024
Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 January 2025
Wednesday 05 and Thursday 06 March 2025.

 f you would like to discuss anything at all about suicide prevention training in Perth and Kinross, please email me at: SuicidePrevention@pkc.gov.uk 
Susan Duncan, Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Perth and Kinross Council

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New Health and Wellbeing Hub in Dunkeld – Book a Space!

The community co-working space in partnership with Growbiz and the Guides is starting a new Health and Wellbeing Hub at the Guide Hall in Little Dunkeld.  If you work in the area of health and wellbeing and have your own personal insurance cover for your activity (public liability is covered) you can rent the Guide Hall for £10 per hour to undertake treatment or classes. For more info and to book space contact coworkingdunkeld@gmail.com.

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 Calling All Changemakers in Perth & Kinross!

We have some exciting news – it’s time to launch Be the Change, Perth & Kinross’s brand new volunteering platform, to the public!

If you’re looking for new ways to make a difference, we’d like to invite you to try Be the Change and find a volunteering role that matches your skills and interests.  We announced Be the Change to the third sector a few weeks ago, and it’s been so encouraging to see local organisations join and share their amazing opportunities. 

Charities, here’s an updated guide about how to make the most of this new platform, including social media assets you can use to spread the word. 

Even if you don’t involve volunteers directly, we have content you can share on social media so your audience can experience the benefits of volunteering.  

We’re so excited for Be the Change to take off and appreciate the enthusiasm we’re seen fir this project so far.  

By taking part and generating buzz for Be the Change, you can help our sector and the communities we serve thrive!

Find out more here

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 ESOL English for Speakers of Other Languages

Please can you help us to promote these classes for learners of English? We are offering a range of lessons in Aberfeldy, Pitlochry, Dunkeld and online. All levels are welcome and lessons are free! We are encouraging people to contact us to arrange a time which suits them.  Classes in Aberfeldy  and Pitlochry.  Call or text Livvy for more details on 07920 252371

Olivia Ingleby, Community Learning Assistant (ESOL), Perth and Kinross Council 
Tel: 01738 459705  Mob. 07920 252 371

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VisionPK’s Reconnect Project in Perth & Kinross

This project develops and support social groups for people with a visual impairment living outside of Perth City.  Our social groups provide an opportunity to meet others, share experiences, socialise and take part in activities.  Group Helpers - Volunteers are very welcome to help our groups. Please get in touch to find out about becoming a volunteer with us at VisionPK.  Kinross In partnership with the Kinross Centre, meets in the Garden Room.

The first & third Tuesday of the month from 10am to 11.45am at the Kinross Centre, 64 High Street, KY13 8AJ.

Aberfeldy Meets in the School Room of the Town Hall. The third Thursday of the month from 1.00pm to 2.30pm at the Town Hall, Crieff Road, PH15 2BJ.

Comrie In partnership with Cameron Court, meets in the lounge. The second Tuesday of the month from 10am to 11.30am at Cameron Court, Almond Place, PH6 2BB.

Auchterarder Meets in the Sitting room at St Margaret's Hospital. The first Thursday of the month from 11am to 12.30pm in the sitting room at St Margaret's Hospital, Auchterarder, PH3 1JH.

Bridge of Earn In partnership with Caledonia Housing The third Wednesday of the month from 1.00pm to 2.30pm at Servite House, 2 Muirmont Place, PH2 9RP.

Invergowrie meets in the sitting room at Peter Arbuckle Place. The second and fourth Thursday of the month from 10.30am —12 00 noon Peter Arbuckle Place, (off Mylnefield Road), DD2 5AE.

Contact for more information:  Lidia Dye, Community Development Worker, T: 07900 707542, E: lidia.dye@visionpk.org.uk

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Help & Support

Whole Family Support – Directory of Services

The PKC whole family wellbeing directory aims to improve awareness of, and access to services that provide support to families across Perth and Kinross.

It can be found here

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 Apply Once

‘Apply Once’ is our project that seeks to further streamline PKC’s application processes for benefits and concessions. In essence, this will bring together Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Discretionary Housing Payments, Free School Meals and certain Council Tax discounts and exemptions into a single application process.  After asking some basic questions, our form will identify which services the customer may be eligible to apply.

After development and testing, we have adopted a ‘soft launch’ approach which will see the first version of the form being available accessing Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction.   On 11 March, we rolled this form out to teams and services within PKC and aim to launch on our website from 18 March, ensuring continuity of service.

The second phase of the project will then seek to introduce Discretionary Housing Payments and Free School Meals before finally introducing Council Tax discounts and exemptions.

There will be no disruption to service whilst the new form is being rolled out with existing processes remaining in parallel for a period of time.

Our webpage will be updated on a regular basis:  www.pkc.gov.uk/ctrhbapply

Gordon Stewart, Team Leader – Benefits, Email: gordonstewart@pkc.gov.uk

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 Infant Feeding to Tackle Food Insecurity

Please share the following sent on behalf of the Welfare Rights Team with Community Groups and networks, as appropriate to ensure that we reach as many parents as possible who require infant formula.  In Perth and Kinross we are committed to giving every child the best start in life and that includes infant feeding, we work in partnership with NHS Tayside to ensure that all families have access to support to for infant feeding. More information can be found here

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Community-Led Guide to Local Services – Third Sector Interface

Service Navigator is an accessible and collaborative guide to the wide range of services available in Perth and Kinross.

As your Third Sector Interface, we understand it’s essential for you to have knowledge and evidence to be able to serve your communities.

Here to help is the Service Navigator, an interactive map of services provided by local charities, social enterprises and community groups.

The Service Navigator allows you to search for services by category and region, and you can learn more about each service by clicking its point on the map.

You can also add your organisation’s services to the map – find out how.

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Perth & Kinross Disability Sport - Come and Try Lawn Bowls at Perth Bowling Club

I am delighted to be working with Perth Bowling Club over the summer to offer bowling sessions for people of all ages with physical or learning disabilities or a vision impairment.  The sessions will be from 2pm-3pm on the first Thursday of every month starting 4 April at Perth Bowling Club - next to Bells Sports Centre. All equipment provided and no cost to participate.

Contact Graeme@pkds.org.uk for more info or register your place here - https://www.cognitoforms.com/perthkinrossdisabilitysport/perthkinrossdisabilitysportperthbowlingclublawnbowls

Graeme Doig, Branch Coordinator, Perth & Kinross Disability Sport - SCIO
www.pkds.org.uk 

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Aberfeldy Women's Watersports Project

My Name is Sam West and I am the Recreation Officer of the Breadalbane Canoe Club and I have recently received funding to run a Women's watersports  Project on a monthly basis. No experience is necessary and beginners are more than welcome. We will teach all skills necessary and will be a great way to meet others, experience and try different watersports between April and November, trying and learning how to Canoe, Kayak and Paddleboarding. 

It would be on gentle rivers and lochs in Perthshire, the Canoe Club is based out of Aberfeldy so would be close to there. We would have most of the equipment needed for the participants including wetsuits.  This would be a small group of women (16+) 1 coach and up to 6 participants on the river and 8 if we went to the loch.

The first trip will be on the 29th of April. Please let me know if you have any questions or women that would be interested in being a part of this project. Attached is a poster as well that can be shared. 

 Sam West, Recreation Officer, https://www.breadalbanecanoeclub.org.uk

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What’s on with Culture Perth & Kinross

Lots of exciting news and events can be found here

Perth Museum opened on Saturday 30^th March with lots of activities and events. Find out what’s happening and how to visit here.

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Perth & Kinross Disability Sport / HSCP Learning Disability Come and Try Sport

As part of Perth and Kinross Health & Social Care Partnership celebration of learning disability week in May, Perth & Kinross Disability Sport are delighted to invite participation from people of all ages with a learning disability to our ‘Come & Try Sport’ event.

🗓️ Thursday 9 May

⏰ 1pm-3pm

📍 Academy of Sport and Wellbeing, UHI Perth

💰 No Cost to Participate

Sports include: Boccia, Athletics & Fitness circuits 

Register here – https://www.cognitoforms.com/perthkinrossdisabilitysport/perthkinrossdisabilitysportcomeandtrysportldweek

Please get in touch – graeme@pkds.org.uk for more info or other methods of entry.  
Graeme Doig, Branch Coordinator, Perth & Kinross Disability Sport – SCIO  www.pkds.org.uk 

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New Resources at CulturePK

New valuable online resources have been added to the Culture CPK website e-reference - Culture Perth & Kinross (culturepk.org.uk) .  Ancestry, Driving Theory Test, Oxford Dictionary Pro, old newspapers, films and music.  All free with the library card number on the right-hand side of the page.  The latest What’s On at CulturePK can be found here

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FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

 

Ofgem Energy Redress Scheme

The Ofgem Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme (Energy Redress Scheme) opens to applications today, 30 January 2024, for its seventh funding round.  

Charities and community energy groups, including community interest companies, co-operative societies and community benefit societies, can now apply for a grant through one of four funding streams, with a total of £20 million available.  

Projects will be considered if they support households most at risk from cold homes and high energy bills, develop innovative products and services related to domestic energy use, or address carbon emissions reduction, across England, Scotland and Wales. 

More information can be found here

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TSI Funding Newsletter

Can be found here  Spring Funding Opportunities

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NEWSLETTERS  & LOCAL MEDIA

Community Engagement News from our Health & Social Care Partnership colleagues  - Issue 51
Chex-POINT Snippets – Issue 487
Growbiz
West Stormont Woodland Group

 

Rugbytots Perthshire
I hope this message finds you and your family in great spirits. My name is Sama'an Akel, and I represent Rugbytots Perthshire, an exciting programme designed to introduce young children to the world of rugby and sports in a fun and engaging manner.

At Rugbytots, we're passionate about fostering confidence, teamwork, and a love for physical activity in children from a young age. Our classes cater specifically to kids aged 2 to 7 years old, focusing on developing fundamental motor skills while introducing them to the basic principles of rugby in an inclusive and supportive environment.  We're thrilled to share that we have two convenient locations for our classes in Pitlochry Town Hall. These classes not only serve the Highland Perthshire area but also provide an excellent opportunity for children to learn and grow.  To celebrate the ongoing excellent (men's) Six Nations tournament, we're extending an exclusive offer to new families. Any parents who book their child's FREE taster session before the end of the Six Nations and attend before the end of April will receive a generous 15% discount on their enrolment fee. It's our way of encouraging more children to experience the joy of rugby while enjoying significant savings.

Here are the details of our Six Nations promotion:
Location: Pitlochry Town Hall
Discount: 15% off for first-time participants who book a free taster before the end of the Six Nations and attend before the end of April
Booking: Secure your child's place today by completing our dedicated schools Free taster form before 17 March and attending before 30 April: Link to Booking Form
Age Group: Classes available for children aged 2 to 7 years old
Benefits: Fun and interactive sessions designed to develop fundamental motor skills, teamwork, and a love for rugby
Safety: Our classes adhere to all necessary safety guidelines, delivered by qualified staff, to ensure a secure environment for all participants

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to introduce your child to the exciting world of rugby with Rugbytots. Simply complete our dedicated schools’ Free taster form to secure your child's place today.  Thank you for considering Rugbytots as part of your child's sporting journey. We're excited to welcome your little one to our classes and provide them with a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

Best regards,
Sama'an Akel
Franchise Owner – Perth & Kinross
Rugbytots – The world’s favourite rugby play programme

Job Vacancies by Tayside Contracts (tayside-contracts.co.uk)

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Request for Help with Birdfeeders on Path to Ben Vrackie
We have been asked to pass on a request for help to maintain a series of birdfeeders on the top section of the path through woodland towards Ben-y-Vrackie. It's about an hour's walk there and back from the top car park, although longer if stopping to fill and clean feeders. This was started about three years ago by a Pitlochry resident, with the gift of two birdfeeders from a neighbour and things have grown from there. There are about fifteen feeders supporting small rodents, birds, red squirrels and the occasional pine marten.  This resident no longer lives in the town, (now residing in Kingussie and working at the Wildlife Park and at Rothiemurchus,) and help is required to keep these feeders going and/or even fundraise to buy bird seed.  Posters have been put up in the hardware store - but with only limited success. Because of limited native habitat, with non-native plantation and overgrown rhododendrons in predominance, the feeders currently support more wildlife that would otherwise survive.   If interested, please contact Pitlochry High School and we will pass on your details.   Thank you.

Get Help With Digital Skills – Birnam Library

1 TO 1 APPOINTMENTS IN PERSON

Bring your own device or try one of ours. Tuesdays at Birnam Library Birnam Arts, Station Road, Birnam, PH8 0DS Book and appointment Phone: 01738 459703 Email: dunkeldcomlearn@pkc.gov.uk

Learn about….

ONLINE SAFETY

Browse the internet safely while banking and shopping online. Newspapers, magazines, books, YouTube, catch up TV.

EMAIL Set up an email account, send attachments, reply, create groups and folders.

SOCIAL MEDIA Socialising online with chat, video calling, sharing photos and video, friends, settings on Facebook and Instagram.

WATCHING, LISTENING, READING ONLINE

Newspapers, magazines, books, YouTube, catch up TV.

HAVE A QUESTION? Bring your digital questions. Get answers.

To book and appointment Phone: 01738 459703 or Email: dunkeldcomlearn@pkc.gov.uk

 

 

Dunkeld and Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group
Our newly established trad group will be starting in April, offering free weekly tuition and instrument provision, with opportunity to play in one of our trad bands and perform live music.

Lessons are for fiddle and accordion and will be in small groups, running weekly during term-time.  These are aimed at, but not limited to, beginners and new to trad players who will be aged P5-S2 in Autumn 2023.

We have two trad bands that will also run weekly through term-time, one for ages P5-S2 and one for S3-S6.  These are open to anyone attending classes, as well as anyone who can already play an instrument, providing it is suitable for trad music.

If you would like to join our group, please visit our Facebook page where you will find the link to a short survey to complete.  We will contact you soon after.  www.facebook.com / dbtradgroup
dbtradgroup@gmail.com

Pitlochry Festival Theatre - Free Drama Club for P5-S3
Thursdays from 3.45pm-4.45pm
Pitlochry Festival Theatre Free Drama Club Flyer.pdf

Strathtay Recovery Cafe (Dunkeld) - Every Thursday 10.30-12.00
Come and join like minded people in Recovery, with confidence building and friendship for a cuppa and chat.  We recognise all unique individualities, support one another, share our journey and above all respect each other.
Strathtay Recovery Cafe.pdf

Help, advice and support tailored to older people across Perth & Kinross
Help, advice and support tailored to older people across Perth & Kinross.  The cost-of-living crisis is having a devastating impact on many older people. Callers to Independent Age's helpline are making impossible choices on whether to eat a meal or turn the heating on. Many older people can feel uncomfortable talking about money or sharing that they are struggling, so we now have a dedicated Advisor to help older clients across our region.  Our Advisor will help clients recognise signs of financial strain, create space to encourage open conversations about money and help find solutions by: 

Identifying additional benefits and helping clients to apply
Identifying and applying for grants to ease financial burdens
Helping clients look at outgoings and recognise potential savings
Referring clients to specialist CAB advisors such as Energy or Debt

Dignity and respect are at the forefront of everything we do. Clients are given as much (or as little) support as they need – encouraged to take actions if they feel confident, but able to access one to one assistance to complete forms, contact third parties, etc if they would prefer us to do so on their behalf.

To refer services users to our dedicated Advisor please click the link here.   The attached poster has info for circulation
Independent Age Promo.pdf

Wellbeing Support Team
We provide early intervention and relapse prevention services to empower individuals to recover from, or live better with, the symptoms of mental ill health through the provision of information, support, self-management programmes, community connections and peer support. The Wellbeing Support Team forms part of Adult Social Work and Adult Social Care Services in the Health and Social Care Partnership. The Team encompasses staff employed by Perth & Kinross Council and NHS Tayside who have a diverse range of experience in relation to working with people with mental ill health

Referrals can be considered for anyone who meets the service criteria and who is willing and able to engage with the support on offer. Self-referrals are encouraged, or referrals can be made (with the consent of the individual) by others - family members, GP, Social Worker, Community Nurse etc. Referrals can be made by requesting and completing a service referral form or by telephoning a member of the Team to discuss this. The team covers: Kinross, Bridge of Earn, The Carse, Crieff, Blairgowrie, Dunkeld and Pitlochry areas.

For more information on how to refer and who is eligible please see the attached leaflet and referral form.
Wellbeing Support Team Brochure.pdf
Referral Form.pdf

Balhouse Care Home Pitlochry
Balhouse Care has been in touch and asked if we would share the information below. 

We have job vacancies at our Pitlochry Care home with family-friendly hours and we want to reach parents who may be able to take advantage of this flexibility.  For more information or advice on applying, please contact Melanie Brockway, Brand & Communications Executive, Balhousie Care Group - www.balhousiecare.co.uk
t: 01738 254254 m: 07492 163614

  

 

    

Suicide Prevention is Everybody’s Business Visit the website or download for free from your app store

For the Atholl Medical Centre please click on the link below:   www.theathollmedicalcentre.co.uk

Tourists and local businesses benefit from A9 dualling programme The App below can be found by clicking on the link below.  Some of our Primary pupils were involved in the choir which were recorded for this.    Highland Discovery App

 

  

 

 Scottish Government Guide on the Employment of Children