DEPRIVATION IN THE RURAL COALFIELDS Gary Ellis CEO Coalfields Regeneration Trust 10 th December 2013
THE COALFIELDS REGENERATION TRUST Mission The Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) has a clear vision for external partners and decision makers and for the communities which we serve. Our mission is: To champion coalfield communities, generate resources to respond to their needs and deliver programmes that make a positive and lasting difference. Aims Our aims are to: Perform as a champion for the former coalfield communities in Britain Target resources at those communities in greatest need Become a partner for government in programme delivery and shaping policy Be responsive to local needs at grass roots level Deliver real improvements to coalfield communities efficiently and effectively In Scotland we are developing as an authoritative voice for coalfield communities, one that is best placed to pursue uniquely Scottish priorities. Funded by the Scottish Government.
WHERE WE WORK CRT resources in Scotland have been targeted at local authority wards containing significant coalfield populations. 83 communities across 13 local authority areas. The four main coalfield areas in Scotland are: Ayrshire parts of East Ayrshire and the Upper Nithsdale area of Dumfries and Galloway The Lothians parts of West Lothian, East Lothian and Midlothian Clydesdale/Strathkelvin parts of South Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire and East Dunbartonshire Fife/Central Coalfield part of Fife, Clackmannanshire, Stirling and Falkirk
WHAT WE DO The core of our work in Scotland is to build on our success by encouraging use of local resources in a way that enhances economic opportunities while improving social conditions in a sustainable way. Championing Coalfield Communities Serving the coalfield communities as a community agent and the voice of the communities Coalfields Community Network Coalfields Community Action (community led regeneration) Coalfields Capacity Building Coalfields Community Investment Fund Coalfields Community Futures Coalfields Enterprising Communities (community economic development) Coalfields Community Challenge Coalfields Regeneration School Developing Enterprise in coalfield communities Coalfields Strategic Programmes (targeted work) Targeted projects to meet the problems faced by the coalfield communities. For example Sportworks Clackmannanshire, a motivational programme supporting young people into work funded by the DWP.
KEY ISSUES IN RURAL COALFIELDS Worklessness Low incomes Poor health Inadequate access to services A weak enterprise culture Youth exclusion The tough economic climate in the UK has also taken a particular toll on the Scottish coalfield communities and threatens to unravel the advances made through more than a decade of coalfields regeneration investment by the Scottish Government. There is much unfinished business for the CRT in coalfield areas.
DALMELLINGTON
HOW CRT HAS HELPED Coalfields Community Futures Programme Community consultation and Community Action Plan 25,000 Participatory Budget Fund has contributed towards the cost of: Printing a heritage leaflet and map An eco garden Research into the design and costings for historic shop fronts Discovering Dalmellington Project Officer Doon Valley Crafters Spinning Wheel and Spindles Village Signage Welcome to Dalmellington Dark Skies As a result of the Coalfields Community Futures Programme in Dalmellington, East Ayrshire Council have made a commitment to carrying out Community Action Planning process in 30 of their rural communities. Community Investment Awards Dark Skies Observatory Lotties Tea Room Loch Doon Caravan Park
SCOTLAND OFFICE Pauline Douglas Head of Operations, Scotland 2/6 Cooperage Way Alloa FK10 3LP pauline.douglas@coalfields regen.org.uk pauline.grandison@coalfields-regen.org.uk 01259 272127 www.coalfields-regen.org.uk