Scottish Borders Council

Agenda item

Theme Group Updates

(i)      Our Economy, Skills and Learning (attached)

 

(ii)      Our Health, Care and Wellbeing (attached)

 

(iii)     Our Quality of Life (attached)

 

(iv)    Our Place (attached)

Minutes:

7.1    Our Economy, Skills and Learning

With reference to paragraph 6.1 of the Minute of 22 November 2018, copies of an update to February 2019 for the Group had been circulated.  Theme Lead Rob Dickson explained that the main challenge for the Group at the moment was the refresh of the Economic Strategy to 2023 and the Action Plan that underpinned this.  It was intended to bring a refreshed Strategy and Action Plan to the Strategic Board shortly.  In the wider economic landscape, progress was being made with the new South of Scotland Enterprise Agency, the City Region deal and Borderlands investment, all of which were at transition points. 

Noted.

 

7.2    Our Health and Wellbeing

With reference to paragraph 6.2 of the Minute of 22 November 2018, copies of an update to March 2019 had been circulated.  Theme Lead Tim Patterson highlighted the areas of progress which included additional funding for diabetes management; a new wellbeing service; support for mental health including training for key members of staff in suicide prevention; health in all policies; and Public Health liaison staff now assigned to each Area Partnership.  In response to a question about support for active lifestyles, Dr Patterson referred to funding which had been made available from the Diabetes Forum to the Berwickshire ‘beat the streets’ initiative.  Marjorie Hume also advised that the University of the Third Age did an enormous amount of work supporting people; there were country dancing groups; the number of men’s sheds was increasing; all of which contributed to the mental health of older people and reduced social isolation.  Reference was also made to GP referrals in relation to diabetes or overweight/obesity, which gave subsidised attendance at Live Borders venues/classes.   Councillor Hamilton commented that primary schools were doing a lot of work in resilience building in young people which in turn should lessen the need for mental health support in later years.

Noted.

 

7.3    Our Quality of Life

With reference to paragraph 6.3 of the Minute of 22 November 2018, copies of an update to February 2019 had been circulated.  Theme Lead Stuart Easingwood highlighted the reduction in domestic abuse incidents with Police Scotland officers currently undertaking significant training on the new psychological element of domestic abuse.  It was hoped to bring in the ‘Safe and Together’ model which was about commonality of language across multi-agencies.  There had also been a decrease in anti-social behaviour incidents and the Police Community Action team had helped alongside other partners to provide a multi-agency approach.  Unfortunately, there had been an increase in fatalities in road traffic accidents; 40% of accidents involved motorcycles and discussion was underway to try to find ways to reduce this.  Police Scotland was looking at the various factors across all rural areas including winter driving, being visible, speed, the nature of rural roads, etc.

Noted.

 

 

7.4    Our Place

With reference to paragraph 6.4 of the Minute of 22 November 2018, copies of an update to February 2019 had been circulated.  David Alexander advised that the Registered Social Landlords had an ambitious programme to address issues, and he drew attention to the lack of capacity within the construction industry to deliver new and upgraded housing.  

Noted.

 

Supporting documents:

 

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