ACTION PARTNERSHIP UPDATE

 The Kinross-shire, Almond and Earn Action Partnership aims to tackle inequalities in the local area. It is a collaboration between local community representatives, Perth & Kinross Council, Police Scotland, NHS Tayside Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and other public services. There are 5 partnerships in Perth & Kinross council area. Action planning at  a local level is a tried and tested way to tackle issues faced by communities.  Action Partnerships have access to funding, which is from Scottish Government and Perth & Kinross Council. At a recent Action Partnership Participatory Budget event held in the Williamson Hall on17th March several local groups were awarded funding.  These events are designed to allow the community to vote for the projects or groups tackling inequalities .

Nineteen groups applied for funding. Your VOTES   helped thirteen groups;  £18, 250 was distributed to groups from Findo Gask – Abernethy. Successful groups in Abernethy were Abernethy Pavilion £2000, Kitchen and shower upgrade, Abernethy Tennis Club, £1,998,  Tennis For All, Abernethy Toddlers Engaging The Senses, £1,126, and Defibrillator Fund. £1,500. Abernethy Primary School were not successful  but in the spirit of helping others Abernethy Tennis Club   gave £260 to Abernethy Primary School  to pay for Midas training (Mini bus) for 2 adults. Thank you to all who came along and gave their support. There  was a great buzz  in the hall  with groups networking and  sharing ideas on the day. Unfortunately not all groups were successful but there will be further opportunities to apply for funding. All of the unsuccessful groups have been given information regarding other funding sources.

Participatory Budgeting through Action Partnerships is not perfect. It is a new experience for Councillors with the aim of encouraging the community to help make decisions about what is important to them. We are looking for someone to represent Abernethy on the partnership, someone who knows the community, some of its needs and has time to attend meetings roughly every 6 weeks. Ideally we are looking for someone who has good knowledge and understanding of the area, can contribute ideas, opinions and solutions which reflect the voice of the communities we live in. If you are interested please contact Tracey Ramsay Community  Learning and Development Worker  who is based at Loch Leven Community Campus  01577867124 or email Tramsay@pkc.gov.uk  who will provide more information.

                                             Kathleen Baird