The Shaping Places for Wellbeing Programme supports anyone looking to take a place-based approach until December 2024. Thereafter, the resources on our website will remain and a reduced amount of support will continue to be available from the Planning for Place Programme within the Improvement Service.
Our support sits at three levels:
- Website resources: we have a range of resources and tools available on our website that illustrate the support we have given others, its impact and how to undertake the same process.
- Learning network: a network where those leading change locally can come together to share learning. This includes four ‘Masterclass’ webinars showcasing what is working for others and explaining the key elements of a place-based approach, then looking at these elements in more detail.
- Bespoke support: we can provide a limited amount of bespoke support and iterative training for anyone wanting more direct support.
Our support is founded on working with seven Project Towns across Scotland (Alloa, Ayr, Clydebank, Dalkeith, Dunoon, Fraserburgh and Rutherglen) to take a place-based approach. The place-based approach we supported our partners with within these towns continues to be embedded into their decision-making processes and the resources produced to support this continue to be utilised. We will be maintaining close links with our Project Town Steering Group members sharing their ongoing experience with place-based work in the webinars mentioned above.
As a result of sharing the learning from our work with seven Project Towns we have been providing support beyond these areas. Examples are below.
Clyde Gateway Supporting Families Programme
As a result of the work that took place in our Rutherglen Project Town we are now working in partnership with Clyde Gateway and their Supporting Families Programme in the following towns from July 2024 until December 2024:
- Cambuslang
- Rigside
- Larkhall
- Bridgeton
The extension of the Programme approach into these new towns allows the learning in Rutherglen to support other organisations to take a place-based approach to tackling inequalities locally. This will include further embedment of the Place and Wellbeing Outcomes through training, providing new local data to inform decision-making and further opportunities to deliver Place and Wellbeing Assessments on plans and strategies in these areas.
As well as partnering with Clyde Gateway, we have provided bespoke support to other local authorities and partner organisations, including:
Shetland Islands Community Planning
We supported a Place and Wellbeing Assessment looking at three public sector projects in progress within Brae and the wider North Mainland area. The Assessment furthered work to ensure these transformational projects are integrated with each other and with the needs of the communities they impact.
Ayrshire United Football Academy
We were invited to work with Ayrshire United Football Academy in March 2024. The Shaping Places for Wellbeing Programme approach was drawn upon and the Place and Wellbeing Outcomes were used to help inform the development of activity for a youth and workforce development programme, and a Community Healthcare Hub.
The Academy found working with the Shaping Places for Wellbeing team a highly productive experience. From the very early stages in planning the workshop, the team quickly grasped the synergy between AUFA’s strategic goals and the Place & Wellbeing Outcomes. This helped to drive maximum value from the event. The process was carefully designed by Susan Beattie (Project Lead) and Alex Wilde (Project Lead) to give a clear structure, but with room for flexibility on the day.
The engagement workshop had a wide range of external partnership participants. Through effective facilitation, a high level of energy and engagement was achieved, all delivered to time. The end product fully met the brief of a five year ‘to do’ list for the community dimension of the Academy’s Business Plan.
If you are looking at place-based approaches, or if the Shaping Places for Wellbeing Programme sounds like something you would like to know more about, please contact Irene Beautyman, Place and Wellbeing Partnership Lead, below or follow us on X (Twitter) @place4wellbeing to keep up to date with all of our latest news
Irene Beautyman - Place and Wellbeing Partnership Lead
Phone: 07908 930763
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Planning for Place Programme
The Planning for Place Programme supports councils and their partners to collaborate around place, seeking to encourage place-based approaches to joint planning, resourcing and delivery of places that enable all communities to flourish.
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National Planning Improvement Programme
The National Planning Improvement Champion is responsible for monitoring the performance of planning authorities and providing advice to them (and others) on what steps might be taken to improve their performance.
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Planning Skills
The Planning Skills Programme co-ordinates training events for public sector planning officers, with the aim to develop the skills required to deliver better places.
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Digital Planning
The Digital Planning team at the Improvement Service collaborates with local government to enhance and unify data related to planning and building standards. This work aims to develop a cohesive national data landscape, fostering insights and supporting informed decision-making.
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Shaping Places for Wellbeing Programme
The Shaping Places for Wellbeing Programme is a joint delivery partnership between the Improvement Service and Public Health Scotland. This forum is for those interested in our work supporting the role of place to reduce inequality and improve the wellbeing of people and planet.
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Place Network
For those interested in the importance of place as a working approach to delivering national outcomes around improved wellbeing and inclusive growth.