Murd-Ho-Ho-Ho

Murdo would like to thank all BHC volunteers, partners and members for a good year and many more to come. He would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas (or any other holiday or tradition you choose to support) and a Happy New Year

Coffee Morning

Yesteryear

Soup and Sandwiches

click to see full size

BHC Glen Luce Boccia and New Age Curling Group

Thank you to all at the Boccia and New age curling group for an enjoyable morning with you at the Glen Luce bowling club!
To start of a cold Winter  October Morning with a welcoming cup of Tea and biscuit was a good start to the Morning
Having never played New age curling it was a new experiance, and your warm enthusiasim to get me involved was greatly appreciated , however !  and I am sorry to the Red Team for loosing so many points for you. but it was fun and it was good lisinting to individuals who not only said that it got them out of the house and a chance to meet people ,but the low impact  exercise had made a diffrence

The group meet every Monday 10.30am   - 12.00pm  at the Glen Luce Bowling club ,and would warmly welcome any new members to the group and there is no cost to join in so why not pop in have a cuppa and see what its all about ?
    

BHC Tai Chi for Health Group Portpartrick

Tai chi for health group have had a good summer introduction to Tai Chi for Health at Port Patrick village Hall and have over 15 registerd attending , the group meet up every Wed at 11.30 - 1pm  at the community hall next to the putting green at the shore front 

The group are facilitated by three Qualified Paul Lam institute for Tai Chi for Health  Facilitators , Jane Brown , Alexander Allison , and James Ramsey who are all Building Healthy Communities Volunteers

There is no cost to those who wish to attend ,and you require no experiance of Tai Chi to attend ,the Tai chi can be completed from a standing possition or a seated possition for those who may feel not too strong standing up

                                               Some Members of the group getting the sun !    

Mens Shed Stranraer Shows Big intrest for the Community !

The meeting was opened by Mike Greasley who introduced the concept of the Men’s Shed and how the idea to start one up in Stranraer had come about.  He explained the current situation in relation to who was involved and at what stage the project was at.  Donald Peers then introduced himself as one the initial organisers and Murdo MacLeod introduced himself reperesenting Building Healthy Communities   and Jenny Macdonald from Health Improvement team , who both explained their  role in supporting the group to establish a Mens Shed concept here in Stranraer

There was great enthusiasim from the large attendence of indiividuals who attended the meeting ,with a wide variation of career skills from , Engineering , Joiners, Paint and Decorators , farmers , Buisness men , Teachers to name a few  of the skills people had

The group welcomed its guest speaker Ian McMaster who is one of the organisers of Westhill Men’s Shed in Aberdeenshire. 

Westhill Men’s Shed was the first one in Scotland to be developed based on the original Australian model.  Ian highlighted that Aberdeenshire is not dissimilar to Wigtownshire in terms or rurality and pace of life. and went on to give examples of the work of his mens shed group set themselves up and the work they do within the community 

The first meeting ended very positive with a steering group been established , it was agreed that a further meeting at Stranraer Liblary would be held on the 1st Dec 2015  11am - 1pm  to enable word of mouth from todays event get shared and provide oppertunity for further men in the community to come along   

Active Minds

This service is being promoted by one of our partners Alzheimers Scotland, please be aware they have a website too http://www.alzscot.org/

Average day at the Art Group

The art group currently runs every Thursday from 10:30am to 12:30pm at the Coronation Day Centre in Stranraer, sessions and starter materials are free and people of all skill levels and interest are welcome. Please contact us for more details
The group opperates as a "Self Help" style group, with peolpe generally working on their own individual piece, but offering advice and help to those that need it. The group is very social and friendly and we hope that new comers feel welcomed and comfortable

First 4 Feet

This is an exciting new service being offered in the community that we would like to make people aware of. Please email first4feet@yahoo.com for more information .

Anne butler (affordable art)

Knit and Natter

This service is being promoted by one of our partners Alzheimers Scotland, please be aware they have a website too http://www.alzscot.org/

Musical Minds

This service is being promoted by one of our partners Alzheimers Scotland, please be aware they have a website too http://www.alzscot.org/

Galloway Walkers

Please contact Jennifer.macdonald3@nhs.net for more information

Field of Hope

Tai Chi Portpatrick

Building Healthy Communities West Wigtownshire -

Tai Chi for Health -Portpatrick Group  

 

Some of the Members of the Building Healthy Communities Tai Chi for Health  Portpatrick  which commenced in May 2015, The group have over 20 registered members, The service is delivered free on a Wed at Portpatrick Village hall 11.30 - 1pm by three qualified Building Healthy Communities  facilitators: Jane Brown , Alexander Allison and James Ramsay . All of whom are qualified in the Paul Lam institute of Tai Chi for Health , which focus on Tai Chi for Diabetes , Arthritis and Falls Prevention . 


The group is completely free and will run for the forseeable future, anyone interested please contact the main office on 01776 700632

Strategic Plan for Health and Social Care Integration Consultation 2016 - 2019

Share your views and help shape health and care services in Dumfries and Galloway.

In preparation for the Integration of Health and Social Care in Dumfries and Galloway, (The Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act 2014), we are required to develop a Strategic Plan for health and social care that sets out how we will plan and deliver care and support services for the region.

To help do this, a consultation document for a strategic plan has been prepared by integration partners. The consultation on this document is from Monday 22 June to Friday 28 August 2015 and we are very keen to hear the views and comments of as many people as possible.

This document sets out the case for change, key challenges for health and social care and how we plan to address these. It has been developed by listening to local people, people who use health and social care services, families and Carers, partner organisations and staff. There are questions at the back of the document that we would ask you to consider.  

To view the full consultation document, also shown on the website, click HERE. or on the logo on the right hand side of the blog.

If you require the Consultation Document in other formats or hard copies, these are available by emailing dg.integration@nhs.net or tel: 01387 272749. 

You can submit your comments using the questionnaire at the back of the consultation document.

Below is a timetable of consultation dates and venues for Dumfries and Galloway.

Also available are information leaflets about the Strategic Plan:

For the main version click Here

For the easy read version click Here

Please check us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BHCWigtownshire we have individual groups and would love for you to join them and interact with us. Feel free to send us your opinions and suggestions.

Stranraer Academy Senior Pupils Volunteering Event 9thJune 2015

Over 15 project/organisations have agreed to participate in a Market Stall presentation of opportunities for Senior Pupils that are potentially on offer within the community. Building Healthy Communities (West Wigtownshire) are keen to meet Senior pupils interested in establishing a Participatory appraisal (PA) support group within Stranraer Academy.

The development of a PA Senior Pupil Group, established at the academy, will have a role of establishing the views of school peers and teachers with regard to their experiences, expectations and needs for the future of Stranraer Academy.

.

The Training will be hands on; it will enable you to be skilled, confident community researchers and help strengthen the academic and social life experiences for all students. You will use the information gathered to inform teachers and other agencies in the delivery of Services at Stranraer Academy. Skills training will be provided, learning practical tools and techniques for effective participation, working as a group and developing a sustainable PA Network at Stranraer Academy will be explored .

If interested then come along on the 9th June.We look forward to meeting you !.

A personal reflection - on the benefits of by being part of SHAWL Arts Group

This was written by Katie Louise Clive who attends regularly with her fellow Artists with Building Healthy Communities SHAWL Arts Group and summarises everything that the Project Group expresses.

Building Healthy Communities (West ) Tai Chi for Health Group Portpatrck

BHC Volunteer Joe McGurk - My Story

My name is Joe McGurk I am a volunteer with Building Healthy Communities and have been for around about 8 years.  My first experience of the organisation was when I was informed about them through a friend, I then went on to meet Murdo who seemed positive and from there I could see that there was great potential.  It was clear that there was an opportunity to be involved with Community Projects which encouraged me and I felt very much empowered.

I had been writing poetry from a young age and one I could see that it was evident this was a passion of mine, very keen to share my work I became involved with individuals with similar interests.  People seemed to enjoy my company in a laid back social setting, which the BHC Office did become and I felt very comfortable in Community Groups. 

This gave me the opportunity to explore other Community work which I found very inspiring and from there I was introduced to a range of training opportunities which I found very helpful.  I am currently involved with a range of BHC Community Initiatives including the SHAWL Group , Social Media Sub Group and Dumfries and Galloway PA Network.

   This provided a broadening of my knowledge of Community Development and how to consult and engage with members of the public on aspects of need and understanding of relevant issues important to them.

Since becoming involved as a volunteer my confidence and self belief has greatly improved and this has allowed me to become involved with other organisations within the Community. The experienced gained has allowed me to be a voice for those experiencing inequalities and barriers in life.

Tai Chi for Health Stranraer Academy ( May 2015 )

Exam times can be a stressfull time for our young people in Education, Wigtownshire Practioners forum have organized some daily  stress release events to be held at Stranraer Accadmy during the week of the exams ,where Students can come along and engage in a range of stress free activities ,which include Tai chi for Health , African Druming and Stress Management activities

   So if your sitting Exams this season ,Why not come along and participate ?

Dates
Wed 13th May   12 -1pm
Thurs 14th May  12 -1pm
Mon 18th may    12- 1pm
Tue 19th May     12 -1pm
Wed 20th May    12- 1pm
Tue 26th May      12 -1pm 

Tai Chi for Health Taster Session - Portpatrick Village Hall 13th May -11.30 -12.30pm

Tai Chi for Health (West Wigtownshire)
Portpatrick

Tai Chi for Health (West Wigtownshire) are pleased to announce that they will be providing a Taster Session of Tai Chi for Health at Portpatrick Village Hall on Wed 13th May 2015  11.30am -12.30 pm

Three Trained Facilitators who are trained in Tai Chi for Arthritis and Diabetes are keen to promote the awareness of this form of exercise, known to benefit most aspects of health and is recognised as an essential part of the management of arthritis pain.

Diet and exercise are the corner stone of diabetes management. Exercising with Tai Chi encourages mental relaxation and reduces stress, building strength, balance and flexibility, through slow fluid movements. Scientific studies have shown Tai Chi to have beneficial effects on cardio–respiratory fitness and muscular strength, balance that minimises the complications of diabetes

If you are interested to come along to this Free to join activity, Contact Murdo Macleod - Tel 01776700632/email murdo.macleod2@nhs.net 

Senior Pupils Volunteering Opportunities Stranraer Academy 9th June 2015 -1.30 - 3.30 pm

Wigtownshire Youth Practioner Forum are pleased to announce the forthcoming event at Stranraer Academy.  The days event will consist of a range of Market Stalls supported by a range of Community Organisations and Businesses from across the community, offering volunteering opportunities to pupils in years 4 - 6

We still have some spaces left in our Market Stall arena for any community organisation or local business who would like to take up the opportunity to highlight their services and offer Volunteer placements to our 4th - 6th year Students.

For further information, contact 

Murdo Macleod, Building Healthy Communities   01776700632 

Linda Greenhill  Community Learning and Development 07709479646

Building Healthy Communities Tai Chi for Health Steering Group ( D&G West )

The next Meeting of the Tai Chi for Health Steering Group (D&G West) will be held on the 15th May  at the Murray Arms Hotel ,Gatehouse of Fleet, at 3pm - 5pm
We offer a warm welcome also to our  recently qualified Volunteer Facilitators who completed their training recently , and are attending the meeting.

BHC Tai Chi For Health Facilitators

BHC Chair Based / Light Weight Excercise Group, Glenluce

Hi Folks !
The Summer is upon us and the group have commenced their summer exercise programme at Glenluce Bowling Club. We meet every Monday from 10.30am - 11.30am.
The Summer programme will run from the 5th May  untill the 6th July 2015.

We are always looking for new members to come along. If you want to find out more, contact Building Healthy Communities, who will be pleased to provide you further information on how you could join.  

Furniture Craft Group (Pilot project)

With economic struggles and changes to welfare reforms in our community, financial hardship and cost of living is a difficult experience for  us all ,cost of new furniture is an expensive commodity that becomes a burden to family budgets
Why not learn some new skills in furniture craft ,renovating your old furniture and give it a new life ?

Building Healthy Communities  (west wigtownshire) will be running a six week workshop late May early June 2015 ,delivered by a trained facilitator experienced in this form of Craft Work .

Above are some examples of the facilitators previous works

If you are experiencing finacial hardship , this would be an opportunity to learn some new and exciting skills to use in your own home

                                                  Limited spaces available  so book now !

                                                                      Interested ?     
                                                                      Contact

                                                                Murdo Macleod

                                                      Building Healthy Communities

                                                                     Innistaigh
                                                                 Dalrymple Street
                                                                    Stranraer
                                                             Tel 01776700632

                                                            Email : murdo.macleod2@nhs.net                

SHAWL Arts Group Exhibition

Building Healthy Communities (West Wigtownshire )  SHAWL Arts group are pleased to announce their exhibition at Stranraer Library commencing Tue 5th May till the 15th May 2015
The Arts group are a self managed group of local artists and those interested in Art in the community , who meet up weekly at the Corronation Day Centre in Stranraer on a Thursday morning,The group welcome new members, experienced  or beginners

A small example of some of the artists work  from the Exhibition on show at Stranraer Library from the 5th May till the 15th May 2015

                                        

What will Dumfries and Galloway look like in 2035?

Due to High Demand there are only a few spaces left BOOK NOW! To Avoid dissapointment

You are invited to a Crichton Institute Panel Discussion on: What Dumfries and Galloway will look like in 2035?
This will take place on Wednesday 6th May at Douglas Arms Hotel Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway from 7 – 9pm

We are seeking to have a visionary debate about future land uses in Dumfries and Galloway involving a range of different stakeholders. The event will focus on a number of key questions:
• What are the main current land use pressures in Dumfries and Galloway? Are the same pressures likely to exist over the next 20 years to 2035? What, if any, new pressures are likely to emerge?
• What do you want the region to look like in 2035?
•How can the need for functional local planning documents be balanced with strategic, visionary thinking and decision-making at local, regional and national levels?
• How can the full range of appropriate stakeholders be involved in local/regional decision-making about land use in the region?
• Are there any issues that are unique to Dumfries and Galloway, or are there many shared issues across the South of Scotland? How can these unique/shared issues best be tackled?
• What key messages do you wish to feed into the national Cross Party Group meeting on this topic?

The key messages from the event will be reported at the May meeting of the Cross Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Rural Policy, entitled ‘What should Scotland look like in 2035?’. SRUC’s Rural Policy Centre directs the Crichton Institute’s Policy Function and provides the Secretariat for this Cross Party Group.

The local event gives people from different organisations, sectors, and interests across the Dumfries and Galloway region the chance to have their voices heard and to inform discussion at national level on this important issue. Attendees are invited to submit questions in advance to a panel of individuals working in this area. The event will be chaired by Dr Sarah Skerratt, Co-Director of the Institute’s Policy Function. Each panel member will be given five minutes to introduce themselves and provide some key points to kick start discussions and then the floor will be open to everyone for questions and comments.

Confirmed panel members are:
John Thomson, Southern Uplands Partnership An historian and economist by training, land use issues have been a constant theme in John’s career. After grappling with the complexities of the CAP during his early years in the Treasury, he worked on town and country planning policy in both England and Scotland before spending almost twenty years handling many aspects of land management and development as a Director in Scottish Natural Heritage. He is currently the Convenor of Scotland’s National Access Forum and of the Southern Uplands Partnership. He and his wife also run a small herd of Galloway cattle.

Nick Jennings, Upper Eskdale Development Group Nicholas is a social entrepreneur who helps to create networks of support and opportunity for people who have problems accessing these. He has worked in mental health, community care and education. Recently he helped to establish the Upper Eskdale Development Group, a community led initiative, which is striving to reinvigorate a remote upland community experiencing the challenges of a rapidly ageing population and lack of social, welfare and economic opportunities for young and old. Last year UEDG opened its £1.5 million Community Hub in the former primary school in Eskdalemuir.

Derek Robeson, Integrated Land & Water Management- Tweed Forum Derek is a Borderer who has been working in the field of land management advisory provision for over 22 years. Derek works for Tweed Forum and is assisting Scottish Borders Council with Stakeholder Engagement, as part of the Scottish Borders Land Use Strategy pilot. Derek spent 15 years as a Senior Conservation Advisor with Borders Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group. He then went on to work with Scotland’s Rural College as a Conservation Consultant. Derek has broad range of knowledge of land management issues and works closely with the local farming community on many land, water, woodland & wildlife management projects which deliver environmental enhancement.

Tim Liddon – Tilhill Tim studied 4 years at Aberdeen University and graduated with an Honours degree in Forestry, starting work for Tilhill Forestry in 1980. In 2001 the family moved back to Scotland and settled in Lockerbie, where he now manages Tilhill’s forestry business in Scotland. Work is busy for Tim with increasing timber production, climate change, the need for significant new planting, forest planning & certification as well as developing a sustainable forestry workforce. Tim is now also a director of the Sitka spruce breeding cooperative – a public/private not for profit partnership.

Steve Rogers (or a colleague) from D&G Council Planning Dept Steve is the Council's Head of Planning and Regulatory Services, his remit covers land use planning, building standards, environmental health and trading standards. Since joining Dumfries and Galloway over 5 years ago he has been the lead officer for all Planning related matters within the Council including the preparation of the Local Development Plan which was adopted in September 2014. This sets out a 20 year vision for the future development of the region. Prior to this Steve held senior positions at East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire Councils as well as a spell in the private sector.

Dr Dave Roberts is Head of SRUC Dairy Research Centre, Crichton Royal Farm Dumfries and Regional Dean which includes responsibilities at Barony Campus. Dave is a Nuffield Farming Scholar and a Fellow of Royal Agricultural Societies. The research work at Crichton includes the evaluation of future dairy farming systems; development of grassland management systems and soil management. Recent publications have included a review of dairy farm management across the UK which demonstrates the trend to increasing herd sizes and more cows kept indoors. In addition to SRUC work he is a Director of LEAF (Linking Farming and the Environment) and Vice Chairman of the organising committee for the International Farm Management Congress to be held in Edinburgh in 2017.

This event is free and open to all, if you would like to attend, please register on the Eventbrite page using the following link to enable us to monitor numbers Eventbrite
In order to ensure that the panel can fully address your questions on the night, please email them in advance to Katie Nairn at the following address: Katie.nairn@glasgow.ac.uk.

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Sorry for the inconvenience

Tai Chi for Health (West Wigtownshire)

Portpatrick

Tai chi for Health(West Wigtownshire) are pleased to announce that they will be providing a Taster Session of Tai chi for Health at Portpatrick Village hall on Wed 13th May 2015 Three Trained Facilitators who are trained in Tai Chi for Arthritis and Diabetes are keen to promote the awareness of this form of exercise, known to benefit most aspects of health and is recognised as an essential part of the management of arthritis pain,Diet and exercise are the corner stone of diabetes management,Exercising with Tai chi encourages mental relaxation and reduces stress, building strength,balance and flexibility ,through slow fluid movements. Scientific studies have shown Tai chi to have beneficial effects on cardio – respiratory, fitness and muscular strength, balance that minimises the complications of diabetes

If you are interested to come along to this Free to join activity Contact Murdo Macleod - Tel 01776700632/email Murdo.macleod2@nhs.net Please note! Limited spaces/Booking required