Festive ending to sucsessfull year !

Building Healthy Communities ( West Wigtownshire) Volunteers ,Held their Christmas lunch today at the Craignelder Hotel Today, To celebrate a fantastic year end ! 
With Dedicated Volunteers facilitating and supporting over 14 Community Health & Wellbeing project / initiative groups between them, Spanning across West Wigtownshire ,a fantastic achievement!
Providing support to our community service user and the community.

We wish you all a very festive season and look forward to seeing you all in 2018. Thank you for an amazing year folk ! and enjoy your well deserved break Merry Christmas !!

Cansurvive Wigtownshire hold thier members first Christmas Lunch

Members of our Cansurvive Wigtownshire group came together today to celebrate their first years achievements together ,holding their Christmas lunch at the Craignelder hotel in Stranraer 

The group have fund raised for St Johns, Raising an amazing  £ 2374.00 developed and promoted Essential Packs ( essential toiletries for men and women)  for those experiencing cancer and admitted to  Hospital ,made available at the Galloway   hospital ward and at the Cancer drop in Centre Stranraer in its aim to support the community


We wish all the members a festive and wonderful Christmas and new year ,and look forward to coming together in Jan2018 , new members are always welcome !

Building Healthy Communities Macmillan Cancer Walk Group West Wigtownshire

A wonderful first day was had with our Machars walking group at Kirroughtree Park  on Friday ,Supported by Volunteer Path walk leaders and members of the Building Healthy Communities  West Wigtownshire Macmillan walking group  .Two path walks were provided to meet the needs of the group

A coffee /lunch  opportunity followed at the centre, with  everyone reflecting their enjoyment of the days short walk.  taking in the winter foliage and Scenery , with  planned dates for future walks discussed for the group  

Community Road Show

Building Healthy Communities ( West Wigtownshire ) supported in partnership the delivery of a community road show this week in West Wigtownshire organized by Alzheimer's Scotland ,the event was supported by a range of agencies providing the communities of Drumore and Sandhead and surrounding villages information and awareness of services available to the community in the area

BHC Tai chi for Health West Wigtownshire Christmass lunch

BHC Volunteer Tai Chi for Health facilitators organised and planned a Christmas lunch for its  members at the Craigneleder hotel this week ,to celebrate together its successful year and to end the group meeting for the festive season

The Tai Chi for Health groups will recommence the start of the week 8th January2018 and we wish everyone a very merry Christmas and happy new year

Tai Chi for Health Lochans

 Just to inform everyone that our group  are now on our Festive break ,Our Tai Chi for Health will recommence on Wed  10th Jan 2018 , As facilitators we would like to wish everyone in the group a festive Christmas and look forward to seeing you all in 2018

Cycle for Health

I little warm up around Agnew park this morning, with some members of the group today ,the sunshine did not last long but was enjoyable whilst it lasted ,the cold coastal wind reminded us all that winter is upon us.

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 So the hot tea and coffee to finish of our Healthy  Cycle run, went down well  to warm us all up, and we all looking forward for the next Cycle run ,next Friday ,new members are more than welcome to come along .

Garden for Health

We have now completed our four week pilot initiative, and pleased to report the group wish to continue the good work established at Potters Garden Centre Stranraer ,This week we have been busy weeding and replanting for winter bloom on the site .

Weeding the Planters

 Taking shape

Bedding

We  welcome any new members who would like to come along and support the project , bringing their own gardening skills or indeed wishing to develop their gardening skills, you will be made most welcome,  and after our session....... a  well deserved cup of Tea / Coffee and biscuit's  and chat goes' down well  

Jenny learning some new skills

Tails on Trails Present their Sponsor walk cheque to Scottish SPCA

Building Healthy Communities Volunteer Michelle Graham recently arranged and managed a sponsored walk with dogs to raise funds for the Scottish SPCA.
The walk took place recently at Torrs Warren Wood and was attended by MSP Emma Harper. £930 was raised for the Scottish SPCA. 
Macmillan Cancer Support - Move More and Building Healthy Communities Walk Leaders supervised the walk. 
Janet Proudlock, SSPCA Inspector for Dumfries and Galloway received the cheque and thanked Michelle and all involved for their fantastic effort in raising this money which will help in her work of preventing cruelty to animals.

 
The photo shows Peter Ross, Move More Walk Leader, Janet Proudlock, SSPCA Inspector for Dumfries and Galloway, Michelle Graham, Building Healthy Communities Volunteer, Lind Ward, Move More Walk Leader, Murdo Macleod, Building Healthy Communities, Community Health Development Worker and member of Wigtownshire Health & Wellbeing Team , and Leo the dog ! .

Cansurvive Present their Cheque to St John`s

CanSurvive a local self help, support and social group for people affected by cancer presented a cheque for £2374.43 to Kenny Patterson and Willie Watterson of St. John's this week. The group raised the money during a sponsored  Moonlight Walk at Agnew Park and street collection in Stranraer town centre on 1st September. The total raised was £3392.04 with 30% going to CanSurvive to help with the development of the group in the area.

    




 Celia Hughes, Chairperson of CanSurvive remarked on the excellent work done by St. John for local people and how many of the group members were very thankful for the excellent service they have received from St. John. 
Celia also thanked everybody who participated in the event and everybody who sponsored the walkers. The main focus of the local St. John is the provision of services for palliative and cancer care in the district, in co-operation with NHS Dumfries and Galloway. 
Kenny and Willie gave a talk on the local work of St John and the kind donations made by a number of local groups. They mentioned that without funding it would  be difficult for St. John to provide the service.  Both wished CanSurvive well for the future and hoped that this relationship will be maintained for years to come.

Building Healthy Communities / Macmillan TCAT Cycling for Health Gets underway

A pilot project Cycling for Health has been established as part of the Building Healthy Communities ( West Wigtownshire )  and Macmillan Cancer TCAT programme .these free cycling taster sessions are available for those effected by Cancer , including family members. Friends, and Carers  

The Group meet at the Cancer Drop in Centre at the Galloway Hospital every Thursday from 3.30 -.4.15 pm ,so why not come along and participate , the group are led by experienced Bike lead volunteers ,who will guide you on an enjoyable cycle route around Stranraer  

For more information on how to join contact Gary Small, TCAT Development worker on 017767000632 0r email gary.small@nhs.net

New Community Gardens Initiative Established

A new Community Garden Initiative  has been established in Stranraer , Working in Partnership with  Building Healthy Communities West Wigtownshire, Macmillan Cancer Support and Potters Community  Garden Centre Stranraer 

An initial 4 week pilot programme has been established to support the development of a  planned Sensory Garden at Potters Garden Centre  and  develop or enhance  skills of individuals  in Garden development


Anyone interested  in coming along who are interested in gardening or have gardening skills to share are most welcome  to come along
The group meet weekly on Wednesday morning 11am -12.30pm at Potters Garden Centre  ,which is  located in Stair Park  Stranraer.

Rhins Men Shed - Christmass Sale of work

Rhins Men Shed are holding a Christmas  Sale of work on the 25th November at the Stoneykirk Community hall  between 10am -2pm

a Range of Gifts, Novelties and Christmas items will be available for sale ,and free tea & coffee will be available ,come and have a browse and meet its members  

Sucsessfull Day Had by all with Tails on Trail Sponsord walk

The damp weather did not put off Owners and dogs attending Torwood Forrest near Glen Luce  this weekend  in support of Tails on Trail  The event is supporting the Scottish SPCA Pound for Paws 2017 programme ,which aims  to rescue and re-home Scotland`s abused , abandoned and injured animals
A big thank you to Michelle Graham .Linda Ward and all the BHC volunteers and Path walk leaders  who assisted in making the day a success ,   a really enjoyable walk for all dogs and Owners, and we would like to convey our thanks to Emma Harper (MSP) who came out to support our cause today.

A well deserved coffee and cake followed courtesy of the County Golf Club Glen Luce to end our days event  with over £800 been raised supporting the SPCA  pound for paws programme

 
Further interest was indicated to have more family Dog walks developed in the future and we will keep you informed of their progress

SCDN Conference and AGM 2017 – Community Development Unchained

Our FREE conference this year will take place on Wednesday 25th October from 10am to 4pm at Townhead Village Hall, 60 St Mungo Ave, Glasgow, G4 0PL. Our members are always telling us that the most beneficial part of our events is when they have time to discuss practice issues in detail and learn from one and other so this will be an important part of the programme.


Our keynote speaker is Andy Milne, Chief Executive of Surf and our workshops will be facilitated by our members who will present a real life piece of work, showing it’s context, exploring practice issues and any challenges and how they dealt with them. During the afternoon workshops there will be time for you to relate this to your own practice and look at ongoing support and solutions. We are also looking to offer more innovative ways of capturing your feedback this year so as to further strengthen your voice as our members. Our AGM will take place at the end of the conference.
Places are limited and are going fast so register at the below link. Please ensure if you are unable to attend you cancel your place. As our funding is limited, a fee will be charged for any uncancelled places to cover our costs. #BecauseofSCDN #BecauseofCommunityDevelopment
https://form.jotformpro.com/72183053785965


The Scottish Community Development Network (SCDN) is a member led organisation, for community workers / community development workers, paid or unpaid, full or part time, from the community, voluntary or public sectors, who support the principles and practice of community development. SCDN is open to anyone with an interest in community development in Scotland.

Tails on Trails Sponsored Walk

Building Healthy Communities volunteers are organising a sponsored walk for families and pets on Saturday  14^th October  at 10.30 am  (Tails on the Trails )   The event is supporting the Scottish SPCA Pound for Paws 2017 programme ,which aims  to rescue and re-home Scotland`s abused , abandoned and injured animals

We welcome all our community to come along for an enjoyable three mile walk with (or without) their pets, starting from the Torrs Warren Forest, Ringdoo Point, Dunragit (accessible via A75 then railway crossing at Dunragit) or turn on to the B7084 from the A75 near The County Golf Club (map ref. NX143 563). Car park is signposted.

    County Golf Club at Glen Luce   are providing a facility for those interested to purchase  and a  hot coffee/ Tea afterwards ,and we will have a raffle after the Walk ,with some lovely donation prizes provided by local businesses and members of the public

                                      Look forward to seeing you all there !

Building Healthy Communities West Wigtownshire ( Action Planining Day ) 28th Sept 2017

The Area Partnership held their Action Planning and Review event at Green Valley Golf Academy  Castle Kennedy on the 28th Sept, The morning was spent reviewing the present 17 project/ initiatives  presently been delivered in the area .
Where presentations were provided by the Lead BHC Volunteers highlighting the value of the initiatives  they deliver within the community , A Special mention has to be made to James Rice and Katie Louise  two young  Service users from the BHC Arts group ,who were only asked if they wished to present on behalf of the Art group on the day ,and provided a wonderful verbal  report in the value of the art group and what it provides ,  

 

After lunch Presentations were provided by Julie Currie  Health Improvement Practioner  and Manager of the Wigtownshire Health & Wellbeing Team  on the progress of Health & Social Care  in the locality and by Linda Greenhill Youth Development Worker who spoke on Youth development strategy in the area and present work been delivered for youth

Julie Currie

Linda Greenhill

The final part of the day was an engagement with those attending to identify was there other areas of need in the community  that Building Healthy Communities  may possibly support or explore

A full  review report on the days events will be provided to all partners in the fourth coming weeks , On behalf of the Partnership  , I would like to thank all who attended , our Guest speakers ,to the Volunteers  who play such a vital role in the delivery of partnership action plans  and to those from the community 

Can Survive - Walk by the Moon Charity Walk Great Sucsess

Can Survive Wigtownshire Held the fundraising day in aid of St Johns on Friday the 1st Sept ,Can Survive Wigtownshire is a project initiative supported by Building Healthy Communities ( West Wigtownshire and Macmillan Cancer Transfer Care After Treatment ( TCAT ) programme initiative


Members of the group spent the day in the town centre fund raising ,and in the evening had arranged a sponsored walk around Agnew Park,




The evening activity started with a demonstration by Building Healthy communities Tai Chi for Health group followed by a   warm up exercise at 8pm  delivered by Ross Bark ,who provided some musical entertainment and motivation to those participating throughout the evening , the walk was  led off by Piper  and African drummers

Food and hot drinks were available provided by the Macleod Family  and free fruit provided by Morrison's to keep the crowd going
The final walker  Jane Brown crossed the line at midnight with approx. £3000 been raised from the days event

We would like to thank all who participated , organized & supported this years event which was enjoyed by all and raised over £3000.00 in sponsorship and donations

Move More Curcuits going from strengh to strengh

Move More circuits programme, provides the opportunity for individuals who have experienced Cancer to participate in physical healthy activity at the Ryan Centre gym once a week , the group meet on Monday  from 1pm -2pm  and is facilitated by Trained Sports and Leisure Staff ,who have completed Macmillan Cancer awareness training  , to support individuals attending  in this light exercises programme

The programme is open to individuals who have experienced Cancer , Carers and families , for further information Contact Gary Small Move More  Development worker ( West )  Tel no 01776700632 or email Gary.small@nhs.net

Stranraer 400 Historic Exhibition Event launch At North West Castle Stranraer

Building Healthy communities ( West Wigtownshire ) Arts Group  were pleased to support the launch of the Stranraer 400  Historic Exhibition  which is been facilitated at the North West Castle Stranraer

Johnny & John Rice  BHC Arts Group Representatives attending the Launch of the exhibition

The Art group provided the Backdrop Art  banners which they produced as part of the towns Commonwealth Games Celebrations  development , which were presented and mounted in the
Ice Rink where the exhibition is been displayed  over the next 10 days for the public to view  ,As part of its legacy the Exhibition will be part of a history presentation taken around the schools in the area in the fourth coming months ,to promote awareness to school children the History of their community

The Evening had Guests entertained by the Stranraer 400 Choir and Highland Dancing and guest speaker the Lord Lieutenant John Ross ,who spoke about the achievements of Stranraer past and present and the future development of its community

Bosum Buddies Re-named CanSurvive

The local cancer support group formerly known as Bosom Buddies has now reformed and changed the name of the group to CanSurvive.  The name change demonstrates the group's intention to appeal to all people affected by cancer, male and female.

Building Healthy Communities and the Regaining Wellbeing Project are supporting the group to become re-established and providing a service to local people affected by cancer. Can Survive is a self help, support and social group which also intends to support and where possible raise funds for local cancer services.

  The group are planning a small function to support Marie Curie and a sponsored walk is planned for Agnew Park, Stranraer on 1 September, 2017.  Donated monies for this event will help the local branch of The order of St. John and help the group's start up costs.

Can Survive has been welcomed in to Sam's Shabby Chic Café in Station Street, Stranraer.  The proprietor has made the premises available after closing time every second Tuesday for evening get togethers.  Currently these start at 6 p.m. and last for around 2 hours. Already group members have been entertained by The Body Shop / Marie Curie and Willie Waterson from The Order of St. John.

The group are keen for anybody who has been affected by cancer to join them and take part in their activities. This includes patients, family, carers, friends and anyone who wants to support the group and it's members. If you would like more information please contact Gary Small or Murdo Macleod at Building Healthy Communities (West Wigtownshire), tel .no. 01776700632 or gary.small@nhs.net..  Can Survive have a Facebook page and regular announcements are made on this blog and The Wigtownshire Health and Social Care Integration Facebook page.

The next group get-together takes place at Sam's Shabby Chic Café, Station Street, Stranraer at 6 p.m. on Tuesday 5th September    (and fortnightly thereafter) .  Please come along and support the group and feel free to bring along anyone who is interested iattending or supporting the group

Tails on the Trail Sponsord Dog Walk Sept 16th 2017 - Stranraer

Building Healthy Communities Volunteers are organising a sponsored walk for Families and Pets on the 23rd Sept  (Tails on the Trails )   The event is supporting the Scottish SPCA Pound for Paws 2017 programme ,which aim is to rescue and re-homing Scotland`s abused , abandoned and injured animals

We will be posting up further details next week on how to register and pick up sponsor sheets

Phillip Goes for his World Record at Agnew Park

Philip Millar  started his World Record attempt in his Mobility Scooter last night at 9pm at Agnew Park and will finish his journey Monday evening at 9pm ,his effort is also supporting a local group Hooves to raise funds.

                                                                 Pit stop to change Scooters

The Pit stop team

going strong !

We welcome the  community to  come down  tonight to Agnew Parks  to celebrate   Phillip`s  achievements ,  by mid day today Phillip has already completed over 500 laps non stop of  Agnew park and on target to make his world record

A Wet but fun day As " Pop Up Youth Village" Event in Stranraer

After all the sunshine we had ,Saturday turn of weather coincided with the arrival of the Pop up youth Village at Agnew Park this weekend , But this did not prevent the young people coming out to have fun .Unfortunately for Building Healthy Communities ( West Wigtownshire ) Tai Chi for health  Group ,the weather prevented them delivering their workshop due to safety concerns identified , this was disappointing for them ,but nerveless , it provided a social gathering of the group and having a hot chocolate at Agnew Café was enjoyable for all .

There was some very young talented singers who kept the crowd upbeat in the wet weather ,with craft stalls and park fun activities for all to enjoy .