Dear Community Resilience Group/Community Council/Colleagues,
Welcome to The Highland Council’s fortnightly briefing for groups with an interest in local community resilience.
Covid related information
- Scottish Government Covid-19 Guidance
- NHS Inform Covid data
- NHS Inform Covid information and guidance
- NHS Highland local vaccination information – this includes information on the winter Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Flu vaccination programme which is now underway.
Funding
SCVO is a key source of funding information for the third sector https://scvo.scot/funding. Funds that may be of interest include:
- Scottish Sea Farms – Heart of the Community Trust
Provides financial grants to projects which deliver lasting change within their communities. Included areas of support are family-oriented activities, opportunities for young people, mental wellbeing, isolation, and lifeline services. Applications can be made at any time. - North Highlands & Islands Climate Action Hub Funding
Offers grants to community groups for community engagement events or seed funding for projects focused on climate action themes such as reducing waste, food growing, or recycling. Next deadline is 31 March 2023. - Bauer Radio’s Cash for Kids Charities
Grants are given to charities and organisations to help them undertake projects to ensure care and support can continue to be provided to disabled and disadvantaged children aged 0-18. Deadlines vary by scheme.
- Community Regeneration Funding
Over £5 million is available in funding for projects responding to the needs of their local areas. Full details are available in the attachment and the deadline for expressions of interest is 7 October.
Welfare, poverty reduction and resilience
- CyberScotland – Attached is the September 2022 Bulletin. Topics this month include the latest NCSC Threat Report and keeping students secure online.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
- NHS Highland Mental Wellbeing – a collection of resources and signposts to help people of all ages to look after their own mental wellbeing.
- Cost of living crisis and your mental health
Many people are feeling the strain as the cost of living continues to increase. This resource provides information on how you can maintain your mental wellbeing at this time, alongside information on how to manage your money as bills rise. - Mental Health Delivery Group – Attached is the Autumn 2022 newsletter which includes topics such as poverty, money, alcohol and drugs, and training for a helping role.
Emergency Planning
- Met Office Weather Warnings https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings#?date=2022-08-11
- Met Office Weather Ready https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/weatherready
- Floodline Scotland https://floodlinescotland.org.uk/
- Ready Scotland – preparing for emergencies https://ready.scot/
Other
- Five Highland Community Councils did not form following the recent interim election due to failing to attract half the maximum membership required. These were:
- Boat of Garten
- Conon Bridge
- Culloden
- East Nairnshire
- Shiedaig
An additional three were put in a state of abeyance following resignations. These were:
- Acharacle
- Cradlehall and Westhill
- Melvich
Additional interim elections are going to be held for these eight community councils. Attached is a document with further information regarding this election and how to get involved.
- Local Housing Strategy Survey – The Highland Council are seeking local community feedback to help steer the new Local Housing Strategy 2023-28. All Highland residents are urged to participate to share their views on housing issues and how they feel resources, investment, and services should be targeted to tackle these challenges.
The survey should take no more than 5 minutes and is open until 30 September 2022.
Douglas Crawford
Business Analyst
Community Support and Engagement
Highland Council