Ewords june 2015 by East Ayrshire

keeping you informed

Website launch - a helping hand with finance

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Call for Excellence Awards nominations 2015

welcome contents Welcome to the summer issue of eWords, your quarterly employee magazine, bringing you up to date with news, events and activities across the Council. It’s an opportunity to read about what we do well and how we can learn from each other on how best to work to make things better for our local communities. eWords is very much your newsletter and if you have news to share with your colleagues, please get in touch – the autumn issue will be out in September – and you can see the publication schedule on page 14. Email: communications.pr@ east-ayrshire.gov.uk

Lilyhill welcomes first tenants

Bank on new website to help with money worries

A new vision for Kilmarnock Town Centre

Blooming great idea takes root

Employee news

Triple gold success for local schools!

Theatre & Arts Programme

Self-directed support

TIS The Reason To Celebrate

Excellence Awards 2015

Equalities and diversities round up

Putting the legs in legacy

A great way to spend a day! Did you know that you can take one day’s paid leave per year to volunteer within a community or voluntary organisation based within East Ayrshire, or a national voluntary organisation delivering services within East Ayrshire? The Council’s Special Leave Policy and EAGER Forms have now been updated to take account of this and a number of employees have already come forward to express their interest in Employer Supported Volunteering – using the knowledge, skills and experience gained through their employment to help assist and strengthen community or voluntary organisations. Volunteer placements are now being sought for these employees as well as other potential opportunities which may be suitable for those who express an interest in Employer Supported Volunteering over the coming months. If every one of us utilises this scheme, this would amount to nearly 6,000 hours of voluntary work which is an incredible resource that would be very much appreciated by our local communities. To answer any questions employees had regarding Employer Supported Volunteering or any other aspects of the Council’s Volunteer Framework, Lorraine Dick, Volunteer & Partner Development Officer and Martin McDougall, Learning and Development Officer recently hosted two drop-in sessions during National Volunteer Week. If you didn’t get the chance to attend one of the drop-in sessions but would like more information, please contact Lorraine Dick on (01563) 576720 or email volunteernow@east-ayrshire.gov.uk.

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Lilyhill welcomes first tenants

Bank on new website to help with money worries A helpful new website offering free support for people to make sense of recent (and forthcoming) benefit changes – and how to deal with money worries – is now up and running in East Ayrshire.

Lilyhill Gardens, a £1.6m supported living development at Witch Road in Kilmarnock, has welcomed its first tenants – opening its doors just one year after the foundations were first laid! The property offers accommodation for individuals with a range of support needs and is a product of co-ordinated partnership working between Housing Services, the Health and Social Care Partnership and the voluntary sector.

East Ayrshire Money (www.eamoney.co.uk) is a partnership of local agencies which provide information, advice and support services relating to benefits, financial and money-related issues for residents of East Ayrshire. You can also self refer or obtain general advice by calling a dedicated free telephone number 0800 389 7750. The new website can also assist with debt, rent and money problems. Many of us find ourselves stretched from time to time and often things get back to normal. Occasionally though, bills can mount, rent arrears can tot up and debts can easily get on top of you.

Thirteen tenants will now benefit from bright, modern flats with amenities such as wet floor showers; rise and fall kitchen units in wheelchair access flats; door entry system with fob access and an enclosed, safe, private garden. In addition, the site has 24-hour support with links to the Council’s Risk Management Centre, offers secure entry and exit and adaptable telecare systems. The building has been designed to be energy efficient and the internal street has been formed with full height south facing glazing panels over two storeys. Solar panels have also been incorporated to further reduce energy consumption. The development forms part of our Strategic Local Programme which supports a commitment to providing affordable housing as well as promoting town centre living. Once completed, the Programme will have delivered 197 new-build, affordable homes over 11 locations including specially designed homes for older people, wheelchair users and adults with complex needs. It also reflects our commitment to support people with additional support needs to live in their local community with sustainable support from health and care services, in an environment that promotes social interaction and gives the individuals and their families confidence that support will be available as and when required.

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If debt is causing you sleepless nights or financial hardship, or if you’ve difficulty paying your rent or have mortgage arrears – use the website and get in touch. The best thing to do is seek help and not worry in silence. As soon as you know there’s a problem, let someone know – and the service is anonymous and impartial. East Ayrshire Money can put you in touch with a local organisation to assist. The service also offers advice and guidance on other money matters such as access to affordable credit, setting up a bank account, insurance, budgeting and financial planning. Completing a simple online form, or making a free phone call is all you need to do – and East Ayrshire Money will find someone to help you.

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Celebrate East Ayrshire

Capturing East Ayrshire’s Legacy

Building on the excitement and momentum of last year’s Commonwealth Games and Queen’s Baton Relay, we decided that community led events should become a yearly feature throughout East Ayrshire. The idea was to encourage and support local community events, working with other external partners, to promote and boost civic pride in our towns and villages and maximise the many positive outcomes from successful community engagement.

There will be one taking place in Kilmarnock Town Centre on Sat 8 August and another at Woodroad Park in Cumnock on Sat 15 August featuring a variety of attractions and performances.

To achieve this, Vibrant Communities were asked to lead on a weeklong ‘Celebrate East Ayrshire’ initiative that will see support being offered to local communities who wish to plan and deliver their own community led event.

Celebrate East Ayrshire week takes place during Saturday 8 August to Saturday 15 August.

The great news is that nearly 30 organisations throughout the week will be delivering events including a mountain bike race, photography exhibition, BBQs, come and try sports days and heritage trail walks to name but a few. Vibrant Communities will also be delivering celebration events for families to come along and enjoy.

For further information about Celebrate East Ayrshire contact Adam Strain, Legacy Events Officer, on 01563 576339 or adam.strain@east-ayrshire.gov.uk

A new vision for Kilmarnock Town Centre Vibrant and Connected A new vision and action plan for Kilmarnock Town Centre is all set to be launched this summer, providing a framework to promote the town as: • a great place to shop and be in business • a great place to live and learn • an accessible town centre with good movement and communication • an animated and creative place • a green town with a rich heritage to enjoy • a safe, clean and attractive place. The Kilmarnock Working Together Action Plan will be launched at the start of the Celebrate East Ayrshire week, on Saturday 8 August. The plan has been developed by Vibrant Communities in partnership with the New Laigh Kirk and the detail was shaped through four stakeholder events, which brought together over 70 representatives

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from town centre shops and businesses, churches, voluntary and community groups, schools, youth groups, Police Scotland, Ayrshire College and many others. A key part of the initiative was that everyone, not just those assumed to be responsible for producing formal action plans, has the potential to contribute and invest their skills, talents and experience to make Kilmarnock a better place. Anyone interested in getting involved in Kilmarnock Town Centre action plan should contact Andy Colvin: 01563 554 802 or andy.colvin@east-ayrshire.gov.uk

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Blooming great idea takes root – with a little help from our friends! David Murray, Housing Officer, in conjunction with the Onthank Tenants’ and Residents’ Association, organised the annual planting of the summer bedding plants in Amlaird Road, Onthank, in June. He was well assisted by twelve local schoolchildren from Onthank and Mount Carmel Primary Schools - with additional assistance from Provost Todd, Councillors Coffey, McKay and Cowan, colleagues from Outdoor Amenities and the local Community Policing Team.

The great outdoors Teachers and practitioners from across all sectors of education recently met at St Joseph’s Academy to share good practice in Outdoor Learning. There were over 25 schools exhibiting as well as outdoor providers and charities. All participants had the chance to vote for the best establishment and the winners were: Early Education Centre – Onthank Primary school – Nether Robertland Secondary school – Cumnock Academy Special – Cumnock Supported Learning Centre Prizes were class sets of waterproofs, a class trip to Newmilns Ski Slope and a class trip to Clyde Muirshiel park for watersports activities. There were also two prestigious awards, The Graham Short Award for Excellence in Teaching Outdoors and the Practitioner Award for Excellence in the Outdoors. Claire Matthews, who couldn’t attend as she was on a Duke of Edinburgh Residential for her pupils from Park School, won the Graham Short award and Agnes Galloway from Onthank Nursery took the award for her continued effort and energy as Practitioner of Outdoor Excellence. Both ladies were picked from nominations given to an independent panel of judges from professional outdoor providers. The event was a great success and will become an annual event, providing an opportunity to get inspired, get support and get outdoors! For more information contact Willie White, Outdoor Development Officer, Learning Outdoors Support Team on 01563 551457 or willie.white@east-ayrshire.gov.uk

The plants were provided by the Onthank Tenants’ and Residents’ Association. The Spar shop in Meiklewood Road, Onthank, kindly provided goody bags for the schoolchildren.

Power Off and Learn Outdoors Pupils from Willowbank school in Kilmarnock had a ‘breath of fresh air’ at their recent POLO event. Power Off and Learn Outdoors was an opportunity for the whole school to turn off the lights and computers and head outside for the day.

Later that day, Provost Todd and Councillors Coffey, McKay and Cowan were also present at the planting of bedding plants at Tourhill Road by the representatives of The GRAFT Project. Both projects have enhanced the local community by creating colourful, maintained areas in open spaces – a blooming great result for all concerned!

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Each class moved around a selection of activities linked to the different curriculum areas. The activities/lessons are designed to give ideas for further curriculum development to teaching staff and also meet some of the criteria for an ‘eco day’ plan which is helping to develop our school grounds. There was also a den building activity which was part of ‘Save the Children’s Den Day’. The day was just about having a bit of fun and introducing new ways to learn in a new context.

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Employee News… Active Hub Officer appointed

New look to ICT management remits

Jim Kirkland has been appointed as an Active Travel Hub officer and will be developing an Active Travel Hub within Kilmarnock and Ayr.

Our ICT services will be aligned to reflect the Community Plan and new structure of the Council and the Account Managers and teams for each of the new areas are:

Safer Communities Account manager: Martin Mason, supporting: • Housing and Communities • Ayrshire Roads Alliance • Facilities and Property Management • Human Resources • Health and Safety • Transport Services

Wellbeing The Active Travel Hub, which is funded by Transport Scotland and is being developed in partnership with Sustrans, aims to promote walking, cycling and sustainable travel modes in the community. Its goal is to encourage workplaces, residents, individuals and community groups to choose active travel for short journeys and to engage with adults, children and young people to increase levels of cycling and walking locally. Jim Kirkland is a former inspector, specialising in Community Safety for Strathclyde Police and since retiring from duty has been employed by the Lighthouse Foundation as a volunteer coordinator. Jim brings valuable experience to the post including managing a team of community volunteers, delivering community based youth projects and has excellent links to various local community groups and organisations.

Account manager: John Lawson, supporting: • Health & Social Care Partnership • East Ayrshire Leisure Trust

Please note that management of the Education and Community Support account will be subject to further review but will be managed by John in the interim.

Transformation and Corporate Account manager: Craig McGillivray, supporting: • Web, incl. databases support and developments • eGovernment & Transformational Government • Corporate Projects

Find us on Facebook - Travel Hub KK Email jimmy@activetravelhubkilmarnock.org Telephone 07802 947648

Economy & Skills and Chief Executive’s Office Account manager: Chris Young, supporting: • Chief Executive’s Office • Elected Members • Governance • Internal Audit • Finance & ICT Services • Planning & Economic Development • Policy, Planning, Performance & Communications

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Employee News… Social work team turn cakes into dough...

Information security – know the facts

Our Social Work Protection Admin Team at Rothesay House in Cumnock recently held a cake break event in aid of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. The team did extremely well and produced some fabulous home baking, with sales raising a superb £257.50

As Council employees we handle client information and personal and sensitive data on a daily basis. Information is valuable and we are all responsible for keeping it secure. The responsibility for looking after information goes beyond the office, particularly if you use mobile devices and regularly take information outside the office.

One of the highlights was a popular ‘name the cake’ contest, with Service Manager Alan Paterson secretly naming his favourite cake – which others had to guess. The winning guess was Irish Whisky Cake - which Alan assures us he does not eat on duty! Well done to all for raising such an excellent sum for a deserving cause.

We are trusted to look after this essential information and every employee must comply with Data Protection regulations. Updated policies and guidelines will shortly be available on the intranet and you are encouraged to familiarise yourself with these at the earliest opportunity.

Hard work and study adds up for Robin!

In addition, there are four compulsory training modules which all employees are required to complete. The first two, Data Protection and Freedom of Information are already available on the Learning Academy. The second two modules – Information Security and Records Management - are currently in development and will be available shortly. REMEMBER: • Handle information with care • When unattended, keep your desk clear of confidential information • Do not discuss information unnecessarily

Congratulations to Robin Wales in Finance and ICT who recently passed his final accountancy exams and is now a qualified member of ACCA. Employee counselling service update New employee counselling services are now in place with a new provider and their contact details are as follows: Counselling and Coaching Solutions, 151 West George Street, Glasgow, G2 2JJ. Tel: 0141 228 6250 Employees can still make referrals through their manager, HR or, alternatively, can make a self-referral. Please note that the 24 hour helpline that was previously available is not currently in place, but updates on this service will be provided if it again becomes an option. Further details are available through Human Resources.

• Wear appropriate Council ID • Dispose of confidential information securely • Keep filing cabinets containing confidential information locked • Lock your computer when you are away from your desk • Keep passwords safe and do not share • Avoid taking confidential information off site whenever possible • Review distribution lists regularly • Keep your desk clear of confidential information • Hold confidential conversations in a suitable location For further information, contact: Robert Gibson, 01563 576094 Email: robert.gibson@east-ayrshire.gov.uk

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Have you signed up for the Learning Academy yet?

The Learning Academy is the superb, mobile-friendly online learning site for EAC employees’ development. Since its launch in April 2014: • Over 1000 employees have signed up • It has had 6300 hits • 25 new videos on subjects of leadership, Health & Safety, Healthy Working lives and Professional & Technical knowledge have been added • 5 New e-learning courses have been added • 2 new face to face courses are available to view • 65 downloadable articles and development resources on Leadership and Management can be accessed All you need to do to access the site is click https://learning.east-ayrshire.gov.uk, enter your corporate email address and hit ‘Get new Password’. You will then be emailed a link to create your password. If you don’t have an EAC email address, please contact Laura on 01563 576350 and she will register you. The Learning Academy - here for you - and a great way to learn! Changes to driving licences from June 2015 The paper counterpart to the photocard driving licence has been abolished and will no longer be issued by DVLA. You should destroy your paper counterpart, but you still need to keep your current photocard driving licence. (Paper driving licences issued before the photocard was introduced in 1998 will remain valid and should not be destroyed.) Penalty points/endorsements will now be recorded electronically and will not be printed or written on photocard licences or paper driving licences. Find out more here: www.gov.uk/browse/driving/driving-licences

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Triple gold success for local schools! Auchinleck Academy, Gargieston Primary School and Greenmill Primary have been recognised with a prestigious national award for innovation and achievement in delivering physical education and extra-curricular sport.

The sportscotland Gold School Sport Awards were presented to staff and pupils in June at a special ceremony in the Ayrshire Athletics Arena. The School Sport Award is a national initiative that is designed to encourage schools to continuously improve the quality and quantity of physical education and school sport opportunities. It also encourages the sporting links between

schools and the communities around them. There are currently 82 Gold Schools, 181 Silver and 65 Bronze across Scotland. To achieve a bronze or silver sportscotland School Sport Award, schools self-assess their current practice. However, to gain gold status an extensive external assessment is also carried out by an independent panel of experts.

It’s a brilliant achievement and the award will help ensure that quality physical education and school sport is at the heart of each school and its wider community. It will also encourage schools to ensure there are opportunities for all children and young people to engage, participate and reach their potential in this area. Well done to all three schools!

Getting It Right For Every Child As part of our commitment to improve our Getting it Right for Every Child approaches across services, East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership formally launched the Starting a Conversation Resource in May. The aim of this resource is to generate discussion about key areas of a child or young person’s/family’s life based on wellbeing indicators. The model can be used with children and young people and also with parents/carers to help identify key issues as they arise about risks and protective factors around a child or young person, but also importantly about aspirations. The first phase of training has been completed and targeted towards Social Work Staff and Head Teachers or Designated Senior Managers who have responsibility for looked-after children and young people in our educational or early years’ establishments and who work with children in learning communities. This multi-agency approach is intended to encourage ongoing relationship building between colleagues in our services and will provide opportunities for confidential discussions with service users. The model is being implemented across individual partnership service sectors during 2015/16 and an Ambassador Resource Pack will facilitate rollout using a “cascading” learning approach. Further half day multi agency training sessions have been arranged to equip colleagues with the skills and confidence to begin using this approach with young people/families for the following dates: 7 September 2015, 7 December 2015, 7 March 2016 To reserve a place for the multi agency training please email: maps@east-ayrshire.gov.uk. Following the training session, delegates will receive the “Starting a Conversation” Resource Pack. All of the materials are also available on the Council website for download http://test.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/SocialCareAndHealth/Getting-it-right-for-every-child-(GIRFEC).aspx

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Theatre & Arts Programme Edinburgh Fringe Sneaky Peek

EAYT Summer School

Saturday 1 August - Saturday 15 August (excluding Sundays) 9.30am-4pm (For ages 8-16) East Ayrshire Youth Theatre’s performing arts summer school is back and this year we will be working on the zany comedy rock musical - Little Shop of Horrors! This was one of our earliest full stage productions and we are very excited to be bringing this back to the Palace Theatre stage as part of the 10th anniversary celebrations. Summer School is now also in its tenth year and gives budding young stars aged 8-16 the chance to stage and perform a short musical under the guidance of East Ayrshire Leisure’s Cultural Development team. Over a two week period, the cast are put through an intensive rehearsal schedule, learning stage techniques including performance, singing, dancing and acting culminating in a live performance in front of an audience at the Palace Theatre. Cost is £140 per student / EAYT members £120.

Craig Hill & Mark Nelson Thursday 23 July 7.30pm £8.50 /£7.50 concessions

an opportunity to take part in the performing arts and develop new skills. No previous theatre experience is necessary. EACT will bring people of different abilities and backgrounds together as a group to explore their talents and develop new skills. The group aims to stage one full scale production each year at the Palace Theatre and there will be opportunities throughout the year to showcase work on a less formal scale. To book call the Box Office on 01563 554900. Opening Hours: Mon to Sat, 10am - 5pm.

William Letford with Rhona Brown & Zoe Stachan Fri 31 July Dick Institute, Kilmarnock 6-7.30pm, £7/£5 conc

Little Shop of Horrors

Friday 14 August, 7.30pm Saturday 15 August, 2pm & 7.30pm All tickets £5 Join EAYT and down-and-out florist’s assistant Seymour Krelborn as he becomes an overnight sensation after stumbling across a new breed of plant – a foulmouthed, R&B singing plant that promises unending fame and fortune in return for feeding its macabre craving... blood!! Will the EAYT cast discover the true intentions of the carnivorous plant in time? Come along and find out as we bring this charming, kooky and hilarious sci-fi musical spoof to the stage. To book call the Box Office on 01563 554900. Kai Humphries & Mark Nelson Friday 24 July, 7.30pm £8.50 /£7.50 concessions

Get into performance Art!

Craig Hill & Kai Humphries Saturday 25 July 7.30pm £11.50/£9.50 concessions They’re back……for three nights only! Don’t miss the legendary Edinburgh Fringe comedy previews at the Palace! The show will contain some adult humour and some rude (but hilarious) jokes. Suitable for 16+ Book early – it’s likely to be as popular as ever!

This annual event celebrates the anniversary of the publication of Robert Burns’ first book ‘Poems Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect’, printed in Kilmarnock by John Wilson in 1786. Author and poet William Letford takes the floor to read some of his own work, based on his recent creative residency at the Burns House Museum in Mauchline. His new work was inspired by the museum, its collections and Mauchline itself.

Grand Hall, Kilmarnock, Tuesdays (w/c 31 Aug) 7-9pm • £40 introductory price (normally £56 per term)

Letford’s first book Bevel garnered enormous critical acclaim on its publication in 2012 and he is a past winner of the New Writers Award and the Edwin Morgan Travel Bursary.

Are you bursting to get on stage? Perhaps you’re a bit nervous about performing or shy about reading in front of a group? Or maybe you just want to try your hand at theatre? Then this is the perfect opportunity for you!

Dr Rhona Brown, Head of Scottish Literature Department at Glasgow University, will join the conversation and the event will be hosted by Imprint Festival patron and writer Zoe Strachan.

A brand new theatre group, EAST AYRSHIRE COMMUNITY THEATRE, is a local group for adults (aged 18+) providing

To book contact: The Palace Theatre Box Office on 01563 554900. Opening Hours: Mon to Sat, 10am - 5pm

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Going the extra mile for building accessibility Self Directed Support

Architects who designed three of our buildings have been awarded Certificates of Excellence from the Kilmarnock and District Access Panel – who work to improve the accessibility of the built environment.

It’s now over a year since the implementation of Self Directed Support and we’ve been working hard to publicise what it is and how it can benefit residents in East Ayrshire. A week-long series of successful information sessions were recently organised which were well attended and highly informative, but we know that more needs to be done. The changes to health and social care provision across all age groups came about from the Social Care (Self Directed Support) Scotland Act 2013, which came into force on 1 April 2014. The Act places new duties on local authorities to provide various options to people who are eligible for care and support. Self Directed Support is about: • Giving people more choice, control and flexibility in the care they get • Talking about what is important to help people have a good life • Thinking differently about how best to meet agreed personal outcomes • Giving people more control over their lives, choice of care and support • Making the best use of the resources available Who can receive Self Directed Support? If someone is assessed as requiring social care services they may be able to receive Self Directed Support. There are some circumstances where individuals are not eligible for Self Directed Support. To find out more they will need to speak to a social worker or care manager at one of our local social work offices. For further information please call: 01563 503301 or email SDS@east-ayrshire.gov.uk

The Panel meets regularly to review planning and building warrant applications where they make comments over and above the minimum standards required for disabled access, making sure the needs of all people are fully considered from an early stage of the design. They also meet with architects and designers at the earliest possible stage in the process so comments, ideas and suggestions can be fully considered and taken on board. Once projects are completed they carry out site visits and this is the second year Certificates of Excellence have been presented to designers who, in the Panel’s view, have gone the extra mile. Congratulations to them! This year’s recipients are: • Matt Graham – Flowerbank Early Years’ Centre • Stuart Ritchie and Scott McCann – Sir Alexander Fleming Centre • Tony Anderson – Galston Community Centre

Community Resource www.my-east-ayrshire.co.uk is an online Community Directory connecting the people of East Ayrshire with information and contact details for organisations; local companies; local groups and care providers. If you provide community services, are a local company, provide care or support or run a local community group, club, exercise class, or a local business, you can register on the directory for free and let the rest of East Ayrshire know about it. For further information or assistance to register please contact Sionaid Paterson on 01563 503301 or sionaid.paterson@east-ayrshire.gov.uk

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Tis The Reason To Celebrate

Ayrshire East Foodbank -

Distribution Centres & Opening Times AYRSHIRE (EAST) FOODBANK

We recently celebrated a first in Scotland after lifting an award at the inaugural Tenants’ Information Service (TIS) National Excellence Awards Ceremony.

DISTRIBUTION CENTRE

AYRSHIRE (EAST) FOODBANK 8 Hastings Square, Darvel, KA17 0DR MONDAY: 10am- 12pm WEDNESDAY: 10am - 12pm FRIDAY: 10am - 12pm

ST MATTHEWS RC CHURCH Grassyards Road, Kilmarnock, KA3 7SH TUESDAY: 4pm - 6pm THURSDAY: 4pm - 6pm

ST JOHNS RC CHURCH 92 Glaisnock Street, Cumnock, KA18 1JU MONDAY: 10.30am - 12pm WEDNESDAY: 10.30am - 12pm FRIDAY: 10.30am - 12pm

THE ZONE 10 High Main Street, Dalmellington, KA6 7QN MONDAY - FRIDAY: 9am - 4pm

ONTHANK COMMUNITY CENTRE Kirkton Road, Onthank, KA3 2DF SATURDAY: 10.30am - 12.30pm

RICCARTON CHURCH HALL 21 New Street, Kilmarnock, KA1 4EB TUESDAY: 12.30pm - 2.30 pm

GRAFT PROJECT / CVO Belford Mill, 16 Brewery Rd, Kilmarnock, KA1 3GZ MONDAY: 1pm - 3pm WEDNESDAY: 1pm - 3pm FRIDAY: 9am - 4 pm

STEWARTON St Columba’s Church, Lainshaw Street, Stewarton, KA3 5BU TUESDAY: 4 - 6pm FRIDAY: 4 - 6pm

RANKINSTON Rankinston Community Centre, Littlemill Place, KA6 7HB THURSDAY: 10am - 12noon

The glittering ceremony held at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Glasgow, recognised excellence in scrutiny practice; particularly case studies which could inspire future tenant scrutiny development in Scotland.

How to donate

We scooped the award for Scrutiny Excellence in recognition of the relationship we’ve built between ourselves, the East Ayrshire Tenants’ and Residents’ Federation (EATRF) and tenants.

How to Volunteer

This partnership has demonstrated a track record of achievements and good practice and has established excellent working relationships and successful lines of communication ensuring that tenants are kept informed of any scrutiny feedback. The award is the result of hard work and a commitment to ensuring continuous improvement within Housing by building positive working relationships. This is further enhanced by inviting the EATRF to scrutinise our working practices and work on housing improvements. If you, or someone you know would like more information on Tenant Scrutiny, please contact the Customer Liaison Team on 01563 554878, or the East Ayrshire Tenants’ and Residents’ Federation on 01563 524073.

Tesco have permanent collection points in every store. They top up all donations from their stores by 30% so there is additional benefit by donating at their stores. Alternatively, donations can be handed in to the CVO Office which is open Monday-Friday 9am-4:30pm, Belford Mill, 16 Brewery Rd, Kilmarnock, KA1 3GZ, 01563 574000. We have regular and occasional volunteers who help at collections as well as at the distribution centres. If you would like to help, please contact Alistair Murison at the CVO (see number above), or by email:- alistair.murison@cvoea.co.uk We have a collection organised for Morrison’s in Kilmarnock from Friday 18th – Sunday 20th September when we would really welcome more volunteers.

We’re brushing up on our school work in 2015 Eight of our schools are scheduled to get a fresh lick of paint this year, with work at Newmilns Primary already complete and brushes currently hard at work in Catrine. The paint programme will continue at Riccarton Primary, with the foyer area, corridor, classroom 1, classroom 2 and the office set for a makeover. Auchinleck Primary School is also set for a summer refresh and the paint programme will also see work at Mount Carmel and Onthank Primaries. Work at Dunlop Primary School and St Patrick’s will start early in 2016, and all works will aim to minimise disruption to lessons.

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Dumfries House – inspiring local people to live healthy active lives! Following discussions across NHS Ayrshire and Arran, East Ayrshire Council and Dumfries House, a partnership approach was adopted to support key health priorities which included: • lifestyle support for those who are overweight/obese and either have or are at risk of developing diabetes • reducing social isolation amongst our older population In March 13 participants aged between 18 and 40 who were recruited by the Dalmellington Practice, started a 12 week lifestyle programme based within Dumfries House. These participants were overweight or obese and either had existing type 2 diabetes, were newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or were pre-disposed to diabetes. A mixed interactive programme was delivered including education and discussions on healthy eating, mindful eating, non-hungry eating, motivation, confidence and selfesteem. In addition they experienced a mixture of physical activities such as walking and circuit based activities in the gym to improve muscle use, stamina and strength. They participated in practical cooking activities looking at portion

sizes, ingredients, cooking methods, cooking skills, planning meals, extending ingredients and linking to the healthy eating theory through making meals- breakfast ideas, healthy main meals and budget cookery e.g. how many meals can be made from a whole chicken. All of the participants have said it was the highlight of the week coming along to Dumfries House and they all bonded really well as a group. They enjoyed the social aspect of the course, and managed to overcome their feelings of anxiety and apprehension. The final week was a celebration of their success, not only their weight loss but how they are now more active and more aware of their eating habits, adopting healthier behaviours. They have formed a group to continue supporting each other and to try and keep on track with improvements to their health and lifestyle. The next group is currently being identified in Dalmellington and will start its programme in September.

Elvis is in the house!

Casting call for cafe talent

In May Dumfries House and Vibrant Communities joined forces to host an afternoon tea for older adults.

East Ayrshire Alcohol and Drugs Partnership alongside East Ayrshire Churches for Homeless and people in recovery from alcohol and drugs have recently commenced delivery of a recovery café running on the last Saturday of each month.

This initial event was attended by those who live in supported accommodation or are members of their social clubs. Over 100 participants danced away to the songs of Elvis performed by East Ayrshire Council’s own Elvis – John Reid. They were then treated to afternoon tea. Everyone had a great time meeting others from across East Ayrshire.

The café, which is for those in recovery from alcohol and drugs, their friends, family and carers offers chat, food and entertainment from 5.30pm – 8pm and is appealing for anyone willing to provide entertainment at any of the cafe sessions.

T AY R S HIR

RECOVER

If you (or someone in your family) has a particular skill or talent whether it be singing, dancing, playing instruments or such like and you would be willing to donate an hour of your time, then please get in touch with Liam Wells, ADP co-ordinator on 01563 555353, mobile: 07971 513307 or by email: liam.wells@east-ayrshire.gov.uk

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Employee News… Arran 2015 cycling challenge

Excellence Awards 2015

Last summer, thirteen intrepid staff from Corporate Infrastructure cycled a gruelling 55 hilly miles around the entire perimeter of Arran raising £4,030 for the charity YoungMinds, the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. (www.youngminds.org.uk)

Do you know a team, or an individual, who goes the extra mile to deliver unrivalled customer service? This year, on 29 August, the same bunch of amateur cyclists have decided to up the ante by not only repeating the 55 mile cycle, but then hiking and climbing the 12 mile round-trip to the 2,866 foot summit of Goat Fell and back. The event has been dubbed Arran Bike & Hike 2015. The team is looking for sponsorship to help spur them on during the event and in the weeks of training, fundraising and preparation leading up to it. If you’d like to make a donation, please visit http:// www.justgiving.com/Arran-Bike-and-Hike-2015. Thank you. Jackie’s all s-miles after epic walk!

Why not recognise their efforts by nominating them for an Excellence Award and recognise their success? We’re holding our Excellence Awards Ceremony in Grange Academy on 22 October 2015. The Excellence Awards Ceremony - Recognising Success - allows us to recognise excellence amongst individual employees - or team of employees – those people who have demonstrated innovation or excellence in their work for the Council. There will be ten awards presented at the ceremony – and seven of these are nominated by employees: • Delivering Results • Customer Focus • Engagement • Working Together • Continuous Improvement • Health & Safety • Young Achiever In addition to these seven key awards, there will be three special awards presented on the night: • Provost’s Award – the Provost will select the winner of this Award from employees or teams who have been nominated for or gained external recognition.

Jackie Brown, a paralegal with Legal Services has raised a fantastic £637 after taking part in the 100 km London 2 Brighton Challenge. The challenge is now one of the UK’s greatest endurance events, with some 3,000 challengers walking, jogging and running. Jackie said: “I lost my mum to cancer six years ago and have been doing a number of charity challenges for a few years – but this one stood out as something special! “It was incredible and so demanding, but I’m glad my feet and stamina held up for the distance! Just don’t expect a lap of honour...” Jackie was raising money for Cancer Research and the Ayrshire Hospice – and we’d all like to say well done, and please let us know what the next challenge is!

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• Award for Excellence in Customer Service – nominations for this award will be sought from members of the public and service users. • Chief Executive’s Award – this will be awarded by the Chief Executive to an individual or team who have impressed by their innovation in terms of improving and delivering services. Nominations for the Awards close on Friday 14 August and you can make your nomination by going online here: http://eac.eu/employeeawards Remember, the closing date is Friday 14 August – so why not make your nomination today?

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Employee News Ten minutes with… Michael Keane What is your job?

However, if I could travel in time, I’d either be an old fashioned cowboy in the Wild West, exploring new frontiers, or go forwards and be on the Star Ship Enterprise exploring with Jean-Luc Picard, where all the technology works perfectly and all you have to say is “make it so” and everything works out by the end of the episode.

Head of Planning and Economic Development.

Favourite food It’s almost impossible for me to pass by a nice rare steak and onions but I will eat almost anything. There is such a wide range of excellent food in East Ayrshire and this is something that we need to make more noise about. Not only am I looking forward to sampling local produce, I’m determined to market the very best we have to offer, to the widest possible audiences and markets.

What are the biggest challenges you face? I think the big challenge for us in Planning and Economic Development is to enable growth in the local economy to create jobs. This is a very clear objective but to make it happen requires us to work together internally with other key areas of the Council. In addition we have to work with other public sector partners and neighbouring Councils. It is also essential that we engage and work with the private sector businesses to deliver these jobs.

How do you relax? I’m fairly laid back most of the time so I try to stay relaxed as a default mode. Outside work I like to walk, and cycle a bit. I also love horses and try to get to Ireland at least once a year for a riding holiday. As well as this, I’m an occasional scuba diver and play golf, though this needs a bit of work. I also read quite a bit.

Because I’m new to the Council the challenge for me is to get to know the area and the key players and to understand how things get done around here.

Best advice you’ve ever received? Never assume anything, get the facts and always keep an open mind.

What has been your biggest success so far? I think getting to this stage in my life and still always trying to see the opportunity first and not get bogged down by the problem is probably a success. Everyone is able to identify and point out problems but not everyone sees the opportunity hiding inside the problem. I’ve worked on a lot of projects and initiatives where cutting through difficulties and focusing on the benefits and rewards has proved a useful skill. There are boats bobbing about on a marina on Windermere today and there are people in Yorkshire getting real time travel information and I’m happy that I had a hand in making these things happen. What are you most proud of? I’m incredibly proud of my children, who have grown up and forged very successful and different careers for themselves in different parts of the world. In a work context I am proud to have worked with some really great teams and individuals and got things done.

Happiest childhood memory? My mother took me on the back of her bike to see Calamity Jane – it was the first film I ever saw in the cinema.

Which person/people/thing has been the biggest influence on you? My parents placed a huge value on learning and instilled that in all of us. My father only went to school ‘the odd day’ as he used to say himself. As I grew up I discovered that the many wise sayings he used were drawn from a world of sources including Aristotle, Joyce, Shakespeare and many more. The fact that someone with little formal education had accessed this knowledge way before the Google era taught me that there are no limits except the ones we set ourselves.

And another thing... If you could do any job in the world, what would it be and why? I love the job I’m in as it offers me plenty of challenge. I love learning, knowledge and exploring new ideas, ways of thinking and creative solutions so in an ideal world I’d have a new job every few years.

I’d love to have a go at Ice Road Trucking – I suppose I like the idea of pushing the limits in any area of activity.

ewords deadlines for autumn & winter issues Autumn 2015 Copy deadline 7 September Published 25 September

Winter 2015 Copy deadline 26 November Published 14 December

Email your items/advertising to: communications.pr@east-ayrshire.gov.uk no later than the stated deadline please.

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Employee News Ten minutes with… Alyia Zaheed

If you could do any job in the world, what would it be and why? I have always wanted to open my own deli with tea room selling foods from around the world.

What is your job? I am a Corporate Officer with responsibility for Equality and Diversity within the Council. What are the biggest challenges you face?

Favourite food As I don’t have a sweet tooth, I like most savoury foods, however a real favourite is samosa chaat, which is Indian street food made from samosas, mildly spiced chick peas, topped with yogurt and tangy chutney.

Personally, watching my 10 year old niece fight cancer since she was 6 years old.

How do you relax?

Professionally, encouraging colleagues to take equalities seriously and the impact discrimination can have on people’s lives.

Best advice you’ve ever received?

What has been your biggest success so far? There have been a few, however the two that stand out are the development of the Corporate Diversity Calendar and the event held to celebrate the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The concept of the diversity calendar was developed after a hugely successful Equality Week in 2012. The Diversity Calendar assists the Council to mainstream equalities and builds on the existing good practice throughout the Council.

Watching car crash TV and going out with friends.

Keep an open mind and don’t take things at face value. Happiest childhood memory? A family holiday to London when I was eight. As both my parents were self-employed and worked full-time, family holidays were rare growing up, and this was a road trip with stops along the way, visiting my parents friends. It holds found memories of all of us together. Which person/people/thing has been the biggest influence on you? My colleagues in Policy, Planning and Performance.

The UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities was the first time the Community Planning Partners came together and engaged with some members of our diverse communities to better understand their needs in an emergency situation.

And another thing...

What are you most proud of?

If you want to be considered for ’10 Minutes with’ drop us an email to: communications.pr@east-ayrshire.gov.uk

Claim to fame Sanjeev Kohli (Navid from Still Game) is a good personal friend of mine.

My children.

5 August 2015

‘Play more’ “Just 5Play” Wednesday August 2015 Wednesday 6 August Kay Park, Kilmarnock 11am - 3pm

card and build 20 points* Kay Park, Kilmarnock Messy Zone, Free 11am - 3pm Play Zone, Physical Zone, Adventure Zone, Creative Bring your

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Bring your Zone, Fun Zone card and build 5 points Messy Zone, Free Play Zone, All activities are Commonwealth Zone, Why not bringZone, a picnic and enjoy Adventure Creative aZone, fun filled Funday! Zone Activities take place no matter the weather so

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All activities are FREE!

please bring appropriate clothing. *Present SHOUT card at info point on the day

Why not bring a picnic and enjoy a fun filled day! Activities take place no matter the weather so please bring appropriate clothing.

CONTACT: Allison Smith, Play and Recreation Officer on 01563 576344 CONTACT: Email : vibrantcommunities@east-ayrshire.gov.uk Allison Young, Play and Recreation Officer on 01563 576344 Email: vibrantcommunities@east-ayrshire.gov.uk Car parking available at St. Joseph’s Leisure Centre, Kilmarnock College (top student car park only), Loanhead Primary, James Hamilton Academy, St. Kentigern’s Church and St. Matthew’s Church. Off street parking is also available at the MSCP (top level) at £1 per day. For all other parking within Kilmarnock please see www.ayrshireroadsalliance.co.uk. Disabled parking available at the Burns Monument and Kay Park Bowling Club.

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Celebrate East Ayrshire with a week long programme of events and activities taking place this August. Fun filled family festivals will start the celebrations off in Kilmarnock on Saturday 8 August and the programme will finish in Cumnock on Saturday 15 August. Both events will run from 12pm to 4pm. For more information about all of the events, including those being organised by local groups and organisations, visit: www.eac.eu/yourlegacy

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Equalities and diversities – a round up of the year so far… We’ve recently held our Annual Equalities Forum, now celebrating its eighth year and this sets out our priorities for the rest of the year and into 2016. It’s already been a successful year for the calendar with a number of events and activities promoting equality and diversity hitting the headlines. freedom, regardless of someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

Deaf Awareness Week

For further information on IDAHOT, the LGBT Charter Mark and our LGBT work please visit the Council’s LGBT webpage at www.eac. eu/lgbt where you will also find information on the current LGBT Youth Groups and the adult LGBT Group being run in partnership with the Terence Higgins Trust.

IDAHOT

The aim of East Ayrshire Council’s Diversity Calendar is to ensure equality activity is embedded in everything we do, with events being held throughout the year rather than being concentrated into an Equalities Week. The calendar celebrates the differences and multiple viewpoints within East Ayrshire and allows the Council to commemorate or celebrate events throughout the year with a series of conferences, panel discussions, workshops and other gatherings on topics related to the equalities agenda. Looking ahead, some dates for your diary include:

A superb new drop-in service offering support, advice and guidance for elderly people who wear a hearing aid was launched in Kilmarnock. Free sessions are run by volunteers through the Ayrshire charity, Sensory Impaired Support Group (SISG), offering practical help such as new batteries, mould cleaning and tube replacement. Sessions run on the second Friday of each month in Meeting Room 2, Johnnie Walker Bond, Kilmarnock (2pm-3.30pm),

Diversity Calendar

• Alzheimer Awareness Month September • Older People’s Day – 1 October • Scottish Mental Health Week 4 - 10 October

Learning and Development All employees have the opportunity to access learning and development appropriate to their role. E-learning courses available at present are:

If you would like to organise your own event you can access information on resources in relation to the above events at: http://www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/ CouncilAndGovernment/About-the-Council/ EqualityDiversityAndCitizenship/Equalityand-diversity-events/East-Ayrshire-DiversityCalendar.aspx

• Equality and Diversity • LGBT Awareness • Gender Based Violence • Organising an Accessible Venue Employees should raise any development needs they have with their line manager.

A rainbow flag flew at Council HQ to raise awareness of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT).

We are in the process of developing a course in relation to Disability and Cultural Awareness. However if you have a course that will benefit employees in relation to equalities, please contact Alyia Zaheed on 01563 576244, or by email alyia.zaheed@east-ayrshire.gov.uk

IDAHOT is an awareness day, first established back in 2004 and celebrated in 60 countries across the world, which draws attention to the issues that people face every day and to promote tolerance, respect and

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Equalities and diversities Did you know..? June was Gypsy, Roma Traveller Month and we’re hard at work trying to bust some of the myths associated with them. Many of the perceptions and attitudes we have are based on a mixture of misunderstanding, prejudice and ignorance. The term Traveller refers to anyone who has a nomadic way of life. It describes someone’s lifestyle and, in the age when people are travelling more than ever before, it is an increasingly meaningless term. Myth: there are only really a handful of Travellers in the UK. Busted: Some 300,000 Gypsies and Travellers live in the UK. And the term ‘Traveller’ is now used as a catch-all phrase that also applies to anybody living in vehicles such as caravans, buses or campervans. Myth: All gypsies and travellers are the same Busted: Travellers can be divided into two groups, those that are ethnic Travellers, such as Romani Gypsies and Irish Travellers – and those who live on the road for purely economic reasons such as New Travellers and Showmen. In reality, there isn’t one Traveller community but many, each with their own particular culture and history. Myth: Gypsies and Travellers are dirty Busted: Gypsy culture is built upon strict codes of cleanliness learnt over centuries of life on the road. In fact, Gypsies view non-Gypsies as unclean because of the way they live. For example, Gypsies and Travellers rarely let animals inside their homes, because they believe them to be carriers of disease. Myth: Gypsies and travellers are involved in crime Busted: Just as in any other community, some Gypsies and Travellers are involved in crime. But Gypsies and Travellers say they have been criminalised by laws designed to halt their traditional lifestyle – and the actions of a small minority are used by the media to portray their whole lifestyle in a negative light. Myth: Gypsies and Travellers create litter and mess Busted: There are many areas in towns, cities and the countryside blighted by litter, flytipping and dog fouling – which are some of the leading complaints received by the Council. By far the biggest issue faced by Gypsies and Travellers is best they can be accommodated on sites that allow them to live in their caravans, with facilities how to allow proper storage and waste disposal. Myth: Gypsies and Travellers have become rich through avoiding paying tax Busted: There is no evidence for this at all. Both Romani Gypsy and Irish Traveller cultures value ‘portable wealth’ such as cars and caravans – and those assets are constantly depreciating in value. Myth: Gypsies are work shy and lazy Busted: There is a strong work ethic in Gypsy and Traveller communities, based on the simple need to survive. Their lifestyle has meant that they tend to work in trades that are highly mobile: agriculture, building/labouring and scrap metal dealing. Myth: Gypsies and travellers contribute nothing to mainstream life Busted: There have been many Gypsies and Travellers over the years, including: actors Sir Charlie Chaplin, Sir Michael Caine and Bob Hoskins, Nobel Prize winner Mother Teresa and footballers Eric Cantona and Wayne Rooney. Singers David Essex and Elvis Presley also had distant Romany origins, as did famed guitarist Django Reinhardt.

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Putting the legs in legacy Two dynamic young people with a bright future in sport have been appointed as sports mentors for East Ayrshire. Kieran McMaster, a gold medal winning athlete from Kilmarnock Amateur Boxing Club, and Sophie Smyth, a Commonwealth athlete from Kilmarnock Amateur Weightlifting Club, will be working with local sports clubs and athletes encouraging others to emulate their success. East Ayrshire’s local talented athletes have an exceptional level of dedication and a strong work ethos focused on being the best in their sport. Sports clubs have been successful in implementing sports development strategies by recruiting and nurturing beginners whilst also driving forward top level success in competition for high performing athletes. Kieran and Sophie will now start working on both their own personal development within their chosen sport and with others to help grow our local sporting talent by drawing on their wealth of experience, representing their country and performing at the highest level, to drive forward East Ayrshire’s sporting legacy. Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council committed £100,000 over two years, as part of the 2015/16 budget to create the sporting mentors posts, and Kieran and Sophie were recruited from our local talented athletes.

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Six of the best for us! Six more interns have joined us as part of our ongoing commitment to helping graduates find work. Natalie Owens (24) from Kilmarnock decided to apply for internship because of the enhanced career prospects it offered. Currently based in the Policy, Planning, Performance and Communication section, Natalie, a former pupil at St Joseph’s Academy, went on to study Business Studies at UWS and worked with Tesco as a student. After graduating in 2013, she then spent nine months working as an Administration Assistant in an Estate Agent. She said: “The internship is good for variety and I like the fact it’s a chance to do a bit of everything, preparing me and helping me focus on developing a long-term career.”

contribution to the team and become more confident in my abilities, so that I’m able to take on projects by myself and resolve difficult issues.” Euan is joined in IT by Stephen Gormanley (24) who is a past pupil of Doon Academy. He also studied at the University of the West of Scotland, getting an honours degree in Computer Games Development.

Josh McLaughlin (25) from Bellfield also joined PPP. He is a past pupil of Kilmarnock Academy and graduated from Strathclyde University in 2013 with a BA Politics (Hons). His previous jobs include working at Forum and volunteering at “Above Adventure” doing support and research to aid their application to set up a climbing centre in Kilmarnock. Josh said: “The internship is a great opportunity to develop my skills and work in a number of different and varied areas of Council policy. I’m really looking forward to it.” Euan Caldow (20) has joined our IT department, having graduated from the University of the West of Scotland with a degree in Computer Networking. A former Auchinleck Academy pupil, Euan said: “I’d worked in a supermarket for a few years whilst studying. I stocked shelves and helped out at the checkouts, but it’s great to get a job directly related to my degree. “Taking up an internship is a logical step for me as I find it much easier to remember information when there is physical work alongside it. I hope to make a worthwhile

He said: “I had graduated in 2013 and found it difficult to find a job in my chosen area. Before applying to the internship programme, I was working as a part time admin assistant in a local nursing home. “The internship is a fantastic opportunity to use my degree skills and to build on them in a working environment. I also aim to learn all aspects of web development and develop new skills in this area, whilst gaining valuable experience.” Jo Cox (24) is a graduate of Glasgow Caledonian University, having gained a degree in Computer Games Design. Jo is a past pupil of James Hamilton Academy and had been an active volunteer with East Ayrshire Vibrant Communities. She joins the East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership. Jo said: “I thought the opportunity of an internship would be a good way to use my skills and pick up new ones, while doing something worthwhile and different. I hope to use the internship to widen the range of work experience I have, ideally to secure full time employment in the longer term.”

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Louise Fitzsimmons (23) joins Jo at the East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership. She is a former pupil of Kilmarnock Academy and graduated from Glasgow Caledonian with a degree in Human Biology with Sociology and Psychology. Whilst studying at University, Louise had worked part-time with a local optician as a Dispensing Consultant. She said: “Having studied such a diverse subject area at university I had always been interested in how I could use my skills to help local people in my community. “I had always been interested in local government whilst studying modern studies at school and had been looking for something that might combine those skills and interests so the internship with the Health and Social Care Partnership is a perfect fit for me.”

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