Renfrewshire South MSP Tom Arthur joined Corra Foundation to hear from people across Scotland who are changing their communities for the better, including representatives from the Dunterlie project in Barrhead, at a parliamentary reception on 24 September.
Dunterlie is one of nine communities across Scotland involved in the People in Place programme, which engages with local people and partners to understand their aspirations, challenges and shared priorities. The programme has helped address local needs and establish community events and projects, including a foodshare initiative – developed from a six-week pilot to a now permanent facility.
The People in Place team uses a place-based approach to work alongside people, listen to their ideas and support the change that matters to them.
The reception was an opportunity to bring members of the nine communities together. Guests heard the stories of community members, as they reflected on what inspires them to get involved in their local area and the difference their involvement has made.
Tom Arthur MSP commented:
“I was delighted to attend this reception and hear inspiring stories from people who are changing their communities for the better.
“It was a real pleasure to catch up with those involved locally, including Barrhead legend Rena McGuire. I know the action being taken in Dunterlie is having a real positive effect as the project goes from strength to strength and I am looking forwarding to meeting up with everyone involved later in the Autumn.
“When they are listened to and given flexible support, people can shape solutions that bring communities together, improve local areas and meet the challenges they face.”
Dunterlie community member Jolene, who also attended the parliamentary reception, said:
“People have become a lot more aware of the close knit community that Dunterlie is over the past few years. I moved here eleven years ago and was not aware up until a few years ago of how much was going on “behind the scenes”. Dunterlie Resource Centre has been a fantastic support and help in my life…if it wasn’t for the Resource Centre and the people in it I don’t know where or what I would be doing with myself. Throughout my short time spent involved in the centre I have become a more confident person. I love being able to help with things going on in Dunterlie and love the great community feeling.”
Aileen Campbell, MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Communities added:
“We believe in putting people and places first, and at the centre of decision making. That’s why we have adopted a collaborative, participative approach to our policies – bringing ideas and decisions about services, land and buildings together to improve their impact on communities and people’s lives.
“By engaging with people, Corra Foundation and its partners are empowering community members to take the lead and providing flexible support so they can put their ideas into action – on everything from jobs, health, play, education, investment and transport.”