Members of the Cowdenbeath Area Committee have welcomed the positive progress made during the second year of the Cowdenbeath Area Local Community Plan.

The update report, covering September 2024 to September 2025, shows how council services, community groups and local partners have worked together across Cowdenbeath, Lochgelly, Kelty, Benarty, Crossgates and surrounding areas to deliver activity under the plan’s three priorities: tackling poverty, raising aspirations and community engagement.

Partnership work has strengthened local support networks and made it easier for people to access help. Key highlights include:

• The Minimum Offer Guarantee, developed through the Cowdenbeath Poverty Action Group, equipping more than 100 local staff and volunteers to give consistent advice and signposting.
• A ‘Knowing Me, Knowing You’ networking event bringing together over 100 staff, volunteers and organisations to improve local support pathways.
• Targeted work with Business Gateway and Scotland Loves Local to support Cowdenbeath town centre businesses, generating 28 new enquiries.
• Partnership cycle projects with Greener Kirkcaldy, providing bikes, equipment and training to young people and families to support physical activity and wellbeing.

There has been a strong focus on skills, confidence and new opportunities for young people and adults. Over the past year:

• Local partners, including Beath High School and Lochgelly High School, delivered training, mentoring and volunteering opportunities—leading some young people into paid work
• A wide range of community learning opportunities took place, including first aid, cycling coaching and employability skills
• Volunteering grew across the area, with new roles created in youth clubs, Lochgelly Music Library, and community organisations such as the Knights Templar Goodwill Charity
• Mental health and wellbeing support expanded, including the growth of Andy’s Man Club, now running three local groups, and new activities such as ceilidh dancing at Beath High School and expanded warm‑space activity programme

Progress has also been made in giving residents more say in local decisions:

• A successful participatory budgeting programme saw over 1,500 residents vote to allocate £96,000 to 59 local projects.
• Ongoing support for Local Place Plans in Benarty, Kelty and Crossgates & Mossgreen, developed with extensive community engagement.
• Continued outreach by council services and partners, supporting new community‑led groups such as Benarty Bairns, a parent‑led toddler group formed following local engagement sessions.

Cllr Alex Campbell, Area Committee Convenor, said:“The committee was pleased to note the progress being made through the Local Community Plan. This report reflects the wide range of positive work taking place across Cowdenbeath and our surrounding communities – from town centres and schools to local halls and green spaces. I want to thank the staff, volunteers and partner organisations who continue to work alongside local people to make a real difference. While there is always more to do, this update shows the value of strong local partnerships and community‑led action.”

Members noted the achievements made during year two, with work now continuing into the final year of the plan.

Further information on the Cowdenbeath Area Local Community Plan is available at our.fife.scot/lets-talk-local/Cowdenbeath-area.