Councillors have welcomed a positive update showing how community planning and learning programmes are making a real difference across North East Fife.

The annual report on the Local Community Plan and Community Learning and Development (CLD) Plan highlights how partners, services and communities are working together to tackle key issues such as poverty, mental health, housing and access to services, while helping people build skills, confidence and stronger connections.

Across the area, there are clear examples of the difference this work is making in people’s day-to-day lives. Examples of progress and success include:

Supporting people through the cost of living

• 462 people received welfare support, with outreach available in all five wards across North East Fife
• New partnership approaches, including a Rural Poverty Plan and “Cash First” support, helping people access early, dignified help

Helping people learn, gain skills and move forward

• 50 adults achieved accredited qualifications through local learning programmes
• Over 500 adults took part in learning including community-based learning, ESOL and digital skills
• Family learning activity has expanded, with six projected delivered across the area, engaging 773 participants, strengthening family relationships

Creating opportunities for young people

• 654 young people took part in 37 youth work projects, with 23 gaining recognised awards
• Summer programmes engaged 117 young people in local activities, alongside outdoor learning and life skills sessions

Strengthening community life and participation

• A Rural Voice Panel has been established to ensure communities with experience of cost-of-living pressure can help shape services and action
• 12 Local Place Plans developed by communities, helping shape future development

Improving health, wellbeing and inclusion

• Nine projects supporting unpaid carers were delivered, with further funding secured for eight more
• Local initiatives tackling loneliness and improving mental health support, including community-led programmes and new “Breathing Space” benches

Area Convener, Councillor Jonny Tepp, said:“It’s really encouraging to see the difference this work is making across North East Fife. From supporting people through the cost of living to creating opportunities for young people and families, this is about practical help reaching communities every day.

“What stands out is the strength of partnership working and the role local people are playing in shaping what happens in their own communities. Thank you to everyone involved for helping make North East Fife a stronger and more connected place.”

Members welcomed the progress made and agreed to continue working with partners and communities to build on this success in the year ahead.

The full report is available at www.fife.gov.uk/committee/northeastfifearea