Scottish Minister for public health, Jenny Minto, and COSLA spokesperson for health and social care, Paul Kelly, have been given first-hand accounts of the collaborative efforts under way in the region to improve population health.
The visiting pair were keen to learn about a wide range of projects working hard to reduce health inequalities and build a better future for Dumfries and Galloway residents’ health.
NHS Dumfries and Galloway’s director of public health, Valerie White, said: “The visit by Ms Minto and Mr Kelly was very positive, with a chance to showcase the range of collaborative work taking place across Dumfries and Galloway.
“Both guests were very complimentary, with their feedback recognising and highlighting the positive impact of our partnership efforts.”
The visit at The Bridge in Dumfries was hosted by the local Community Planning Partnership focused on projects being taken forward to support the partnership’s Local Outcome Improvement Plan.
It covered topics such as, child poverty, promoting physical activity and community led responses to supporting and improving community wellbeing – and ended with all parties articulating a continuing commitment to support efforts in Dumfries and Galloway to create healthier, more inclusive communities.
A highlight of the day was calling in at Summerhill Community Centre in North West Dumfries – regarded as an area of high deprivation – and the ministers got to see a range of services and community-led projects there which are supporting residents with essentials, skills training, and recreational activities.
Volunteers at Summerhill lead a food distribution programme, and the centre’s Community Pantry provides residents with low-cost groceries.
In addition, the centre offers an indoor and outdoor gym, an active bicycle repair programme, a landscaped garden and regular community events, all aimed at promoting wellness and community engagement.
The centre’s manager AnneMarie Coulter shared insights on its growth as a resource for the community and said: “From fitness classes to our garden and bike repair programmes, we aim to give local people the chance to stay active, learn new skills, and connect with others.”
Impressed by what they saw, Ms Minto and Cllr Kelly, gave a strong commendation for the centre’s “outstanding work” which, they said, could be pointed to nationally as an excellent example of Public Health in Action.
A central aspect of the visit was a discussion on the region’s Local Outcome Improvement Plan which, backed by public health data and community involvement and engagement, guides partnership work to support a healthier, more resilient Dumfries and Galloway. It brings together resources from across sectors to enhance quality of life in the area.
They were introduced to the Dumfries and Galloway Active Lives Pathway which is a community-based physical activity programme designed to improve health outcomes by making physical activity accessible to all.
Created in collaboration with NHS and Dumfries and Galloway Council services, the pathway supports referrals from health and social care professionals, directing people toward activities such as walking groups, fitness classes, and community sports.
Cllr Kelly said: “This is brilliant partnership working between the NHS and council.”
They also saw an ‘Easiobics’ class helping with physical and mental wellbeing, and part of a broader strategy that aims to reduce physical inactivity in the region by 15 per cent by 2030, aligning with World Health Organisation (WHO) goals.
The visit also included discussions around child poverty with Dumfries and Galloway Council Youth Services manager Mark Molloy introduced several young people from the region who were responsible for developing the short film, Through Young Eyes. They spoke candidly about their experiences and aspirations for fairer opportunities.
The film, which addresses the hidden impacts of poverty, can be viewed at: https://dumgal.gov.uk/article/27282/Through-Young-Eyes-Launches.
There are plans for the young filmmakers to speak soon at The Scottish Parliament.
Emphasising the importance of youth voices in shaping future policy and action on poverty, Ms Minto said: “What you’re doing is really phenomenal and will have an impact. You will change lives by telling the story about how you put this together, what you have learned and the changes you want to see.”
Cllr Kelly said: “Child poverty impacts every part of society, so I think it’s important for us to push at every level.”
Another vital issue highlighted during the day was community transport.
Alan Webb, CEO of Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway, outlined plans for a three-year initiative to enhance transport services in the region. The proposed hub-and-spoke model aims to address the accessibility and connectivity challenges that affect many residents, particularly in remote areas.
Ms Minto described the discussions as “really helpful” – emphasising the importance of strong collaboration between the health board and local authorities to drive meaningful progress in transport and accessibility.