Introduction and Background LDT was set up in 2009 with the objective of ‘funding and implementing projects that will enhance the facilities and environment of Lesmahagow.’ It invested in a commercial renewable energy project in 2013 through its wholly owned trading subsidiary, Lesmahagow Ltd. and the income from this has enabled it to set up a number of projects including allotments, a wide range of activities for older and younger people and a grant scheme for local initiatives. LDT is currently renting a building at 56 Abbeygreen from which it runs its activities.
LDT’s Vision is to create sustainable community facilities and to deliver activities for the benefit of everyone living in Lesmahagow and the surrounding area, providing social and economic opportunities and reducing loneliness by improving intergenerational links. It aims to grow its facilities and activities sustainably to enable it to deliver more positive outcomes for the local community, making the best use of the income it generates from its windfarm investment.
Consultation and Need A Community consultation and needs analysis carried out by consultancy company SKS Scotland in July 2018 has identified that provision of more activities for young people, tackling social isolation for older people and those with poor health, and addressing inequalities by bringing people together for social events and experiences, are all areas that LDT can support directly through the activities and projects it runs. Potential new developments include increased educational and learning opportunities, after school care, young people’s drop in sessions with a smoothie bar and one off seasonal crafts and produce events. The size of the current building used by LDT restricts the numbers of people attending activities and the poor disabled access and direct street entrance makes it unsuitable for some groups. A larger building that is fit for purpose for the activities that LDT runs would be a priority for LDT. The potential of this was highlighted in the market research in 2018 and illustrated some interest in long term office space rental, meeting rooms and hot desks so LDT will create a space with separate access and toilet to enable any of the above to be made available as required.
LDT will therefore consider alternative locations within Lesmahagow which will meet the needs and aspirations of the community.
Current Activities and Markets The membership of LDT is approximately 130 people, illustrating good community support for the activities delivered and the potential to grow provision if a larger space is secured. Consultation has illustrated a strong interest in more social, educational and learning opportunities for older people in particular, together with increased toddler provision, after school care and drop in sessions for young people. Delivery model: We currently employ two part time staff to develop, plan and deliver activities, increasing the level of partnership working (e.g. with Healthy Valleys) and bespoke project development. Skilled volunteers will continue to play an important role in the delivery of some activities and LDT is also in a position to employ additional sessional workers to deliver specific projects or activities (e.g. youth work). LDT will generate a small amount of income from hire of space to businesses and individuals, together with activities although this is not expected to cover running and staff costs. LDT is committed to delivering activities with relevant social outcomes for the local community and is able to use a proportion of the annual windfarm income to do so. Activities: We envisage in the coming years continuing and growing current activities and anticipate that increased numbers of people will attend. Additional groups will be run for older people and toddlers and new activities will be piloted with partners, including adult learning opportunities, an after school club and young people’s drop in sessions e.g. film nights, informal smoothie bar. The delivery of these activities will be through LDT staff, volunteers, partner organisations together with sessional staff employed by LDT for delivery of specialised activities, e.g. Youth work, Yoga.
Project Outcomes LDT is focused upon addressing the identified needs of the community and achieving positive social outcomes by securing a long term, welcoming premises as an Activity Centre. It will: Provide social activities and opportunities for young people and families in Lesmahagow, including informal learning and health and social activities that increase confidence and skills. Support older people and those with poor health by working with partners to deliver health and wellbeing activities and addressing social isolation by providing social groups and opportunities to meet informally. Tackle inequalities by bringing people together socially and delivering projects for the benefit of the whole community, including intergenerational activities and opportunities to volunteer, so sharing skills and experiences.
The Research in 2018 indicated that local people are happy to pay a small amount to access activities. It is envisaged that when LDT secure alternative and more suitable premises there will be some rental income from hot desks, office and meeting space, with the remainder of the running costs being covered by LDT on an annual basis.
Conclusions LDT’s Vision is to grow its facilities and activities sustainably to enable it to deliver more positive outcomes for the local community and it is now working towards building ownership and creating an Activity Centre for Lesmahagow. It will continue to fund the existing staff posts to develop, plan and deliver activities and will employ specialised sessional staff for specific activities as required. LDT has a strong Board and committed staff, is well supported by the local community and is in an excellent position to deliver its vision as it has secured a regular long term income from its wind farm investment and is able to invest directly in its building, staff and activities programme
Address: 77 Abbeygreen, Lesmahagow, ML11 0EQ
Web: www.lesmahagowdevtrust.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LesmahagowDT
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LesmahagowDT/