COLLABORATIVE efforts to improve population health in Dumfries and Galloway were showcased during a joint Ministerial and COSLA visit on Friday.
On Friday November 1, the region welcomed a visit by Scottish Minister for Public Health Jenny Minto and COSLA Spokesperson for Health and Social Care Paul Kelly – who were keen to hear about a range of work aimed at reducing health inequalities and building a better future for our population’s health.
The visit hosted by the local Community Planning Partnership focused on projects being taken forward to support the partnerships Local Outcome Improvement plan and covered topics such as, child poverty, promoting physical activity and community led responses to supporting and improving community wellbeing.
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.”
One of the central aspects of the visit was a discussion on the Local Outcome Improvement Plan (LOIP), which has a vision to work in partnership to ensure a confident, ambitious, healthy and fairer Dumfries and Galloway for everyone who lives and works here. The LOIP, backed by public health data and community involvement and engagement, guides partnership work to support a healthier, more resilient Dumfries and Galloway, bringing together resources from across sectors to enhance quality of life in the area.
The guests were introduced to the Dumfries and Galloway Active Lives Pathway (ALP), 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.
Hailing the initiative, Cllr Kelly said: “This is brilliant partnership working between the NHS and council.”
A stop at an ‘Easiobics’ class showcased the impact of such initiatives on participants’ physical and mental wellbeing. The class is 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. 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 which addresses the hidden impacts of poverty on young people.
That film can be viewed here: https://dumgal.gov.uk/article/27282/Through-Young-Eyes-Launches
The young guests spoke candidly about their experiences and aspirations for fairer opportunities.
Ms Minto emphasised the importance of youth voices in shaping future policy and action on poverty, and noting plans for the young filmmakers to shortly speak at The Scottish Parliament said it was a real opportunity to give a strong message.
She 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.”
A vital issue highlighted during the day was community transport, a growing area of focus for Dumfries and Galloway’s CPP.
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.
A highlight of the day was a visit to Summerhill Community Centre in North West Dumfries, a hub of support and opportunity for local residents, particularly those facing financial or social challenges.
Located in an area of high deprivation, the centre is home to a range of services and community-led projects, 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.
AnneMarie Coulter, the Community Centre Manager, shared insights on the centre’s 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.”
Ms Minto and Cllr Kelly delivered a strong commendation for everything being undertaken at Summerhill Community Centre, noting it was outstanding work which could be pointed to nationally as an excellent example of Public Health in Action.
The day concluded with all parties articulating a continuing commitment to support efforts in Dumfries and Galloway to create healthier, more inclusive communities.
