May 2025 Buchan LLCP Update
Food for Thought Session at Men United
Bucha
n Local Learning Community Partnership (LLCP) subgroup delivered their first project session at Men United in January. Partners supported eighteen participants, under the priority theme of Community Empowerment, to increase resilience skills and lifelong learning.
NHS and Live Life Aberdeenshire (LLA) led discussions and activities, and showed videos, on how to make lentil soup. A new member of the LLCP, the Rapid Relief Team (RRT) donated soup kits to everyone. Community Learning and Development and Men United coordinated the event, and the feedback from participants was positive. The session supported an increase in knowledge of meal planning on a budget.
"It was good to see all the men so engaged this evening." Project Manager Sandy Garvock
Under the priority theme of Employment and Skills, a second subgroup discussed plans for partnership working for school non-attenders. Skills Development Scotland (SDS) identified the need at the Aberdeenshire Learning Community Partnership (ALCP) development day last November. The project would support non-engagement of school leavers with post school positive destinations.
Supporting Young People
Working in partnership with Mintlaw Academy staff, we have been delivering a programme to S3 pupils. Young people were included in the planning sessions, enabling them to be more involved, feel they are included and supporting them to meet their identified goals.
Two Community Learning and Development staff were present in each session, supporting the young learners with decision-making and planning. We saw an improvement in attendance with one learner, and we also saw a positive interest in one of the charities. They decided to donate to Community Food Bank Initiatives Northeast (Cfine). Two learners went on to visit the organisation in Aberdeen to gain further knowledge about the charity, out with the Freshstart programme. This not only shows the confidence that has grown throughout the programme but also raises awareness of local initiatives whilst gaining a Youth Achievement Award. Each learner decided on their own chosen session of interest and worked well in the group to form more positive relationships and increase their skills.
Mags Joseph
CLD Lead
Buchan Local Learning Community
