December 2020

21 December 2020 - Things you can do to help clear your head this winter

We know this year's winter looks very different to previous ones, and even those who may have normally had good mental health may be feeling more worn down.

It's easy to feel more lonely and isolated at the moment, but there are plenty of things we can do to stay connected to others and nature.

You could:

• take time to go outdoors - to get sunlight, be active and listen to nature
• stop and say hello to someone - reconnect with an old friend and really listen to how they are
• be kind to yourself and others - acts of kindness are good for your self esteem and learning how to look after yourself is important.

For lots more ideas and top tips to staying mentally healthy this winter visit https://clearyourhead.scot/winter.

21 December 2020 - Scientific Services win at the Scottish Public Sector Awards

The Scientific Services team, which includes International footballer Joanne Love, won a Scottish Public Service Award on Wednesday 16 December in the Covid-19 Response category.

The Scottish Public Service Awards celebrate the daily contribution made to Scotland's civic society from within the civil service, Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament, local government, health and social care sector and the broader public sector.

The 40 strong team were recognised for its outstanding public health contribution to manufacturing and distributing laboratory grade hand sanitiser products for front-line council and health and social care staff throughout the pandemic.

They were assisted by a generous donation of high strength alcohol from international spirits firm Edrington, which made the manufacture of their initial batches of sanitiser possible, following Lord Provost Philip Braat's high-profile appeal for a variety of PPE donations as supplies ran low. Firms like Clydeside Distillery and AG Barr followed suit donating alcohol and bottles respectively to the Scientific Services team.

Joanne Love, capped for Scotland more than 190 times, works as a chemical analyst within Scientific Services and was involved in taking delivery of the first batch of alcohol donated by the Scotch Whisky firm Edrington.

Joanne said: "I'm glad to be able to do my bit. We all want to get through this pandemic safely and I know all the staff are extremely proud of their contribution and to be recognised by winning this prestigious award."

21 December 2020 - Supporting vulnerable families this Christmas

Glasgow City HSCP's Children and Families team will be spreading festive cheer to some of the city's most vulnerable children this Christmas.

The team supports families identified as needing extra support in their day to day lives; this may include parental support, healthy lifestyle advice or community involvement support. They also worked relentlessly during the pandemic to make sure these families received food parcels as well as gas and electricity to keep them comfortable and safe.

Jane McGoldrick, Assistant Area Operations Manager said: " It has been a difficult year for everyone, especially the families we support and we want to make sure that the children have a present to open on Christmas day.

"We have collected donations of pyjamas, toys and selection boxes from colleagues in the city's home care bases, these have been made into 200 parcels to be delivered to the children in the families that we support."

Rhona Paterson, Manager said: "I am overwhelmed with the generosity of my support staff as well as our colleagues in home care. I would like to thank them for making Christmas special for so many children across the city."

21 December 2020 - Elaine - praised for going the extra mile and making a difference

Elaine Varty is one of the many staff volunteers working from home on the Isolate and Support Team, who provide reassurance, advice, and connections to assistance for residents who are self-isolating.

Elaine, an HR Advisor within Strategic HR, Chief Executive's Department has been volunteering with the team for almost three months.

Elaine has recently been praised for going the extra mile by resident Natalie Hendry. Natalie was notified by the Test and Protect Team the she had tested positive for Covid-19 and was told to self-isolate along with her daughter Ellison. Natalie was on a list of calls which Elaine made to see if any assistance was required. Natalie was very upset on the call because her daughter's 9^th birthday was in two days and she was unable to leave the house to buy a cake for Ellison's birthday, and any plans she had for her birthday had to be cancelled.

Natalie posted a thank you message on Facebook, saying: "Elaine was so kind and helpful throughout the first call. Then I received another call from Elaine to say she'd dropped off a bag at my door.

"For a complete stranger to go out of their way and buy my child a cake, balloons and a present during these hard times, off their own back, is just the best kind of present.

"Elaine never needed to do this. I was just one of dozens of calls she would have made yesterday yet she took herself to the shop to put a smile, not only on my face but Ellison's face too."

The story reached the attention of our Chief Executive, Annemarie O'Donnell who emailed Elaine to personally thank her for what she had done to support this resident and the many others that she deals with each day.

Elaine said: "I really appreciated Annemarie taking the time to thank me personally.

"When I first spoke to the resident, she seemed upset and anxious that because she was self-isolating and could not leave the house, her daughter was missing out on her birthday and she would not even have a cake or candles. I think many of us have good intentions about doing something to help others, and then don't bother. I decided to go to the shops and buy a few small items and then deliver them to Natalie's home.

"Natalie was so grateful and posted some lovely comments. It made my day that a small gesture by myself, meant so much to her and her daughter.

"Everyone on the team does their best every day to provide support and advice to the people that we are calling."

21 December 2020 -  over 10,000 free masks distributed - can you support Angelic Threads

It's nine months since Nazim Hamid, Governance Adviser in the Chief Executive's Department, started a community initiative called Angelic Threads. Since then over 10,000 masks have been distributed to families, foodbanks, schools and community organisations across the city.

"Nazim said: "This is an amazing initiative which is making a real difference in helping to keep people to be safe, preventing the spread of COVID-19 infection and giving our volunteers a sense of purpose. Using social media our volunteers have created a support community, learning from one another and supporting their communities.

'We're constantly adapting to changing need including designing our own window mask - now in production and with over 500 on order - or producing masks to stop 'foggy' glasses which have been really popular.

"For Christmas, we've made over 200 'surprise bundles' filled with sweets and treats which are being donated to foodbanks and homeless services to help bring a little joy to families during the festive period."

Volunteers and support needed for 2021

Nazim added: "Looking ahead, masks will still be needed as the vaccine is rolled out in 2021. To keep our work going we're looking for more volunteers and would love to hear from any staff who have time to get involved.

"We're also looking for donations of suitable material, and help with funding to purchase material we cannot source through donations."

Need mask for your service or family?

• Place an order for you or your family here

• Place an order for an organisation or community group here

How to volunteer, or make a donation

• If you would like to volunteer email AngelicThreads2020@outlook.com

• Find out how to donate material such as cotton bedsheets, curtains etc here

• Make a small donation to the Go Fund Me Campaign here

More information

You can find more information about Angelic Threads on Facebook

14 December 2020 - Financial Forecast

Our recent financial forecast briefing, prepared for elected members, shows that we are likely to face a significant spending gap over the next three years. It suggests that, even with relatively low inflation, we will need to take steps to close a gap of more than £36m next year and £112m by 2023.

These forecasts will feed into our annual budget-setting process, with a cross-party working group of elected members meeting regularly ahead of council setting a budget in February. The forecasts are not, themselves, a set of proposals. They are continually refined as more information becomes available about national spending and allocations to local government.

How the forecast works

We create a financial forecast as part of each year's budget process - looking not only at the year ahead but across a three-year period.

By estimating financial pressures, such as inflation, along with potential changes to income these forecasts are able to give elected members an outline of the city's financial position as they start to consider their budget plans.

This is always a complex process, but Martin Booth, Director of Finance has warned elected members that it has been particularly difficult this year - with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic meaning there is less certainty about both likely income and cost pressures.

In the central scenario set out- as shown below, a 1% reduction in grant is forecast - equal to £13.3m each year. We also anticipate spending pressures of £72.6m over the three year period, with almost £43m of this down to inflation costs.

Central scenario:

14 December 2020 - Self-isolation period for confirmed contacts reduced

Self-isolation for contact of people with confirmed coronavirus has now been reduced from 14 to 10 days - as of today.

The change will also apply to people instructed to quarantine after returning from high -risk countries.

Self-isolation is different from the physical distancing measures everyone in Scotland has been following. It means not leaving the house at all, even to exercise or to get food and medicine.

Remember that you should self-isolate straight away if:

• you or someone in your household has symptoms
• you have been abroad and need to quarantine
• you have been advised to do so by the NHS or the through the Protect Scotland App.

Please contact your manager if you are instructed to self-isolate - your absence will not be recorded as sick leave and you will continue to receive your normal salary.

Read more on when and how to self-isolate in our NHS and Government latest advice section and Scottish Government web site here.

14 December 2020 - Thank you Glasgow!

Everything you did reduced the spread and got us out of level 4.

Our shops are now open for business - from Friday 11 December.

Let's keep following the rules as we aim for Level 2.

Stay safe - remember #FACTS  Overview of current Level 3 measures

14 December 2020 - Be aware of suspicious emails they can harm

To help you identify a suspicious email you should check:

• Titles - that offer you money, an incentive or entice you to click them open them quickly/urgently without thinking
• Sender - hover your mouse over the sender's contact name to see what actual email address pops up - does it match who you think it was sent from?
• Language - does it contain unusual grammar or phrases
• Time - was it sent at an odd time?

Report it - If you think they are suspicious or you are in any doubt about their authenticity please report them to both your line manager and email them to Integrity (on Outlook).

14 December 2020 - Festive Safety Campaign - follow the guidelines

Look out for the Scottish Government campaign highlighting the relaxation of the rules on household meetings from 23 to 27 December.

The campaign asks us all to carefully consider the risks involved before making any decisions on mixing with other households.

The safest way to spend the festive season is with your own household. If you choose to meet others, find out how to do as safely as possible.

More information

• View the TV Ad Here
• Find more information on how to meet safely at www.gov.scot/coronavirus
• Further guidance for the festive period can be found here:Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for festive period - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

The campaign will feature three videos to provide:

• detail on alternative ways to share in the festivities
• guidance on how to stay as safe as possible if mixing with other households from 23 to 27 December, and
• key ways to prepare if joining a festive bubble, particularly if it includes anyone who is at a higher risk. 

#WeAreScotland

14 December 2020 - Glasgow Life set to reopen 12 more libraries early next year

Glasgow Life has announced the next phase of its approach to reopening buildings in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. A further 12 community libraries will reopen to the public in early 2021, bringing the total number open to 23.

The following libraries will open by the end of March, subject to Glasgow remaining in, or below, level 3 of the Scottish Government's local Covid protection levels: Anniesland; Cardonald; Castlemilk; Dennistoun; Govanhill; Hillhead; Knightswood; Langside; Pollok; Pollokshields; Riddrie and Springburn.

Glasgow Life has also begun to reopen venues which were previously open to the public now that the city has returned to level three of the Scottish Government's Covid-19 protection framework.

The Emirates Arena; Glasgow Club Bellahouston; Glasgow Club Scotstoun; Glasgow Club Gorbals; Tollcross International Swimming Centre; Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum; the Riverside Museum; and the Gallery of Modern Art all reopened over the weekend.

Tomorrow (Tuesday 15 December) will also see Tramway and the Mitchell Library plus community libraries in Bridgeton; Drumchapel; Easterhouse; Gorbals; Ibrox; Partick; Pollokshaws; Possilpark; Royston and Shettleston all reopen.

Booking is essential for visits to museums and sports facilities, and you will not be able to enter these venues without a valid booking.

More information

For more information, click here.

14 December 2020 - Operations Manager - running to raise funds for children's charity

Willie Darroch, Operations Manager at Glasgow City HSCP is supporting a local charity by running 5km every day for 30 days.

Willie who is responsible for Technical Care Services - including Equipu, Stairlifts and Transport - set himself the challenge to raise money for the 'With Kids' charity.

Willie said: "The charity will provide families in need with gifts, food and emotional support this Christmas. I wanted to help them in some way. I'm not a serious runner so this is a huge challenge for me, physically and mentally.

"I am hoping that when I finish on 22 December, what I have raised will provide some well-deserved and needed funds to help make Christmas a little better for families in the east end of the city."

If you would like to sponsor Willie, visit www.justgiving.com/william-darroch

14 December 2020 - Education staff - musical Christmas successes

Some of our teaching staff have gained success for their musical endeavours in the lead up to Christmas.

Tim Kwant, Physics teacher at Knightswood Secondary School, and Phil Ford, English teacher at the High School of Glasgow, enjoyed thousands of hits online within a day - for their song 'Hope Christmas Gets You To Me'.

The song addresses the fact so many people will be split up from their loved ones this year because of the pandemic, but finishes with a hopeful message.

The duo, known as Lapwing, featured on Glasgow Live, and have even attracted the attention of TV celebrities Lorraine Kelly and Graham Norton who have tweeted about them to help them get a Christmas number one.

More information

You can read the full Glasgow Live story here

You can watch the video - all shot in the city centre - on You Tube- https://youtu.be/l5I8jgWXxhI

Why not have a listen, and retweet.

Machrie Nursery team - No 1 Christmas hit

Angela Hodos, Head Teacher at Machrie Nursery School  in Castlemilk, worked with Clyde 1 to release a charity single 'Slosh'd - by Cassi and the Slosh Puppies', and video to raise funds for Cash for Kids. The track went straight to Number 1 on the UK iTunes Chart - knocking Mariah Carey off the top spot.

Angela explained: "It started when I phoned George Bowie on his Clyde 1 breakfast show a couple of months ago, asking him to make a remix of the 'Beautiful Sunday' song by Daniel Boone for families to 'dance alone, together' during the Covid restrictions. This track has long been established as a 'slosh' dance so I thought it would be fun for families to be dancing on zoom calls with their relatives.

"George initially wasn't keen. But after a few day of on-air discussion with George and his co-presenter Cassi - they decided to let the audience decide, and it was an overwhelming YES."

Angela continued: "We remixed two versions - one for normal radio, one for the GBX at the weekend - and then decided to launch it as a charity single for Cash For Kids.

"My colleagues and I were asked to open the accompanying video -remotely to comply with social distancing restrictions. We also got the nursery children involved - teaching them how to do the slosh.

"We had great fun and hope that the track will raise a lot of money for Cash for Kids."

More information

You can listen to the track and watch the video on You Tube

7 December 2020 - Staying safe at Christmas

In the run up to Christmas we are reminding staff to be extra vigilant about your possessions, who has access to our buildings and the increasing threat from seasonal spam and spoof emails - especially in the current environment.

Please follow these important tips to stay safe this season:

• Building Security - if you are currently working in an office remember to be aware of people trying to follow you through a controlled entry door - always ask someone not wearing the correct identification if you can help them find where they should be going.
• Personal Security - keep all personal possessions out of sight and secure. Make sure any mobile equipment is locked away in a drawer or cabinet if the office is left unattended.
• Email Security - please be aware of any unexpected or suspicious emails. A lot of us are working in different ways just now and you could be caught off guard asking you to quickly complete a financial transaction, click on an embedded web link for a free Christmas Tree or open an attachment advertising a discounted Playstation for sale. Cybercrime is on the increase and we all need to be aware of what to look out for to protect our systems and the information they hold. If you are concerned about any email you have received email Integrity (on Outlook).
• Phone Security - always be aware of who can overhear your phone conversations. Never leave your phone unattended and be mindful of current text scams attempting to prey on our vulnerabilities during this pandemic. 

7 December 2020 - New name and location for Glasgow's Winter Night Shelter

Glasgow's Winter Night Shelter opened on 1 December - with a change of name and a new location.

Now known as the Overnight Welcome Centre, the emergency accommodation for people at risk of rough sleeping in winter, will be provided in a Glasgow hotel, rather than in Lodging Housing Mission in East Campbell Street.

This move is due to the current Coronavirus pandemic and will enable people to physically distance and if necessary, socially isolate. This would not have been possible at the usual location which offers dormitory style accommodation.

Glasgow's Homeless Services Team has worked in conjunction with Glasgow City Mission, who have run the shelter since 2010, and the Scottish Government, to put the alternative arrangements in place. The accommodation will be funded by the city's Health and Social Care Partnership (GCHSCP) and the Scottish Government. Glasgow City Mission will provide the staff and resources.

The centre will run until the end of March 2021 and offer 25 places a night. Homeless Services staff will also be on site at the hotel each morning to carry out housing needs assessments for those who have stayed the previous night.

Jim McBride, Head of Adult Services at GCHSCP, said: "Glasgow's Overnight Welcome Centre will operate differently this year due to the global pandemic. We've worked closely with our partner Glasgow City Mission to offer alternative provision in a city hotel - to enable people to comply with public health guidance around social distancing and self-isolating when necessary. Prior to the pandemic, Glasgow had around 20 to 25 regular rough sleepers who have already been offered accommodation in hotels, but we are also taking over a floor of a city hotel to be able to provide accommodation for anyone further who needs it."

Demand at the Welcome Centre is expected to be the lower this year as temporary accommodation has already been offered to anyone found rough sleeping in Glasgow.

• phone the Emergency Homelessnumber 0800 838 502  or

• phone the Street Team number 0800 027 7466, or

• go to the Homeless Access Hub, 389 Argyle Street, G2 8LR

7 December 2020 - Award for project that has delivered Sustainable Infrastructure

The council's City Deal Funded Sauchiehall Street Avenue has recently won the Excellence in Sustainable Infrastructure category at the Landscape Institute Awards 2020.

The City Deal / City Centre Regeneration team at Development and Regeneration Services coordinated the project which is the pilot scheme for the wider Avenues programme. The Avenues are made up of 17 separate schemes that will not only see the delivery of sustainable infrastructure but also bring economic benefits to the city centre.

By redressing the balance of space for people and vehicles, the Avenues project was able to introduce twenty-six semi-mature trees, a bi-directional cycle track, architectural lighting features and footways wide enough for outside seating for everyone to enjoy.

A key aim of the Sauchiehall Avenue project was to promote active travel (walking and cycling) which will help us tackle climate change, make us healthier - both mentally and physically - and has wide-ranging economic benefits.

This uptake in active travel through the scheme has been demonstrated by an approximate 600% increase in cyclists entering the city centre via Sauchiehall Street.

Ciaran Buchanan, Project Manager said:"The improvements to Sauchiehall Street were first conceived during the development of the Sauchiehall and Garnethill Regeneration Framework with concept designs being developed by Urban Movement. Colleagues in Neighbourhoods and Sustainability then took forward the detailed designs and site management with support from officers in DRS. The scheme is considered the 'Pilot' for the Avenues programme that will see 17 key city centre streets benefit from substantial public realm improvements."

More information

Find out more about the awards finalists here

7 December 2020 - Recognition for innovative approach to regeneration

Planning and Building Standards at Development and Regeneration Services were delighted that the redevelopment of Dundashill was shortlisted at the recent Landscape Institute Awards 2020 - in the Brownfield, commercial and industrial category.

The project built on earlier work of the Port Dundas Charette which had at its core the regeneration of Dundashill and the former distillery which closed in 2010. This process encompassed a variety of interventions in the wider area to unlock the development of former industrial land into a vibrant new neighbourhood. The council and its partners in Scottish Canals are delivering on this vision and City Deal funded infrastructure works to surrounding streets and grant to Scottish Canals to remediate and provide development plots at Dundashill are now on site or completed forming a framework to deliver on the Charette's vision.

The pilot project was also recognised as an example of Planning Excellence - chosen from hundreds of entries shortlisted for the RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence 2020 (small schemes).

Ewan Curtis, Group Manager, Planning and Building Standards said: "We're absolutely delighted with the recognition for the success of this innovative partnership programme.

This project is a vital part of the jigsaw in creating a new neighbourhood in this important Gateway to North Glasgow. This area is seeing real change with not just this site but also opening of the wakeboard and paddleboarding centres, and the indoor skatepark amongst many others alongside over 300 new homes in the wider area. It's becoming a really dynamic and exciting place to be. This is a great example of collaborative working both with our partners in Scottish Canals, as well as within the council family. It is fantastic to see the vision developed by local stakeholders and the community now being delivered, with City Deal and Housing funding key to this.

'The ongoing regeneration of Glasgow's Canal and wider North Glasgow area is an exciting, diverse transformation - in part made possible through the award-winning Glasgow Canal Regeneration Partnership, a true testament to collective partnership and tenacity.

Ewan added:  This vision really wouldn't have been delivered if it were not for dedication of the team involved here. Amongst many others key within this was Fiona Campbell and Jim Corbett who led on the Dundashill Charette, Michael Gray in Housing and Regeneration and Heather Claridge in leading on the work of the Canal Partnership and Ian Briggs in Development Management in ensuring the quality of the scheme.

The partnership programme - Dundas Hill Landscape and Public Realm Framework in association with Scottish Canals, Glasgow City Region City Deal and igloo rankinfraser landscape architecture

More information You can view a film about the programme here   

More detail on the self-build project is available here

• Photograph - courtesy of Keith Hunter Photography

7 December - City landmark set for a £42.629m transformation

The regeneration of the city's former meat market has taken a major step forward.

The Meatmarket project - at the corner of Bellgrove Street and Duke Street - will see 252 mid-market rent new build flats by Home Group built on part of the site of the former Glasgow Meatmarket. The contractor is CCG (Scotland) Ltd.  There will also be a commercial unit on the corner of this part of the site.

The project will see 252 mid-market rent new build flats by Home Group built on part of the site of the former Glasgow Meatmarket.

The housing project is funded using grant from the council's Affordable Housing Supply Programme and private finance generated by Home Group.  The total development cost is £42.629million.

Patrick Flynn, Head of Housing and Regeneration Services, Development and Regeneration Services said: "This well-known landmark has been derelict for many years and now Home Group will develop bespoke, modern homes as part of a redevelopment of the site.

"There is a real and recognised need for affordable homes in this area. The development will be a very attractive place to live for working people on low to moderate incomes who require an affordable property with good travel links for work and other services and amenities."

Patrick added: "We're also working with local housing associations to develop plans for the last remaining structures on the site, the B-listed Meatmarket sheds. These buildings will complement the new housing by providing almost 8,000m² of flexible community, creative and commercial space."

The masterplan for the whole site is funded through the Glasgow City Region City Deal. 

More information

Read more about the project here

7 December 2020 - Keeping Warm in Glasgow - donations top 4,000 items

Education Services' appeal for donations of new and nearly new warm jackets and sweatshirts has closed with more than 4,000 items donated by kind hearted individuals, community groups and businesses across Glasgow and beyond.

The campaign, launched four weeks ago in partnership with the Glasgow Times and The Herald, was in response for the need to keep schools and classrooms ventilated as a way to help reduce the spread of coronavirus and to support families in hardship.

The appeal has now closed but its success was beyond everyone's expectations.

As Maureen McKenna, Executive Director of Education explains and takes the opportunity to thank everyone who helped - especially Mandie Runningin education and her team of volunteers.

Maureen said: "The response to our appeal has been amazing - way beyond our expectations.

"I'm so grateful to everyone that answered our plea and contributed towards a total of over 3,000 good quality and new warm jackets, hoodies and sweatshirts. 

"Everybody has been so kind - and especially when we know that families are finding things incredibly difficult at the moment.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the team of volunteers who've sorted the donations and arranged for delivery out to our schools and nurseries across the city - we could not have run the campaign without their help. 

"Christmas is the time for giving and this year it's the time to keep warm as well and with so many children and young people benefitting from this campaign they will be able to do this in our schools and nurseries.

"Thanks also to the Glasgow Times and The Herald for all their support and agreeing to be our partners to help promote the appeal which has resulted in such a fantastic number of items being donated over the last four weeks."

You can read the final story at https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/18924798.4000-donations-made-keep-glasgow-pupils-warm-cold-city-classrooms/

7 December 2020 - Accolade for "Truly Inspirational" Mental Health Officer

Congratulations to former Glasgow Health and Social Care employee, Colin Fraser, who has been named Mental Health Officer of the Year.

Clare Haughey MSP, Minister for Mental Health, hailed Colin as "truly inspirational" as she presented him (virtually) with the Scottish Association of Social Work award.

Colin, who worked with the HSCP helping people in mental distress in Glasgow for many years, was nominated by his social work colleagues ahead of his recent retirement.

Angela McGowan, one the team mates who nominated Colin, described him as a "great mentor" and "an inspiration" to others.

Angela said: "Colin chaired Glasgow's Mental Health Officer steering group and forum for many years. He was greatly respected and knowledgeable. He demonstrated a great passion for mental health and was an inspiration to others.

"Colin was a great mentor and advocate for continually improving mental health services across Glasgow. He demonstrated strong social work values and always maintained respect for the rights of service users. He will be greatly missed by his colleagues now that he has retired."

The surprised recipient of the award thanked his peers for putting his name forward.

Colin said: "Thank you, it means a lot to me. One of the hardest things about retiring is leaving the company of good people. I have been so lucky in my career to be surrounded by dedicated Mental Health Officers with real integrity and imagination who I have found inspiring and encouraging."

Councillor Mhairi Hunter, Glasgow's Convener for Health and Social Care, congratulated Colin on his award - and his retirement.

7 December 2020 - Help us reduce waste and recycle more in the next ten years. Have your say.

You are invited to share your views and opinions to help the Waste Policy and Strategy team at Neighbourhoods and Sustainability devise a strategy that will shape our waste and recycling policies over the next decade. Consultation is underway - please share your views by 13 January, 2021.

The new Resource and Recycling Strategy 2020 to 2030 will follow on from our existing 'Tackling Glasgow's Waste 2015 to 2020.'

Scott Armstrong, Waste Policy and Compliance Manager at NS said: "The focus of the new strategy is to minimise the impact waste has on the climate and to manage waste in a sustainable manner which will contribute to Glasgow becoming carbon neutral by 2030. It presents an opportunity to build a more resilient and efficient waste management system to the benefit of residents, businesses and visitors in the city."

Have your say

Scott added: "The new strategy will be published early next year and will be made stronger through a partnership approach.

"We want to hear what people, organisations, businesses and groups in the city think about how we can improve our recycling services and minimise the amount of waste produced in the city. This feedback will help us to plan for the next decade."

• The consultation is currently live and will close on 13 January, 2021.
• Click here to have your say

7 December 2020 - Help shape our renewal plan for the city and take our survey today.

Life has been very different for most of us during this pandemic. The impact of the pandemic has resulted in some council family services either being reduced or stopped altogether, with some staff being asked to work differently, perhaps to work from home or carry out a different job to their normal one in a different area of the organisation.

We want to understand more about how these changes have affected you personally and at work, as well as understanding the levels of confidence you have in using council services, going out in the city and in returning to the workplace in some capacity. Of course, some of the questions will mean you'll need to think about life without some of the current restrictions in place.

Although we're still very much in the midst of dealing with this crisis on a day-to-day basis, we also want to plan for the time when restrictions are gradually being eased and our focus can shift to how we recover, reintroduce services and adapt, based on our learning and experience gained during this period and how the people of Glasgow can benefit.

The renewal programme has been developed to bring together our current operational situation, challenges, opportunities and aspirations to support this transition to a new normal and longer-term plan.

Take the survey

The survey will take around 10 minutes to complete. You can help to shape our renewal plans by completing the survey online here.

The survey is anonymous. The closing date for responses is 18 December.
 
Sharing the findings

The main findings from this survey will be reported back to the City Renewal Working Group in January who are planning Glasgow's route back to some kind of normality. The findings will help inform any decisions that may be taken moving forward. We will also share the findings and any action plans with you.

More information

If you require any additional information about this survey or would like this document in an alternative format or community language, please contact: Consultation Queries (on Outlook).

The council is required to process personal information in line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).  For more information about this go the website here.

7 December 2020 - Glasgow City Health Improvement Annual Report 2019/20

The Annual Report for Glasgow City Health Improvement is now available.  This report provides an insight into the progress made by Health Improvement to improve health and reduce health inequalities in 2019/20.  Progress is framed in relation to the three strategic direction headers of: Building Mental Well-being and Resilience, Building Structurally and Socially Resilient Communities, and Creating a Culture for Health in the City.

The report highlights the way in which teams work across population, people and place to reach those who need support.

Partnership working plays plays a vital role - Health Improvement currently supports over 300 partnerships in the city, comprising of colleagues within NHSGGC and the HSCP as well as third sector, public sector and communities themselves.

Key innovations have taken place across this year and many services have been adapted and supported to respond to COVID-19. 

Fiona Moss, Head of Health Improvement and Equality said: "This report captures the broad range of our business - with others in the HSCP, partners and communities and gives us much to be proud of.

"COVID-19 has fundamentally affected what we have been able to do this year and has required us to work innovatively and responsively to meet the needs of local communities. The Health Improvement staff that have remained with us during this period, have worked exceptionally hard to adapt and sustain as many of these programmes as possible."

More information

To find out more: Read our 2019/20 Health Improvement Annual Report