The Community Partnership Officer engaged with Holytown Environmental Group to support them in applying for funds to support a community event which would provide local people access to information, support and advice from several organisations. 

The event was held on 27 March at the Keir Hardie Sports Centre, organised by the Community Partnership team and supported by Holytown Environmental Group. Local elected members were in attendance as well as the Convener of Communities, Cllr Woods.  

The event provided local people access to information and advice from several organisations, including the Community Partnership, Tackling Poverty and Tenant Participation Teams. Also in attendance included Making Life Easier, Home Energy Scotland, Lanarkshire Carers, Police Scotland, One Parent Families Scotland and National Health Service (NHS) Health Improvement. Entertainment was provided by local music charity Reeltime Music, who were fantastic on the day.  

As well as the advice on hand, the Community Partnership team also provided soup packs with recipes, light refreshments from a local supplier and healthy ready meals donated by local business. A small number of remaining soup packs were donated to Airth Court Homeless unit in Motherwell. Free period products were also made available as part of the period dignity initiative. 

The event enabled Holytown Environmental group to promote what they are doing to improve the local area and encourage the participation of volunteers. 

 A representative from Police Scotland stated:
"It was a fantastic opportunity to network and meet local residents. I had good engagement with local people which helps to break down barriers and build public trust between Police and local communities. There was a fantastic vibe."