What is Community Learning and Development and who is involved?
West Lothian's CLD activity is delivered by a wide range of organisations, using different approaches and operating in a variety of settings. There is a strong focus on early intervention, prevention and tackling inequalities.
This includes:
- community development and regeneration - building the capacity of communities to meet their own needs, engaging with and influencing decision makers;
- youth work, family learning and other early intervention work with children, young people and families;
- community-based adult learning, including adult literacies and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL);
- learning for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in the community, for example, people with disabilities, care leavers or offenders;
- volunteer development; and
- learning support and guidance in the community.
Who is involved?
CLD Youth Services provides a diverse range of learning opportunities for children and young people focused on:
- building self-esteem and self-confidence to create confident individuals;
- developing the ability to manage personal and social relationships, supporting and promoting health and wellbeing of young people;
- creating learning, developing new skills and becoming successful learners;
- supporting young people in transition into positive and sustainable destinations;
- building the capacity of young people to consider risk, make reasoned decisions and become effective contributors;
- developing a world view which widens horizons and supports responsible citizenship; and
- volunteer development.
The Adult Learning Service focusses on working with adults with few, if any qualifications, to develop their core skills and qualifications through:
- community-based adult learning, including adult literacies and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), digital learning skills and financial literacy;
- learning for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in the community, for example, people with disabilities, care leavers or offenders; and
- family learning and other early intervention work with children, young people and families.
The Community Planning and Regeneration Team delivers a range of services to support some of West Lothian's most disadvantaged communities and individuals, with a particular emphasis on engaging with people to build personal and community capacity:
- developing the capacity of individuals and community-based projects and initiatives to assist regeneration in the most disadvantaged communities; and
- supporting community engagement and empowerment, delivery of targeted work, and support to improve health and employability in these communities.
Key CLD Partners contributing to the planning, coordination and delivery of CLD activity in West Lothian include:
- A wide range of organisations providing learning,
- community engagement and empowerment,
- health and wellbeing,
- culture and leisure-based activity in local communities. (Boghall Drop In, Community Action Blackburn, Firefly Arts, Fauldhouse, Kirknewton, Linlithgow, West Calder & Harburn, Whitburn & District and Winchburgh Community Development Trusts, Broxburn Family Centre, West Lothian Drug and Alcohol Service, Community/Partnership Centres, Armadale Shed, West Lothian Leisure, Community Sports Clubs, Knightsridge Adventure Project, Neighbourhood Networks, Linlithgow Young People's Project, FABB Youth Group, West Lothian Food Network, Fast Forward, Children 1st, West Lothian Youth Action Project, Uniformed Youth Organisations and West Lothian Voluntary Sector Gateway).
Work based training providers delivering high quality vocational and accredited learning opportunities supporting young people to build on their employability skills. (The Larder Cook School, Street League, Venture Trust, Impact Arts and West Lothian Council).
Colleges offering onsite and community-based learning courses for young people as well as adults, with opportunities for accreditation and progression to the next stage of learning. (West Lothian College and SRUC Oatridge Campus).
Public services offering employability, community safety and health and wellbeing services through effective partnership working and a range of targeted interventions to improve outcomes for individuals and communities. (Department for Work and Pensions, NHS Lothian, Police Scotland, Skills Development Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service).
