New Development Officer will help transform local communities
Residents in Blackwood, Kirkmuirhill and Boghead have welcomed a new part-time Community Development Officer, thanks to funding from the Nadara Auchrobert Wind Farm Community Fund.
Community Development Officers play a central role in improving the social, economic, and environmental well-being of a community, supporting local organisations to grow and thrive.
Gail McAra took up the post in May and will work part time over at least 2 and half years to provide support for local groups, developing new and existing projects, and securing funding for community priorities.
Strengthening Local Groups, Charities and Projects
Funding for this role represents a significant investment in strengthening local community capacity in the area and represents a strategic shift towards building longer-term community resilience.
Gail will work directly with existing and emerging community groups to strengthen their governance structures, enhance their ability to access funding, and develop ambitious projects that reflect local priorities. A charity already well-known and active in Blackwood, Kirkmuirhill and Boghead agreed to host the post on behalf of the communities. This well-established community health organisation ‘Healthy Valleys’ manages and supports Gail day-to-day. Healthy Valleys recently took on the responsibility for Thornton Road Community Centre (TRCC) through a community transfer, following Thornton Road Community Centre Association (TRCCA) committee placing its trust in Healthy Valleys to continue the excellent work the committee has provided to the local community over the years.
Mary Travers, Community Funds Adviser at Foundation Scotland said:
This investment recognises that sustainable community development requires dedicated professional support. By embedding a Development Officer within these communities, we're creating the foundation for groups to flourish and deliver their aspirations.
Gail said:
In my first weeks as Community Development Officer for Blackwood, Kirkmuirhill and Boghead, I’ve been warmly welcomed and greatly inspired by the energy and aspirations of the community. I’m excited to learn more, to keep building connections and partnerships, and to support local groups to access information and funding to bring their ideas to life within the villages.
The Nadara Auchrobert Community Fund Panel who initiated the project based on success stories in other communities have welcomed Gail:
We are delighted that Gail is supporting local community groups and volunteers to deliver projects which will benefit residents of Blackwood, Kirkmuirhill and Boghead, generating new community interest and engagement. We look forward to hearing from local groups and residents about the difference the role is making.
Comprehensive Support Programme
The Community Development Officer will provide wide-ranging support, establishing and strengthening community groups while supporting project planning and development from initial ideas through to delivery. Gail will also assist with funding applications to both the Nadara Auchrobert Community Fund and other national and local sources, facilitate the implementation of flagship community projects, and focus on building volunteer capacity and encouraging local participation.
The role is based at Thornton Road Community Centre, with the Development Officer now actively working within the communities. Gail can be contacted on 07859 818728 or by email: Gail@healthyvalleys.org.uk
Read more about the Nadara Auchrobert Wind Farm Community Fund