The community is being asked to vote on proposals for the use of Heinrich Steinmeyer’s legacy to benefit the elderly in Comrie. These choices have been developed following the 2017 community survey. This paper provides more detail than could be given in the voting form about the funding proposals.
INFORMATION
Legacy funded information developments need to support and build on what already exists in Comrie, not just through services, but also current information sources, such as the Comrie Community Website.
Legacy funding could pay for printed and online leaflets and directories, with information relevant to older people in Comrie. Details would set out what is already available to meet local needs. Information would also include who can receive support and services from local voluntary groups, public services and private sources, and how to access them.
ADVICE SERVICE
A property could be built, purchased or rented and setup costs financed through the Legacy to provide a local base for the existing Abbeyfield advice worker, and for information and advice sessions by the Perth-based Citizens Advice Bureau, PKC Social Work staff and NHS health advice.
SUPPORT AND CARE
Respite/Short Breaks
Legacy funding could pay for the development of local respite services through the purchase of a bungalow in Comrie, or supporting older people at home, whilst their carers take a break away. Both of these respite services would require paid carers funded by the Council and service users.
Care Co-operative
The development of respite services in Comrie would benefit from having a group of local carers to support people using the service. Local people completing the 2017 legacy survey also requested better local systems for arranging private or voluntary help with other care or health-related tasks, and practical assistance with small jobs in the home/garden.
Legacy funding could be used to help set up a Comrie organisation like The Care and Wellbeing Cooperative in Highland Perthshire. Co-op members there provide services, including: Care and support; Befriending; Creative writing; Walking; Gardening; Transport; and Independent living solutions.
First Response
Comrie First Response provides life-saving treatment in emergencies before ambulances arrive. A grant from the legacy fund to the financial reserves of this local voluntary organisation would provide it with long-term financial security.
MOBILITY AND TRANSPORT
CoCo Bus
Comrie Community Bus provides a valuable resource to many local groups involving older people. Legacy funding could be used to support its running expenses and the eventual cost of a replacement vehicle.
Special Transport
There were a large number of calls, within the legacy survey, for assistance to get down to the village. People also wanted special kinds of transport and arrangements to help them enjoy leisure time and attend events.
Legacy funding could provide mobility scooters, for older people, who can travel relatively independently, and get on and off easily. Funding could also be used to support special forms of transport, such as double passenger bikes. Other bus services are being investigated, with information to be provided.
SOCIAL PLACES
St. Kessog’s Square
White Church Community Centre
Hearing loss is an increasing problem for many people as they get older. Hearing impairments seriously limit full access to local events. Legacy funds could pay for the full availability of hearing loop systems in the White Church.
In the legacy survey, many older people asked for ways to get to the village more often. Subject to discussions with Comrie Parish Church, the legacy could fund a covered area in St Kessog’s Square for meetings of friends, when older people come to the village centre.
The Rural Hall
The SWI Rural Hall provides a venue for a number of village organisations and events involving older people. The legacy could be used to make a major contribution to planned modernisation work, which would keep the Hall open and make it fit for many decades.
The Ancaster
The legacy survey suggested that the Ancaster should be bought for use by older people in the village if it comes up for sale. The legacy fund could be used to do this, with the property then used for various purposes; a social space; information and advice sessions; a community workshop at the back of the building.
GRANTS, ACTIVITIES AND LEISURE
The survey proposed grants for a range of village groups, and there was mention of the Silver Circle amongst others. It has also been suggested that grants could be given to purchase exercise and other equipment for use by older people, along with work to produce and display artworks by older people, in village venues. Legacy funding could be used for all of these purposes
VILLAGE ENVIRONMENT
St Kessog’s Square
The plans, produced for Comrie Parish Church, to redevelop St Kessog’s Square include a garden and new seated areas. In line with legacy survey support for the creation of garden areas in the village, legacy funding could be used to contribute towards this development.
The Boulevard – Riverside Park
Suggestions have been made for seating by riverside pathways in the local area. Specific proposals have also been made that the legacy should pay for tables and seating on the Boulevard – both sides of Dalginross Bridge. These would all be possible uses of the legacy.
Legion Park
Legion Park is owned by the community in Comrie. The area used for the sports pitch and playground still leaves space for a garden area and seating for older people and others. The legacy could contribute garden development alongside the planning for playground changes.
STEINMEYER LEGACY – CHOICES –YOUR VOTE
The Interim Legacy committee has carried out some work on all of these proposals, but there is still a very substantial amount of work to do on the items, which you vote to support. You can choose to support as many proposals as you want to be funded. It is important that the elected Legacy Committee knows the community’s choices, in order to implement the best use of the legacy funds for the benefit of Comrie’s older people.
Produced by the Interim Steinmeyer Legacy Committee of Comrie Development Trust @ 2017
