Castlehill Annual Update 2023
By Corra Foundation
Each year, we share an update on what the communities we work alongside as part of the Place Programme have been up to. The next in the series this year is from the community in Castlehill. In the update you’ll find lots of information on what’s been happening this year, what we’ve learnt, and plans for 2024 and beyond.
This year, the community began a System Changers programme bringing the community together to re-imagine how systems could work better for people. Community space has been developed through a ‘Community Room’ providing space for communities to take ideas into action and grow their groups. The Women’s Group has continued to grow and has secured funding for wellbeing and family days. Lastly, the Dumbarton West Action has consulted with the community to develop a community plan that shares the priorities for the community in Castlehill.
Positive change thrives when we listen to the people who call Scotland’s communities home. Through collaboration, we’ve witnessed the power of diverse engagement: groups, events, schools, and even individual outreach. This collaborative approach has helped to map existing connections within communities and identify how best to support change. Open communication has been central, with honest conversations revealing local community priorities – and shared challenges including funding, staffing and access to services that impact many communities across Scotland. Despite these limitations, the community spirit for change remains strong. By listening and understanding these challenges, we’ve learned valuable lessons about navigating obstacles together, all while respecting community boundaries such as time commitment expectations.
This collaborative foundation, built on listening to the voices of Scotland’s communities, provides a powerful platform for building a brighter future for everyone.
If you’d like to find out more about the work in Castlehill, look at previous annual updates, visit the Castlehill Place Page, or contact Janice for a chat at janice@corra.scot.