Our Work in the Community
The work of BDP helps groups keep their community facilities running and tackle some of the pressing economic, social and environmental challenges they face.
BDP works closely with Buchan groups to provide guidance and support. The outcomes are tracked by regular check ins with groups, discussions at the support group meetings and at the BDP forums. We also keep track of the groups supported and the type of support provided.
We have many examples of feedback (some in our annual report) and including feedback from groups that supported us when our current funding was put under threat. These outline the work we do for the groups and why they consider it important.
Some organisations such as Cruden Bay Community Council, simply would not exist and others could not do the work they do without the assistance provided by BDP. Many of the community projects they support go on to support other initiatives and groups and the knock on effect is substantial and mostly “invisible.”
Aberdeenshire Council Community Planning
BDP works closely with the Area Manager and Community Planning team to deliver a joint up service across voluntary and council services to the communities in Buchan. Community planning partners are responsible for producing plans to describe its local priorities and the improvements it plans to make for the area. The Community Partnership is led by the Local Community Planning Group and is supported by 3 Co-ordination Hubs focusing on Communities, Health & Wellbeing and Poverty. BDP attends the Buchan Local Community Planning group meetings as Vice Chair and attends the communities hub as chair, providing support to deliver projects.
As part of the work of the communities hub a StoryMap resource has been developed. StoryMap is a software which helps visualise and communicate information and data in an interactive way with additional features such as layers, asset mapping and feedback/engagement tools built in. The Buchan Communities Hub have set up StoryMaps for each settlement area in Buchan. This helps to identify the services and assets within each settlement area.
To view the StoryMaps click here: (link tbc)
Projects We have Helped
Buchan In Bloom
BDP has administered the Buchan in Bloom and Buchan Beginning to Bloom competition for many years. Communities benefit in many ways from taking part in the Buchan in Bloom Initiative. Not only does it bring members of the community together in a shared interest, it encourages innovation and neighbourhood pride.
MACBI
Mintlaw and Central Buchan Initiative was established to address the lack of sport, recreational and leisure facilities in the Central Buchan area as identified by a Planning for Real exercise and Community Planning. The project was to build a multi purpose centre, with sport as its key focus, to service the communities of Central Buchan. The long awaited building was opened to the public in March 2014.
BDP worked with the group since the early stages, once the building became operational our role was a supporting and enabling one, providing support to the management team and volunteers. We continued to work with the board to enable them to identify and access funding to progress the facility and furnish the interior, gym, cafe, soft play area and outdoor area.
Mintlaw Mens Shed
BDP has worked closely with Mintlaw and District Menshed (SCIO) providing project advice, guidance on applying to become a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) and one to one support for applications including one for start-up costs from Shell Small Grants and an Area Initiative Application.
The group have agreed a long-term lease for the Gardener’s Cottage and compound in Aden Country Park with Aberdeenshire Council. The Cottage had been in poor condition for many years and with funding support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and input from the shedders, the cottage has been refurbished. The yard area now includes multiple sheds, a greenhouse, containers and a polytunnel all which are used for Men’s Shed activities. BDP continue to work with Mintlaw Men’s Shed to find funding, source training opportunities and support with promotion of their activities.
Maud Toilets
When the people of Maud realised that their toilets could be lost for ever, the community moved quickly to ensure they were saved. Following a consultation that showed wide spread support for this project, BDP supported Maud Village Park Managers to submit an Expression of Interest for an Asset transfer of the local toilets. Initially the group wanted to apply for ownership so they decided to become a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) and became Maud Pleasure Park Committee SCIO. The group agreed a nominal lease for the building, and following their own fundraising effort successfully applied for Buchan Area Committee Initiative funding for the costs of safety checks and legal fees. The toilets are refurbished and the outside of the building will be painted in the warmer weather by the volunteers.
Peterhead Boys Club
Peterhead Boys Club provides football for boys from the local area from 5 to 19 years of age. In 2023 Peterhead Boys Club approached Buchan Development Partnership for support with applying to become a SCIO. BDP provided support and guidance on how to apply to become a SCIO. The groups application was approved by OSCR and they are now a SCIO.
Grieves House, Aden Country Park, Mintlaw, Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, AB42 5FQ
Tel | 01771 622071
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