An “absolutely phenomenal” army of volunteers is providing a range of social and practical services across northern Livingston.
But in the age of social media, many people who would benefit the most are missing out because there’s not enough information available offline.
Now council regeneration officers are looking at ways of promoting the dozens of clubs and activities that are available through venues such as Carmondean Library.
Local regeneration officer Scott McKillop said at the meeting of the local area committee: “How do we promote the range of activities at Carmondean Library and the North Livingston Partnership?
“We are looking to work with groups to promote the different activities as well as promote the Partnership centre itself as a venue.”
Councillor Alison Adamson said she had been talking to an older peoples’ group to promote activities and realised she didn’t have anything in print.
“ I could only talk about what I was aware of. It dawned on me that I don’t actually have anything to say, no here’s a leaflet, here’s some information.
“They won’t necessarily be involved in social media, so printed copy stuff is certainly of greater importance, and we can do our bit- to share what we know about the services and activities and the absolutely phenomenal amount of volunteering work that’s going on in our communities.”
A report to the committee listed around a dozen regular events hosted each week at Carmondean library serving all ages from toddler to pensioners- offering a range of social and practical activities.
Councillor Andrew Miller said: “Very much following on from Alison’s point, there are so many good things happening, particularly when you look at the library update.
“It’s tremendous, there’s so much there but unless you read this paper or unless you actually walk into the building you have no idea that so many amazing things are happening. That applies to all groups.
“The big challenge seems to be how do we inform people what’s going on. I know at Deans High School I know Xcite is trying to promote swimming there because most people don’t think there’s a swimming pool in Livingston, but there is.
“It’s a big challenge to get that information out there.”
Mr McKillop agreed: “The easiest part is collating the information. The difficult part is about publicising it especially in the current media age.
Councillor Anne McMillan chairing the meeting said; “ I think we could have a look at again that and maybe get something back to see if we have made progress.”
Regular events at Carmondean Library include:-
Adult Learning Class: Runs during school term time each Wednesday from 10am to 12 noon.
- Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) Drop-in: Held on the fourth Monday of each month from 10.30am to 12.30pm, offering hearing aid maintenance, hearing checks, and support for those affected by deafness, hearing loss, or tinnitus. Free replacement NHS hearing aid batteries are also available.
- Visually Impaired Support Group: Meets on the first Wednesday of each month from 10.30am to 12 noon. The group provides an opportunity for those with visual impairments to meet new people. Refreshments are available.
- Macmillan Support: Face-to-face appointments are available with Macmillan each Thursday at Livingston North Partnership Centre.
Bookbug Sessions: Held weekly on Tuesdays at 10.30am for children under five and their parents or carers.
- Craft and Lego Club: Takes place each Friday from 2pm to 3pm for primary school-aged children. All materials are provided free of charge. • Kids Coding Club: Runs fortnightly on Saturdays from 10.30am to 11.30am. Suitable for primary school-aged children.
- Adult Craft Club: Meets monthly, offering adults the opportunity to take part in creative activities.
- Adult Book Group: Meets on the first Monday of each month from 2pm to 3pm.
- Bingo and Banter with Tea ’n’ Blether: A new social session combining bingo, refreshments, and conversation, held on the last Monday of each month from 2pm to 3pm.
By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter
