As the maximising independence approach continues to become our ‘business as usual’ way of doing things across the HSCP, it’s helping us to achieve a fair and easier way for people to access support and prioritise what’s most important to them. Two particular maximising independence projects are already having an impact.

Firstly, we have now completed the engagement phase of the Make it Local Communities project, and have selected 11 community organisations to work with our HSCP and partners on the initial phase to develop and expand community activities that contribute to managing long-term health conditions. The Make it Local Communities project will focus on five key themes that support the maximising independence approach. These are:

•    community resource information
•    helpful hints with home technology
•    food and nutrition
•    living with long-term health conditions
•    improving strengths and balance.

Our Make it Local Communities project recognises the value that local community organisations have in providing accessible services within their local communities. It looks to build on good ideas and practice around the key themes so they can develop and grow in other community-based organisations across the city. The project encourages sharing best practice and is supported by small amounts of funding.

The work will happen in two phases, with the first starting in April 2025. Seven community organisations will be involved in the first phase, with others joining the pilot later in the year once the learning and feedback from phase one has completed. This will enable us to build learning into the second half of the project.

The project was originally known as ‘Community Hubs’ but has been renamed ‘Make it Local Communities’ to differentiate it from other Hubs projects in the city. Feedback also showed the ‘Make it Local Communities’ name expressed the fact that we’re building a network of local organisations across the city rather than physical venues.

The community organisations who are part of the first phase of Make It Local Communities network are:

•    Glasgow Disability Alliance 
•    Nan McKay Hall
•    Parkhead Housing Association
•    Parkhead Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
•    Glasgow Women’s Library
•    The Weekday Wow Factor
•    Kingsway Community Connections.

More details will be announced on the second phase organisations who have registered interest to undertake activity in September/October 2025.

To find out more about the Make it Local Communities project email project lead Chris.furse@glasgow.gov.uk.

Another maximising independence project that’s making a real difference is Helpful Hints for Home Technology, which aims to demystify technology by showing people some very practical ways that everyday devices can help them at home and in their community.

Benefits include being more connected to digital healthcare opportunities and appointments, keeping in touch with family, friends and community groups, as well as giving people more confidence to try technology in everyday activities. As more and more day-to-day activities move to digital channels, people can sadly risk being left behind and isolated if they don’t have the opportunity to get involved.

The team of HSCP Community Link Workers who deliver the Helpful Hints sessions have developed the project, and adapted the venues they visit so they can meet more people across the city. Pop-up sessions have taken place in hospitals, church halls and community centres in addition to the original library-based venues, and another 10 potential venues are currently being scoped out. The team is also producing short ‘how-to’ videos to help people with the most frequently asked questions and issues.

Specific sessions for carers are also planned, with advice being available on potential help to purchase devices and technology equipment for carers. And the local organisations involved in the first phase of Make it Local Communities could be other potential hosts of Helpful Hints drop-in sessions.

You can find out where and when the next sessions are on Your Support Your Way Glasgow.