Banff two-year pilot project will provide access to transport and crisis support
A new pilot project is set to be launched aimed at providing access to transport and crisis support for communities.
Banffshire Partnership Limited (BPL) will coordinate and deliver the two-year Just Ask Boyndie initiative which is being primarily funded through a £100,000 grant from Aberdeenshire Council’s Banff and Buchan Rural Poverty Fund.
It comes in response to a reported increase in demand for crisis support across the Banff and Buchan area and limited public transport options between rural settlements.
The pilot has been shaped by a working group of key partners including NHS Grampian’s Public Health North Aberdeenshire, Banff and Buchan Community Planning, Tackling Poverty and Inequalities and the council’s Passenger Transport Unit, in response to challenges identified as a key priority within the current Banff and Buchan Community Action Plan.
The Just Ask Boyndie pilot project builds on learning from a model developed via a partnership approach within the Maud Resource Centre.
Focusing specifically on the two council wards of Banff and District and Troup, Just Ask Boyndie will see the creation of a one-stop-shop for crisis and welfare support, providing food, toiletries, bedding and clothing for those in need.
The project referral service will be demand-led by those living in communities, with Banffshire Partnership Limited coordinating and meeting the need through a network of third and public sector partners, while also signposting service users to specialist welfare and financial support.
The second strand of the project will see provision of community transport services to enable individuals to access welfare, training, upskilling and social connectivity appointments.
Councillor Anne Stirling, chairwoman of the council’s communities committee, said: “We all very much welcome the launch of this two-year pilot project and I wish to thank all community planning partners and Banffshire Partnership Limited for their hard work and commitment to get this important local initiative underway.
“It will help us tackle poverty and address local inequalities by enabling individuals, families and communities within the Banff and Buchan area to access crisis support and, in particular, those day-to-day living essentials and signposting support.”
Councillor Doreen Mair, chairwoman of the Banff and Buchan area committee, said: “Just Ask Boyndie will provide access to transport to learning, training and health and wellbeing services and activities which will really strengthen the place-based partnerships in Banff and Buchan and across north Aberdeenshire.
“As a strong rural organisation and community transport provider, the Banffshire Partnership continues to play a vital role in developing and engaging communities across Banff and Buchan and is ideally-placed to provide this new support.”
Duncan Leece, chief executive of Banffshire Partnership, said: “I have always believed in the great value of partnership-working between third sector organisations like Banffshire Partnership and public sector agencies.
“This is a golden opportunity for us to demonstrate collectively the huge benefit to our community when we get this kind of cooperation right.
“My colleagues and I are extremely excited to take the lead on this new service.”
To access Just Ask Boyndie services, call or message 07359139511 or email justaskboyndie@banffdab.org.uk
