Positive steps taken to change lives in East Renfrewshire recognised in annual performance video

Published: 8 August 2024

The annual performance video offers an insight into our performance for 2023/24 and summarises how we work in partnership to change lives.

It focuses on three key areas:

• Continuing to work together across all services and with partners to support all children and young people to flourish, learn and grow
• Working in partnership to create job opportunities and support local businesses, improve infrastructure and make East Renfrewshire a thriving place to live
• Working with communities to help with the cost-of-living, support and care for most vulnerable residents.

Alongside the report, case study interviews have also been produced and feature local entrepreneur Lucy Todd from Safe Place Beds EU who is part of the East Renfrewshire Accelerator programme led by Business Gateway East Renfrewshire, and Christine Miller, Team Manager at Women's Aid East Renfrewshire, who speaks about the support and information given to one of their clients who suffered from domestic abuse.

The video also celebrates the rich diversity and heritages within East Renfrewshire communities. Additional case studies explore the work of the weekly Diversity Friendship Group and the launch of the Equality Forum which aims to bring local people together and give a voice to diverse communities.

We also showcase some of our highlights and achievements from the past year and these include:

• Top performing education authority position maintained with pupils delivering another year of outstanding exam results
• East Renfrewshire top for school leavers with 98.7% taking positive next steps to employment, further education or training
• 97% of children and young people supported by the Healthier Minds service reported improvements in their mental health and wellbeing
• 38 roads and 12 pavements resurfaced with £3 million additional capital funding
• New play park in Thornliebank and upgraded play park in Barrhead unveiled
• Gym membership up 13% this year, thanks to work with East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure Trust to help keep residents active
• More than £3 million allocated to support recovery from the pandemic and to help with increased cost-of-living
• Money Advice and Rights team helped 5,058 residents, resulting in financial gains of £8 million for residents
• Talking Points assisted in the creation of three new community groups to give older residents more opportunity to engage with others.

Councillor Owen O'Donnell, Leader of East Renfrewshire Council, said: 'It has been great to see how, working together with partners, the council has impacted positively on the lives of local people and places over the past year.

'Steered by its priorities the council is committed to achieving a better future for us all, from our children and young people, to our older and most vulnerable residents, whilst ensuring East Renfrewshire remains a thriving place to work and attractive area to visit.

'Although challenges remain as the result of the rise in cost-of-living, the council remains dedicated to improving the lives of everyone in East Renfrewshire.

'Thanks to the efforts of council employees who showcase the council's values of ambition, kindness and trust in their daily roles, and I must give my gratitude to our partners who we work with each day across all of East Renfrewshire who help us to continue to support our communities.'

Watch the video and find more information about our performance and the case studies.

Find out more about getting involved in shaping council services.

For more information email: listening@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk