COSLA has today (Wednesday, November 17) launched a campaign which highlights the vast range of essential services offered by Scotland’s 32 Councils and proudly declares, ‘This Is Local Government’.
Taking its inspiration form the COSLA Blueprint and the herculean efforts of Councils during the pandemic, ‘This Is Local Government’ aims to increase awareness and appreciation of the essential service provided by Councils.
Every home across the rural, island and urban areas of Scotland benefits from Council-run services and from the dedication of the Local Government workforce.
The campaign will bring to the fore these everyday essential services upon which we all rely, but are sometimes not aware of who provides them.
And there will be a particular focus on boosting engagement with young people, who may not realise just how many Council services they use now and will rely upon in future.
A series of videos will be released on COSLA’s social media channels – including our new Instagram account - featuring both staff and service users over the coming months. You can follow the campaign across our platforms using the #ThisIsLocalGovernment hashtag
Our campaign kicked off with a video featuring Josh Morris, who works in the South Lanarkshire Council-run David Walker Gardens care home in Rutherglen.
The 22-year-old was previously employed as a lifeguard at Strathaven Swimming Pool, before moving into the care home setting to help at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
You can watch Josh talk about his transition to social care here.
COSLA President, Councillor Alison Evison, said:
“All too often, the work of Councils and the Local Government workforce goes unnoticed in communities, and we hope our This Is Local Government campaign will help to address that.
“Each and every one of us use and rely upon Council services from the day we are born into older age.
“From nursery provision and education through to care for the most vulnerable, your local Council – wherever you may be in Scotland – is working hard to provide the services you need every day.
“Josh’s story is wonderful – in terms his age, his former career - it shows the diversity we would love to see more of in the social care workforce and across the whole Local Government workforce. And as the President of COSLA, I am proud to hear Josh say #ThisIsLocalGovernment.”
Monica Patterson, Chief Executive of East Lothian Council and SOLACE lead, said:
“Council employees the length and breadth of Scotland carry out varied work, delivering key services at the heart of communities.
“Councils have an important role to play in protecting local environments, enhancing the economy and in helping children and young people to achieve their potential.
“They also support the most vulnerable people, something which has been particularly vital throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The launch of our new #ThisIsLocalGovernment campaign is an opportunity to underline the wide-ranging nature of council responsibilities and recognise the difference which our people, working with partners, make within and across our communities every single day.”