This project was designed to raise awareness of existing community support and empower residents to act confidently in the face of severe weather, power cuts, or other local disruptions.
Why This Project Was Needed
Although the Colvend & Southwick Resilience Team has been active for over a decade, many new or isolated residents were unaware of the group’s existence or purpose. While five local WhatsApp groups provided efficient real-time communication to about 400 households, nearly 800 other residences were out of the loop—many of them home to older adults or people living alone.
This communication gap posed a significant risk during local emergencies. To address this, the Community Council initiated a project to reach every household, raising awareness and promoting personal and collective resilience.
What Was Done
The council produced 1,000 bespoke “Ready Together” leaflets tailored to the local context and needs. These covered:
- How to prepare for emergencies such as power outages, flooding, snow-ins, and fuel shortages
- Key contacts and local support networks
- The structure of the local Resilience Team and how to access assistance
To maximise impact, each household also received:
- The Dumfries & Galloway Council’s H.E.L.P. leaflet
- A Colvend & Southwick Community Newsletter with updates on the Local Place Plan
A team of 14 volunteers carried out the door-to-door delivery across 800 rural homes—an unprecedented outreach effort for the Community Council. Surplus copies were made available at the Colvend Information Centre for visitors and newcomers.
Project Outcomes
- 100% of households reached with printed emergency preparedness information
- Significant increase in WhatsApp group membership, broadening future digital communications
- Face-to-face engagement with residents during delivery helped build community trust and provided updates on local issues
- The project was delivered on time and under budget
Residents responded positively, with many commenting on how helpful and clear the information was. The leaflets are now visible in kitchens and hallways across the region—ready to guide action when it matters most.
Who Benefited
- Local residents now understand how to prepare and respond to emergencies and know where to find help.
- Community councillors and the Resilience Team can be confident that all households are informed and included.
- Visitors and new residents can access information from the Information Centre, improving overall community resilience.
What Was Learned
- A hybrid approach—combining digital communication with printed materials—is essential for reaching rural and older populations.
- Face-to-face delivery fosters engagement and strengthens trust.
- Volunteer-led solutions are not only cost-effective but also enhance community spirit and ownership.
A Lasting Impact
The “Ready Together” leaflet will serve as a permanent resource in local homes. The council now has a replicable, updateable format to maintain and improve resilience communications in future years. Electronic versions are planned for future distribution, enhancing sustainability.
