Friday 16 January 2025
Welcome to Community, your Dumfries and Galloway community bulletin.
We are always keen to hear of any positive stories about things that are happening in your community and would like to feature them in Community. Please email us at communitybulletin@dumgal.gov.uk and one of our reporters will get back to you.
Violence Against Women and Girls Survey
The Dumfries and Galloway Public Protection Partnership is seeking your views on improving support for survivors of violence and abuse.
This survey is confidential and will be open until the 26 January 2026.
Why does this matter? Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and domestic abuse have profound impacts on individuals, families and communities. Understanding your experiences and perspectives helps us improve services, reduce harm and ensure that support is compassionate, accessible and effective.
Please note, some questions may feel sensitive. If you need support at any point, local and national organisations are here to help. You can find sources of support and advice at the Dumfries and Galloway Public Protection Partnership website.
Bus Service Updates
There are changes to the 212 bus service connecting Moniaive to Thornhill and also the 80 service that serves Annan.
Bus Service Update: 212 Moniaive–Thornhill.
Due to the temporary closure of the Nith Bridge, the 212 service will operate under revised arrangements over the coming days. Passengers are advised to check the details listed below before travelling.
Saturday 17 January. There will be no pedestrian access across the bridge. Brownriggs will operate two journeys only from Thornhill Health Centre at 9:05am and 2:10pm, with return journeys from Moniaive at 9:30am and 2:40pm. These services will follow a diversion and may take up to 20 minutes longer than usual.
Monday 19 to Wednesday 21 January. Buses will be permitted to cross the bridge between 7:30am to 9:30am and 2:30pm to 5:30pm. Between 9:30am and 2:30pm, passengers will be required to walk across the bridge to meet a shuttle bus. The services affected are the 12:05pm from Thornhill Health Centre and the 9:30am and 12:35pm departures from Moniaive. The 2:10pm service from Thornhill Health Centre will depart at 2:25pm to ensure it reaches the bridge after reopening, meaning no walking is required for this journey. Passengers should allow extra time and take care when crossing on foot.
New Community Bus Services for Annandale Area.
Annandale Community Transport Services (ACTS) took over operation of the 80 Annan town service on 5 January, following the withdrawal of the Stagecoach service. ACTS has also introduced an early morning commuter journey between Moffat, Beattock and Dumfries.
Community Led Local Development Fund Seeks New Local Action Group Members
Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway is seeking new members for the Local Action Group that supports delivery of the Community Led Local Development Fund.
If you have an interest in community led local development and want to help shape how the fund is delivered in the future, you may wish to apply.
Applications are welcome from people with skills or experience in the following areas:
- Fund management.
- Rural development.
- Locality or place-based knowledge.
- Community wealth building.
- Thematic knowledge in areas, such as:
- Community health and wellbeing.
- Poverty and inequalities.
- Youth engagement.
Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway is the Accountable Body for fund delivery and is committed to building an independent and representative Local Action Group. Applications are encouraged from young people aged 16 to 24.
Deadline for applications is Monday 2 February.
Mind to Mind Campaign Encourages People to Look After Their Mental Wellbeing
A Scottish Government mental health campaign is encouraging people across Scotland to take small steps to look after their mental wellbeing and to remind anyone going through a difficult patch that help is available.
Mind to Mind is designed to help normalise conversations around mental health and wellbeing, and promotes a dedicated NHS inform site as a trusted source of support and practical advice.
The Mind to Mind website features more than 30 short, bite-sized videos of people sharing their own lived experience of mental wellbeing challenges and the simple things that have helped them cope. Topics include:
- Dealing with anxiety and panic.
- Handling stress.
- Loneliness and isolation.
- Lifting your mood.
- Coping with money worries.
- Moving through grief.
As well as lived experience videos, the site provides practical tips on managing life's ups and downs and signposts where people can access further support.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious or lonely, it's important to remember that you're not alone.
The Flames Return to New Galloway
This January, Tricky Hat Productions is welcoming people to join their performance company, The Flames, at CatStrand in New Galloway.
The Flames is for anyone over 50 who wants to challenge themselves, try something new or just be part of a creative group of like-minded people.
Using performance, movement, film and specially composed music, The Flames work with Tricky Hat’s team of professional artists in a series of creative and inspiring workshops to explore ideas based on The Flames’ own life experiences and stories.
In partnership with CatStrand and Arts DG, The Flames are returning to CatStrand, from January to March. The project starts with an open information session on Friday 23 January from 11.30am to 1pm. This session will provide opportunities to find out more and meet the artistic team.
The Flames are at CatStrand on the dates and times listed below:
Friday 23 January, Information Session 11.30am to 1pm.
Friday 6 February, Workshop Session 11.30am to 3.30pm.
Friday 13 February, Workshop Session 11.30am to 3.30pm.
Friday 20 February, Workshop Session 11.30am to 3.30pm.
Friday 27 February, Workshop Session 11.30am to 3.30pm.
Friday 6 March, Rehearsal 11am to 5pm.
Saturday 7 March, Tech and Dress Rehearsals from 10am.
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