Resilient Communities workshop hailed a success
Our Emergency Planning and Resilience Team welcomed almost 50 participants to a Resilient Communities exercise and workshop held in Garvald last month.
The event brought together council employees together with community representatives, partner organisations and voluntary agencies to share information, build connections and help strengthen community resilience across East Lothian. Attendees included representatives from community councils and resilience groups from Garvald, Gifford, Dunbar, West Barns, Stenton, Pencaitland, North Berwick, Cockenzie and Port Seton, Longniddry, Musselburgh, Wallyford, Ormiston and surrounding rural areas.
Participants took part in a practical missing person exercise led by Borders Search and Rescue, providing valuable insight into the challenges faced by emergency responders and the role communities can play in supporting local resilience efforts. Presentations were also delivered by the Met Office, Scottish Gas Networks (SGN) and ScottishPower Energy Networks (SPEN), highlighting how organisations work together during severe weather and power disruption incidents. The British Red Cross, Lothian 4x4 Response and Salvation Army were also on hand to showcase the support they provide during emergencies.
Scott Kennedy, Emergency Planning and Resilience Team Manager, said: “The workshop highlighted the vital contribution that community resilience groups make in helping local people prepare for, respond to and recover from unexpected events. By bringing together communities, partner agencies and volunteers, the event provided an opportunity to share knowledge, build relationships and raise awareness of the practical steps communities can take to become more resilient.
“As weather-related and other emergency incidents continue to present challenges, strong local resilience groups remain an important part of East Lothian's ability to support communities and work effectively with partner organisations when help is needed most. The Garvald workshop was a positive step in ensuring communities are better prepared and connected for the future.”
