EAST Renfrewshire Council services that work with community groups, youngsters, and adult learners across the area have been hailed as "life-changing" by residents.

It comes after inspectors from Education Scotland recently reviewed the work being carried out by the local authorities Community Learning and Development (CLD) teams.

The review included the council's youth work, adult learning, and work carried out to strengthen communities and partnerships across the area.

As part of it, a key strength which was identified was the strong links between ERC's CLD teams and other community groups. 

The report said: "CLD partners work effectively to support learners and community activists to gain skills and knowledge to meet their needs.

"Almost all learners are supported well to transition between well-developed pathways to access opportunities to best suit their aspirations.

"A few learners describe these co-designed and person-centred approaches as positive, and, at times, life-changing."

While it added: "Across East Renfrewshire, the leadership of CLD at all levels is strong.

"Council CLD staff at all levels are trusted and have autonomy to plan and make decisions about their work.

"This enables them to be agile and help secure the best possible outcomes for learners and communities."

According to the council, a wide range of supports are in place, which are all making a positive impact on residents.

These include the youngsters attending the LGBTI Youth Group in Barrhead showing more confidence and breaking down barriers to participation.

Meanwhile, ESOL (English for Speakers of other Languages) learners, who are supported by the Adult Learning Team, are developing their language skills which helps to remove practical barriers to their integration into local life.

Council Leader Owen O'Donnell said: “We are committed to building stronger communities for all, so I’m delighted that inspectors have recognised the excellent work being carried out every day by teams right across the Council.

"Our Community Learning and Development work, which supports our ambitions to allow all residents to make a valuable contribution to East Renfrewshire, is clearly having the desired impact and I look forward to seeing this go from strength to strength in the years ahead.

"Well done to all the staff involved.”