Building community resilience together
Climate emergencies are becoming more frequent and more severe. Flooding, power outages, public health crises, extreme heat and cold, and the quieter but equally damaging effects of social isolation can all test a community’s ability to cope and recover.
This page brings together practical knowledge, tools and resources to help communities and community led organisations prepare for these challenges, respond when they happen, and recover in ways that leave neighbourhoods stronger than before.
What is community resilience?
Community resilience is the ability of people in a place to come together and find a way through difficult times. It is about knowing your neighbours, understanding local risks, and having basic plans in place so that when something goes wrong, people can respond together rather than in isolation.
Most resilience work falls into four phases:
Emergency Plan
An emergency community resilience plan helps a community prepare for, respond to, and recover from unexpected events like floods, power cuts, or severe weather. It improves coordination, reduces confusion during emergencies, and ensures help reaches vulnerable people quickly. By strengthening communication and local support networks, it helps communities recover faster and become safer and more resilient overall.
Below is a template and some examples of an emergency plan that you can tailor for your own community.
Below are examples of Emergency Plans from other rural communities:
Shared Learning Resources
We have shared learning resources from a range of rural communities to help others develop their own emergency plans. These examples highlight practical approaches, lessons learned, and effective strategies that can be adapted to local needs. They are intended to support communities in building stronger preparedness, coordination, and resilience.
Glenbarr Resilience List
Gigha Strengthening Community Resilience
Gigha Climate Change Resilience Survey
Glendaruel Village Hall Project
Understanding the risks
Climate resilience ▼
Key risks
Mitigation tactics
Economic resilience ▼
Key risks
Mitigation tactics
Food resilience ▼
Key risks
Mitigation tactics
Energy resilience ▼
Key risks
Mitigation tactics
Communication resilience ▼
Key risks
Mitigation tactics
Health and wellbeing resilience ▼
Key risks
Mitigation tactics
Social and community resilience ▼
Key risks
Mitigation tactics
Governance and decision-making resilience ▼
Key risks
Mitigation tactics
Digital switchover resilience ▼
Key risks
Mitigation tactics
Support Organisations
National Organisations
Organisation
SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency)
Scottish Flood Forum
Scottish Communities Climate Action Network
Community Energy Scotland
Friends of the Earth Scotland
Stop Climate Chaos Scotland
Description
National environmental regulator. Manages flood forecasting and warnings, and supports strategic flood-risk planning.
The Scottish Flood Forum is an independent organisation which supports individuals and communities at risk from flooding.
We aim to support community-led action in Scotland to address the climate and nature emergency and work for a just, thriving and resilient Scotland.
National charity supporting community-led renewable energy projects and local energy resilience.
National environmental NGO advocating for climate justice and local-to-global climate policy change.
Coalition of Scottish organisations (NGOs, unions, faith groups) pushing for stronger climate policy and community mobilisation.
Web Link
https://www.sepa.org.uk
https://www.scottishfloodforum.org/
https://www.sccan.scot/
https://www.communityenergyscotland.org.uk
https://www.foe.scot/
https://www.stopclimatechaos.scot
Argyll and Bute
Organisation
Argyll & Bute Climate Action Network (ABCAN)
ACT Now (Argyll & the Isles Coast & Countryside Trust)
Time for Change Argyll & Bute
Argyll & Bute Council – Community Resilience & Emergency Planning
Argyll & Bute Community Planning Partnership (CPP)
Description
Local network funded by the Scottish Government, coordinated by ACT Now and TSI. Offers carbon literacy training, micro-funding, and climate engagement.
Regional organisation leading environmental and community climate initiatives including flood management, biodiversity, and education.
Local activist group supporting climate justice, awareness, and community-level campaigns (e.g. Cardross, Tayvallich).
Offers templates, guidance, and support for community emergency plans tailored to local risks like storms, flooding, and power outages.
Regional multi-agency forum (includes NHS Highland, NatureScot, TSI etc.) with a new 2025 climate strategy focused on local resilience, procurement, and infrastructure.
Web Link
https://www.abcan.scot
https://www.act-now.org.uk
https://www.timeforchangeargyllandbute.org
https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/community-resilience
https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/community-planning-partnership-climate-change
Other Useful Resources
Bute Advice Case Study
This case study highlights the positive impact of advocacy within the community.
A single parent initially applied for a small grant, but through additional support and a benefits check, they accessed further financial help they were unaware of, significantly increasing their income.
It shows how guidance and trust can lead to meaningful, longer-term support.
HELP Ltd Case Study
This case study highlights the importance of ongoing, practical support for young clients managing energy costs.
While advocacy helped clear significant debt, lasting impact came from continued guidance and regular check-ins, helping the client build better financial habits and avoid future debt.
Storm Eowyn Case Study
This case study highlights the impact of severe storms on island communities, including flooding, power outages, and damage to homes.
It underscores the challenges faced by vulnerable residents and concerns around resilience and emergency support.
ALIenergy
This case study shows how targeted support can improve both safety and affordability for vulnerable households.
Through a home visit, practical advice, and essential equipment, the client was able to reduce energy costs, address safety risks, and access key household items, leading to a safer and more manageable living situation.
Smart Export Guarantee Case Study
This case study introduces the rollout of solar PV panels by ACHA to reduce energy costs.
It highlights how gaps in communication left tenants unaware of key features and delayed payments, and how local support helped them access the full benefits.
Glendaruel Case Study
This case study introduces a vulnerable individual living in a remote area with serious health and mobility issues and no family support.
It highlights the challenges they face accessing care and how support from others, particularly Ros, plays a crucial role in ensuring their basic needs are met.