Putting local support on the map with ALISS

With the ALISS Customisable Map Tool, organisations can share info about community resources in ways that work for the people they support.

The ALISS website is familiar to many as a place to find information about a wide range of health and wellbeing services and community resources. It currently contains more than 9000 service listings from across Scotland. However, the ALISS Programme has always been about more than just a website or directory.

When ALISS was first being developed, people told us that finding local support can be difficult. Different websites and directories hold different bits of information, and when organisations struggle to keep their details up to date, it can result in conflicting information.

To help overcome these challenges, people told us that it would be good to have a single list of the different services and support available. However, they also recognised that people access support in different ways and through different channels. Therefore, a key aspect of the ALISS Programme has always been to ensure information is openly available, so organisations can share and display it on their own websites, directories or other digital platforms.

Customisable maps

One of the more recent developments in this approach is the ALISS Customisable Map Tool, which allows people to create a visual map of services. The tool was inspired by our work with Glasgow Community Food Network (GCFN). GCFN developed a local Food Service Map to support their Food and Climate Action Project stemming from the Glasgow City Food Plan. They later expanded the map to include information about money advice and financial inclusion services as part of their Cash First Project.

Organisations have since used the map tool in a range of settings. One example is the Green Health Map, developed by Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership as part of a nature-based social prescribing project. The map helps people find information about local nature-based activities, including local parks, allotments, and community gardens. Chris Smillie, Public Health Coordinator for Aberdeen City HSCP, explains the benefits of the map:

“The Green Health Map helps shine a light on the amazing opportunities people across Aberdeen have to connect with nature, improve their wellbeing and get involved in their communities. Using ALISS data and mapping tools allowed us to build on what already existed, creating a resource that is easy to use, avoids duplication and helps more people discover the support and activities available on their doorstep. It is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when organisations share knowledge, work together and make the most of existing community assets.”

Similarly, LGBT Health and Wellbeing developed the QueerScot platform. It uses ALISS data to provide a map of LGBTQ+-friendly services and groups across Scotland, making it easier for people to find inclusive support. Mark Kelvin, CEO of LGBT Health and Wellbeing, highlighted:

“We know that finding the right support and safer spaces in today’s environment isn’t easy, particularly for LGBTQ+ people living outside our bigger cities. We’re developing QueerScot to make it easier for people, wherever they live in Scotland, to find – and share – services, groups, and spaces where they can feel welcome and supported. Working with ALISS means we can build on information that’s already out there, rather than duplicating efforts, and help connect more people with the support and communities they need.”

These examples demonstrate how organisations can use ALISS data and the map tool to share information in ways that are meaningful to their communities, while avoiding the time, cost and effort that would go into maintaining separate databases.

You can find further information on how to use ALISS data here. If you would like to see how we can support you, please get in touch at hello@aliss.org. We can achieve more when we work together!

End of page.