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Arran Bulletin

Funding and Guidance

National Lottery Community Fund - Young Start Programme
The National Lottery Community Fund has reopened the Young Start programme, with refreshed outcomes and a new development funding route shaped by children and young people across Scotland. Since 2012, Young Start has awarded over £70 million in Dormant Assets funding to projects led by and for 8–24-year-olds.
There are now two funding options:
Projects must support young people to build relationships, develop skills and confidence, understand themselves and others, or take action on issues that matter to them.
Organisations should contact the Fund to discuss their idea before applying via emailing: advicescotland@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk or call 0300 123 7110.

If you are interested in how we went about designing the programme and what we learned as we did so, join us for a ‘lunch and learn’ webinar on 19th March at noon-sign up here.

Laughology

In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Laughology is delighted to announce that £20,000 will be awarded this year through its Happiness Fund to support inspiring community projects across the UK. In 2026, there will be two funding cycles, with two outstanding projects in each cycle receiving £5,000 each — spreading even more happiness in this special milestone year.

The fund supports grassroots, community-based initiatives that are non-profit, non-political, and focused on long-term sustainability. Applications for Cycle 1 open on 2nd March 2026 and close on 27th March 2026, with winners announced on 15th May 2026. Projects that are ready to grow, become self-sustaining, and make a lasting difference in their communities are encouraged to apply. More information can be found here: The Happiness Fund | Funding Positive Change | Laughology

Islands Emergency Cost of Living Fund

Grants are available up to £2,000, but if your proposed project will cost more than this, please get in touch as we may be able to help you find additional funding.

Apply here: https://form.123formbuilder.com/6910929/islands-emergency-cost-crisis-fund-2025  

Further information can be found here

Access the cost of living leaflet here.

Boots Charitable Trust – Supporting Local Communities

Organisations can request Boots products for raffles or to support their work by completing a Donation Request Form. Pick up can be requested from your local store.

Apply for a £500 Grant – Impact Fund

The Impact Fund is offering 20 grants of £500 to UK not-for-profit organisations to help them continue or enhance their work. This is an excellent opportunity for not-for-profit organisations to secure additional support for their projects and activities.

The grant is unrestricted and can be used where it is needed most.

Closes: Midnight, Sunday 5th April
How to Apply: Organisations can click here for more information.

The Weir Charitable Trust – Funding for Scottish Community Groups

The Weir Charitable Trust supports Scottish‑based community groups, charities and constituted organisations that provide services in Scotland, helping to improve quality of life across communities. Funding is considered for activities in the areas of sport, health, culture, animal welfare and recreational facilities, and grants are usually up to £25,000.

Application Deadlines: 5.00 pm Friday 1st May 2026 (outcomes advised end June/July)

Applications and guidance can be found on the Trust’s website.

The Screwfix Foundation

The Screwfix Foundation provides grants of up to £5,000 to registered charities and not-for-profit organisations across the UK for projects that improve, repair or maintain buildings and facilities used by people in need.

Funding is available for practical building works such as heating upgrades, energy-efficient lighting, kitchen and bathroom installations, safety improvements and sensory spaces.

Eligible organisations must be formally registered and support individuals experiencing hardship, disadvantage, illness, disability or financial distress. The Foundation does not fund salaries, rent, vehicles, removable items, loan repayments or general public amenities.

Grants must be spent within 12 months, with applications submitted online and reviewed quarterly by the Board of Trustees. Applications close on 10th May. Outcomes received by 30th June 2026. More information can be found here: SF_Foundation_Eligibility_Criteria_2024.pdf

 Hydro Community Fund

At SSE Renewables, we are proud of our hydro heritage which has been vital to bringing clean energy to the north of Scotland for over 80 years. Our new £10 million community fund is open to projects that support residents in the community council areas which proudly host our hydro assets.

Project eligibility

The Hydro Community Fund priorities are:

  • To protect the natural environment of the local area, including landscapes, natural habitats and biodiversity.
  • To enhance access to safe, affordable and sustainable community transport opportunities and low-carbon solutions within the local area.
  • To improve access to affordable, quality and safe housing, including developing community housing initiatives, enhancing local housing stock and improving home energy efficiency schemes.
  • To encourage the establishment and sustainable economic growth of small businesses, including social enterprises.
  • To develop and improve community assets and infrastructure such as halls, hubs and paths.
  • To promote the physical and mental well-being of communities through community arts, culture, sports and recreation.

For this fund, the panel are also interested in projects that support education, skills development, and employment opportunities. However, no specific priority will be given, as all project areas will be considered equally.

Closes: 26th June 2026    Click here for more information

CARES Community Solar Fund

Up to 80% funding is available to install solar panels on the following types of community buildings:

  • Village halls
  • Community centres
  • Community hubs
  • Sports facilities
  • Faith buildings

The funding is open to charities registered with OSCR or not-for-profit organisations registered with Companies House.

For more information click here: https://localenergy.scot/funding/cares-community-solar-fund/

The Boost Fund is Open

The Boost Fund is delivered by Corra and is a partnership programme between the STV Children’s Appeal, Comic Relief, Foundation Scotland, Corra and supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Boost is for community-led organisations across Scotland supporting local people affected by poverty or disadvantage. It's all about boosting community- led efforts, to ensure people with ideas for positive change are supported!

Boost is open to constituted and unconstituted groups with an income under £50,000 and has no closing date for applications.

What is available?

There is £750,000 available to distribute until March 2026, with approximately 10% of available funding made to unconstituted groups.

  • Grants of £500-£3,000 to constituted groups and charities with an annual income of £50,000 or less.
    Grants of between £250-£1,500 available for unconstituted groups.

Who can apply?

Groups can apply if their activities will support their communities and the people who live there. The work you are doing might be about:

Providing practical help, organising activities and gatherings or addressing another local need.

More information, including full criteria and guidance can be found here: https://www.corra.scot/grants/boost-fund/

The National Lottery Community Fund (Scotland) – Community Action

Do you have a project idea that could bring people together, improve wellbeing, or make a positive impact on the environment? The National Lottery Community Fund (Scotland) is offering grants from £20,001 to £250,000 for projects lasting up to 5 years.

This fund is designed for communities across Scotland – whether that’s people who share an identity, interest, or experience, or those living in the same place.

Projects must achieve at least two of these outcomes:

  • Build positive relationships
  • Support people’s health or wellbeing
  • Improve access to and connection with nature
  • Make a positive difference to the environment

Examples of eligible projects include:

  • Regular programmes of activities that bring people together and boost wellbeing
    Community kitchens, larders, pantries, and advice/support sessions
  • Community gardens or growing projects
  • Environmental clean-ups, waste-reduction initiatives, and upcycling workshops

Find out more and apply: Home | The National Lottery Community Fund

Applications can be made at any time.

Victim Support Scotland – Emergency Assistance Fund

Funding for Victims of Crime Experiencing Financial Hardship in Scotland

Victim Support Scotland offers grants to groups and organisations in Scotland to support people affected by crime who are experiencing financial hardship due to their experience and who typically lack access to other means of support.

Through the Emergency Assistance Fund, groups can apply for the direct purchase or reimbursement of goods and services on behalf of the victim in the aftermath of a crime, such as:

  • Emergency household, food, utility, or clothing expenses (mobile phone/broadband contract payments and expenses related to the purchase/upkeep of motor vehicles will not normally be considered).
  • Costs to repair or replace damaged property or goods.
  • Contributions to funeral costs.
  • Moving costs.
  • Travel costs to a place of safety or to attend court.
  • Security equipment costs.

Funding is available for people who live in Scotland, as well as victims of crimes that happened in Scotland.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

https://victimsupport.scot/vss-eaf/ 

Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services

Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services (VSDS) is funded by the Scottish Government through Disclosure Scotland to support the voluntary sector with their disclosure checks.

If your organisation has volunteers or members of staff in roles that are covered by the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) legislation, then you will need to be registered with Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services to get your PVG checks for volunteers done for free.  The member of your organisation tasked with organising your PVG checks is called a signatory.VSDS provide a range of online sessions with multiple dates available to help you in this role.  For details of their programme, please see:

VSDS Training or PVG - Your Signatory Role

The 'Your Signatory Role' session is designed for those who are new to the role, about to step into the role or are interested in finding out more about what the role of being a signatory involves

Training and Events

Exciting Opportunity for Organisations

Arran CVS is supporting the delivery of in-person neurodiversity workshops for organisations, facilitated by the Neurodevelopmental Empowerment & Strategy Team (NEST).

These practical sessions will build understanding of neurodevelopmental differences, explore both challenges and strengths, and share helpful strategies to better support and include neurodivergent individuals in volunteering and activities.

Please select your preferred session by Friday 6th March. Workshops take place on Wednesday 20th May 2026. Click here to register or scan the QR Code on the poster below.

Arran Eco Savvy - Heat Pump Workshop

Home Energy Scotland is hosting a free online heat pump webinar, taking
place on Tuesday 10th March at 12 noon or 6pm. BOOK HERE

The webinar is delivered by Home Energy Scotland’s Technical Team, and lasts around 45 minutes. The session is offered at two different times so you can choose what suits you best.

This session will share:
• Practical tips for getting the most out of your heat pump
• Advice for both new heat pump owners and those considering
installation

Ayrshire Climate Hub Forum

The next forum will take place on Tuesday 10th March 2026, 10:00–11:30am, via Microsoft Teams.

This session will be particularly inspiring as we’ll be joined by two fantastic guest speakers: Arran Eco Savvy and Arran Pioneer Project who will be be sharing their experiences, insights, and practical learning from their climate action work — offering real-life examples of community-led change in action.

You can register for this free online event here

The forum is a welcoming and collaborative space where you can:

•Learn from others and hear what’s working across Ayrshire
• Build meaningful connections and strengthen your network
• Share your own experiences through peer-to-peer learning
• Develop skills and confidence in climate action
• Exchange ideas, inspiration and best practice

Whether you’re well established in your climate journey or just getting started, this is a supportive space to connect and be inspired.

Trellis Therapeutic Horticulture Conference 2026

Friday 13th March 2026
The Bield at Blackruthven, Perth, PH1 1PY

This annual professional gathering brings together over 100 people from across the UK for a day of learning, good-practice sharing, and inspiration in the field of therapeutic horticulture. Whether you are already involved in this work or simply interested in how gardening can support wellbeing, you are warmly invited to take part.

Find full details at:
https://www.trellisscotland.org.uk/trellis-therapeutic-horticulture-conference-2026

Suicide Prevention Ayrshire & Arran Training 

This training can help you feel confident in spotting the signs and knowing how to support someone who’s struggling. For more information, March dates and booking information please click here. 

Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 : A Quick Referral Guide

The Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 defines an adult at risk of harm as an who is aged 16 years or over who:

  • Is unable to safeguard their own wellbeing, property, rights or other interests
  • Is at risk of harm; and
  • Is more at risk because they are affected by disability, mental disorder, illness or physical or mental infirmity

This is known as the 3 point criteria. Please remember that the capacity of the adult to be aware of/or understand the harm, is not part of the criteria and does NOT prevent referral. Evidence is NOT necessary for referral; belief that the criteria is met is enough for an adult to be referred. Consent from the adult for referral is desirable, but NOT a necessity because of the lawful basis to share information under this legislation. Where possible, the adult should be made aware that a referral will be completed.

How to make an Adult Support and Protection Referral:

If you know or believe that an adult may be at risk of harm a referral to social work should be made within 24 hours. Referrals can be made online via ‘ASP Referral’ North Ayrshire ASP Referral Or by completing a multi-agency AP1 referral form and sending to adultprotection@north-ayrshire.gov.uk 

Complete the form to the best of your knowledge. The referral form will take you through the three-point criteria for Adult Support and Protection. You should provide information to explain why you think each of the criteria is met. If you believe each of the criteria is met, select yes for each and the referral is made under Adult Support and Protection. If you answer no to any of the criterion, you can still submit a referral as an adult concern, using the same form. Consent should be sought to make an adult concern referral. Social Work can upgrade adult concern referrals to ASP, if during their analysis they have reason to believe that the ASP criteria is met.

Advice and Support:

Due to complexity and nature of some types of harm, such as coercive control and undue pressure, as well as becoming a more trauma informed workforce, it is sometimes necessary or beneficial to discuss concerns. Therefore, if you are unsure about any aspects of Adult Support and Protection consult with your line manager or the ASP representative in your organisation. You are also welcome to discuss your referral with Social Work prior to submitting your written referral. Our multi-agency Adult Support and Protection Policies and training can be accessed via:

Adult support and protection (north-ayrshire.gov.uk)

Adult Support and Protection Training Calendar (north-ayrshire.gov.uk)

For Further Information:

Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 - an intro to part one

Adult Support and Protection: Updated Code of Practice 2022

Facebook:  North Ayrshire Protecting People Together People

Evaluating Support Scotland (ESS)

Evaluating your organisation as well as the projects you run is important:

  • It helps you learn & improve your practices
  • Ensures that you can measure and explain your impact to funders – this is useful for both writing funding applications as well as reporting back to funders

ESS have loads of great resources which can be found here: https://evaluationsupportscotland.org.uk/resources/

Consultations

Planning Aid Scotland

Planning Aid Scotland is inviting people who live on Scotland’s islands, or who work with island communities, to take part in a new survey aimed at strengthening community involvement in local planning.

The survey seeks views on how island communities can be better supported to participate in the planning processes that shape everyday life. This includes community-led planning initiatives such as Local Place Plans and Community Action Plans, as well as understanding and engaging with planning applications for electricity and renewable energy developments.

Community groups, volunteers, local organisations and anyone involved in community-led planning or renewable energy discussions are particularly encouraged to respond.

Feedback gathered will inform the development of a new training programme tailored specifically to help island communities participate confidently and effectively in local planning.

The survey is open until 15th March 2026 and can be completed online. An interactive 90-minute online workshop will also take place on Thursday 12th March 2026 from 7:00–8:30pm for those who would like to share their views in more detail.

For more information visit Planning Aid Scotland’s website or access the survey and workshop here.

Consultation on School Age Childcare - Scottish Government

Childcare is fundamental to the sustainability of island communities. It enables parents and carers to work, train and establish businesses, reduces child poverty, and supports population retention. Without reliable childcare, islands cannot attract or retain working-age families.

Island childcare operates at very small scale, often with limited staff, fluctuating demand and higher operating costs. National funding and regulatory models designed for urban areas do not translate effectively to small island settings, resulting in fragile or absent provision and inequitable access for island children and families.

The current consultation by the Scottish Government on the definition and regulation of school age childcare presents an opportunity to develop a more proportionate framework that reflects island realities. This consultation is available on the Scottish Government website and the Scottish Government’s consultation portal, and will be open until Monday 18 May 2026. If you have any questions relating to the consultation, please contact the team at sacc_consultation@gov.scot

Volunteering Opportunities

Calling All Groups and Organisations!

Looking for a helping hand?  We are here to promote your volunteer opportunities. We frequently get people through our door looking for ways to volunteer, so now is the time to let us know who you need! Whether it's a charity event, community project, or something in between, we're here to spread the word and connect you with passionate individuals ready to make a difference.

Volunteering Newsletter

For the latest volunteering newsletter for January, please click the link below

Volunteering link January 2026

Volunteers Required for Brodick Hall

Volunteers are required for Brodick Hall to help with stranded passengers when ferries are unable to sail. Currently there is a very small pool of council staff and volunteers but we are looking to supplement these numbers with some community members who have some time and would be able to assist.

In the case of the ferry being unable to sail, volunteers will be called upon to be in the hall overnight with other team members.
If you think this is something you could help with or would like any more information, please contact Lesley Jeffery on 01292 616289.
Befriending Volunteering - Volunteer Blether Buddies Needed!

Could you spare an hour a week to brighten someone’s day?

We’re looking for warm, friendly volunteers on Arran to become Blether Buddies — visiting isolated people in their homes for a chat, a cuppa, and some companionship.

Many people in our community experience loneliness, especially those living alone or with limited mobility. Just a short visit can make a huge difference.

What does a Blether Buddy do?

  • Pop in for a friendly chat

  • Offer company, laughter, and a listening ear

  • Build confidence and connection

  • Help reduce loneliness in our community

Time commitment

Only 1 hour a week or fortnight, flexible around your schedule.

Community Transport 

We are looking for volunteer drivers to support our Community Transport Project from all areas of the island, but we are especially on the lookout for drivers in the undernoted areas:

  • Corrie & Sannox
  • Kildonan & Kilmory
  • Blackwaterfoot

Community Transport is aimed at assisting individuals getting to and from medical and social projects here on the Island, where public transport may not always be easily accessible. If you would like more information or have a chat about becoming a volunteer driver, please do not hesitate to contact Jeanette, Transport Co-Ordinator here at the office. Call on 01770 600611 or email her at jeanette.farrell@arrancvs.org.uk

Volunteer Chefs Required

Any budding chefs out there that would be willing to help out at either Glen Estate or McKelvie Road on a Monday? If so please call the office on 01770 600611.

Stay Connected: Join Our Mailing List and Share Your News

If you have received this bulletin via another source and would like to be added to our mailing list, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@arrancvs.org.uk

If you wish to share anything from your group/organisation contact me at info@arrancvs.org.uk by the Thursday before the date you wish for it to be shared.

Arran Community & Voluntary Service provides a comprehensive range of services to third sector organisations.

Call 01770 600611 info@arrancvs.org.uk

We are a local charitable organisation that provides a range of information and office services to voluntary and community organisations operating on Arran.

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