Heritage Crafts is offering small grants to support projects that help safeguard endangered and critically endangered UK heritage crafts. Applicants will also receive tailored support from the Heritage Crafts team, including mentoring and business guidance. Organisations from across the UK are eligible, with some funding ringfenced to specific areas. Applicants will also receive tailored support from the Heritage Crafts team, including mentoring and business guidance.
Funding can support:
Application deadline: 5pm Friday 16th October 2026. More information and application details can be found here.
The Green Community Grants Programme offers flexible, one-year grants of up to £25,000 to eligible not-for-profit organisations in Scotland, England and Wales. Organisations must have been operating for at least 12 months and have an annual income between £10,000 and £1 million. Projects must align with one of two themes:
Funding can also support activities such as recycling, litter picking, beach cleans and sustainable transport. Priority will be given to smaller organisations, groups working in disadvantaged communities, organisations supporting marginalised groups, and those focused on habitat or species protection and restoration.
Application deadline: Wednesday 21st October 2026.
Application guidance, FAQs and the application questions are available through the programme’s website, where eligible organisations can also access the application portal.
Cunninghame Housing Association’s Making Our Communities Better Places Fund offers grants to support community projects across North and East Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway. The fund has £30,000 available annually to help local groups improve community wellbeing and quality of life.
Not-for-profit community groups and organisations can apply for up to £1,000, with sports clubs and sporting activities eligible for up to £500. Funding can support new projects, enhance existing services, or purchase equipment and materials. Projects should benefit local communities and may focus on community development, equality and diversity, the environment, recreation, arts and culture, or supporting people experiencing disadvantage. Priority is given to projects that directly benefit Cunninghame Housing Association tenants.
Applications close on 23rd October 2026. Find out more and apply here.
The popular CalMac Community Fund has reopened, offering grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 to non-profit organisations supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged people in island and coastal communities.
With a total funding pot of £175,000, the fund reflects CalMac’s ongoing commitment to supporting the communities it serves.
The fund aims to help local organisations deliver projects that:
Applications close on Monday 16th November 2026.
The fund has previously supported a wide range of community-led initiatives and local projects. Organisations that meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this funding opportunity.
Find out more and apply here. For questions not covered in the website’s frequently asked questions, contact communityfund@calmac.co.uk.
We fully encourage local groups and organisations to consider how they might benefit from this funding and support mental health and wellbeing in their communities and only apply for what you need.
Please click on the link for further details and fund guidance: https://www.arrancvs.org.uk/funding/
The National Lottery Community Fund has launched its Small Eco Awards, offering grants of £300 to £20,000 to support community-led projects across Scotland that take practical action to protect the environment.
The programme is open to community groups with ideas that will improve local places, protect nature, reduce waste, build climate resilience, connect people with the environment, and create greener, healthier, and more sustainable communities. Projects could include making community spaces greener and more accessible, growing food locally, reusing and upcycling clothing and textiles, delivering climate education, protecting wildlife, or introducing sustainable transport initiatives.
You do not need to be an environmental organisation to apply. If your group has a practical idea that will make a positive difference in your local area, this funding could help bring it to life.
To find out more about the Small Eco Awards, check your eligibility, or discuss your project ideas, visit the National Lottery Community Fund website or email advicescotland@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk.
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
The Community Enterprise Fund supports community organisations across Scotland to start trading or set up a social enterprise. Constituted third sector and community groups can apply for up to £5,000 towards start-up costs, including equipment, marketing, websites, insurance and professional fees. The fund can help organisations develop new income streams and build a more sustainable future.
Applications are now open with no current closing date. Further information and application details can be found here.
Large Grants are available to registered charities working in Scotland that support people experiencing, or at high risk of experiencing, poverty and associated complex trauma. Charities with an annual income of over £200,000 and up to £2 million can apply. Returning applicants under the 2020–2030 strategy with income between £2 million and £3 million may also be eligible and should contact their Funding Officer.
Grants of £20,000–£50,000 per year are available for unrestricted or restricted revenue funding, typically for three years. The application process has two stages: an initial enquiry followed by a full application. Initial enquiries are accepted on a rolling basis, with no closing date.
Applicants must meet a number of organisational requirements, including having at least three unconnected trustees and appropriate policies, accounts and safeguarding arrangements where relevant. Further information can be found here.
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:
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 (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.
From 1 April 2026, the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme moves to a five-year membership model, helping ensure records remain accurate, up to date and secure.
Key points:
Disclosure Scotland will contact members in advance of any changes.
Action required:
Members who have not applied since 2021 should update their email address with Disclosure Scotland to ensure they receive important updates.
Further guidance, including support on assessing regulated roles, is available on the Disclosure Scotland website, along with training and resources to help organisations meet requirements.
In celebration of Trustees Week 2026, a series of free online training sessions is being offered to third sector organisations across Scotland. The sessions cover key aspects of charity trusteeship, effective meetings, office bearer responsibilities and good governance.
The sessions available are:
Morning and afternoon sessions are available for each topic, with the exception of the Scottish Governance Code session, for which both morning and afternoon options are also listed.
Booking details and further information can be found here.
The trainer has also authored The Governance Framework, a practical resource designed to help third sector organisations improve their governance. Intermediary licences are available to organisations such as TSIs, CVSs and funders that wish to sell or provide the framework to the organisations they support. Further information is available from the training provider.
Free Connected Lives Dementia and Social Connection training is available for staff and volunteers working in third sector organisations who would like to build their confidence in supporting people living with dementia and those who care for them.
The training will be delivered in 20 locations across Scotland, including Ayr on Wednesday 18 November 2026 and Kilmarnock on Thursday 18 February 2027. Four additional online sessions will also be available for those who are unable to attend in person.
Please click here for further information.
Throughout this project, they heard from hundreds of people across the region and are immensely grateful to everyone who took part. ACVS also wish to thank those of you on Arran who took time to participate. Your experiences and evidence are at the heart of this report. By sharing the realities of accessing food, housing and healthcare in your community, you have helped build a powerful evidence base about people's rights in the South of Scotland and the challenges many people face in realising them.
The report finds that public authorities are not fully realising any of the rights we examined in the region. They heard evidence of people going hungry, experiencing hidden homelessness and losing access to local services. As Scotland's independent National Human Rights Institution, they are now calling on the Scottish Government, the Scottish Parliament, councils and NHS boards to take urgent action. They want duty bearers to respond formally to the findings and report on their progress to Scottish Parliament Committees.
They are also hosting a free online event on Wednesday 21st October to share the findings, discuss the recommendations and explore how communities can use the report to advocate for change.
If you contributed to this project, we particularly encourage you to attend. Your experiences helped shape the report and they want to share the findings first-hand with the people whose voices made this work possible. This is an opportunity to hear what was found, learn about the recommendations we are making, and be part of the conversation about what needs to happen next. We very much hope you can join us.
Book your place on Eventbrite here. If you have any questions about the event, please contact events@scottishhumanrights.com.
The Community Asset Register (CAR) is a Scotland-wide database of volunteers, community groups and organisations who are willing to offer their skills, equipment or other resources to help during an emergency incident or event. Managed and hosted by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), CAR plots registered assets on a map, allowing emergency responders to identify and contact people who may be able to provide assistance when it is needed.
CAR may also be accessed by:
The register provides members of the public and voluntary organisations with an opportunity to support their communities and emergency services as part of the wider Scottish Resilience arrangements.
What assets can be registered?
A wide range of skills, equipment and resources can be included, such as:
If an emergency occurs, registered assets may be contacted to confirm their availability. Where assistance is available, volunteers or organisations will be provided with appropriate mobilisation and deployment instructions. If you, your community group or organisation has suitable skills, equipment or other assets that could support the emergency response, you can contact the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to find out more about joining the Community Asset Register.
Email: SFRS.CommunityAssetRegister@firescotland.gov.uk
Alternative contact: edward.ritchie@firescotland.gov.uk
By registering, you could help provide valuable support to your community and emergency responders when it matters most.
A new academic year often feels like a fresh start. As teams return from summer holidays and organisations look ahead, many leaders are asking the same question: What skills will help our people thrive in a changing workplace? Alongside technical and professional development, Cruse Scotland is seeing a growing demand for training that helps people navigate the human side of work:
The reality is that every workplace experiences loss and transition. Bereavement, caring responsibilities, serious illness, retirement, and organisational change all impact our people and our workplaces. If grief, bereavement, or significant loss affected someone in your organisation tomorrow – whether a colleague, customer, or service user – would your people feel confident supporting them?
If not, Cruse Scotland is here to help. Email us at training@crusescotland.org.uk or visit www.crusescotland.org.uk/training for more information.
Protect UK-ACT Awareness E-Learning
The Ayrshire Community Trust is offering a free training session for voluntary groups and organisations across North and East Ayrshire as part of its 2026 training programme.The session will help participants understand how to measure the impact of their group or organisation's work and is suitable for anyone involved in the voluntary and community sector. More than one person from each group or organisation is welcome to attend.
To find out more and register for the session, visit: https://buytickets.at/theayrshirecommunitytrust/2331475
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.
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:
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 your organisation as well as the projects you run is important:
ESS have loads of great resources which can be found here: https://evaluationsupportscotland.org.uk/resources/
Organisations and partners are invited to contribute to the Pan Ayrshire ICYPPB response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on “Restricting Mobile Phones in Scotland’s Schools”.
The Scottish Government has announced plans to introduce legislation restricting the personal use of mobile phones in schools across Scotland. The consultation will help inform the development of this legislation and seeks views on:
Partners are encouraged to share their views by completing the Scottish Government consultation form by 20th October 2026.
The Plan sets out our priorities for keeping people safe, reducing risk and working with partners to improve outcomes for communities across North Ayrshire. As an important local partner, your views are invaluable. Your feedback will help ensure the final Plan:
You can view the draft Plan and complete a short consultation survey using the link: Consultations | Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
The consultation is open until midnight on Thursday 15th October 2026. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are committed to listening to the views of our communities and partners. Following the close of the consultation, feedback will be carefully analysed and a summary of the findings will be published, setting out how responses have informed the development of the final Plan.
Patients and carers are invited to share their experiences and views at a Patient and Carer Meeting as part of NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Ministerial Annual Review on Monday 7th December 2026 at University Hospital Crosshouse. Attendance will be available in person or remotely via Microsoft Teams. The Annual Review will be led by Alison Thewliss MSP, Minister for Community Care, and will provide an opportunity for participants to speak directly with the Minister and NHS representatives about their experiences of local health services.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran is keen to hear from anyone who has used its services within the last 12 months, or who has cared for someone who has accessed its services during that time.
Participants may wish to share their experiences of:
Anyone interested in taking part is encouraged to register their interest by Monday 2nd November 2026 using the online registration form here.
The Scottish Government Consultation Portal is the official website where people can find and respond to consultations on new policies and laws in Scotland. You can access the consultation portal here.
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.
Would you like to make a positive difference in our local community? Volunteers are needed to support our fortnightly lunch clubs in Lamlash and Brodick, helping to create a warm, welcoming and friendly environment for everyone who attends.
Volunteers are needed for both front-of-house roles and cooking, so whether you enjoy chatting with people, serving meals or preparing delicious food, there could be a role for you! Volunteering is a wonderful way to meet new people, build friendships, share skills and help reduce social isolation within the community. Lunch clubs provide more than just a meal – they offer valuable opportunities for people to connect, enjoy good company and feel part of their community.
Volunteers will be welcomed into a supportive team where their time, skills and contribution are valued. Interested in getting involved? Find out more about volunteering at our lunch clubs and how you can help make a difference, by popping into the ACVS office on Park Road, Lamlash or calling 01770 600611.
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:
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
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.
For more than 60 years, ACVS has been supporting people across Arran through practical help, community activities, transport services, and projects that reduce isolation and improve wellbeing. Every donation, no matter the size, helps us continue this work and reach those who need support most. If you would like to make a difference in your community, please consider making a donation or leaving a gift in your will.
Thank you for helping us keep Arran connected, supported, and cared for. To make a donation click the link: Arran Community and Voluntary Service - JustGiving
Scottish Charity No: SC004057
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