Arran Bulletin

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Come and Join Us to Celebrate 60 Years of Arran CVS at a Free Community Event

We are delighted to invite you to a very special community celebration as Arran CVS marks 60 years of supporting voluntary action and community development on the island.

Taking place on Saturday 26th April 2025 from 11am to 2pm at Arran High School in Lamlash, this “Free for All” event promises a fun and welcoming afternoon for all ages.

This free event is open to everyone and is a great opportunity to come together with friends, neighbours and local groups to celebrate community spirit. There will be a range of engaging activities on offer, including fun workshops, wellbeing sessions, and entertainment suitable for families and individuals alike.

You’ll also be able to discover more about the wide variety of local organisations working across Arran, explore current volunteering opportunities, and speak directly with the people making a real difference in our community.

A free lunch and refreshments will be provided on the day, so why not drop in, enjoy a bite to eat, and take part in a relaxed and friendly afternoon of connection and celebration?

We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be a memorable event, recognising six decades of building supportive community networks on Arran!

We are delighted to share the latest news release announcing that the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults will be part of the Fairer Funding Pilot for 2025-27.

Find out more here: Improving communities’ mental wellbeing - gov.scot

The National Lottery Community Fund (Scotland) – Community Action

Funding is available for community-led projects across Scotland that help people build stronger connections, improve wellbeing, and care for the environment. Grants of £20,001 to £250,000 are available for up to 5 years.

Projects must achieve at least two of the following outcomes:

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

Examples of suitable projects include:

Community wellbeing activities that bring people together
Community kitchens, larders or advice/support services
Growing projects or community gardens
Environmental clean-ups, upcycling workshops, or waste reduction initiatives

Who can apply:
Voluntary or community organisations based in Scotland that are led by the community, have a clear social purpose, open membership, a community-based board, and a governing document.

Funding details:

Grant size: £20,001 to £250,000
Maximum duration: 5 years
Up to £50,000 of the total funding can be used for capital costs

How to apply: There are no deadlines. Read and apply here: Community Action | The National Lottery Community Fund

Warburtons Families Matter Community Grants Programme

Small Grants for Summer Projects Supporting British Families

Warburtons, the family-run bakery, is offering small community grants of up to £400 to support summer projects aimed at helping families in need. Not-for-profit organisations based in England, Scotland, or Wales can apply, provided the project supports one of Warburtons’ key priority areas:

Health – Supporting families to care for each other and lead healthier lives

Improving physical health
Improving wellbeing

Place – Helping families flourish in safer, greener, and more inclusive communities

Making spaces safe and inclusive
Connecting communities with the environment

Skills – Enabling families to gain practical skills for life and work

Developing useful life skills
Building skills for employment

Grants can be used to cover specific project costs (for example, purchasing equipment to support a community activity or employability workshop).

Application deadline: 5th May 2025
Decisions will be made by mid-June – just in time for summer initiatives.

For full details and to apply, visit: Financial Giving | Community | Charity Donations | Warburtons

BWB Foundation - Stephen Lloyd Awards

Funding Opportunity for Innovative Social Change Projects

Are you working on an idea that could drive systemic social change? This award program supports innovative projects with funding and practical support.

What’s Available? Up to £25,000 for award winners, plus £2,500 for up to 10 shortlisted projects to help develop their ideas.
Who Can Apply? Individuals, organisations, and charities based in the UK. Preference is given to start-ups and early-stage projects rather than larger charities.
What Kind of Ideas?
- New start-ups or expansions of existing initiatives tackling social issues.
- Campaigns or lobbying efforts to influence policy, legislation, or social attitudes.
- Innovative legal or financial models designed to create sustainable change.
- Projects addressing social issues at a systemic level, such as poverty, inequality, healthcare access, or environmental challenges.

Deadline to Apply: 14th May 2025

Apply online via the Foundation website: Stephen Lloyd Awards | Supporting Sustainable Social Change Ideas

FCC Scottish Action Fund

The fund is quite far reaching, with applications accepted for:

Land Reclamation
Community Recycling
Improving Public Parks & Amenities
Maintenance, Restoration & Repair of Historic Buildings

Round 2 opens 26th February 2025 and closes at 5.00pm on 14th May 2025.

Click here for further information: FCC Communities Foundation

The Weir Charitable Trust

The Weir Charitable Trust aims to support Scottish-based community groups and small charities to provide services across Scotland to help the Scottish community. These groups and charities are likely to have found it difficult to access funds elsewhere. The fund supports services/projects in the following qualifying categories:

Sport: encouraging and increasing public participation in sport (activities which involve physical skill and exertion)
Recreational facilities: the provision or organisation of recreational facilities (buildings, pitches or similar) with the aim of improving the conditions of life for the people for whom the facilities are primarily intended. This is only in relation to facilities which are primarily intended for people who need them due to age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage.
Animal welfare: for the advancement of animal welfare
Health: the advancement of health, including prevention or relief of sickness, disease or human suffering
Culture: supporting the heritage - tangible or otherwise - of Scotland, through projects that encourage participation in and preservation of Scotland's distinctive culture.

Who can apply: Registered Scottish charities, constituted groups and community interest companies with an annual income of up to £150,000. Applications must meet one or more of the qualifying criteria of animal welfare, culture, health, recreational facilities and sport.

Deadline: Friday 16th May 2025 at 5pm

Application form available on the Trust's website here: The Weir Charitable Trust - Funding Scotland

Funding Opportunity: Autistic Adult Support Fund Now Open

A new funding opportunity has just opened that may be of particular interest to organisations on Arran and across North Ayrshire supporting autistic adults.

The Autistic Adult Support Fund is available to third sector organisations providing services that promote wellbeing and support autistic adults to better understand what neurodivergence means for them.

Key Details:

Funding Period: October 2025 – March 2028 (2.5 years)
Total Available: £2.5 million
Grant Size: £40,000 to £200,000 per year
Application Deadline: Wednesday 21st May 2025, 12 noon

This phase of the fund builds on the work of projects funded from 2023 to 2025. It aims to support services that:

Meaningfully involve autistic people in the development, design and delivery of activities
Are strengths-based, highlighting the skills and experiences of autistic people
Complement existing services, showing awareness of other local support and signposting effectively
Are evidence-based, delivering autism-informed support grounded in credible practice

For full details and how to apply, visit: Inspiring Scotland website.
You can read the full news piece here.

SafeDeposits Scotland – Community Fund

Now Accepting Applications for 2025/26

Grants of up to £5,000 are available for groups and organisations across Scotland to support a wide range of projects that bring positive benefits to local communities.

The SafeDeposits Scotland Community Fund welcomes applications for projects that address one or more of the following priority areas:

Sustainability and the environment
Employability and career skills
Social inclusion
Technology and digital inclusion
Improving the local community

Applications are reviewed on a quarterly basis, with up to three grants awarded per funding round.

Deadline for the first 2025/26 funding round: 30th May 2025

Funding Opportunity: People's Postcode Trust

The People’s Postcode Trust supports small charities and good causes in Scotland, helping communities and the environment. Funding is available for projects that focus on physical activity, the arts, poverty reduction, tackling inequality, biodiversity, green spaces, outdoor access, and mental health support.

Grants are unrestricted, meaning they can be used flexibly for capital, revenue, or core costs. Registered charities, CICs with an asset lock, and community benefit societies can apply for up to £25,000, while constituted voluntary organisations without a charity number can apply for up to £2,500. The amount requested should not exceed one-third of an organisation’s annual income.

Priority is given to organisations with an annual income under £250,000, those serving communities in the top 15% of deprivation (SIMD), and groups led by or supporting racial minority communities, people with disabilities, and the LGBT+ community. The maximum eligible annual income is £1,000,000.

Key Dates:

Next deadline: 1st July 2025
Future rounds: Round 3 dates to be confirmed later in 2025

For further information click here: Postcode Trust | Postcode Trust

Sportscotland - Sport Facilities Fund

The Sport Facilities Fund supports capital projects that enhance spaces for sport and physical activity. Grants of up to £200,000 (covering up to 50% of eligible costs) are available for clubs, communities, schools, and performance sport environments.

Funding supports new or improved sports facilities, inclusive changing areas, outdoor activity access, floodlights, and major equipment purchases. Priority is given to projects in deprived areas (SIMD) and those promoting inclusion, participation, and progression, particularly for disabled, BAME, and other underrepresented groups.

Eligible applicants include non-profit organisations, schools, and public bodies.

Key Dates:

Next deadline: 1st September 2025

Smaller projects (under £250,000) follow a single-stage process, while larger ones require two stages.

Click here for further details: Sport Facilities Fund - sportscotland the national agency for sport in Scotland

Barchester Healthcare Foundation-Grants to Reduce Isolation and Loneliness Among Older People

The Barchester Healthcare Foundation is offering grants of up to £2,500 for small community groups and local charities across England, Scotland, and Wales. Funding is aimed at projects that reduce isolation and loneliness, promote social activity, and improve mobility and quality of life for older people and adults with physical, learning, or mental disabilities.

Grants can support a range of activities, including:

Group activities and events
Equipment and materials for use by members
Member transport
Day trips, outings, and UK-based group holidays

Priority will be given to small, local projects that take an innovative approach to helping people become more active, connect with others, and feel less isolated.

Please note: Groups with financial reserves over £150,000 are unlikely to be funded.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and can be submitted at any time.

For more information and to apply, visit: Barchester Charitable Foundation

The Robertson Trust-Community Space Grants

Funding to support local communities experiencing poverty and trauma in Scotland. Registered charities with an annual income of between £30,000 and £500,000 are eligible to apply.

The Robertson Trust can provide revenue funding of between £5,000 and £20,000 per year, for up to 3 years, to support the costs of community centres, hubs or anchor organisations who are delivering and/or hosting a range of services and activities to meet the needs of their community. Applicants should show how the various services they deliver and/or host relate to preventing or reducing poverty and trauma for local people.

If you already hold a Small or Large Grant from The Roberston Trust, you cannot also apply for a Community Spaces Grant.

They cannot support capital costs such as building works or refurbishments through this fund.

There is no set closing date for applications.

For further information click here: Community Spaces Grants | The Robertson Trust

The Robertson Trust – Wee Grants

The Robertson Trust is offering Wee Grants to support small organisations focused on building strong communities, particularly in areas with higher rates of poverty and trauma. This funding is also available to groups working with people at greater risk of experiencing poverty and trauma.

Grants of between £300 and £5,000 are available for a period of one year only, with a total of £180,000 awarded annually. The funding can be used for both capital costs, such as equipment and small capital purchases, and revenue costs, including project expenses and general running costs.

Eligible applicants include constituted community groups and small charities with an annual income of less than £30,000. There is no set deadline for applications, and organisations can apply at any time. The Robertson Trust aims to provide a decision within eight weeks of receiving an application.

Applications should be submitted online via the Robertson Trust website. This is a great opportunity for small organisations looking for financial support to strengthen their communities.

For further information click here: Wee Grants | The Robertson Trust

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/

The National Lottery Community Fund (Scotland) - Strengthening Organisations

This funding is for organisations in Scotland, that National Lottery Community Fund (TNLCF) currently funds. They want to support organisations to try out new ideas and ways of working. Or to develop their organisation and improve their current work.

To apply for this funding, your organisation must:

currently have funding from TNLCF for one or more projects
work with people affected by poverty, disadvantage or discrimination
involve the people you support in designing how you work.

The work that TNLCF funds must meet one of these outcomes

Organisations TNCLF funds are able to:

overcome challenges and plan for the future
try out new ideas and ways of working.

You can achieve both outcomes. But you will not improve your chances of getting funding by achieving both outcomes.

Geographical areas funded: Scotland

Who Can Apply: Voluntary or community organisations of any size, which:

currently have funding from TNLCF for one or more projects
work with people affected by poverty, disadvantage or discrimination
involve the people you support in designing how you work.

When to apply: Apply at any time.

How to apply: Read the guidance on TNLCF website and then contact the Scotland Advice Team to discuss what you're planning and get an application form.

For more details click here: Contact information

Important Changes Coming to Disclosure Scotland – April 2025

From 1st April 2025, the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 introduces key reforms to simplify the system, enhance fairness, and improve public protection.

Key Updates:

New Disclosure System – Easier, more transparent checks with greater individual control.
Fairer Treatment of Childhood Offences – Proportionality with review rights.
“Regulated Roles” Replace “Regulated Work” – A clearer framework.
Mandatory PVG Scheme Membership – Legal requirement for those in regulated roles.
New Conditions on PVG Members Under Review – Safeguarding enhancements.

What You Need to Do:

Register with Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services (VSDS) if you need to carry out disclosure checks on volunteers, including Board, Committee members, or Trustees. Checks are free for volunteers.
Check if roles in your organisation are now regulated roles.
Ensure PVG membership where required.
Stay updated with training and guidance.

For support, contact VSDS at 01786 849777 or email disclosures@volunteerscotland.org.uk.

Stay informed: Visit the website for more details.

UHI Argyll

UHI Argyll are pleased to be working in partnership with North Ayrshire Council to provide fully funded places on the courses listed below for residents of Arran aged 18+

Scottish Information Commissioner-Freedom of Information: A User's Guide

Want to make the most of your freedom of information (FOI) rights in Scotland? Join a free webinar celebrating 20 years of FOI in Scotland by learning how to make successful FOI requests, tackle common challenges, and receive timely, accurate responses.

What you’ll learn:

· How to make effective FOI requests

· Solutions to common challenges

· Real-world FOI success stories

· Tips for a smooth process

Dates: Tuesday 29th April 2025 | 14:00 - 15:30 Wednesday 30th April 2025 | 18:00 - 19:00

Where: Online (via Microsoft Teams) Cost: Free

Register at: Using FOI: A guide to making successful freedom of information requests

For more details contact: enquiries@foi.scot

Free Online Mental Health Improvement Training – Register Now!

Arran CVS, in partnership with the AA Health Improvement Team, is offering a free online Mental Health Improvement training session for local organisations. This introductory session is designed to support both personal wellbeing and those working with others in the community.

Date: Friday, 2nd May
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Platform: Microsoft Teams
Who can attend? Staff & volunteers from local organisations

Spaces are limited (12 available), so register your interest now:
Click here to register

Free Online Mental Health Improvement Training — Spaces Available

Arran CVS, in partnership with the Ayrshire & Arran Health Improvement Team, is offering a free Mental Health Improvement training session for local organisations. This short, introductory session is ideal for staff and volunteers who are new to working with people or would like to build confidence in supporting mental health and wellbeing — both for themselves and for others.

Training details:

Date: Friday 2 May
Time: 11:00am – 12:30pm
Location: Online via Microsoft Teams

There are currently 10 spaces are available. Register Interest for MH Improvement Online session

Open Day at Castleview Hub for Unpaid Carers

Wednesday 11 June, 10am–3pm | Castleview Hub, 97 Glasgow Street, Ardrossan

Unpaid carers are warmly invited to an Open Day hosted by the Moving and Handling Team. This drop-in event will highlight the wide range of support available to carers in North Ayrshire.

Come along to speak with representatives from:

Dementia support services
Scottish Fire & Rescue
SP Energy Networks
AILN
Lemon Aid
…and many more.

No need to book – just drop in at a time that suits you. Free refreshments will be available throughout the day.

For more information, contact: hscpmovingandhandling@north-ayrshire.gov.uk

North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership : Learning and Development Training Calendar 2025

The updated NAHSCP Learning and Development Training Calendar is now available, where you can view the learning opportunities on offer in 2025. Places can be booked by clicking on the relevant course title in the calendar. If you require any additional information, or if you are unable to find the development activity you are looking for, please contact HSCPLearningDevelopment@north-ayrshire.gov.uk

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

North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership Seeks Young People’s Views on Services

NAHSCP is gathering feedback from young people on the services they provide, and they need your help to engage with them. Please share this online survey with any young people you engage with, giving them the opportunity to voice their experiences and opinions.

The survey results will inform Locality Planning and the Children’s Services Plan review.

To take part in the survey click here: Young People's Views on Health and Social Care

A facilitator pack is also available if you would like to complete the survey in a group setting.

For questions or to request the facilitator pack, please contact Rebecca Black at rebeccablack@north-ayrshire.gov.uk.

Survey closes on Wednesday 30th April.

Research Invitation — Exploring Barriers Faced by Social Enterprises in Scotland

Edinburgh Napier University is inviting social enterprises across Scotland to take part in a research study exploring the challenges they face in meeting key sector standards, including the People and Planet First verification and the Voluntary Code of Practice for Social Enterprises in Scotland. The study aims to understand the factors that support or hinder social enterprises in meeting these standards, and to explore wider barriers to growth and long-term sustainability. Findings will help shape future support strategies for the sector.

Ways to take part:

Complete a short online survey (by 2nd May)
Join a focus group (various dates from 23 April – 2 May)
Participate in a one-to-one interview

Participant Information, Privacy Notice and Consent: Participant Information Sheet, Privacy Notice, and Consent Form
Access the Survey: Exploring Barriers Faced by Social Enterprises in Scotland (Page 1 of 8)
To register for a focus group or interview, please email: Ivana Popovic at: i.popovic@napier.ac.uk

Your participation would be greatly appreciated and will contribute to strengthening the future of social enterprise in Scotland.

Help Shape the Future of Changing Places Toilets in Scotland

Ensuring accessible facilities for all is a crucial step towards equity and inclusion. PAMIS is conducting a survey to gather public views on the upcoming Scottish Government Changing Places Toilet Fund. This fund, set to open later this year, aims to expand the availability of Changing Places toilets—facilities that are essential for individuals with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well as others with complex needs.

Currently, North Ayrshire has limited Changing Places toilets, with only three officially listed locations: The Portal, Garrison House, and Lochshore Park. However, we know there is a significant need for more, and this is a chance to help drive meaningful change.

By taking a few moments to complete the survey, you can help inform the fund’s design and ensure these vital facilities are placed where they are needed most. If your organisation is considering applying for funding, there is also an opportunity to express interest.

Click here to complete the survey: Changing Places Toilets Scotland Fund Survey

We encourage you to share this survey with colleagues, teams, and networks to ensure as many voices as possible are heard. Together, we can help make Scotland a more accessible and inclusive place for all.

New National Islands Plan

The Scottish Government’s Islands Team is inviting islanders, community groups and stakeholders to join the conversation on Scotland’s new National Islands Plan, which will be published later this year.

These online sessions offer a chance to explore the results of the public consultation carried out to inform a review of the first ever National Islands Plan and understand how they are now guiding the development of the new document. It’s also an opportunity to learn more about the proposed priorities and themes for the new Plan, allowing you to share your thoughts and shape its content.

The Plan will set out the actions and investments that the Scottish Government intends to put in place to further improve outcomes for Scotland’s permanently inhabited islands, as required by the Scotland (Islands) Act 2018.

Dates for the online sessions are as follows and you can book on Eventbrite:29th May, 15:00pm – 16:30pm

North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership

Share Your Views on Health and Social Care Services in your Area

North Ayrshire HSCP are currently seeking feedback from North Ayrshire residents on their experiences of using health and social care services in their local area, including any challenges faced in accessing services, whether those services met their needs, where improvements can be made, and how easy it was for them to find the right information about services.

A short survey has been developed that can be accessed online, which should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete. Paper copies can be obtained by asking in local libraries or emailing hscp-engagementteam@north-ayrshire.gov.uk.

The survey will remain open until 31st August 2025.

You can read more about the survey – which is part of a wider series of engagement work to help shape our Locality Planning process and form our next Strategic Plan – in this latest news article.

NAHSPC be sharing a link to the survey regularly on our Facebook page over the coming months, so please keep an eye out for posts and share to your own service’s social media channels where appropriate.

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.

Eco Savvy Food Share

Volunteering Opportunities at Brodick Castle

Please see the poster below for details and if you wish to find out more about what you can do, or if you would like an application form, please head over to their website using the link here

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 MacLeod, Transport Co-Ordinator here at the office. Call on 01770 600611 or email her at jeanette.macleoad@arrancvs.org.uk

Come and Join Us!

Family Fund

Grants are now available for families living in Scotland. Whether you need a kitchen appliance like a fridge, cooker or washing machine; clothing and bedding; sensory or play equipment; technology for your child, or a much-needed family break, they are here to help.

You can apply for a grant if:

you’re the main carer for a disabled or seriously ill child, aged 17 or younger
you have lived in the UK for the past six months
the child you’re applying for is not in the care of the local authority or in foster care
you are living on a low income or receiving benefits
your child needs high levels of support in at least three areas of our eligibility criteria

For further information click here: Apply now in Scotland - Family Fund

Hope in the Community-Burrell Collection Day Trip

Heather Lodge What's On

RNIB: Living with Sight Loss Information Day

Arran Eco Savvy

Food Share: The Food Share is open to all Arran residents, to help prevent short life food from going in the bin. Take a look at when the Food Share is in your village from the schedule below.

North Ayrshire Council Housing Services

‘Money Smart’ – New Welfare Rights and Debt Advice Service Launching 1st May

North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership’s welfare rights and debt advice service will relaunch as Money Smart on Thursday 1st May 2025.

Bringing together the former Money Matters and Welfare Reform Advice teams, Money Smart will offer free, confidential and impartial advice to North Ayrshire residents.

The service is available to:

All North Ayrshire Council tenants
Other residents (including homeowners, private renters, housing association tenants and people without a fixed address) who:
Are referred by NAHSCP, NHS Ayrshire & Arran, NAC services or trusted third-sector partners (e.g. foodbanks, Citrus, Women’s Aid)
Are pregnant, have dependent children, a disability, are carers, or from a minority ethnic background

How to contact Money Smart (from 1st May):

Call 01294 310 000 (option 1)
Email moneysmart@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
Visit the North Ayrshire HSCP website for an online contact form

Harbour Ayrshire

Harbour Ayrshire now have a Zoom support group to add to their wide range of support across Ayrshire, working with individuals recovering from alcohol and/or drug addiction. The Zoom offering will help those who are unable to attend in person groups to link in with the recovery community and benefit from this support. Open to all who like support with addiction.

Sessions will include:

Open Discussion on Strengths and Weaknesses
Sharing the Positives and Negatives of the week

To join an upcoming session contact Vari on 01292 623016

If you have any questions, please contact: chooselife@aapct.scot.nhs.uk

What's On - Winter Warmth

Support Available for Mental Health

If you’re struggling with your mental health over this time, please reach out to someone. If you feel you can’t talk to someone you know, the organisations below can offer free, confidential support and a listening ear - without judgement. Useful advice and a series of self-help guides can also be found here:

NHS Inform website.

Breathing Space

Samaritans

NHS Inform

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.

Scottish Charity No: SC004057