Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund - YEAR 2

Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund

Year 2 AWARDEES

A summary booklet of all grant awardees from the Scottish Government's Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund administered by VASA.

Cosy Spaces Initiative

In October 2022 VASA ringfenced 10% of the £337,058.56 total funding, towards the Cosy Spaces Initiative. This allocation allowed small grassroots organisations and groups to apply for up to £2K to run a ‘Cosy Space’ between Nov 22-March 23. The aim of this initiative was to give communities a warm and welcoming space to go to and socialise while playing games, having a meal, taking part in activities etc. or simply just having a chat. The underlying priority for this funding was in relation to better mental health (main priority of the CMHWF), particularly with the impact of the Cost-of-Living Crisis on general wellbeing.

19 individual groups were initially funded.

Such was the success of this for most groups, they were offered to apply for an extension. 12 of the original groups were successful and funded further to continue delivery of their activities, some until March '24.

The Auld K

The Auld Kirk of Ayr provided a safe and warm environment for local people struggling with energy bills and high food costs. The central location of the church halls in Ayr town centre is within easy walking distance for most visiting the town or staying nearby.

Hot drinks and light snacks were provided as well as free access to electrical charging points for medical equipment and mobile phones.

Operating on a Friday 2-4pm during autumn/winter 22/23, participants had access to live TV, reading materials, wi-fi and activities as well as a chance to meet others and socialise.

Contact Details

Cosy Space now ended

Ayr: St Quivox Parish Church (Dalmilling Church)

are open on a Wednesday afternoon 12-2pm for a couple of hours over lunchtime, offering tea, coffee, biscuits, cake etc. and an opportunity to meet and chat to others.

Originally funded to run for 5 months over autumn/winter 22/23, the group was so successful that further funding was secured through the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund to continue right through to March 2024.

There have been amazing successes where participants are now volunteering and a few have taken on leadership and decision making roles. One example of this is the newly formed walking group.

Contact Details

Name: Rev. John McCutcheon

Email: JMcCutcheon@churchofscotland.org

Phone: 01292 861641

Facebook: Ayr:St. Quivox Parish Church

Ayrshire H

Ayrshire Housing have opened the doors of their community space “the local” between 2 and 4 pm every Wednesday afternoon, for their tenants and the wider community to use.

Their Winter Warmer Club offers a warm friendly space, a cuppa and blether as well as some lovely cakes and goodies.

Throughout this year they have also been, and still will be, hosting “themed afternoons”. To date they have hosted a Burns Supper, Pancake Day, Valentines Day Afternoon Tea, St Patricks Day Celebration, Birthday Bingo and Easter Crafting. Everyone is welcome to attend and it is absolutely FREE !!

Ayrshire Housing were successful in securing an extension to their original funding to continue to serve their tenants and the wider community until March 2024.

Contact Details

Name: Ayrshire Housing

Email: reception@ayrshirehousing.org.uk

Phone: 01292 880120

Facebook: Ayrshire Housing

BBRICC RICC

BRICC (Ballantrae Rural Initiative Care in Community) run a Tuesday Club Cosy Space between 2-4pm offering afternoon tea and a chance to socialise with others.

BRICC also offer transport to the local community which enables attendees to access this space easily. For many, this is the only way they can attend.

Originally funded to run for 5 months over autumn/winter 22/23, the group has been a lifeline to many, especially after the isolation of COVID. Because of this, BRICC were funded to extend their Cosy Space through Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Funding, allowing them to continue right through to March 2024.

Contact Details

Name: Rosemary Stevenson

Email: bricc@btconnect.com

Phone: 07765915268

To address the issues of the cost of living crisis and individuals wellbeing, Colmonell Community Association implemented a multi-centre initiative within their remote, rural community.

Focussing in the Kirk Hall, hot drinks, soup and a pudding were offered on a Wednesday. This included free transport within the village to and from the hall.

Tea, coffee and hot chocolate was also provided early evening and Sunday afternoons at the Boars Head Pub.

An intergenerational cosy space activity was also introduced in conjunction with the primary school. This involved a concert before Christmas and 3 visits from the pupils to the Kirk Hall.

The uptake was considerably above their expectations with approximately 600 attendances collectively.

The initiatives proved innovative, inclusive and very enjoyable.

Contact Details

Cosy Space now ended

Community

The Community Wellbeing Hub in Maybole offered a Cosy Space on Saturday mornings 10.30-1pm, autumn/winter 22/23. The relaxed meeting space offered those attending soup & hot drinks, lending library & board games as well as a place for people to gather, relax and make contact with others in a supported environment.

Contact Details

Cosy Space now ended

Coylton Community Association run a Cosy Corner every Thursday between 12-2pm at Claude’s Cafe in the Claude Hamilton Hall, Coylton.

Offering hot food and drinks at a subsidised rate as well as a free prize bingo (food related prizes) this Cosy Corner offers a great chance to chat, mingle and have a laugh with others.

The Cosy Corner was already established, and part funding through the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund will allow it to continue weekly for the foreseeable future.

Contact Details

Name: Sarah Henman

Email: theclaudehamilton@outlook.com

Facebook: Coylton Community Association

Girvan Community Garden

A Cosy Space operating within the Girvan Community Garden, Sundays 1pm - 5pm. Offering a free hot drink, soup and bread, attendees can enjoy a social atmosphere while also enjoying the acoustic music session each Sunday.

Originally funded to run for 5 months over autumn/winter 22/23, the group has successfully secured funding to extend their Cosy Space through Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Funding, allowing them to continue to provide this activity again next autumn/winter.

The Community Garden will still provide other activities throughout the spring/summer ’23 and have an extensive programme of events already in place.

Contact Details

Email: secretary@girvancommunitygarden.com

Website: https://girvancommunitygarden.com/index.php

Facebook: Girvan Community Garden

Girvan Tow

Contact Details

Cosy Space now ended

Operating on Thursdays 10am4pm, the Cosy Space, provided by The Girvan Town Team and hosted in the Townhouse, was a warm, safe and welcoming place during the winter months for participants to enjoy refreshments such as coffee, tea, sandwiches and soup.

As well as being able to socialise with others, attendees were also able to participate in an array of activities such as bingo, music and song.

Hope Wellb

Hope Wellbeing run a Compassion Cafe, offering a warm and welcoming place for anyone to have a bite to eat and a blether every Saturday between 11am and 2pm.

Everyone is welcome and will always be met with a friendly smile and someone to have a chat with.

Originally funded to run for 5 months over autumn/winter 22/23, the Compassion Cafe was so successful that they were funded to extend their Cosy Space through Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing

Funding, allowing them to continue right through to March 2024.

Contact Details

Name: Donna-Marie White

Email: donnamariehopewellbeingcentre@gmail.com

Phone: 07547697510

Facebook: Hope Wellbeing Centre.

Kirkmichae

Hosting a weekly community lunch during the winter months on a Monday afternoon from 12.30pm to 2.30pm, Kirkmichael Village Renaissance brought people within their community together and provided a warm space and hot food and drinks at a minimal cost for attendees. Participants enjoyed soup, a filled roll, home baking and tea and coffee. There was also an opportunity to stay after lunch to chat and play table top games e.g. dominoes and cards or reading.

Contact Details

Cosy Space now ended

Operating a Cosy Space on Wednesdays and Thursdays 10am3pm, Lochside Neighbourhood Group offer a hot lunch and drinks at Lochside Community Centre.

Initially funded to run for 5 months over autumn/winter '22/'23, this Cosy Space has been very successful, engaging with so many locals, offering a lifeline as well as somewhere warm and safe to come and socialise with others.

The group have pro-actively sourced a variety of information services to attend their Cosy Space, offering the local community support in other areas where help is needed.

Due to the volume of engagement from the local community, Lochside Neighbourhood Group have been funded to extend their Cosy Space through Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Funding, allowing them to continue to provide their Cosy Space, twice a week, right through till March '24.

Contact Details

Name: Cathy McNeillie

Email: lochsideneighbourgroup@gmail.com

Phone: 01292 263333

Website/Facebook: lochsideneighbourgroup

McCandlish Hall Straiton Club operated a Cosy Space on Mondays 1- 4pm during Autumn 22/Winter 23 offering participants tea, coffee and snacks. Participants could engage in a variety of activities including draughts, chess, dominoes, cards, BYO handicraft and more.

Originally funded to run for 5 months over autumn/winter 22/23, the group has been very successful with the local community coming along that they have been funded to extend their Cosy Space through Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Funding, allowing them to continue to provide this activity again next autumn/winter.

Contact Details

Website/Facebook: McCandlish Hall Straiton

Monkton Community Council offer a warm welcoming space every Thursday 11am-2pm at the Pioneer Café, Monkton.

Participants get a chance to connect with others while enjoying some soup and hot drinks and snacks.

Engagement from the local community has been good and lots of sharing of stories, exchanging of photos, intergenerational links and general socialising are taking place.

Originally funded for 5 months, Monkton Community Council have been funded again to extend their Cosy Space through Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Funding, allowing them to continue to provide their Cosy Space till March '24.

Contact Details

Email: penhous@outlook.com

Mossblown Matters provide a space for people to meet every Friday 11am12.15pm at Mossblown Community Centre. A warm welcome awaits you along with a breakfast roll and a hot drink.

Attendees can play games, chat amongst themselves or participate in a selection of weekly activities e.g. walking football, bingo, concerts. Guest speakers sometime also attend offering information and guidance on services and wellbeing.

Originally funded for 5 months, Mossblown Matters have been funded again to extend their Cosy Space through Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Funding, allowing them to continue to provide their Cosy Space till March '24 (excluding summer '23)

Contact Details

Name: Dianne Campbell

Email: diannecampbell72@btinternet.com

Website/Facebook: Mossblown Matters

New Life Christian Fellowship ran two Cosy Spaces within the New Life Church, Prestwick. Their Chat & Chill ran on a Tuesday from 10.30-12:30 with board games, newspapers, table tennis, tea & coffee with cake & biscuits while their Movie Club ran on a Wednesday 1-5pm offering a light lunch soup and sandwiches, tea & coffee and a movie.

Contact Details

Name: Cosy Space now ended

Riverside E

Riverside Evangelical Church ran a 'Winter Café' every Thursday 10am - 3pm offering a warm, friendly, welcoming space for local people.

Attendees enjoyed access to a reading area (with newspapers provided), table games, computers, knitting and benefits & money advice. Hot drinks and biscuits/home baking were available all day, and a simple lunch of soup and bread was available over lunchtime.

Contact Details

Name: Cosy Space now ended

Seagate Ch

Seagate Church offer a Cosy Café every Wednesday from 3.30pm to 9pm within Café 141 at Meadowgreen Centre, Troon.

Attendees are offered a 2 course hot meal, games (cards, scrabble, jigsaws), ability to watch TV programmes such as soaps and football, activities such as sewing or teaching and a great opportunity to socialise and chat to others.

This all contributes towards companionship and support to one another in a warm, welcoming environment.

Originally funded for 5 months, Seagate Church continue to attract successful engagement with the local community and have been funded to extend their Cosy Café through Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Funding, allowing them to continue to provide their Cosy Space till March '24

Contact Details

Name: David Tudor / Judy Pitt

Email: judypitt@seagatechurch.org.uk

Phone: 01292 319663

Website/Facebook: seagatechurch

St. Margare

St. Margaret's Cathedral operated a Warm Hall on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 11am2pm, for tea/coffee, biscuits and occasionally hot soup.

Attendees were offered a social space to read, play board games or enjoy a quiet space.

Contact Details

Cosy Space now ended

Symington Friendship Group extends a warm welcome to adults wishing to come along and meet up with others over a cup of tea, coffee and snacks.

The group meets up on a Wednesday in Symington Community Hall 2, from 11.45am2.45pm.

The group offers various activities- bingo, cards, dominoes, scrabble and quizzes, with occasional musical entertainment, or you can just sit and chat and have a laugh.

Originally funded for 5 months, Symington Friendship Group have been funded to extend their group through Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Funding, allowing them to continue to provide their Cosy Space till March '24

Contact Details

Name: Anne Allan

Text / Whatsapp: 07784543171

Facebook: Symington Friendship Group

Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Main Fund

The Main Fund application process was launched at the end of 2022 comprising options for a small grant of up to £3K and a large grant up to 30K of an overall fund pot of £337,058.56.

16 applications were successful in their bids and are now starting to deliver their projects. Funding for each applicant ranged from £2,160 to £30,000

The next section details the successful organisations and describes their projects.

Ayr Housing Aid Centre SCIO

Ayr Housing Aid Centre SCIO has been serving their local community since 1986 and are well respected.

Providing accurate, easy to understand, free, independent, accredited housing advice, advocacy and representation means their services have directly evolved from service user needs and expectations.

Providing advice, advocacy and representation on topics including:-

Housing Options, Security of Tenure and Tenancy Rights

Homelessness, Eviction, Rent Arrears, Harassment and Illegal Eviction, Mortgages & Secured Loans, Rent and Council Tax benefits, entitlements and grants

Disrepair, Discrimination

Anti-Social Behaviour and Relationship Breakdown

They strive to empower people to take control of the situation, which has an impact on mental health by reducing anxiety, pressure and stress associated with the threat of homelessness and the homeless system.

Demand for their services has increased and the funding from CMHWF will enable an increase in capacity to help those in housing need.

Contact Details

Email: info@ayrhousingaidcentre.com

Phone: 01292 288111 or Text/Whatsapp: 07549 603895

Website: https://ayrhousingaidcentre.com

Facebook: @ayrhac

Ayrshire Ti

Ayrshire Tigers is a charity based in Ayr whose primary aim is to provide the sport of powerchair football to wheelchair users in Ayrshire.

The Club currently has 14 players attending training on Tuesday between 7pm and 10pm at The Citadel in Ayr. The players have various different physical disabilities i.e. cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy.

The club is run by players and volunteers, promoting the sport of “Powerchair Football” to make it as accessible as possible to all wheelchair users who wish to try it. There is also a focus on providing a pathway for those who wish to progress in the sport and show their talent and natural ability at national and international level.

The project’s aim is to increase participation in powerchair football within Ayrshire. The funding received from the CMHWF will allow the purchase of a new club chair for new players to use. It will also allow them to cover the cost of hall hire to keep the club running.

Contact Details

Name: Stuart Niven

Email: info@ayrshiretigers.co.uk

Phone: 07936295779

Website: www.ayrshiretigers.co.uk

Funding from the CMHWF will allow Community Gift Exchange (CGX) to set up a Community Shed for everyone!

The project will be reminiscent of the Men's Shed movement but open to any gender, age or experience.

Located within Refurnish by CGX on Ayr's High Street (next to former BHS), participants can select and buy a discounted item of furniture to work on as their very own project, or enjoy learning some new skills helping prepare items for resale in the charity furniture shop.

Free two hour sessions:

Thursdays 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm

Fridays 1pm to 3pm

Visit the shop in person for a look about, ask any questions, and to book in for particular sessions.

Or you can phone, leave a voice message, or text them.

Have some fun restoring some lovely furniture!

Contact Details

Name: CGX

Phone: 07399552390

Facebook: Community Gift Exchange

Colmonell

Following on the success of their year 1

CMHWF programme, Colmonell Community Association will focus on the facilitation of inclusive initiatives aimed at connecting, community capacity, and regeneration by creating seasonal activities aimed at supporting residents and inviting supportive, empathetic visitors.

Creation of a spring time event involving sustainable crafting, local food producers and storytellers will follow the opening of the Willow Weaving Mermaid statue.

Enhancing the existing Summer Fun Week will include initiatives based around the Stinchar Valley Pollinator programme.

The autumnal Scarecrow and Myths Festival will involve greater planning and will build on the winter lights festival, which was launched last year.

There is a wish to enhance the ability to respond to the array of opportunities provided by CMHWF, the UNESCO Biosphere, and the Scottish Community Tourism Organisation. This funding will go some way in making the opportunities become reality.

Contact Details

Name: Howard Wilkinson

Email: howard.wilkinson2@btinternet.com

Phone: 07765606848 or 01465 881260

Community

Community Wellbeing Hub is providing funded blocks of high-quality holistic treatment sessions to individuals within the Carrick area who are living with a chronic long term health condition, and/or struggling with stress, anxiety and depression, and who would normally be unable to access these treatments due to financial constraints. We work

closely with local GPs & Nurse Practitioners to take referrals for the sessions. The Hub is able to provide a wide range of complementary therapies from clinical aromatherapy massage and reflexology to vibrational frequency healing, meditation and energy healing, all of which are proving very beneficial to the clients referred.

Community Wellbeing Hub also provides workshops and sessions to support the physical and mental wellbeing of entire families in our community. We have a women’s circle and a men’s group, family meditation and therapeutic arts sessions, and are working to expand our provision for younger children and their families this year.

Contact Details

Name: Anya Rae

Email: communitywellbeinghub@yahoo.com

Website: https://ayrshirehealingcentre.com/

Facebook: Community Wellbeing Hub CIC

Girvan Com

The Girvan Community Garden will be delivering a programme of activities to address social isolation and in turn add to better general mental health and wellbeing.

Working in partnership with Girvan Living with Leisure, classes will be delivered in the garden to the over 55s on Monday afternoons from 1 - 3pm

A Green Gym for volunteers on Tuesdays from 10am - 2pm will continue to operate as well as the offer of a weekend café from 1pm - 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

There will also be 4 community events throughout the year, where generations will have the chance to gather socially and interact in a safe outdoor environment.

Contact Details

Email: secretary@girvancommunitygarden.com

Website: https://girvancommunitygarden.com/index.php

Facebook: Girvan Community Garden

Aiming to encourage social interaction within the wider community, Glendoune Community Association will expand the opportunities made available from their year 1 funding through the CMHWF.

Offering support to those from low-income households, young adults and the local Ukrainian community, is still at the heart of what is offered from their Centre.

The award for funding from year 2 CMHWF will allow them to continue and grow.

Offering Personal Development Training, Driving Theory Support, Utility Support, Introduction to Work as well as the Glendoune Gets Cooking, Glendoune Gets Crafting and Glendoune Gets Active, all work towards that overall array of support on offer.

Their support also includes a Drop-In service every Wednesday at 12pm for anyone in the community. There is access to a laptop and Wi-Fi, benefit advice, educational course options, socialising with peers and much more on offer. This is then followed by the Ukranian Support hub at 1:15pm to provide the same opportunities.

Every Tuesday from 10:30am-12pm there is a Chit Chatters group, open to anyone who wants to pop along for a hot drink and a chat to encourage socializing and showing community support.

Contact Details

Name: Emma Frew

Email: secretary.gca.0@gmail.com

Phone: 07544352237

Facebook: Glendoune Community Association

Harbour Ay

Harbour Ayrshire was established in 2022, assisting people with drug and/or alcohol problems, in response to the devasting impact of these issues.

Harbour Ayrshire was set up to deliver (in partnership) a range of solution focused options, while creating opportunities for some of the most vulnerable people in the community, allowing them and their families to live a life free of the stigma and suffering of addiction.

Harbour Ayrshire has a volunteer programme consisting of a dedicated, hardworking, and compassionate group of lived experience individuals who give their time and commitment in an inspirational way to create hope that “change is possible”.

Volunteers are the mainstay of the charity. Harbour Ayrshire demonstrate their belief in them by providing mentoring, training, and development opportunities. Their objective is to see previously “written off” individuals becoming self supporting members of society, establishing themselves as valuable and productive members of the community, while repairing family relationships.

Funding received through the CMHWF will allow them to employ a full time Volunteer Coordinator to manage and support their ever increasing team of volunteers, allowing Harbour Ayrshire to grow capacity and deal with the increased demand of referrals.

Contact Details

Name: Harbour Ayrshire

Email: info@harbourayrshire.co.uk

Phone: 01292 623016

Website: https://harbourayrshire.co.uk

Hope Wellb

HOPE Wellbeing (SCIO) is a non-profit Christian charity based in Ayr. They are a team of trained ‘listeners’, ‘befrienders’, counsellors and mental health workers who have a heart to serve the people of South Ayrshire, offering their time and experience to support those in the community who are struggling emotionally as a result of bereavement, grief or loss, loneliness or any other emotional difficulties.

The HOPE Wellbeing Centre is a safe place to access emotional or social support in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

The Hope Wellbeing Centre Co-ordinator supports a dedicated and passionate team of volunteers. All volunteers are trained through the HOPE Listening programme and have ongoing training and supervision. Their bereavement volunteers also complete the HOPE Bereavement Training.

As recipients of year 1 funding through the CMHWF, HOPE have also now been funded in year 2 to continue and grow on the amazing work that has been delivered already.

Contact Details

Name: Donna-Marie White

Email: donnamariehopewellbeingcentre@gmail.com

Phone: 07547697510

Facebook: Hope Wellbeing Centre.

MindfullyPresent make Mindfulness classes more accessible to people in South Ayrshire, particularly those with limited finances.

Mindfulness is a skill that can be learned and with practice, make a significant difference to people’s life experience and chances.

Attending an 8-week mindfulness course has benefits, such as:

Lower stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms

Improved working memory.

Improved ability to focus.

Greater satisfaction with communication and relationships.

Improved fear modulation.

Greater immune function.

Reduced psychological distress.

Receiving funding in year 1 from the CMHWF, Mindfully Present have been awarded further funding from the year 2 CMHWF to continue the great work that has already been achieved.

Contact Details

Name: Ruth Slessor & Laura Craig

Email: mindfullypresentayr@gmail.com

Phone: 07715636628

Facebook: Mindfullypresent

The committee at Mossblown Matters aim to create activities to get people out of the house and meeting up. We have already introduced a ladies tap dancing class which has been a tremendous success! There is also the introduction of a Zumba class. Our future plans include yoga and a film club in partnership with The Iris and some activities for men to take part in.

We have done some pop up cinema screenings thanks to The Iris and we have a few more planned. These have been so popular. These were free to attend and we provided popcorn and snacks.

This funding has been much needed after the pandemic and we are delighted that it is helping to put the community centre as the place to be in Mossblown!

Contact Details

Name: Dianne Campbell

Email: diannecampbell72@btinternet.com

Phone: 07533466766

Website/Facebook: Mossblownmatters

Ayr Debt C

Based in Riverside Evangelical Church, the Ayr Debt Centre is run in partnership between Riverside, Southside and Seagate Church.

Via the Ayr Debt Centre, local CAP (Christians Against Poverty) Money Coaches will roll out The CAP Money course at community centres across South Ayrshire between April 2023 and March 2024.

6 courses will be established and run at localities such as Dundonald, Troon, Prestwick, Ayr, Maybole and Girvan. Each course will typically be split over three two-hour sessions with each session being ideally a week apart.

Each session consists of watching videos, working through examples and openly discussing the materials. The program has been designed to be both highly interactive but also informal in order to put delegates at ease and to encourage their participation. In just a few weeks, delegates will get to grips with their finances so that they can budget, save and prevent debt.

The CAP Money Course is a revolutionary money management course that gives delegates the opportunity to learn skills that have a lasting impact on their finances.

Contact Details

Name: John Hunter

Email: johnhunter@capuk.org

Phone: 07522 075988

Website/Facebook: https://capuk.org/scotland

S.I.S.G (Sensory Impaired Support Group) Charity have been helping Older People who struggle with Hearing and/or Sight Loss throughout Ayrshire since Nov 1998.

Through this funding they will be able to provide the following services for Older People who live with Hearing or Sight Loss in South Ayrshire:-

Wellbeing Safe Space (Ayr) – Held each month where older individuals with sensory loss can drop in and have a one to one chat with staff and other clients and enjoy a coffee and peer support.

Equipping for Wellbeing – Information sessions where individuals can book time with a staff member to see a display of sensory loss equipment and try the equipment out.

Wellbeing Support Calls – One to one emotional and practical support calls which will alleviate stress and anxiety for older clients helping them feel more supported and better equipped to cope with their sensory loss and increase their sense of wellbeing.

Contact Details

Name: Denise McClung (Project Manager)

Email: denise@sisg.co.uk

Phone: 01292 266791

Website: www.sisg.co.uk

Unity Enterprise - South Ayrshire Carers Centre

Unity Carer Centre offers specialist information, support advocacy and advice as well as respite away from the role in the form of day trips, health and wellbeing services, social activities and peer support from fellow carers.

Providing phone, face to face and group support to Carers, young and old, across South Ayrshire. They also provide short breaks and trips as well as deliver workshops and information sessions in schools to highlight awareness of carers experiences and to ensure all carers are identified and supported as such.

Funding received through the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund will allow the Carers Centre to identify those in South Ayrshire who require extra financial support to help them deal with the rising costs, particularly around utilities, that are associated with the extra issues they face within the caring role and for the cared for person.

Contact Details

Name: David Weir

Email: David.Weir@unity-enterprise.com

Phone: 01292 263000

Website/Facebook: https://www.unity-enterprise.com/carers-centers/

Vics in the

With funding received through year 1 CMHWF, Vics in the Community have been working at the very core of the Ayr North community over the last year. Receiving further funding from the year 2 pot, this great work will be able to continue, benefitting even more people within that community.

A variety of successful groups were established in the area with amazing outcomes. Some participants have now expressed interest in volunteering and are being supported to access training and qualifications.

Year 2 will see a shift towards a more relaxed, drop-in approach providing a person centred attitude to ensure participants get the support they require.

Development of community pop up events will continue as a way to engage with as wide a cross section of the community as possible, bringing fun based football, sports games, food, signposting, benefits and other advice further out into the community.

Additionally this year their Health and Wellbeing officer will be delivering talks in the community to help prevent suicide.

Weekly groups including Mindful Mondays at Lochside Community Centre and the walking group and ladies Zumba will continue at Dalmilling church

Contact Details

Name: Marna Ferguson

Email: wellbeing@vicsinthecommunity.com

Phone: 07470782867

Website: www.vicsinthecommunity.com

Yogable

Yogable provides adaptive yoga classes in South Ayrshire and yoga outreach in care homes.

Adaptive yoga is for people with physical disabilities, longterm conditions, injuries, mobility issues, mental health conditions, trauma or special needs.

Last year the project extended their services, through year 1 funding from the CMHWF, to deliver three additional adaptive classes per week, and Yogable now holds classes in Girvan, North Ayr, Barassie and Ayr town centre. There are now 2 classes specifically for adults with special needs.

Each yoga class lasts one hour and includes time for socialising at the end. Participants can come with their carers, who can come free of charge. Participants who have already benefited from these classes experience improvement in their mental health, mobility and wellbeing. There is also a sense of connection and of building friendships.

Year 2 will allow Yogable to respond to growing demand and has allowed Yogable to expand further. This year, they are introducing mat-based adaptive classes and have established a permanent base at My Yoga Place, 70 Kyle Street, Ayr.

Contact Details

Email: info@yogable.org

Phone: 07796274642 / 07974024660

Facebook: yogable.org