Children 1st staff is applying on behalf of group. Our coffee and connect group was originally created by Children 1st at the start of 2023 after they were successful in money for their local community. The reason for the group was because parents and carers felt like there was no opportunity to connect with others in their area. Since then, we have grown into a consistent and strong group who meet on a weekly basis at Children 1st space in Bourtreehill. We all have our own family story

Working alongside a local artist we will run two groups in the Irvine area focusing on improving mental health and wellbeing through the use of creative arts. One group (5 sessions) will be for Kinship carers and 5 Kinship family sessions.

Crossing Together Toddlers was formed in March 2024 following the project being approached by two local new parents who felt there was a need for a group locally in Bourtreehill. Both mums are now lead participants along with our Mission Pioneer in running the weekly sessions on Tuesday mornings for 2 hours at the Relief Mission Centre. The group quickly reached capacity of 40 babies/toddlers who attend with a least one adult per child. The sessions are free to ensure it is accessible to all.

Choices Community Shop is a community food project set up by volunteers in the community to provide food with dignity to those in need. The funding will be used to help reduce the impact of poverty within the community based on individual needs. Our Community Shop has capacity to support approximately 100 households per week but with over 400 registered, many have to wait. This grant will allow for more households to be able to get support when they need it by getting access as required.

Formed in 2022 and constituted earlier this year, we are a group of volunteers who survey the core path network in Eglinton Country Park and identify problem areas affecting accessibility. We primarily improve paths where there is flooding and cut back branches and bushes along borders to help make paths accessible for all park users.

We are looking for funding to put towards the club, it helps bring young people off the streets and learn how to look after their wellbeing. The club is open to everyone aged 5-95.

We have looked at ways to increase relaxation spaces across our school community and are looking to add more Rainbow bench table & chairs to our infant area. This has been a successful community shared space area for the senior end. We  would like to mirror this for the infant pupils so they can also have this opportunity for an outdoor community space to promote their relaxation & wellness. We would also be looking to add some umbrellas to the tables for both the senior & infant areas.

We would like to have an afternoon tea for our members. All funds raised would go towards this. An award of £750 would be greatly appreciated.