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.

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.

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.

Curryoke Night . Friends of Trindlemoss is a group made up of parents, family, carers and people with learning disabilities who access Trindlemoss Day opportunities. The group was formed to fund raise money to purchase equipment, raise money for outing that gives people with learning disabilities new experiences like recently some of the group had a speed boat experience. The group will hold events throughout the year and the parents will have the opportunity to meet and build friendships.

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.

As planned the Irvine Sharks have established in their first year a senior men’s basketball team made up of members all approaching 40 or over. Many who had been inactive over the past years. This has led to a dramatic boost in members physical and mental health. The men’s team completed the season winning the Strathclyde Basketball League Division 3 18-0 and have received promotion to Division 2.

Vennel Gardens Entertainment Committee aims to provide weekly social events for residents of Vennel Gardens Sheltered Housing and wider community members to help reduce social isolation and enhance health and well being. The group has been active for over a year now and has over 50 members who attend weekly activities such as lunch clubs, live entertainment and bingo afternoons.

Irvine Camera Club will host public photography walks in North Ayrshire, providing photographic help and advice (artistic and practical) to anyone who attends. We will follow this up with a Photography Competition open to enter to anyone residing in North Ayrshire. We will judge the competition and award prizes to the winners. As a result of this work, we propose to curate an exhibition of the best images at the Harbour Arts Centre (HAC)