The HTAR are a group of volunteers who help promote the interests of residents in the area on matters concerning housing, the environment and the social and communication.  We meet up monthly based within Hayocks Community Centre

We are planning revamping our existing garden area at the Hayocks Community Centre, which the HTAR hold the lease for into a safe and welcoming community space. This will include a seating area where hall users, or members of the community can sit and rest or socialise. The space will also include a growing area with raised beds built and installed, where members of the community can come and work together to grow and harvest their own fruit and vegetables. These vegetables can then be taken home by members of the community or be donated to the larder within the community centre or used within the existing cafe within the centre.  Our existing outdoor area has ramped access therefore this would be accessible for all members of the community

This would build on community spirit and help towards peoples health and wellbeing such as social isolation and promote healthier eating. We are an area of high deprivation and this would allow members of the public a free space to meet up with friends with no additional costs.

Costs

Raised Planters - £510

Compost - £200

Garden Tools - £150

Plants and seedlings - £75

Water Butt - £65

Mindful Makers brings together Three Towns adults to combat the adverse effects of loneliness and social isolation with mindfulness. This community group is run by four volunteers (no cost) and comprises weekly Crafting Sessions and a Book Group. Sessions are open to all and free of charge to users. Friday meetings are held in Saltcoats Library where the welcoming environment encourages regular attendance. Week 1: Crafting - a new skill tutored by an organiser; Week 3: Book Group; Weeks 2 and 4: crafting together. Crafting and mindfulness are beneficial and can alleviate the symptoms of anxiety, stress, depression, loneliness and even dementia (craftscouncil.org.uk and verywellmind.com). Sharing experiences can counter depression through a feeling of belonging. Feedback from participants will guide our work and shape our 2025 programme. We use WhatsApp group to share and communicate between meetings, and a new Instagram account will raise awareness.

Our bid for £800 will allow for increasing costs and will (a) continue the provision of free crafting resources so no one is excluded for economic reasons - £500 (b) enable us to continue to provide community and outreach work - £50 promotion, and (c) increase equality of access for disabled members - £250 towards transport. We need to keep our activities free of charge as it becomes harder to budget for activities to help us thrive. Our 2025 development plan calls for an occasional outside maker to lead a session for a reasonable fee. A 2023 field trip was successful, but transport costs suitable for disabled participants are prohibitive, yet because of the weather we need to plan to visit indoor venues relevant to our selected crafts.

We respect sustainability, recycling items wherever possible, and augment our funds through craft sales. We support an average of 14 members at any time - an optimum number given the donated time and effort for organisation.