Café Solace is a community café led by people who have been affected by substance use and who champion recovery in North Ayrshire. We currently deliver an employability & well-being project through Café Solace (Stevenston & Irvine areas), providing affordable, nutritious meals for up to 60 members weekly in Irvine & also providing a weekly café in Caley Court Resource Centre for both service users & staff, breaking down barriers & building positive relationships.
Project Description
Festive Celebration for People Affected by Substance Use
Cafe Solace in collaboration with Fullarton Connexions
We are applying for funding to deliver a festive meal and celebration for people in our community who are affected by substance use and/or lonlieness. Many of our service users face stigma, poverty and social isolation, particularly over the festive period when most services are closed. We have facilitated an event over the past 2 years with great success. This project will provide an inclusive, welcoming space where individuals can enjoy a freshly prepared meal, participate in activities and celebrate together with dignity and respect. Ideally, the meal would be held on Christmas Day, however, due to the limitations of availability of payment on time, the event can be held anytime throughout the festive period up until 4th January.
Aims & Objectives
To provide a safe, stigma-free environment where people affected by substance use can come together and celebrate the festive season.
To reduce isolation and loneliness by creating opportunities for social connection and shared experience.
To promote dignity, inclusion and wellbeing by ensuring everyone has access to a festive meal and celebration.
To strengthen community partnerships through collaboration with Fullarton Connexions Church who are allowing us to use their facility for this event
We are hoping that the event will be attended by approx 40 enjoying a high-quality festive meal and activities.
Attendees will report feeling less isolated and more connected to their community.
The event will help challenge stigma by creating a positive, welcoming space where people can be valued and included.
Stronger links will be built between service users, local community, our organisation and community partners.
The event will be hosted at Fullarton Connexions, who have generously offered the use of their facilities. Our volunteers, will prepare and serve a festive meal, with entertainment, music and activities to create a celebration. Transport support will be provided for those who would otherwise struggle to attend. Each guest will also receive a small festive gift to take away.
Budget Breakdown
Food & refreshments: £450
Decorations & festive items: £150
Entertainment & activities: £150
Small festive gifts / wellbeing packs: £100
Venue hire: £100
Essential Travel Costs £50
Total funding requested: £1,000
Location: North Ayrshire consistently ranks as one of the most deprived areas in Scotland, and Irvine has a particularly high concentration of need. These challenges contribute to high levels of social isolation, stigma, and poverty among people affected by substance use. By providing a festive meal and celebration in partnership with Fullarton Connexions, we aim to create a supportive and dignified community event that addresses loneliness, promotes inclusion, and ensures that some of the most vulnerable residents in Irvine are not left behind during the festive period.
Proposed on behalf of: Email: cafesolaceteam@gmail.com - Café Solace Irvine run 2 weekly cafes & a recovery hub twice weekly, as well as a wellbeing group, the cafe's are facilitated by individuals in recovery or affected by addiction, they run one cafe on Tuesday evenings within Fullarton Connexions in Irvine, it offering low-cost, nutritious meals in a welcoming environment. The café serves as a vital resource for people affected by substance use, providing not only affordable food but also a space for social connection and support. It's a place where everyone is welcome, creating a sense of community and belonging. Fullarton Connexions is a social enterprise operating out of Fullarton Parish Church in Irvine, the centre is committed to inclusivity and community engagement, providing a range of programmes that promote well-being.
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