Shaping North Ayrshire

Go back

Resilience in Caring

Morag Blackley  •  2025-09-22  •  No comments  •  Irvine  • 

Project code: 1169

Estimated Price

£1,000

Project Summary

Creating safe, supportive spaces for unpaid carers to learn wellbeing strategies, strengthen resilience, and progress into peer-led support roles

Project Description

This project provides a monthly, safe meeting space for unpaid carers in Irvine to reduce isolation, offer peer support, and develop personal health and wellbeing strategies that sustain their caring role. Carers will connect with others who understand their challenges, share experiences, and build supportive networks.

Each 3-hour session includes:

  • Welcome & Connection – A warm, inclusive environment to foster peer relationships.
  • Health & Wellbeing Education – Expert-led workshops on stress, anxiety, mindfulness, nutrition, physical activity, and the impact of caring.
  • Resilience Building – Practical strategies from mental health practitioners to support coping, boundaries, and emotional wellbeing.
  • Peer Support Development – Confidence-building and leadership training to encourage progression into peer supporter roles.
  • Ongoing Support – Reflection, signposting to services, and clear next steps for continued care and connection.

Sessions will be flexible to accommodate diverse caring responsibilities and will include topics requested by attendees, such as sleep, relaxation, communication, and more. Visiting health and wellbeing experts will provide additional input.

Evaluation & Development

Each session will include:

  • Impact Measurement – Using surveys and wellbeing scales to track outcomes like improved wellbeing, confidence, reduced isolation, and peer role progression.
  • Accountability – Demonstrating value for money and social impact to funders and stakeholders.
  • Continuous Improvement – Adapting content and delivery based on carer feedback and changing needs.

Outcomes

  • Improved mental and physical wellbeing
  • Increased confidence and resilience
  • Stronger peer networks
  • Progression into peer supporter roles
  • Sustainable community support

Project Costs

  • Venue hire: £240 (8 sessions free at Ayrshire Central Hospital)
  • Marketing: £80
  • Refreshments: £180
  • Visiting experts: £225
  • Materials: £275 Total: £1,000

FULL DESCRIPTION ATTACHED AS COULD NOT SUBMIT UNDER 6000 CHARACTERS 

Location: With an estimated 14,000 unpaid carers residing within North Ayrshire, many of which live in Irvine, many still havent identified as unpaid carers, therefore, the number is likely to be higher than estimated. Unpaid carers within the Irvine area report challenges including: Mental health strain (stress, anxiety, depression) Physical health decline due to exhaustion and lack of self-care Financial hardship, especially during the cost-of-living crisis. Social isolation, particularly among older carers and those in rural areas Lack of respite and breaks from caring. The project aligns strongly with Strategic Priorities Identified by North Ayrshire HSCP by: Creating a safe, regular space for carers to connect and reduce isolation. Delivering structured wellbeing education to improve mental and physical health. Building resilience and confidence, enabling carers to sustain their role. Encouraging peer support development, contributing to long-term sustainability. Offering flexibility to meet the evolving needs of carers in Irvine: both urban and rural. The project will be open across the Irvine area, with the majority of sessions being hosted within Ayrshire Central Hospital and every third meeting being hosted at a different community location within the Irvine area, therefore hoping to provide accessible venues for all

Proposed on behalf of: The project is led in partnership with a wide range of local organisations who bring specialist knowledge, facilities, and networks to ensure the programme is accessible and impactful. Key Partners: Carers Gateway North Ayrshire, Ayrshire Central Hospital, Woodland View, Douglas Grant Rehabilitation Centre and Redburn – providing professional expertise and links to carers engaging with health services. Mental Health Inclusion Team – ensuring carers have access to mental health support and inclusive wellbeing activities. Voiceability – offering advocacy support to help carers feel confident in expressing their needs and accessing their rights. Health & Social Care Partnership (HSCP) partners and community health and wellbeing practitioners and experts – aligning the project with wider community health and wellbeing strategies and ensuring strong referral pathways. Together, these partnerships will allow Resilience in Care to deliver holistic, joined-up support for unpaid carers, maximising the project’s reach and sustainability while reducing duplication of services.

Related content (0)

Don't have defined milestones