The project involves planting 15 new fruit trees at the community orchard we've been creating over the past few years at Holm Plantation in Ardrossan, and 26 new fruit trees in the two community orchards we've been creating at Ardeer Quarry in Stevenston. The ground is compacted at one of the Ardeer Quarry orchard sites and so it very challenging for volunteers to dig into to plant trees. So we plan to hire a mini digger and driver to dig large holes there to bypass the need for volunteers to dig there and to provide the trees with the best chance of establishing. All of these orchards will provide the local community with free fresh fruit during late summer and autumn.

Fruit trees - c.£1327

Mini digger and driver to dig holes - c.£708

Ripple Effect Saltcoats intend to reinstate an 18 hole putting green complete with flags. We also will include 2 or 3 target bowls rinks with numbered target circles, a possible french boules area and a large fixed chess and draughts board. It is hoped to include a table tennis court as well. 

Ripple Effect Saltcoats see this project as another step in the regeneration of Saltcoats shorefront. It will also complement the proposed redevelopment of Melbourne Toilets. 

Breakdown of costs : 60 x Minigolf putters @ £7.78 = £466.80 :100 x Minigolf balls = £72.60 : 18 x hole cups: £181.80 : 18 x Aluminium Flags = £86.80 : 2000 x Standard scorecards = £30.00 : 500 x Scorecard pencils = £20.85 

TOTAL  (incl Vat) £1030.62

The project will see 60 apple, pear and plum trees planted in Holm Green. The public will be free to pick the fruit each year for their own use. This project is part of a wider movement of planting community orchards across the local area. The trees will cost approximately £2300. We are seeking £1000 from the Participatory Budgeting fund.

Everyone an Artist has been running from the North Ayrshire Foodbank in Ardrossan for two years. Our group aims to offer a safe, judgment free space to be creative, learn new skills and combat social isolation by offering community. Facilitated by a local participatory artist and the Trussell Trust's North Ayrshire Community Campaigner, participants will unlock and develop new skills, such as printmaking, textiles, sculpture, drawing etc alongside having the opportunity to use these skills to address local issues that matter to them. We know from research that taking part in arts based activities has numerous benefits including that on mental and physical health and wellbeing. This funding would allow our group to continue running that little bit longer. 

costs: £540 artist fee (3hrs a week for 12 weeks , £360 materials, £100 food and drinks budget)

The Autumn Club meets fortnightly in Ardrossan Parish Church from Sept-June and provides those in the 'Autumn Years' of their lives with the opportunity to get together for companionship and entertainment. We provide a speaker or performer at most of our meetings and also arrange a Christmas Lunch, a Tea Party, and an afternoon outing. We regularly get 40+ members attending each meeting and had almost 100 people registered last year.

This application is to cover the cost of coach hire for an outing, which is estimated at £500, and the cost of catering for a Tea Party, which is estimated at £250.

This funding request would allow us to subsidise the costs for up to 50 people at each event.

Our group of 8 Beavers will attend a group camp at the Blair Activity Centre along with the Cubs and Scouts.  Based on previous costs for the same setting in early 2024 our costs are:

8 heads at the Blair @ £35 each - £280

Beavers share of meals and snacks - £120

Badges x 3 per Beaver @£1 - £24

Start Little Grow Big partners with North Ayrshire Food bank, The Three Towns Growers, The Argyle Centre, West Coast Furniture Bank and The Criminal Justice Team to build a community garden within Ardrossan that addresses food insecurity and strengthen community resilience. By encouraging collective action and skill-sharing, the project nurtures individuals, promotes learning, and empowers all Three Towns residents to grow and enjoy nutritious food. Diversity of skills and experience is valued, making the spaces open to everyone and aimed at improving community wellbeing. This proposal will create three self-sustaining community gardens, one in each town. These gardens use permaculture principles to provide fruit, vegetables, and therapeutic gardening for those without gardens, directly addressing food insecurity and supporting community wellbeing. The project aims to build community ownership locally and promote both formal and informal education in food production. It will focus on hands-on learning, risk assessment, and sharing peer-led expertise, valuing practical experience. The project is committed to organic-only growing, supporting natural pollinators, and avoiding pesticides and artificial growth enhancers. Efforts will also repurpose materials and explore upcycling. The initiative will engage a diverse range of cultural groups, including New Scots from Syria, Ukraine, Afghanistan, and long-standing communities in the Three Towns. Their involvement will combine traditional and modern cultivation practices, enriching local food production. The project is dedicated to fostering collective action and empowerment within the community. The project's long-term benefits are significant. It will empower the community by building ownership of growing spaces, providing fresh produce for community larders, and offering opportunities for exercise and mindfulness. The project has encouraged wider community engagement around food access and provision. It has also promoted biodiversity and pollinators, reduced carbon footprints, and provided volunteering opportunities that boost self-confidence and wellness. This project has built solidarity and a common cause among the Three Towns communities. By creating these spaces, we aim to start conversations with community members about issues they may face. The community campaigner has facilitated a mutual aid style of group work with and for individuals. The project has had a positive impact on the community as it involves 30-40 individuals in its development. An estimated 250 people will benefit from the produce, while 150 will have the opportunity to engage in activities such as storytelling and educational sessions at the project sites. This initiative aims to create spaces where people can relax, actively participate in their community, and engage in gardening based on a "do what you can" ethos. Partnerships with other organizations will facilitate directing participants to the project and providing on-site services. The Three Towns project aims to foster community ownership and sustainable practices through the promotion of organic cultivation. Participants will be encouraged to grow their own produce, regardless of their living situation. This initiative not only focuses on food growth but also on personal development and community collaboration. By involving diverse individuals with various skills, the project will thrive, offering valuable experiences and knowledge about nutritious food and healthier lifestyle choices to all residents of The Three Towns. 

Breakdown of costs 

Water Butts 4X _£160 Compost Bins 2x = £260 PPE- Gloves (Riggers Quality) 15x= £75 Protective eyewear £150 Water Containers 6x =£60 Seed Various £200 Topsoil and compost £95

Baby sensory classes promote communication and language skills in babies.  The sessions are lead by a person qualified in childcare and specialising in Baby sensory activities.

The cost is £100 per session 

The Dementia Project provides one-to-one befriending for people living with dementia, offering companionship at home and support to access their local community. It also gives unpaid carers vital respite through our carers’ peer support.

In addition, our Dementia Wellbeing Cafes in Saltcoats and Irvine provide a welcoming space where people with dementia and their loved ones/unpaid carer can come together to enjoy social activities, entertainment, chair yoga, or simply connect over a game of pool, a cuppa, and a chat. The cafes play a key role in tackling social isolation while supporting positive mental health and wellbeing.

Both the befriending service and the cafés are free, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to anyone attending. A dedicated volunteer fundraising committee organises events to raise funds for days out for people living with dementia, their unpaid carers, and volunteers.

Any funding received would help us keep the cafés free and support the delivery of activities, themed events, and entertainment, ensuring they remain a fun and inclusive spaces for all.

Our project aims to reduce loneliness and improve mental health by bringing older people together in a supportive and fun environment. Our current 52 members benefit from regular activities such as bingo, quizzes, and day trips.

To make our club inclusive and affordable, we are seeking funding to cover:

• £500 for bus hire to enable members to attend day trips and outings.
• £500 for seasonal community events (Valentine's and Easter celebrations), which provide opportunities for members to socialise, build friendships, and feel part of their community. 

By helping with these costs, we can remove financial barriers, encourage more people to get involved, and ensure our members feel valued, connected, and supported.