This free group is all about being supportive and encouraging to one another.  Building camaraderie and helping participants reconnect with others and themselves.

• Reducing loneliness and isolation
• Reducing low mood and depression
• Increasing a sense of purpose, community and belonging
• Increasing a sense of routine, structure and self-worth  
• Promoting health and wellbeing - time together in a safe and trusting space to connect and open up to peers 
• Providing peer support for mental health - checking in with each other - "Is there anyone struggling today?"
• Free access to snooker and pool - removing financial barriers

It is proposed that the funding grant, if successful, would be spent as follows:

• Cost of weekly room hire for a year (£360)
• Cost of weekly refreshments/food provision per group – teas, coffees, juice, biscuits and fruit (£100)
• Cost of additional quarterly healthy activities and travel out with the community centre (e.g. archery, bowling) (£250)
• Cost of promoting the group and recruiting more group participants - to reach more local men who are struggling and isolated (£40)

Many thanks for your time and kind consideration.

We are Saltcoats Walking Group, we meet every Thursday between 11am and 1pm, rain or shine. It gives people a chance to explore their local area and meet new faces, Everyone is welcome and everyone is respected and supports each other. It gives people out of the house and is something they enjoy each week. We welcone new members with open arms. Our aim is to reduce social isolation locally and to support physical and mental good health. This happens as the group gets to know each other and creates a space for a sense of community and belonging. 

The funding we are applyinf for would go towards

• cost of weekly refreshments and snacks, £150
• upkeep of walking equipment eg, well stocked first aid kit, flasks, emergency waterproofs,  £100
• cost of travel further afield and seasonal trips eg, summer trip to Millport and Christmas lunch together £400
• up to date to training for current leaders and new leaders eg. walking leader training, first aid training, £150
• cost of publicity for promoting the group to the wider community £100

Our proposal is to build on the drama  workshops we've had and make a contribution to the annual Mental Health Arts Festival.  Group members will be involved in writing our sketch and will form the cast for the show.  Our aim is to use humour to highlight the challenges of mental health problems.  We will employ an experienced drama coach to direct our performance.

One of our monthly sessions early next year will be set aside for brain storming allowing all members to contribute their ideas.  A small writing team will be established to produce a script with a May deadline.  We plan to have fortnightly rehearsals from May until October.  Roles will be found for all members who wish to take part.

Participating in such an event will boost the self confidence and self esteem of group members.  We are confident our sketch will match the key aims of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival:

• • Challenge perceptions of mental ill health.
• • Make connections across communities.
• • Develop audiences for the arts.
• • Encourage participation in the arts to promote good mental health.
• • Provide a platform for people to create and share work about mental health.

COSTS:

Director's Fee 12 x £40 = £480

Rehearsal space 12 x £7.20 = £86.40

Van Hire £100

Minibus Hire £150

Props and make up £100

Admin including phoyocopying £40

Total £956.40

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

Purpose of Funding:

1. Health and Wellbeing:  Organise weekly movement-based activity sessions such as baby yoga, toddler music and dance sessions and outdoor nature walks to support physical activity and mental wellbeing for both parents and children.  Provide healthy snacks and refreshments to encourage nutrition education and community mealtimes.

2.  Community Building:  Host monthly "stay and play" sessions with rotaing themes to build connections among local families.  Creating a welcoming and supportive environment that reduces isolation and strengthens community ties, particularly for new or struggling parents.

3.  Cost of Living Support:  Run a "swap shop" for clothes, toys and essentials to support sustainable living and reduce financial pressure on families.  Offer free to all group sessions, ensuring economic hardship is never a barrier to participation.

4.  Green Projects:  Launch a "Mini Gardener" initiative where toddlers and parents can grow herbs and veg learning about sustainability and food growing.  Using eco-friendly materials for crafts and encourage recycling and waste reduction during all activities.

This funding will help create a nurturing space where parents and toddlers can connect, grow and thrive together.  The activities will not only address immediate needs caused by the cost-of-living crisis but also foster long-term wellbeing, resillience and environmental responsibility.

Estimated Costs:

Facilitators (wellbeing activities)  4 sessions - yoga, music & movement, mindfullness) £200

Craft & Green project initiative - eco-friendly supplies for crafts, mini gardening (compost, seeds, pots and gardening tools) £150

Healthy snack & refreshments 48 week sessions fruit, crackers, drinks, cups and plates £480

Swap shop set up - bins, signage, clothing rails £70

Toys and sensory play resources £100

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. 

IMC Community Fridge is applying for £1000 for the purchase of amibient and chilled foods to ensure good stock levels during the depths of winter. Many people on prepayment meters have to choose whether to heat or eat and we want to enusre that our community can do both where possible. 

£1000 will allow for £100 to be spent per week for a 10 week period to provide soups, ready meals and other tinned produce. 

We anticipate that approx 30 household will benefit per week from this provision.

The ongoing cost of living crisis continues to have a significant impact on households, with many struggling to afford food, heating, and other essentials. At Argyle Community Shop, we aim to continue supporting our community by providing a dignified range of foods that help families when they need it 

However, with rising prices, we face real challenges in maintaining the same choice and variety of products without additional funding. Access to a diverse range of foods not only meets practical needs but also offers dignity and stability to those we support.

A grant of £1,000 would enable us to purchase food for a three-month period, covering the coldest winter months when household energy bills are at their highest. This equates to £83.33 per week, directly supporting around 65 households. In practice, this works out at just £1.28 per household per week—an affordable yet vital investment that ensures local families continue to access food when they need it most

Feedback from community groups and events indicates a strong desire for a program catering to this age group, especially given the challenges posed by Hayocks' geographic location and the rising cost of living. Our association currently operates a weekly Hayocks Youth Café  on a Thursday 6-8pm for kids aged 11 plus in partnership with NAC Community Development and the National Lottery. With this funding, we would be able to initiate a similar program for younger kids and utilise the same equipment.

The primary beneficiaries will be children aged 7-11 living in the Hayocks area. This group includes those from families experiencing financial hardship, as well as children who may lack access to after-school clubs or other social spaces. The café will also indirectly support parents and carers, providing free food and drinks. In a safe environment. The café will be entirely free to attend. No fees, subscriptions, or charges for food, activities, or materials will be applied

Our goal is to promote equality and break down barriers for local children, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to socialise, try new activities, build confidence, and make new friendships without financial strain.

By supporting this age group and focusing on well-being through the provision of a consistent, structured environment for positive weekly activities, we can build rapport with the kids, facilitate early intervention, instil pride in our community, and help deter boredom and antisocial behaviour.

Activities will be supervised by trained staff and volunteers, who will ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive atmosphere. Ranging from team sports, gaming, and creative arts to self-care, ensuring that every child can find something that interests them and fosters confidence among peers.

. Expected Outcomes

• Social Benefits: Increased opportunities for friendship, teamwork, and positive interaction.
• Emotional Wellbeing: Improved self-esteem, resilience, and sense of community belonging.
• Reduced Screen Time: More time spent in active, creative pursuits.
• Economic Support for Families: Reduced pressure on household budgets and greater access to enrichment activities.
• Equality and Inclusion: All children, regardless of income, can participate equally.

Specialist Activity Facilitator costs-  £20ph x 2 hours = £40 X 12 weekly sessions = £480  12 weekly sessions Food provision - £43.33 @ £1.44 x 30 kids = £520  Total £1000