Tasty Hong Kong lunches and music for elderly people – bringing joy, culture, and friendship while tackling loneliness in our community.

Crossing Together Toddlers was formed in March 2024 following the project being approached by two local new parents who felt there was a need for a group locally in Bourtreehill. The mums are now lead participants along with our Mission Pioneer in running the weekly sessions on Tuesday mornings for 2 hours at the Relief Mission Centre. The group quickly reached capacity of 40 babies/toddlers who attend with at least one adult per child. The sessions are free to ensure it is accessible to all.

Children 1st staff member is applying on behalf of our group. Our Coffee and Connect group was created in 2023 and is aimed at supporting parents and carers within the local community. Over that past few years the group has grown and has consistently met weekly during term time within the Children First space in Bourtreehill. Meeting here has allowed us to build strong relationships and offer peer support to one another.

After a very successful 2024-25 season the Irvine Sharks have for a second year won their league undefeated and again received promotion from Division 2 to Division 1. The teams members majority are all approaching 40 or over. Many who had been inactive over the past years before the start of this club. This has led to a dramatic boost again in members physical and mental health.

Friends of Trindlemoss is a group made up of parents, family, carers and people with learning disabilities who access Trindlemoss Day Opportunities. The group was formed to fund raise and purchase new equipment, raise money for outings and let service users try new experiences for example a group went on a sailing ship and another group experienced a trip on the Seagull Trust barge. The group hold social events once a month within Trindlemoss Day opportunities.

Redburn Bingo Group run a weekly bingo session on Thursday afternoons in Redburn Community Hub. This activity provides a regular fun and friendly social event in a safe and familiar social setting. The bingo sessions help to connect community members and reduce social isolation and loneliness. Members of the local community come along to the bingo sessions each week to have fun, meet new people and have a chat. The bingo is very popular and well attended.

Our project is a continuation of a long-term development plan to empower girls through rugby by developing their skills, confidence, leadership, and sense of belonging. We aim to support gender equality at Irvine Rugby Club by providing female-designed rugby kits for our growing number of girls playing the sport, offering female-led coaching, and hosting an all-female rugby festival.