For over 20 years, we have taken care of the woods and created a space where people from all walks of life can feel safe and supported. We encourage retired individuals, those facing mental health challenges, and veterans to engage with nature outside of their daily routines. Our goal is to use the calming influence of nature to help distract them from their issues.

We also welcome various groups, such as Scouts and schools, to use our woodlands for educational purposes about the environment. Many individuals find joy in exploring and enjoying the woods.

This year, we are seeking funding to refurbish and replace our equipment, which has been worn down by the harsh conditions we face. Maintaining the paths is much more challenging than simply cutting a lawn.

Refurbish our mowers x2 = £400. We cover routine maintenance, but this is a one-off safety upgrade and inspection, so we can keep older models going rather than just buying new ones when these need to be refurbished. We believe in reusing and recycling. 

Drill and Driver kit £150. -

A battery-powered strimmer that utilises the batteries we already have, or for small jobs, allowing people who find the big petrol-powered strimmers too heavy to use them.

£130 

Through creative activities, wellbeing classes and positive social connections, the She Shed strives to achieve a sense of belonging, where women feel valued, supported and better equipt for life's challenges. We want to build confidence and resilience in women, helping them to step out of their comfort zone, meet new people and try new things. 

Funding will allow us to stay at no cost to our members, keeping us inclusive for all by removing financial barriers to participation. As a result, we can strengthen the growth and sustainability of our group, ensuring that it continues to be a supportive and welcoming place. 

Breakdown of project costs:

- Branding/advertisement £200 

- Food, drink and catering suppplies £100

- Mindfulness and relaxation activities £300

- Art and craft supplies £400

We meet at kilbirnie loch every Thursday evening between April and October to paddle on the loch . In winter we move indoors to Garnock community campus pool , where members learn life saving skills in the water , and how to keep themselves safe in the water . We have week about for youths and adults . 

The club provides the boats , kayaks , paddle boards and life jackets to members , thus ensuring there is no barriers to anyone despite cost . 

All members are encouraged and supported to do training to become coaches and can find support to build on their experiences. 

We have a family friendly atmosphere that encourages newcomers to try out new activities with support and experience of other members .  

There is opportunities to go on camping trips , and days away at different locations. these are great for building confidence in people of all ages .  The club is great for mental health , keeping fit , and allowing people to socialise in a safe and suppprtive environment.  We hoping to use our funding for maintenance to our boats and possibly replace some older ones . The boats will be roughly £200 each to repay and update .  we have no running costs , or building rentals to consider .   

Members state that the excursions we provide are an important part of the group as they feel inc!uded in an activity which they would not be able to participate in otherwise. We would be unable to provide this without funding such as the locality PB. We have been fortunate enough to receive this previously and provided a fantastic days out  to Cumnock Factory Outlet and a meal at Romeo and Ju!iets. 

We would like to apply for funding to provide another 2 trips next year which will be chosen by the members of the grouo. We therefore require £1000  which will cover the approximate cost of the bus at £500 and approximate cost of the meal at £500

Our committee aim to provide either two small trips or one trip and a meal out.

These excursions encourage our elderly people to enjoy company and reduce social isolation and improve their general wellbeing. 

We are looking at suppling fresh meat parcels with a value of £20 per pack, including things like mince,chicken, bacon and sausages. We hace on average about 50 members that use our pantry every week. 50 packs at £20 would cost £1000. We would be using a local butcher keeping our business local and cutting down on transportation costs and fuel emissions.

Growing and cultivating our own produce at home presents challenges for some families in terms of cost of equipment, the time required to tend to the plants, lack of space and knowledge.

With the wealth of skills and experience GVAA members can offer there is a desire to pass this onto the young people of the Garnock Valley.

GVAA members are in the process of erecting a polytunnel on site which will be available to be exclusively used by young people. We aim to increase their awareness of where their food comes from, promote skills in gardening and horticulture, increase their knowledge of their environment and encourage teamwork.

The project will be led by a member of GVAA and it is aimed that by passing on their knowledge, skills and experience to the young people taking part in the project, that it may lead to pathways in volunteering, and further training or employment in horticulture.

The additiional benefit of working outside and in the environment is well documented to improve mental health.

In order for the polytunnel to be complete and equipped for growing the following equipment is required. It is intended that the young people will be involved with getting the polytunnel ready for the next growing season.

Raised beds and shelving =£400                                                 

 Lightweight strimmer x 2= £300                                                   

Strimmer helmet & visor x 2 = £40                                                  

Bosch water pump and rechargeable battery = £150                 

Gloves = £60                                                                                   

  Seeds and plants = £50

For our Christmas event on Saturday 28th November 2026, we believe every child deserves the chance to experience the magic of visiting Santa. That's why we want to make it free and inclusive for all, ensuring no child from Kilbirnie and Glengarnock misses out due to financial pressures. This would include free presents from Santa, face painting, prizes for treasure hunt and providing light up wands for the parade. Estimated cost £1000

1. Transport to the SEC show in March 2026. Average of quotes £450 A lot of our members do not drive anymore and public transport to the SEC is not direct. Hiring a mini bus and driver means these members are included which makes a big difference to the whole group. The Scottish Quilting Show is the only one left in Scotland and we would like to support it with our attendance as much as possible. The show provides inspiration and generates ideas. There are workshops that can be signed up for which build skills.
2. Engaging a tutor to give us a workshop. Estimate £400.  The group has had workshop providers in the past and would like to have the again. Having a tutor come to us means that all members are included. These workshops will build skills and provide inspiration.
3. Materials so that members can present a workshop and everyone has materials provided. £150  This allows long standing members to share their knowledge and experise. This is very good for all concerned as it values the skills in the group. The cost of fabric has risen and whilst we reuse and recycle as much as we can in our quilts, sometimes it is appropriate to have materials that co-ordinate and are pre-prepared for a workshop.