Our project will help the community access the community larder at no cost and supporting them when needed.

This will allow them most in need access food with dignity, the usual cost is £4.00 for up to £15.00 worth of groceries. We have found in recent months through referrals from outside partners is that many are struggling to even afford £4. This will help reduce that stress and knowing that the most vunerable can access this service.

£1000.00 divided by £4.00 will be to cover the cost of 250 households in accessing food with dignity.

Our project aims to save an at-risk collection of documents donated to Kilwinning Heritage from the former Hugh King & Sons solicitor's office on Howgate. The building was also formerly a bank, and the collection contains around 20,000 documents from the bank and solicitors offices. The documents have been very poorly kept and require intensive cleaning to save them and record any information we can gather. We will clean and record these archive documents which will be available for future research into the people of Kilwinning.

The project will be led by a team of volunteers and will be trained by staff from Ayrshire Archives on how to safely and accurately clean and record these documents. The volunteers will benefit from the project on a personal level as there is a good cohesion in our volunteer team and any new volunteers will be welcomed. Some of our volunteers benefit from the project as it gets them out the house and taking part in an activity which is very beneficial for them due to the relaxing nature of the project and repetitiveness of the tasks. This reduces their risk of social isolation and increases their skills by getting training and brings people together.

Building community spirit is also a key part of the project as the information gathered from the archive could provide a new insight to the history of Kilwinning and some of the unique individuals who once lived in the town. We intend to make the archive available for any future members of Kilwinning Heritage and the public where appropriate to inform research and future projects involving the history of the town. We hope that all the volunteers involved in the project will work collaboratively and we will provide social opportunities for them to network and make new friends/ develop relationships in the community.

Breakdown of costs;

£250 - scan tent  £300 - archive boxes £400 - mobile phone for scanning £50 - external hard drive 

We, a group of Syrian New Scots, are embarking on a remarkable journey to promote cultural understanding, foster unity, and build bridges within our local community. Our project, "Bridging Communities Through Syrian Cuisine," is a testament to our belief that food can transcend borders and create meaningful connections.

Our Vision

Our vision is simple yet profound: by sharing the rich heritage of our cuisine, music, and traditions, we aim to bring Scottish, Syrian, and other communities together through food. It's about celebrating the universal language of food as a catalyst for stronger, more inclusive communities.

Our Culinary Heritage

At the heart of our project lies the vibrant tapestry of Syrian cuisine. Iconic dishes like falafel and kebabs serve as gateways to the soul of Syrian culture. Through these flavors, we hope to introduce our Scottish neighbors to a world of tastes and traditions.

Our Inclusive Approach

Inclusivity is at the core of our project. Regardless of cultural backgrounds, we extend an open invitation to all members of the local community. It's about creating a space where diversity is celebrated, and friendships are forged.

Our Plan

Over the course of our project, we intend to host ten large brunch sessions at Whitehirst Community Centre. Each session promises to be a sensory delight, featuring expertly prepared Syrian cuisine, live music, and laughter. These gatherings aren't just about savoring delicious food; they are opportunities for genuine cultural exchange and interaction.

By sharing our culture and embracing others with open hearts, we aim to build a more connected, empathetic, and inclusive community. We kindly request support to turn this vision into reality and create a brighter future for all. Together, we believe we can build bridges, one meal at a time.

Costs:

Food ingredients per session £100 x 10 = £1000. (enough to feed 30+ people per session).

ONE STEP AHEAD this will be aimed at 13 -14 year olds rather than the 15 -16 age group,The young people, assisted by an adult mentor would volunteer in exchange for gaining sound knowledge of various subjects that would stand them in good stead to succeed at school, giving them an insight in  different subjects that would help them volunteer in groups of their choice. The subjects will be beneficial to young people and short programmes will be introduced such as working with children, equine therapy, tackling poverty, first aid, admin,  children's mental health and well being, As on line courses usually start at 16 ACES staff would give short insights into the subjects, young people would help out at Youth club, school holiday clubs, community shop, and working with our equine therapy pony all under qualified supervision , the young people would gain a portfolio with their volunteering story in it and pictures ,comments by themselves and  staff who work with them. This would be evidence to show to other groups, further education, or employment and be a step ahead to full volunteering, further education or employment. the young people would lean a suitable work ethic which will help in the future, the volunteers would train for six weeks then they could stay and volunteer with ACES and Woodwynd or move to Other groups or clubs. Costs will be required for hall hires for training evenings, £12.90 x 6 = 77.44 preparing portfolio's, portfoloi's  £,13.14 x 12 =157.68, safety equipment hire for equine therapy, £ 19.00 x 12 = 228 cost of riding instructor £ 45 ph x 2  =90 arena hire  2x 75 =£150   additional pony hire £ 25x4 =£100 cost of materials for fist aid training,£15.00 volunteers polo shirt £15.00 x12 =180

The group sees an average of 15-17 bereaved people attending each Friday, with new referrals being made weekly, to receive peer-support, friendship and companionship from others who have been bereaved, making them feel less alone in their grief, and reducing feelings of social isolation and loneliness, whilst promoting better mental health and wellbeing. 

There is very limited support in the community for bereaved people, with waiting lists at an all-time high, highlighting the importance of community supports, such as Healing Hearts, which has already made a significant difference to bereaved people across North Ayrshire. 

Room at Kilwinning Library at £3.70 ph x 2 hours per week = £7.40 per week x 48 weeks = £355.20 for the year. The group also require tea, coffee, milk, sugar and biscuits for each group, averaging £6 per week = £288

Total £983.20

The children at St Luke's EYC have access to outdoors for most of the day. This is free flow where children choose to go out. The parent council would like to help pay for the replacement of waterproof suits and be able to provide wellies for all the children. This supports the cost of the school day as parents will not be asked to provide suits or wellies for their child to access the outdoors. Health and well-being is very important and by allowing children to be outdoors supports their mental health and physical development. 

We are looking to purchase

- 54 waterproof suits - approx £15 each (£810)

 19 - welly boots - approx £10 each (£190)

We are a clothes and toy bank and run event in and around ayrshire and put on different things like summer bags, Halloween party, Christmas bags and day out.