<p style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">After discussions with a number of individuals &amp; organisations, we are seeking funding support to host&nbsp;a heartwarming and inclusive festive event aimed at individuals in recovery from addiction, offering them a safe and joyful space to celebrate Christmas and New Year without the influence of alcohol or drugs. For many in recovery, the holiday season can be a challenging and isolating time, often spent alone. Our event aims to change that narrative, bringing people together to share the spirit of the season in a supportive and nurturing environment. Through music, games, and activities that foster connection and friendship, we aspire to create lasting memories and a renewed sense of hope. This event&nbsp;will not only light up the holiday season for those who need it most but also reinforce the importance of recovery and community. With your support, we can make this festive season truly special, empowering individuals in recovery to embark on a brighter, healthier journey into the new year.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="text-align:start; text-indent:0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px; margin-top:20px; margin-bottom:20px"><span style="font-size:medium"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif"><span style="caret-color:#000000"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="font-variant-caps:normal"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="letter-spacing:normal"><span style="orphans:auto"><span style="text-transform:none"><span style="white-space:normal"><span style="widows:auto"><span style="word-spacing:0px"><span style="text-decoration:none"><span style="font-family:&quot;Segoe UI&quot;, sans-serif"><span style="color:#374151">We are seeking a grant to support the printing and production of cookbooks which will be given to families in need within the Irvine locality as a pilot to show them ways to have healthy meals at low cost.&nbsp;&nbsp;We are hoping to&nbsp;&nbsp;work in partnership with local community groups offering lunches or cooking classes, and can then be given away with participants.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">We are a campaigning group for people over 55s, we are here to distribute information to the community to inform them of what the current issues are for older people and campaign on their behalf. Our motto is Seniors supporting Seniors.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Choices Community Shop, based in the heart of Irvine, offers food with dignity to local people who are facing food insecurity due to the cost of living crisis. This fund would allow us to prepare healthy, nutricious &quot;ready meals&quot; for individuals removing the worry of the cost of cooking. Given that winter is approaching, families will have to choose whether to heat or cook and by having this offer, it lessens the stress of the worry.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background:#fdfdfd"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Lato&quot;,sans-serif"><span style="color:#222222">The Vennel Friends Discovery Group meet weekly in the Vennel Gardens Community Engagement Hub and helps older people come together to meet new people and try a whole host of activities.&nbsp; </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background:#fdfdfd"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Lato&quot;,sans-serif"><span style="color:#222222">Our group is open to anyone over the age of 50. &nbsp;We participate in a wide range of activities that promote the health and wellbeing of our group members. The group provides a safe and welcoming place for older people to connect socially which helps to combat loneliness and isolation.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background:#fdfdfd"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Lato&quot;,sans-serif"><span style="color:#222222">We are applying for funding to enable our group members to experience the positive mental health and social benefits of going to the theatre and having afternoon tea in Glasgow.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Comic Sans MS&quot;">By entering our verse speaking event Primary Schools demonstrate their pupils&rsquo; budding reading and speaking skills, boosting their self-confidence and fostering an appreciation of the Scots language.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p>BABCA would like to organise a Country and western Social evening to try and get older people and adults back into the way of attending social events in Towerlands Community Centre.We would like to organise a free evening event to encourage people to socialise. People have got in to the way of staying in their houses during covid we would like to invite people in the local area to an evening of Country music with a live band. We woud like to turn the centre into the wild west providing an evening of live music with a theme. This community event would bring people together and help people who have been social isolated meet new friends. &nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">DCERA (Dundonald Crescent Estate Residents Association) was set up in 2022&nbsp;to help develop and grow our community within the beautiful Auchengate area of North Ayrshire. Dundonald Crescent will be known by many, by the previous name, Dundonald Camp, or as &ldquo;The old military houses&rdquo; near the Paper Mill. We are working closely with North Ayrshire Council and the surrounding communities to establish our estate with a brand-new identity. Over a decade has passed since the M.O.D sold the estate and now is the time to see the place where we call home flourish and evolve into a desirable place to stay.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px">&nbsp;</p>