INFORM North Ayrshire - Winter Guide 2022/23

Hello and welcome to the first edition of INFORM North Ayrshire.

As we know, winter can be a very difficult season. This year in particular, we face a number of challenges that affect us all.

As the Cost of Living Crisis continues to tighten it's grip - not only on our finances but also on our health and wellbeing - we may find ourselves in need of additional help and support.

Thankfully, there are a number of organisations, charities and community groups able to provide a range of services to assist those in need of a helping hand over the winter months ahead and beyond.

In this guide, we have attempted to collate as much information as we can of the services available in North Ayrshire.

I hope you find the information in this guide useful and on behalf of myself and the TACT staff, we wish you all the best over the winter period.

Take care and stay safe.

Kind regards,

KaileighBrown CEO The Ayrshire Community Trust

Cost

Money & Debt Advice

Energy & Heating

Families & Children

Food & Essentials

Health & Wellbeing

Housing &

Cost of Living Support

Cost of Living Support Portal

The Scottish Government has launched an online portal to support everyone in Scotland through the cost of living crisis.

Explore the portal here: https://costofliving.campaign.g ov.scot/

Cost of Living Support Portal

North Ayrshire Council also have an online portal with information, support and advice to help with the cost of living crisis.

Visit the website here: https://www.northayrshire.gov.uk/cost-of-living/

Debt and poverty drain hope from people's lives. CAP believe everyone should experience equal dignity, freedom and opportunity.

We can help you make the right choices with your finances including practical budgeting and dealing with debt.

No matter how large or small your problem is, we can help. Our free, expert debt help will support you all the way to becoming debt free.

T: 0800 3280006 (calls are free from mobiles and landlines)

E: info@capuk.org

W: www.capuk.org

Our specialist team helps people in North Ayrshire deal with their debt problems. No matter how big or small your debt problem is, we can recommend practical solutions to suit your situation.

If you need to talk to someone about a debt matter which is affecting your life, call our number or speak to an advisor over web chat.

T: 030 0002 0002

E: enquiries@chap.org.uk

W: www.chap.org.uk/money-advice

Money & Debt Advice 06

Better Off is a local, independent, free and confidential advice service for residents aged 16+ living in Ardrossan, Saltcoats, Stevenston and on Arran. They offer a drop-in service for information advice and support, every Monday to Thursday 10:30am – 2pm at the Michael Lynch Centre, 71 Princes Street, Ardrossan. You can also access the service via phone and email: T: 030 0002 0002

E: betteroffna@chap.org.uk

Home Energy Scotland

You could get around £5,000 of energy saving home improvements funded by the Scottish Government - including new heating and insulation. Most eligible households get around £5,000 of support through the Warmer Homes Scotland programme to help them save on their heating bills.

For more information and advice please visit: https://www.homeenergyscotland.org/

How to save money on your energy bills

If you're struggling to pay your energy bills, help is available.

www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

Winter Fuel Payment

If you were born before 26 September 1956 you could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills

To find out more please visit:

https://www.mygov.scot/winter-heating-payment

If you have meter problems, then Citrus Energy can help with the resetting of pre-payment meters and with any queries relating to how your pre-payment meter works. Lemon Aid from Citrus Energy can even help you apply for services you may be entitled to such as white goods schemes, discounts

To find out more about support available from North Ayrshire Council please visit: www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/cost-of-living

Energy & Heating

Families & Children 13

Children 1st works to keep children safe, loved and well and together with their families.

Children do well when their families do well, so we work with children and families in their homes, local communities and across Scotland. We offer practical, emotional and financial support to prevent and protect children and their families from harm and to support them to recover from trauma and abuse.

If your family are feeling stressed or anxious Children 1st Parentline can help.

Call Parentline for free on: 08000 282233 or browse our website for advice and support: www.children1st.org.uk/help-for-families/parentline-scotland/

Ayrshire Children's Services

ACS support children aged 3 -18yrs who have additional support needs.

Our support workers will support you and your child to choose activities that they would like to attend and pick new ones to try such as: sports, arts, music, cooking and many more.

T: 01294 588123

W: www.ayrshirechildrensservices.org

Support For Carers

We offer specialist information, support advocacy, advice, peer support and respite activities for carers. If you are an unpaid or family carer of almost any age you can access support from our Carer Centre in Irvine.

T: 01294 311333

W: www.unity-enterprise.com

Families & Children

Argyle Community Centre

Winter Family Fun Time and Grub Club

Parents/Carers and other adults, come along to the fun, FREE family activity sessions in Argyle Community Centre and try out some new ideas for the winter period with your child or young person. A winter warmer meal will be provided at each session.

Sessions will include hot food, crafts, games, family films and activities. All items made will be kept by participants.

To book your place contact

Colin Ferris on:

Tel: 07584 461250

Email: 3TownsLocality@north-ayrshire.gov.uk

Helping Local People in Crisis

We provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to us in crisis. We are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

Everyone who visits a foodbank for emergency food needs to have a valid foodbank voucher in order to access the service.

In order to provide the most appropriate help for the circumstances of your situation we work with local agencies. If they feel you are struggling to put food on the table, they will issue you with a foodbank voucher. The local agency can also provide long term support if needed to help address some of the issues behind the reasons for your crisis.

Our foodbank works with a number of different agencies, such as Citizens Advice, children’s centres and health visitors. To find out more about the agencies that hold our vouchers and how you can get help, please contact us.

T: 01294 601312

E: info@northayrshire.foodbank.org.uk

W: www.northayrshire.foodbank.org.uk

Once you have received a voucher, you can exchange this for three days of emergency food at your nearest foodbank centre.

Emergency Foodbank Centre Locations

Emergency Foodbank Centre Locations (contd.)

Community Food Larders, Pantries & Shops

A Community Larder or Community Pantry scheme provides food for its members, with people picking items themselves in a shop-like environment.

It is a great way to access nutritious food at a low cost. Members need to register for a small fee. They will then pay around £4.00 each time they use the larder or pantry and for that payment they will be able to choose approximately £15 worth of food.

Community larders, pantries and shops are accessible to anyone living within the local area - you do not need to be in receipt of any state benefits to become a member.

Community Food Larders, Pantries & Shops

Ardeer Food Larder

Ardeer Community Centre, 23 Shore Road, Stevenston

KA20 3LA

Opening Times: Tues to Fri 11am-2pm (drop-in)

Friday 5pm-7pm (appointment only)

Tel: 01294 466861

Email: ardeercommunitycentre@gmail.com

Beith Community Larder

Beith Community Centre, Kings Road, Beith, KA15 2BQ

Opening Times: Thursdays 1pm - 4pm and 5pm - 8pm

Saturdays 10am - 1pm

Email: larder@beithcommunityassociation. org.uk

Argyle Community Shop

Argyle Community Centre, Campbell Avenue, Saltcoats

KA21 5AG

Opening Times: Wednesday 11pm - 4pm

Wednesday 5pm - 6.30pm (once a month)

Shopping available to members by appointment only.

Tel: 078456 966900

Choices Community Shop

Fullarton Street, Irvine, KA12 8DH

Opening Times:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10am - 1pm

Tel: 01294 278207 or 01294 317156

Email:

Fullarton.secretary@gmail.com

Community Food Larders, Pantries & Shops (contd.)

Cranberry’s Community Larder

Cranberry Moss Community Centre, Cambusdoon Place, Kilwinning, KA13 6SL

Opening Times:

Thursday 1pm - 7.30pm

Friday 10am - 2pm

Tel: 01294557146

Email:

cranberryslarder@gmail.com

Quaint Larder

Whitlees Community Centre, Carrick Place, Ardrossan

KA22 7DT

Opening Times:

Wednesday 10am - 4pm

Tel: 01294 461700

Dalry Community Larder

Dalry Community Centre, St Margaret Ave, Dalry KA24 4BA

Opening Times:

Wednesday 6.30pm - 8.00pm

Saturday 10am - 12 noon

Tel: 07870198098

Email: dcsc@gmail.com

South Ardrossan Larder

Church of The Nazarene

150a Glasgow Street, Ardrossan

KA22 8EU

Opening Times:

Monday 4pm - 6pm

Tues to Thurs 2pm – 4pm

Friday 4 - 6pm

Tel: 01294 601312

Email:

nafoodbank@btinternet.com

Community Food Larders, Pantries & Shops (contd.)

Tap End Larder

Hayocks Hall, Hyslop Road, Stevenston, KA20 4HW

Opening Times:

Monday 10am - 1pm

Tuesday 4pm - 7pm

Thurs 5pm - 7pm

(alternative days by appointment)

The Farm Basket

Towerlands Community Centre, Bourtreehill, Irvine KA11 1PY

Opening Times:

Monday 10am-1pm

Wednesday 10am-1pm

Friday 2pm-5pm

Tel: 07759 313444

The 'Side Larder

Springside Community Centre, Overtoun Road, Springside

KA11 3BG

Opening Times:

Friday 10am - 6pm

(appointment only)

Tel: 07513182180

The Village Larder

West Kilbride Community Centre, Corse Street, West Kilbride

KA23 9AX

Opening Times:

Tuesday 9am - 12 noon

Thursday 6 - 8pm

Friday 9am - 12noon

Tel: 07561 755795

Email:

thevillagelarderwk@gmail.com

Community Food Larders, Pantries & Shops (contd.)

The Wee School Pantry

17 Bridgend, Kilbirnie KA25 7DJ

Opening Times:

Thursday 10am-1pm and 4pm-7pm

Friday 4:30pm - 6:30pm

Tel: 01505 684512

Email: weeschoolpantry@gmail.com

The Wee Shoap

Woodwynd Community Centre 50 David Gage Street, Kilwinning KA13 7EF

Opening Times: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10am - 1pm (appointment only)

Tel: 07719 480807

Zero Waste Cafe

Arran Ecosavvy, Lochranza

Isle of Arran KA27 8HL

Opening Times: Varied - alternate weeks with Shiskine.

Email: jess.ecosavvy@gmail.com to find out more

IMC Project Community Fridge

40 Springvale Street, Saltcoats KA21 5LP

Opening Times: 24 hours a day 7 days a week

Just take what you need and donate if you can

Tel: 07384806467

Café Solace is a series of Community Cafés in Irvine and the Garnock Valley, delivered by people in recovery and those who support recovery from addiction, by volunteering and giving back to the local community.

With affordable, nutritious food and access to information, the goal of Café Solace is to help volunteers reduce feelings of isolation in a warm, safe and supportive space. Here, they can gain valuable skills through learning and training while experiencing the far-reaching benefits of advocating community empowerment.

Café Solace Irvine

Open on Tuesdays at Fullarton Connexions from 5pm-7pm

£2.50 for a 3 course meal, £1 for single course and the team run a pay it forward scheme for anyone in need who can discreetly obtain a voucher covering the cost of a meal.

Café Solace Kilbirnie

Open on Fridays at Bridgend Community Centre from 5pm-7pm

£2 50 for 3 courses and kids under 12 eat free with an accompanying adult

Cooking on a Budget

In partnership with North Ayrshire Libraries, the team from Positive Steps created a series of easy 'cook along' videos for making affordable and nutritious food at home. You can find them on their YouTube channel:

www.youtube.com/@positivestepswithpartners4578

Food & Essentials 24

NHS Change of Number

If you get a call from the number below, the NHS is calling. ~ 01292 666500 ~

Please store this number in your phone for future reference.

Note: this number will NOT take incoming calls, if you need to contact the NHS please visit: www.nhsaaa.net/contact-us/

Please visit: www.wellbeinghub.scot/winter-resilience/

Local Community Books

Our community books are short resources that include numbers you can call if you’re in crisis or need support in your locality. Clicking on the links below will open each book in PDF format.

Arran Community Book

Garnock Valley Community Book

Irvine Community Book

Kilwinning Community Book

North Coast Community Book

Three Towns Community Book

www.northayrshire.community/communitysupport/

Ayrshire Cancer Support provide a range of emotional support and practical help for people affected by cancer in Ayrshire. All services are free to access and include:

• Hospital transport service

• Counselling

• Complementary therapies

• Support groups and workshops

• Cancer Nurse appointments

• Drop-in Centre

• Specialist Children and Young People Service

• Specialist Cancer Information

To find out more contact: T: 01563 538008

E: admin@ayrshirecs.org

W: www.ayrshirecs.org

Our advisors offer free, confidential support to people in North Ayrshire struggling with a housing issue or homelessness. Whether you find yourself threatened with eviction because you can’t cope with your mortgage payments, or you want advice handling problems with your landlord to avoid losing your home, you can talk to our specialist team.

T: 030 00020002

E: enquiries@chap.org.uk

W: www.chap.org.uk/housing-advice

We offer free help and advice on a range of housing matters such as:

• problems with your landlord

• help to avoid losing your home

• mortgage problems

• renting, buying or selling a house

T: 0141 8892121

W: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ scotland/housing

North Ayrshire Council are able to offer information, advice and support to council tenants and private tenants in North Ayrshire.

To find out more please visit:

https://www.northayrshire.gov.uk/housing

Warm Hubs 29

Warm Hubs are warm, safe places where residents of local communities can expect a friendly and inclusive welcome. People can meet and have a chat over a hot drink and/or a hot meal.

Although these may vary, some hubs are able to provide:

• Homemade meals for free or low cost

• Television, newspapers and/or books

• Games and/or crafting

• Wellbeing sessions

• Energy advice

• Free Wi-Fi access

• Free electricity to charge mobile devices

Cuppa and a Chat

Beith Community Centre, Kings Road, Beith, KA15 2BQ (in the sports building of the centre)

Opening Times:

Thursday 1pm - 4pm

Saturday 10.30am - 1pm

Cost: Free

Dalry Community Larder Social Space

St Margaret's Avenue, Dalry, KA24 4BA

Opening Times:

Wednesday 6.30pm - 8pm

Saturday 10am - 12noon

Cost: Free

Tel: 078070198098

Common Ground

Church of The Nazarene

21 Aitken Street, Largs KA30 8AT

Opening Times:

Thursday 12pm - 6pm

Dinner buffet 4.30pm - 5.30pm.

Cost: Suggested donation: £2 for adults

Kids are free

Fullarton Hub

Fullarton Community Hub

Irvine KA12 8DL

Opening Times:

Wednesday - All Day

Cost: Free

Just drop in

Warm Hubs 30

St Mary's Church

10 Ardrossan Road

Saltcoats, KA21 5BW

Opening Times:

Wednesday 11.30am - 1.30pm

(in the Church Hall)

Cost: Free

Just drop in

Whitlees Centre

Whitlees Centre, Carrick Place

Ardrossan, KA22 7DT

Opening Times:

Wednesday 4pm - 6pm

Cost: £3 per adult, £1 per child (Booking required)

Tel: 01294 461700

Warm Hub

West Kilbride Parish Church

45 Main Street, West Kilbride

KA23 9AW

Opening Times:

Tuesday and Friday 12pm-3pm

Cost: Free

Warm Community Hub

Boutreehill Relief Mission Centre (behind the Vennel Shops)

Crofthead, Irvine KA11 1JX

Opening Times:

Monday 9.15am to 11.15am

Cost: Free

Just drop in

Woodwynd Heat and Eat

Woodwynd Community Centre

50 David Gage Street

Kilwinning, KA13 7EF

Opening Times:

Wednesday & Friday 11am-12.30pm

Cost: £1 donation

Tel: 07719 480807

Warm Hub

Seamill House Hotel

Ardrossan Road, West Kilbride

KA23 9NA

Opening Times:

Mon - Friday 9am to 5pm

T: 01294 823000

Cost: Free

Warm Hubs 31

A warm welcome to all over this winter. We look forward to you joining us and taking part in the different activities we have available - ranging from the quiet corner to the gaming table.

Monday - Thursday 12 - 6pm

Nazarene Church 150 Glasgow Street

Ardrossan

Come along and enjoy activities such as:

Daily newspapers

Tea and coffee throughout the day

Cooking equipment for us to cook together

Latest gaming equipment for the digital whizz kids

Library area / quiet corner

Board games / arts and crafts

Creche corner for the wee ones

Guest speakers and entertainers

Sockets and USB points available to charge devices

Note: All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult

Warm Hubs

Cranberry Moss Community Centre & Cafe

We're all starting to feel the struggle with the cost of living, but we're not alone in this struggle.

Cranberry Moss will have an open door to everyone in the community of Kilwinning - pop along for a chat, meet new people all while using our heating, charge your phone and use our Wi-Fi connection.

We will also have free tea, coffee and cakes for everyone to enjoy.

Every Monday and Thursday 12pm - 6pm

Cambusdoon Place Kilwinning KA13 6SL Tel: 01294 557146

Warm Hubs

Dalry Health Centre

50 Vennel Street, Dalry KA24

4AF

Opening Times: 3pm - 4.30pm

T: 01294 832523

Just drop in

Nethermains Community Centre Kilwinning

Opening Times:

Tuesdays 11am - 4pm

Cost: FREE Just drop in

Warm Hubs

Irvine Water Sports Club Hot Space

We will be offering free soup, teas and coffees and the heating will be on to provide you with a warm, safe place.

Open every TUESDAY and THURSDAY from 12noon to 2pm

Warm Hubs

Crisis Support 39

You are not alone.

Our service provides both emotional and practical support to women and children affected by domestic abuse.

When you contact us, our support workers will listen to you, help you think about your options, and if necessary, arrange somewhere safe for you to stay.

All information you wish to share with us is confidential unless we have any concerns about safety and risk.

17 Vernon St, Saltcoats, North Ayrshire KA21 5HE www.nawomensaid.com

Scottish Welfare Fund

This discretionary scheme provides 2 types of grantCrisis Grants and Community Care Grants

Visit: www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/benefits

These grants do not need to be paid back

Useful Contacts 40

Age Scotland Helpline

Freephone 0800 12 44 222

Alzheimer Scotland 24 Hour

Helpline

Freephone 0808 808 3000

Breathing Space

Freephone 0800 83 85 87

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland

Freephone 0808 801 0899

Childline

Freephone 0800 11 11 (24 hours)

Child Protection

01292 267675 (out of hours, freephone 0800 328 7758)

Dental Helpline

01292 616990 (Mon-Fri 8am6pm) NHS 24 on freephone 111 (out of hours)

Disability Information Scotland

0300 323 9961

Home Fire Safety Visit

Freephone 0800 0731 999

Homeless Services

0300 123 0900 (out of hours, freephone 0808 100 3151)

NHS24

111

North Ayrshire Council 01294 310000

North Ayrshire Foodbank

01294 601312

North Ayrshire Women's Aid

01294 602424 (or freephone 0800

0271234 - 24hrs)

Rape Crisis Scotland

Freephone 08088 01 03 02

Police Scotland

Freephone 101 (nonemergency),

freephone 999 (emergency)

Power Cut? National Power

Cut Helpline

Freephone 105 (24 hours)

Samaritans

Freephone 116 123

Scottish Welfare Fund

0300 123 0900

Scottish Water

Freephone 0800 0778 778

Silverline

Freephone 0800 4 70 80 90

Smell Gas? National Gas

Helpline

0800 111 999 (24 hours)

North Ayrshire Carers Centre

01294 311 333

SSPCA Animal Helpline

03000 999 999

Victim Support Scotland

Freephone 0800 160 1985

Important Note

Although we try our best to keep the information in this directory as accurate as possible, there may be some services listed that no longer operate in your area. We recommend that you always contact them directly to confirm before visiting.

If you are reading this as a printed booklet please be aware that the information may be out of date. The latest version can always be found online here:

https://issuu.com/tact-na/docs/inform_north_ayrshire_-_winter_guide_2022

If your organisation would like to be added to the directory please email: info@tact.scot