The purpose of Troon Men’s Shed is to provide recreational facilities and advance the social needs, health and well being of men of all ages and backgrounds living in Troon and surrounding areas.  

Troon Men’s Shed was established in April 2024 and has a growing membership with 75 members, and currently meet fornightly in a hired hall with guest speakers. Our members have volunteered to help out at community events in Troon at Wintertainment, Troon Round Table Fireworks and Santa Float, and we are currently assisting Ayrshire Cancer Support with practical DIY work in their new Ayr Centre.

Members benefit by meeting with other men in a safe environment, reducing their social isolation and providing mental stimulation, which also benefits their families. The acquisition of the Hosiery Park Pavilion will enable us to meet more regularly and undertake practical workshop activities which we are unable to do in a hired meeting hall. The establishment of workshop activities will enable men to utilise their practical skills, and to pass on their knowledge to others.

A Stage 1 Community Asset Transfer Request was submitted to South Ayrshire Council in November 2024, and the Stage 2 request is currently being prepared, with a target date to submit of 31 May 2025.

The Hosiery Park Pavilion building is in poor condition as it has been unused for several years, and once acquired would be repaired and converted into a suitable facility comprising of an activity workshop area where woodworking and other similar practical activities can be undertaken, and a separate multi-use social space.

Being awarded funding to open our studio space will align with UK Shared Prosperity Fund’s goals by strengthening the resilience of our community through creative learning and reducing isolation in our communities by bringing people together in a space that they can take ownership of. By providing accessible and affordable quality arts and entertainment we will be tackling inequalities and improving life chances for people living in our community and beyond

The Iris currently delivers creative learning workshops where people can learn how to express themselves and have their voices heard about things that matter to them by learning how to create film and theatre. By teaching people living in our community creative writing and film productions skills, we can empower people to learn and help them to improve their mental health. The Iris is a multi-award winning production company, having produced 100s of creative learning pieces with people living in our community since 2019. By having a studio space open we can empower the community to create more, bring more people together and access free or reduced cost creative learning and entertainment.

This application is to support Vics In The Community with capital costs for our new Community Hub that is scheduled to open in June 2025. The application for funding would assist with costs to protect the building from anti social behaviour.

The new community hub located in North Ayr and will be the cornerstone of the community serving young people, adults and families. North Ayr is reconised as an area of deprivation and this facility will allow us to further enhance our support to the community and address challenges such as mental health and wellbeing, food insecurity and financial hardship.   

Funding will directly support the UK Shared Prosperity Fund’s goals by strengthening community resilience, tackling inequalities, and improving life chances for vulnerable men affected by addiction in Girvan and South Carrick — as part of Harbour Ayrshire’s Bridge to Shore project.The Bridge to Shore pathway supports individuals from crisis through to stability, community integration, and ultimately, independence. This proposal focuses on the early and middle stages of that journey, providing essential support where it's needed most.

Harbour Ayrshire currently delivers a vital weekly support group led by staff and volunteers with lived experience. The group offers a safe, trauma-informed environment where men can share openly, build peer connections, and learn practical coping strategies. By addressing root causes of addiction — such as poverty, poor mental health, and intergenerational trauma — the project empowers participants to break negative cycles and build long-term resilience, both personally and within the community.

This funding will cover essential delivery costs including venue hire, refreshments, and holistic therapies. These elements are key to removing barriers to engagement and ensuring all participants feel welcomed and supported.

In addition to sustaining the current group, funding will enable expansion into surrounding villages where need is high but services are scarce due to poverty, digital exclusion, and lack of transport. Development work — under the Bridge to Shore framework — will focus on:

Increasing outreach and engagement in rural areas of Girvan and South Carrick

Supporting individuals to access central services and digital resources

Building local capacity by helping communities create peer-led support groups

Fostering community cohesion and empowerment through shared learning and lived experience leadership

By supporting this project within the Bridge to Shore model, you are investing in the creation of healthier, more inclusive communities, reducing health inequalities, enhancing social capital, and empowering individuals to contribute positively to their local areas — fully aligning with the aims of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.