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.

Ayr United Football Academy is a well-established Third Sector organisation in South Ayrshire, committed to improving health, wellbeing, and lifelong learning through football. Based primarily in Ayr North—one of the top 5% most deprived areas in Scotland—we deliver inclusive, community-led programmes that support people of all ages, from schoolchildren to older adults. With a dedicated team of over 100 staff and volunteers, we use the power of football to promote positive change and tackle deep-rooted social inequalities.

Our new Dementia Walking Football Programme is a community-based initiative offering tailored football sessions for individuals aged 50 and over who are living with dementia or related cognitive conditions. Building on our successful walking football provision, this programme directly responds to local community feedback calling for more dementia-friendly activities that support holistic wellbeing.Participants will attend two one-hour sessions per week, each followed by an informal social gathering with refreshments and occasional guest speakers. Sessions are designed to be inclusive, supportive, and enjoyable—providing a safe and welcoming environment for people to stay active, engaged, and connected.

Programme Objectives

• Enhancing physical health – improving mobility, cardiovascular fitness, and coordination in a way that is safe and adapted to participants’ needs

• Stimulating cognitive function – encouraging memory, focus, and decision-making through structured, enjoyable activity

• Fostering social interaction – reducing isolation and encouraging the building of friendships and support networks

• Promoting emotional wellbeing – providing participants with a sense of purpose, enjoyment, and belonging

Strategic Fit with UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) The Dementia Walking Football Programme strongly aligns with several key UKSPF investment priorities, particularly under the “Communities and Place” and “People and Skills” pillars:

✅ Health and Wellbeing This programme supports better health outcomes by promoting regular, adapted physical activity for older adults. It also aligns with the Scottish Government’s A Fairer Scotland for Older People strategy and South Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership’s Dementia Strategy.

✅ Social Inclusion and Reducing Inequalities The programme reaches a vulnerable and often overlooked group, providing accessible and inclusive support. By removing financial barriers, it directly addresses health and social inequalities and increases community participation.

✅ Pride in Place and Community Participation Using trusted local venues and engaging community volunteers, the programme fosters local pride, strengthens community ties, and increases opportunities for people to contribute meaningfully to civic life.

✅ Local Delivery, Local Benefit Firmly rooted in Ayr North and surrounding communities, the programme reflects the UKSPF’s commitment to place-based investment. It harnesses existing community assets—facilities, volunteers, and networks—to ensure sustainable, locally-driven impact. It also supports the South Ayrshire Council’s Local Place Plans and the strategic objectives of the Health & Social Care Partnership.

Conclusion The Charity's Dementia Walking Football Programme is about far more than football—it’s about dignity, connection, and supporting people to live well. The programme is a cost-effective, scalable, and compassionate response to a growing health and social care challenge. Through clear alignment with UKSPF priorities and a strong foundation of local delivery, it represents a strategic investment in healthier, more inclusive communities and provides a replicable model of best practice in dementia-friendly sport and wellbeing.