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.

£2000 will pay for 10 refurbished bikes, to be supplied by our CGX Cycle Works as capital assets costing £200 each to be donated free of charge to individuals.  CGX Cycle Works has recently completed two successive years producing 400 refurbished bikes to issue free of charge to young people across South Ayrshire.  The Cycling Scotland recognised cost of a refurbished bike exceeds £250, with the additional costs of storing and distributing them to recipients further exceeding that, all being regarded as elements of the total capital cost to achieve the transfer of ownership of the capital asset.  During distribution of the bikes to children, many of the parents asked about the availability of free bikes so they could go on rides with their children.  We hope to meet this identified need.

The sensory resources will be used to:

• Create a safe space which pupils can access at break and lunch to regulate

• Run a regular ‘Sensory Circuits’ group before and during the school day to help improve pupils’ mental health and wellbeing, and engage them in positive physical activity experiences.

At Ayr Academy we strive to support our young people and evidence has shown that the implementation of Sensory Circuits has a significant positive impact on learning and achievement.

This funding would allow Vics to purchase furniture for our community Hub, the hub is due to open at the end of July and we are required to purchase furnitire including tables, chairs and fixtures and fittings to make the place somewhere the community feel proud of. The focus has been the capital works to get the pavilion ready and we now need furniture for inside the hub area. to help offer activities. 

Ayr Sea Cadets is seeking to acquire new paddle sports equipment to significantly increase our capacity to take more cadets afloat regularly and sustainably for many years to come. The proposed equipment includes a new trailer, a fleet of kayaks, essential safety gear, and a large “mammoth” stand-up paddleboard. This specialist paddleboard is ideal for confidence-building and teamwork exercises, helping our young people develop vital life skills such as communication, leadership, and resilience through fun, engaging water-based activities.

As part of our new initiative to deliver paddle sports within Ayr Harbour, we are also working in partnership with Ayr Yacht and Cruising Club to install a new, purpose-built ladder on the pontoons. This will ensure the safe and easy recovery of anyone entering the water during our sessions, enhancing the safety and accessibility of our boating activities. This collaboration not only improves safety standards but also strengthens local ties and promotes wider community involvement in youth development through maritime activities.

Over the past year, we’ve recorded a rise in Ayr North referrals for young carers, many are supporting a parent or guardian with chronic mental health condition, which often takes a heavy toll on their own emotional wellbeing. To address this, we’d use this funding to assemble 10 mobile “Mental Wellbeing Backpacks,” each containing:

• Guided Journals: Structured prompts to help carers process stress and reflect on positive experiences.

• Mindfulness Colouring Books & Premium Pencils: A proven tool for lowering anxiety and promoting focused relaxation.

• Mindfulness Card Decks: Simple, one step exercises for breathing, grounding or gratitude—easy to use anywhere.

• Stress Relief Fidgets (spinners, squeeze balls): Portable sensory tools to diffuse tension in moments of overwhelm.

• Headphones Pre-loaded with Guided Meditations & Relaxing Soundscapes: Instant, private access to mental-health resources, even without Wi-Fi.

Young carers (aged 10–18) can borrow a backpack for up to one week, giving them discreet, portable access to self care tools whenever and wherever they need a moment of calm be that at home after school, in the school library between lessons.

• Emotional impact: Young carers of parents with mental-illness are twice as likely to experience anxiety and depression compared with their peers.

• Barriers to support: Young carers can often lack private space or time to access traditional services; mobile kits may help overcome both by bringing resources directly to them.

• Equity of access: Backpacks can circulate through schools, youth centres and community events ensuring young carers alike can borrow them at their convenience.

The funds would allow us to purchase 1 Spring rocker 

The residents of Morrison Gardens Sheltered Housing complex would like to improve the communal patio area by purchasing patio furniture and planters to create a more welcoming and accessible outdoor environment. Residents will be able to come together to relax, connect with others, and enjoy time outdoors. The planters will make the space more attractive and will offer opportunities for light gardening activities, which will support physical activity. Overall, this meaningful improvement will enhance the quality of life for the residents.