SATTC were the first club in Scotland to embrace table tennis for PWP and is the catalyst for (so far) eleven other clubs in the country taking up the project. Thanks to the club demonstrating to Table Tennis Scotland that the inclusion of PWP within the sport is proven to slow down this degenerative disease; However, hall rental costs have risen dramatically recently and we need a constant supply of training balls to alleviate the need for participants using their playing time chasing after one ball after each rally. The Parkinson’s group get through approximately 20 broken balls every month.  

Over the past few years, we have seen water sports increase in popularity amongst our youth members. As part of ‘Youth Shaped’ scouting we have responded to this and are eager to carry out more water sports sessions for our young people. We are fortunate enough that many of our leaders have earned various water sport instruction certificates, however we lack a way to transport our equipment in order to deliver sessions.

Funding would allow us work towards our goal of purchasing a new small box trailer to safely transport equipment for use on the water. As it stands, we are unable to transport our equipment without having to hire vans, which has proven to be incredibly costly. The price of the trailer stands at £3,995 + VAT. The group has been actively fundraising for the last 12 months in order to be able to make the purchase, this final grant would allow us to bring the project to life.

This project allows us to continue providing important life skills to our young people. Participating in water sports helps to build confidence and resilience, as well improving physical fitness, balance, and co-ordination. Providing young people with the opportunity to spend time outdoors plays a key role in supporting their mental health and well-being. Time away from social media, screens, and school allows young people the chance to disconnect and recharge, helping to teach them the importance of maintaining a work-life balance – a skill which they will carry through to adulthood.

Additionally, the use of a new trailer will help to reduce the cost of participation in these activities. By avoiding van hire, any cost for these activities will be vastly reduced, helping to make water sports more accessible for the benefit of young people. Furthermore, the new trailer provides a more eco-friendly solution to equipment transportation. When hiring vans, we must drive vehicles to and from collection points to get them back to Troon, being able to avoid this will allow us to reduce our carbon footprint as a group.  

Not only will a new trailer benefit members of the 28th Ayrshire Scout Group, but it will also massively benefit other groups in the local community.  Local groups such as Brownies and Guides will be offered the opportunity to use our paddleboards and safety equipment, meaning more young people can experience the benefits of water sports. As well as this, any Scouting or Guiding groups that stay at our hall will also be offered the opportunity to use the equipment. We are lucky to have groups from across the UK as well as International groups regularly staying at the hall. By providing them with the opportunity to use our equipment, their young people will get to experience more of our local culture and community, as well as building all the associated skills that come with water sports

Not only will the young people benefit from increased accessibility to water sports, but so will our adult volunteers. Being able to transport our own equipment will make it easier for us to provide training for those that wish to improve their skills and build their water confidence. Providing adults with the opportunity to gain qualifications in water sport instruction allows us to continue passing these skills down through generations to our young people and allows for our volunteers to continuously develop themselves outside of work and their other life commitments.

Funding will go directly towards the purchase of a new trailer to allow us to provide our young people and the wider community with the opportunity to participate in water sports. Your support will help us deliver these sessions, helping our young people and adults grow, and to build a community that we are proud of.

The fund would be utilised to purchase equipment

N/A

The Overmills Allotment Association currently operates on a site with no amenities. While the plots provide valuable opportunities for growing food and engaging with nature, the absence of basic facilities limits accessibility, comfort, and the potential to develop the allotments as a wider community resource.

Proposal

We propose the purchase of a welfare unit on-site. This facility would provide a sheltered rest area, toilet facilities, and basic handwashing, significantly enhancing the experience of all members and visitors. We are seeking funding support to partly fund this project, with the Association seeking further funding, contributing resources, fundraising, and volunteer input towards the overall costs. This demonstrates our commitment and ensures shared responsibility for the welfare unit’s installation and upkeep.

Key Benefits and Outcomes

• Health and Wellbeing

Gardening is widely recognised for its physical and mental health benefits. A welfare unit would make the site more welcoming and safer, enabling members to spend longer periods on their plots in comfort. Access to toilets and handwashing facilities supports good hygiene and reduces health risks.

• Community Development and Social Value

The unit would act as a central hub where members can gather, share knowledge, and support one another. It would encourage social interaction, helping to reduce loneliness and social isolation, particularly among older members. The space could be used for small workshops, demonstrations, and community events, further extending the value of the allotments to the local area.

• Accessibility and Inclusivity

Basic amenities will make the allotments accessible to families with young children, older people, and those with mobility or health issues, ensuring that no one is excluded from participation. By improving accessibility, the welfare unit would attract new members and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the association.

• Environmental and Educational Benefits

The welfare unit would support community initiatives around sustainable living, composting, and food growing, helping local people develop practical skills that benefit both households and the wider environment. With a central meeting point, the site could host visits from schools, community groups, and educational projects.

Conclusion

Installing a welfare unit would transform Overmills Allotments into a fully inclusive, safe, and welcoming community resource. It would extend the reach and benefits of the allotments beyond individual plot holders, delivering measurable improvements in health, wellbeing, community cohesion, and education.

The unit is estimated at a cost of £11000-£13500, by part-funding this project, with other funders, you would be helping us create a long-lasting community asset, with the Association itself also contributing towards costs and ongoing management. Together, this partnership approach ensures value for money and a strong, sustainable outcome for the local area.

We will use the funding to continue our volunteer-led refurbishment of the Ayr Sea Cadets’ hall, carrying out essential repairs and improvements, and to purchase a scaffold tower to safely maintain ceilings, lighting, and fixtures, ensuring the hall remains safe, accessible, and sustainable for cadets, local groups, and the wider community.

Funding will provide two days of activities at Dolphin House for up to 60 young people, including transport from Girvan, Maybole, and surrounding villages. It will also support our youth rugby festivals and the Youth Christmas party. The festivals offer free locally sourced food for players and are a great way for people of all ages to mix and socialise whilst supporting young peopel to engage in fun, healthy activity. The  Awards celebrate young people's achievements both on and off the pitch with their families and are given out after matches and at our end of season celebrations.

Dolphin House activities help young people bond, try new challenges, build confidence, and support their wellbeing in a safe setting. Both events bring together players, volunteers, and families to recognise success with the wider community.

Cost applied for £1430:  Dolphin House would be for a group of up to 30, including all activities and lunch,  it would be £565 / group, funding for 2 days  is requested plus transport from Maybole, Girvan and surrounding villages . £1130 Dolphin House plus £300 towards transport. 

Contribution applied for to festival days/Christmas party and player awards£1500.   

Total funding applied for £2930