A South Ayrshire charity has launched two lifeline projects in response to the cost-of-living crisis.
Voluntary Action South Ayrshire (VASA) are delivering a free magazine packed with information on help and support services to every home in the area.
They have also led the way in the setting up of ‘Cosy Spaces’ – warm, welcoming places in local communities all over South Ayrshire where people can go for a cuppa and some company during the winter.
Both initiatives were officially unveiled at an event in Ayr’s Horizon Hotel this week attended by Provost Iain Campbell and representatives from many of the groups who are hosting ‘Cosy Spaces’ in their towns and villages.
VASA planted the seed for the Cosy Spaces idea at an event at the beginning of September and community organisations quickly rose to the challenge.
Marie Oliver, CEO of VASA, said: “We asked local groups if they had a community space they could share this winter and the response has been quite literally heart-warming.
“Cosy Spaces are popping up in towns and villages in every corner of South Ayrshire, bringing some much-needed light and cheer in to what was looking like being a very cold and dark winter.”
Small Scottish Government grants distributed by VASA enabled many organisations to cover the cost of opening up their halls over the winter months.
Another helping hand for local residents is ‘South Ayrshire’s LIFELINE’ magazine, which will be dropping through every door in South Ayrshire.
The unique booklet provides a guide to a wide range of help and support services in the area – from money advice to home energy tips.
Marie said: “Although not part of the remit of VASA, as always the team responds when they see a need - as they did during COVID.
“It was clear that local people needed to have access to a range of support numbers as food and fuel costs rocket so VASA – endorsed by the South Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership – published the magazine to highlight the support that is available.”
The mammoth task of delivering ‘South Ayrshire’s LIFELINE’ to almost 50,000 homes began in late October with Royal Mail.
Local groups have also stepped up to make sure everyone gets their copy.
Young members of Alloway Cubs, Scouts and Explorer Scouts and 1 st Alloway Boys’ Brigade have been out delivering in their area, and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will be distributing magazines in some villages too.
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South Scotland MSP, Sharon Dowey, and her team delivered in Dunure and Fisherton, and pupils from Belmont Academy volunteered to cover some of the streets around their school.
The magazine was sponsored by Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue, the Assel Trust, Skills Development Scotland, South Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership and South Ayrshire Council.
VASA has also compiled a directory of all South Ayrshire’s ‘Cosy Spaces.’
To find your nearest one, please call South Ayrshire Lifeline on freephone 0800 432 0510.
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