The Ayr Ark was established in 2002 to provide a solution to the growing problem of underage drinking and anti-social behaviour among the young people of South Ayrshire. Our aim is to provide a safe space for the children and young people (aged between 11 and 18) and to fill their visits with fun and exciting activities both indoor and outdoor. We would also looking to set up our own football team to strengthen team work and the feel of unity in the kids who visit us.

The club is looking to develop the sport of Pickleball within Prestwick Indoor Tennis Centre as well as providing additional equipment to support our disability tennis programme.

We want to ensure that our hub has facilities that allows us to offer a range of activities for young people and adults. Our work at Whitletts and particularly in the hub will support all the priorities from the CLD Plan. We will have activities and drops in for adults, young people and volunteers and we will provide support with financial wellbeing/ inclusion including fuel and food poverty support.

The Iris Ayr will open an accessible community studio space in the former Borderline Theatre building. This will provide a safe and friendly community space for residents of Ayr North and beyond, reaching all across South Ayrshire. The building will provide a home for exciting new artistic activity, including workshops, film screenings, dance performances, intimate theatre, gallery space and a venue to share experiences and tell the stories of our diverse communities.

Adult & Family Learning: Practical skills-building that enhances confidence, resilience and wellbeing. Youth Work: Young carers gain life saving capabilities and positive peer learning. Community Development: Strengthens local networks, fosters inter agency collaboration and mutual support.

Our “Get Support Now” banners would directly address Community Development by normalising unpaid carer identity and strengthening local networks; Adult & Family Learning through digital engagement and by linking carers to support and advice via the online services. Early self-identification and 24/7 support access will reduce isolation and crisis referrals, benefiting the estimated 1,200 unpaid carers in Prestwick & Villages (and their families), plus local health and social work/care services.

Stinchar Connections links people from Girvan, Pinmore, Pinwherry, Barrhill, Colmonell, Ballantrae, Lendalfoot and Barr by providing a timetabled service of buses in the local area. The Stinchar Connections Development Officer came into post in May 2025, and she is working to ensure transport meets the needs of people from the area. This funding will ensure further development,promotion and marketing of the project at a range of community events where Stinchar Connections will have a presence.