The Three Towns Locality Partnership has teamed up with Ardrossan-based charity CHAP to secure the £45k from North Ayrshire Council’s Community Investment Fund (CIF).

Based in Ardrossan, CHAP has been providing free, independent advice and advocacy services relating to housing, welfare rights and debt issues for the last 20 years.

The significant windfall will be used to allow the charity to provide financial outreach services and advice via the recruitment of a new community worker, providing support across three community-based locations (to be announced) in the Three Towns.

Debbie Alexander, CEO of CHAP, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been successful in securing funding from the Council’s Community Investment Fund. This will go a long way in helping those who are currently struggling more than ever due to the cost-of-living crisis.”

The need for an outreach worker was identified at a recent community engagement session to discuss the difficulties of the current cost-of-living crisis. This is where the Three Towns Locality Partnership stepped in to help the team to prepare their CIF bid which was approved at a Cabinet meeting on 21 January.

The CIF application also importantly supports the Three Towns’ priorities of tackling poverty, promoting financial inclusion, and improving overall community wellbeing.

Debbie Alexander added: “On behalf of the entire team, I would like to extend a special thanks to the Three Towns Locality Partnership who prepared and presented our recent proposal to Cabinet - their help has been instrumental and we’re now in the process of arranging appropriate venues to provide our outreach services in to ensure that advice is accessible to individuals across the Three Towns.

“As the cost-of-living crisis rages on, the funding really couldn’t have come at a better time. In a nutshell, our goal as a charity is to deliver a better standard of financial security for all and we have already seen first-hand that this raises the quality of life for the entire extended community.

“The funding boost is going to allow us to better the lives of so many. Once our outreach service begins in the Three Towns, we will be in a better position to embed our free and independent advocacy and advice services into areas where we are most needed, and to make sure that no one is left behind.”

By working closely with North Ayrshire Council, the Health and Social Care Partnership and their extensive network of community partners, CHAP will continue to ensure that local people facing financial difficulties have the support they need to feel more informed and empowered.

CHAP’s new outreach service will also complement all the great work already happening, such as the council’s network of community food larders, North Ayrshire Foodbank’s Warm Hub at the Church of the Nazarene in Ardrossan and Better Off North Ayrshire.

North Ayrshire councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities and Islands, said: “We are delighted to support the recent CIF funding proposal for CHAP.

“CHAP have been at the heart of delivering services in the local community for the last 20 years. The team do a fantastic job offering free, confidential support to those who need it most with no judgement. But not everyone knows about their work and the assistance that they can provide.

“The funding boost is going to help them to raise their profile even further and provide support to those who are currently struggling but are not sure of where to turn.

“It’s great to see this type of inspiring community empowerment in action as Third Sector groups like CHAP have the chance to extend their support and resources and make a real and lasting difference in our communities.

“Tackling inequalities and promoting inclusion are two of the main drivers of the Community Investment Fund. Just as they have done so with CHAP, locality officers across North Ayrshire’s six localities are continuing to work closely with residents and other community groups to identify important local projects and organisations who are stepping up to do their part to support citizens during these difficult times.”