Ayrshire Housing has launched a new fund aimed at helping smaller groups who want to improve their engagement with their community or to develop new a community initiative.

The Building Community Capacity Fund has especially been established to explore opportunities to provide practical assistance alongside financial support.

One of its first awards is to Lochside Mission and Outreach to support a children’s’ summer lunch club in this Ayr neighbourhood.

Rhonda Leith, Ayrshire Housing’s chair, was delighted to hand over a cheque for £200 to Dylan Harper from the Mission.

Rhonda said: “As a community focused organisation, we are delighted to be able to support and work with other likeminded organisations.”

The Association welcomes applications which directly involve its tenants, or would at least be of general benefit to tenants or housing applicants. The fund builds on a longstanding commitment to contribute to community activities such as galas, and gardening and sports clubs.

Suggestions are also welcome from tenants for modest donations to such initiatives alongside direct applications.