The Association, which strives to ‘Make Communities Better Places’, is supporting the Ayrshire Weekly Press campaign to provide news for free to those living in the frontline of the current pandemic.

Frank Sweeney, group chief executive officer for Cunninghame Housing Association, said reliable local information contained in the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald is a lifeline in the current crisis and thanked carers for going above and beyond.

He added: “When we were approached on supporting this campaign to sponsor the delivery of free newspapers to the most vulnerable in our community during this pandemic, we thought it was a great idea for the association to get involved, offering sponsorship.

“We think it is hugely important for people to get information and have access to it. Most people in a nursing home are not going to have access to the internet, and a physical paper is such an important tool for them in receiving reliable local information.

“That local feed of news is a lifeline to the community, particularly those in care and in the current climate. For people who can’t easily get out like the elderly and people self-isolating it’s massively important, and supporting a campaign to offer free copies to that section of the community is invaluable when care home staff are also putting themselves at risk on a daily basis.

“We’ve had our financial inclusion officers pulling information together for our tenants and the wider community. We can’t offer free assistance to those who aren’t CHA tenants however, regular updates and information posted on our website can be accessed by anyone seeking advice including links to valuable information in relation to benefit changes etc. and relevant updates from the Scottish Government to help ensure the community have a reliable source of information during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

A new area has been added to Cunninghame Housing Association’s website with updates, information and links posted via its social media pages.