Voluntary Action South Ayrshire (VASA) have 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.
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 into 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.
This unique booklet provides a guide to a wide range of help and support services in the area – from money advice to home energy tips.
It was clear to VASA that local people needed to have access to a range of support numbers as food and fuel costs rocketed and the idea was endorsed by the South Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership.
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.
Members of Alloway Cubs, Scouts and Explorer Scouts and 1st Alloway Boys’ Brigade and VASA staff have been out delivering and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and will be distributing magazines in some villages too.
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.
To view the Cosy Space’s directory or South Ayrshire’s LIFELINE magazine click on the links below. Alternatively, you can call South Ayrshire Lifeline on freephone 0800 432 0510.
South Ayrshire’s Cosy Spaces Directory by Voluntary Action South Ayrshire – Issuu
South Ayrshire’s LIFELINE by Voluntary Action South Ayrshire – Issuu