AyrshireHousing

Ayrshire Housing seeks to make a real impact beyond direct housing provision. We work in partnership with our communities, the voluntary and public sector, and other housing associations to support innovative projects which meet common goals. We seek to add depth to the substantial reputation and core skills of Ayrshire Housing. Current and recent project areas include:

Access Construction Ayrshire

Established in 2004, this initiative has now helped more than 25 individuals to gain employment with linked training in the building industry. An independent evaluation has demonstrated its value both to the individual trainees and to the building contractors themselves. Through the programme, unemployed people are encouraged to seek employment with a contractor as an apprentice, trainee labourer or trainee administrator. It targets individuals who are close to job ready but who would not otherwise consider applying for a construction job with a training commitment. The model is now being extended across Ayrshire by a consortium of four housing associations.

Tenant Welcome Programme

Established in 2007, this project uses home and garden improvement as a way of working with tenants to increase their pride in their home and assist in a transition to independent living, employment and education. Now extending across Ayrshire through a network of six housing associations now led by Irvine based, ANCHO, it has so far improved the quality of life of 50 people and has received the endorsment of Adam Ingram, Minister for Children and Early Years in the Scottish Government when he presented certificates to the project’s first participants.

Lochside People + Place

We wanted  ensure that Ayrshire Housing’s and South Ayrshire Council’s investment in Lochside, Ayr led to sustained benefits to the wider community. An innovative range of projects covering common spaces, the recording of community aspirations and neighbourhood changes through arts projects, and supporting independent community groups got  underway at the end of 2006 from a dedicated staffed base – well in advance of the actual physical work.  The project ran until April 2011 – 12 months after the houses were occupied – to help ensure a legacy of community participation and public agency engagement.

Aspire2gether

The above projects are delivered in partnership with the Aspire2gether. Originally established in 2003 as Ayrshire Initiatives Ltd, the wider action subsidiary of Ayrshire Housing. It has grown to become an independent social enterprise with local authority, voluntary and housing association clients across Ayrshire. It is also a major provider of Housing Support services to local authorities and housing associations. A Scottish charity in its own right, it is managed by a volunteer Board including representation from Ayrshire Housing.

HEAT – Home Energy Advice Team

This project gives independent advice to tenants on how to save money on fuel bills. As well as energy saving tips, advice on low tarriffs and how to switch suppliers is offered. Advice is also offered on access to low cost financial services through a credit union, The project has been developed by Ardrossan based Cunninghame Housing Association. Its other partners include the Irvine based housing association ANCHO and North Ayrshire Council.

All these projects have received  support from the Scottish Government’s Wider Role fund. The fund aims to assist housing associations to extend the impact of their work in their communities. We also support the work of local voluntary and community groups which complement our aims, for example we have a long-standing relationship with the Ayr Housing Aid Centre.