Maybole’s walking football group are set to kick off the new season with a fresh set of strips thanks to Ayrshire Housing’s Community Connect Fund.
The group were able to purchase the new strips thanks to a £450 grant from the fund.
Walking football is open to Maybole males aged 50 years old and above – the oldest member is 78 – to try and encourage improvement in both physical and mental health wellbeing, to tackle social isolation and create new friendships.
‘Staying connected to others is an important part of maintaining positive health and wellbeing at every stage of life. Walking football offers participants the opportunity to remain physically active, develop friendships and be part of a supportive community. We were pleased to support the club with a new set of strips and are proud to invest in initiatives that help people stay connected, active and engaged,’ said Alison Lamont, Ayrshire Housing’s Director of Housing and Communities.
The housing association has invested £15,000 through the fund in local community projects during the past year and has committed to another £15,000 to support a further cluster of grassroots groups in the coming year.
The way money is allocated from the fund is decided by tenants themselves. They review applications, identify local priorities, and decide how funding should be distributed to projects that deliver meaningful benefits within their communities.
Over the past year, grants have supported a diverse range of initiatives, from youth sports teams and community centres to carers’ organisations, wellbeing programmes, heritage projects and activities tackling social isolation.
Impact statements submitted by funded groups demonstrate how relatively small grants have created significant community benefits, helping hundreds of children and young people access activities, supporting older residents to stay active and connected, improving community facilities, and creating opportunities for people to build confidence, friendships and skills.
The Community Connect Fund reflects Ayrshire Housing’s commitment to strengthening communities and ensuring residents have a direct voice in shaping local investment. By empowering tenants to make funding decisions and requiring funded organisations to report on outcomes, the programme ensures resources are directed where they can have the greatest impact.
‘The Community Connect Fund is a fantastic example of tenants leading positive change in their own communities, ensuring local priorities are at the heart of every funding decision. The impact statements we’ve received show just how much can be achieved when community groups are given the support they need to grow, connect people and make a lasting difference,’ added Alison.
If any customers want to be involved in how the Community Fund is allocated the future, please contact info@ayrshirehousing.org.uk.
Picture shows: Maybole walking football show off their new strips.