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Money Max

Written by lauren smith on . Posted in Projects.

What is Money Max

Money Max is a new family centred team, committed to tackling the day-to-day difficulties across wellbeing, home life, finances and progression that many local people are experiencing.

We bring together a team of specialists from across North Ayrshire, working together to advocate on your behalf, connect you with the right resources, and support you at every stage of your journey — with no pressure and no judgement.

  • Advocacy

    We speak on your behalf and connect you with the right support and opportunities for your situation.

  • Financial Support

    Support to reduce debts and make your money go further through banking options, saving schemes and benefit applications.

  • A safe, non-judgemental space

    Guidance and development in a welcoming environment, building trust at every stage of your journey.

  • Skills and progression

    Assistance in growing skills, knowledge and experience that complement your home life or your path to education and work.

Advocacy and navigation – TACT

Helping North Ayrshire residents find the right support.

Money Max is a new service for people living in North Ayrshire, offering guidance, advocacy, and practical support tailored to your needs.

We take a different approach. By working closely with a range of partner organisations, we help you access trusted information, advice, and services — making it easier to get the support that’s right for you.

Advocacy can link you to local services across North Ayrshire and help remove any barriers you may face. Whatever the issue, we will guide and support you throughout your journey.

Employability support – Beith Trust

Friendly, practical support to help you feel more confident and prepared for work, training or your next step.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to get back into work, we can support you with:

– Building your confidence and recognising your strengths – Creating or updating your CV – Searching and applying for jobs – Preparing for interviews – Understanding the workplace and what to expect – Exploring different pathways into employment or training

We also offer support with digital skills, job applications, teamwork, communication and wellbeing — helping you feel ready and confident moving forward.

Support can be tailored to suit you and delivered in a way that works best, whether that’s one-to-one, as part of a group, over the phone, on Zoom, or face-to-face at locations across North Ayrshire.

Financial empowerment – 1st Alliance Community Bank

As a credit union and partner in the Money Max project, 1st Alliance Community Bank is a place where members can feel secure and in control of their money. Everything we offer is designed to reduce financial strain, prevent crisis, and support long-term financial wellbeing.

Savings accounts — build a financial safety net with the confidence that your money is protected, including free death benefit (terms and conditions apply)

Ethical loans — based on affordability, with flexible repayment options

Budgeting accounts — bills are paid directly from your account, with the remaining balance paid to you, helping you manage your money more easily

Housing, debt, and benefits advice – CHAP

CHAP provides free, confidential and independent advice and advocacy on housing, debt and benefit issues. Their services are available to all residents of North Ayrshire, and their service for homeowners facing mortgage repossession is available throughout Ayrshire.

Benefits advice – Help to understand new Social Security Scotland benefits – Benefit applications and appeals – Tax credits – General income maximisation – Better off in work calculations – Representation at First Tier Tribunals

Money advice and debt support – Negotiating with creditors – Assistance with debt options – Advice on bankruptcy – Assistance with Council Tax arrears – Accredited Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) advisors – Representation with court proceedings

You can also refer directly to CHAP via their website: www.chap.org.uk

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Positive Pathways

Positive Pathways

Written by tom@eyespace.co.uk on . Posted in Projects.

Positive Pathways is a free 12-week employability programme for unemployed individuals over the age of 16 living in North Ayrshire. Designed to support and empower people who feel stuck, unmotivated, or unsure about their next steps, this programme helps participants move forward with confidence, purpose, and new skills.

Delivered by The Ayrshire Community Trust (TACT) and funded by North Ayrshire Council Your Next Move the programme includes:

  • 4 weeks of in-house personal development and training
  • 6–8 weeks of supported volunteer placements
  • Access to free accredited courses
  • One-to-one coaching and employability support throughout

Whether you’re just starting your employability journey or looking for a fresh start, we’ll help you build the mindset and momentum needed to create lasting, positive change.

kindness krew images

Kindness Krew

Written by tom@eyespace.co.uk on . Posted in Projects.

The Kindness Krew is a community volunteer initiative that was launched in mid-March 2024, supporting the communities of Irvine, Kilwinning and the Three Towns (Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston) in North Ayrshire. We are delighted to say we are rolling out support in the Garnock Valley and North Coast later in 2025 to ensure the Kindness Krew supports all communities on mainland North Ayrshire.

A little bit of history, the project came to life from the TACT staff reflections during the pandemic, when they recognised the growing need to support the most isolated and vulnerable individuals within their communities.

The primary mission of the Kindness Krew is to combat social isolation and foster a sense of belonging by connecting volunteers with those who need support the most. Aimed at promoting acts of kindness, fostering healthy relationships and also creating new friendship circles within the community – thereby enhancing the overall well-being of all involved.

Volunteers from across the towns work together to share acts of kindness, whether its through, offering companionship, or providing a helping hand with everyday tasks. The initiative is built on the belief that small acts of kindness can have a big impact, especially for those who feel alone or disconnected from their communities.

Through the power of volunteering, the Kindness Krew aims to make a big difference in the lives of people struggling with loneliness, health issues or other challenges. By creating a network of support, the initiative not only helps individuals in need but also strengthens the bonds within the wider community. The Kindness Krew is a shining example of how local communities can come together to create positive change and ensure that no one is left behind.

To achieve our goal of combatting isolation and fostering a sense of belonging, we are reliant on volunteers willing to contribute their time, skills and efforts to make a positive impact on their local community.