Are you worried about

Debt, Benefits,

or Housing?



As a trusted charity, CHAP has been providing free, independent advice and support to people across Ayrshire for over 25 years.

We are recruiting!


CHAP is currently looking for an
Information & Advice Officer and an Operations & Volunteering Lead to join our team. Closing date: Friday 25th September 2026.

We're here to help.
Tell us what you need...

Worried about mortgage payments?


The AHAP service provides free financial advice and legal support for homeowners in Ayrshire who are experiencing financial difficulties and are unable to maintain their mortgage payments.


AHAP is a partnership between CHAP and Govan Law Centre and is funded by the Scottish Legal Aid Board.

MORE INFO

REFERRALS


To make an appointment with an adviser, or to refer someone, please select the relevant link below.

REFER YOURSELF REFER SOMEONE ELSE*

*For North Ayrshire Council staff, please complete this form.

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What our clients said:

“The staff and services were very helpful and friendly at a difficult time and you were there just when I needed it.”

“I had no complaints whatsoever. I was delighted with the help I received. It put my mind at ease and left me stress free.”

"You have been very helpful and helped me decide how to move forward with my life."

“100% fantastic service, not one single complaint. I would like to thank my adviser for all her help and would highly recommend – the service she provided couldn't have been better”

"My adviser listened and responded in an empathetic way at all times. Having never had to ask for help before, I was made to feel at ease."

“Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Made me feel welcome and I left feeling empowered and well informed of what was available to me.”

"I don’t know what I would’ve done without CHAP. I had a thoroughly positive experience and would definitely recommend the service."

“Extremely happy with the service. I wouldn't be where I am just now without the staff at CHAP. I will return in future if needs be”

“The service was brilliant, cannot talk highly enough of the service and will be recommending CHAP to others. I am very grateful for my advisor’s help and will not hesitate to come back for help in the future for myself and my son”

“Everything was dealt with very well and I was always kept informed. CHAP is the best service for finance help as everything was dealt with fast everything was explained clearly”

“100% fantastic service, not one single complaint. I would like to thank my advisor for all her help and would highly recommend – the service she provided couldn't have been better”

“The service and staff were great & so helpful. I wouldn't have known about PIP if it wasn't for CHAP & will be back in the future for any renewal forms”

“The service is great. I was always made to feel at ease and that staff were willing to listen to any questions/issues. The staff were very helpful”


Latest News...

by John Edgar 11 September 2026
CHAP was thrilled to receive the prestigious ‘Climate Action’ award at the recent Morgan Sindall Supply Chain Awards in recognition of the delivery of its Life Skills programme as part of the Morgan Sindall Just Transition initiative to help young people develop the skills and confidence they need for the future. Through practical and engaging sessions, CHAP's Education Team helps young people develop an understanding of essential money skills including budgeting, saving, understanding credit, and the real-life cost of everyday living. The programme demonstrates that effective climate action is not only about reducing carbon emissions but also about creating resilient, sustainable communities – with teaching skills that help young people to navigate future economic challenges while fostering behaviours that support more sustainable lifestyles. Elizabeth Halliday, Head of Responsible Business at Morgan Sindall Construction in Scotland, said: “ CHAP’s Life Skills programme is a brilliant example of climate action and social action going hand in hand; and reflects exactly what we hoped to achieve when we launched our Just Transition initiative. By giving young people the confidence and knowledge to make informed financial decisions, the programme is helping to build stronger, more resilient communities and create a fairer, more inclusive transition to a low-carbon future. “At Morgan Sindall Construction, we’re proud to play a part in this through our supply chain partnership. This award is thoroughly deserved recognition of the positive difference CHAP is making to young people across Dumfries & Galloway .” CHAP is grateful for the strong relationship it has developed with Morgan Sindall Construction over the last year and the support the company has provided to its education and wider community work. The partnership also has an important local connection - with Morgan Sindall Construction and SCAPE Scotland currently delivering the new Ardrossan Community Campus. The photo above shows Elizabeth Halliday presenting the award to Robin Ballantyne, Head of Education, alongside our CEO, Debbie Alexander. Robin said: " We’re absolutely thrilled to receive this award and incredibly proud that our team's work has been recognised in this way. Financial education is such an important part of preparing young people for a future beyond the classroom, and we know that giving pupils the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions can help build greater financial resilience later in life. We’re particularly pleased that the award highlights the wider social impact of our work and we’re extremely grateful to Morgan Sindall for their continued support ." In addition to providing free advice and support for housing, debt, and welfare issues, CHAP’s education programme equips young people across Ayrshire and beyond with practical financial, housing and independent living skills that support safer, more confident transitions into adult life. For more information about our Life Skills programme, please visit the Education page.
by John Edgar 10 September 2026
Help shape how CHAP works and volunteers thrive! Operations & Volunteering Lead Salary: £26,000 per annum Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week Location: Based in Ardrossan (occasional travel to other CHAP locations may be required) Contract: Fixed term (12 months) Closing Date: Friday 25 th September at 12 noon Interviews: Friday 9th October Are you organised, people-focused and full of ideas about how to make things work better? CHAP is looking for an Operations and Volunteering Lead to strengthen our day-to-day operations and help us build an inclusive and rewarding volunteering programme. This is a new role with plenty of scope to make it your own. You will work across the organisation, leading our administrative function, supporting the team and improving the systems and processes that help our services run smoothly. You will also take the lead in developing volunteering at CHAP. From creating meaningful roles and welcoming new volunteers to coordinating training, support and recognition, you will help shape a positive experience for everyone who gives their time to support our work. About CHAP CHAP provides free, independent advice and advocacy across Ayrshire. We support people with housing, welfare rights, debt and related issues, helping them understand their rights, resolve problems and improve their circumstances. By helping our operations run effectively and developing volunteering across CHAP, you will play an important part in strengthening the services we provide to local people. CHAP is a Living Wage, Living Hours and Equal Opportunities employer. What you'll be doing You will: Provide day-to-day leadership and support to our administrative team; help ensure our telephone, reception, referral and appointment arrangements work effectively; identify practical ways to improve systems, processes and workflows; lead or support projects that strengthen how we work; coordinate volunteer recruitment, induction, training and ongoing support; and help create an inclusive environment where volunteers feel valued and able to contribute. This is a rewarding and varied role where no two days are the same. Whether helping someone avoid homelessness, maximise their income, challenge a decision or overcome debt problems, your work will make a genuine difference. Could this be you? You may already work in operations, office coordination, team support, recruitment, community work or volunteering. You do not need to have held this exact job title before . We would love to hear from you if you: enjoy bringing structure to busy environments; can coordinate people, workloads and projects; provide supportive and confident day-to-day leadership; communicate clearly and build positive relationships; are comfortable using standard IT systems; can spot where something could work better and help make it happen; and are enthusiastic about creating a positive experience for staff and volunteers. Previous experience of coordinating volunteers would be helpful, but it is not essential. We're interested in your transferable skills, your approach and the contribution you could make. How to apply For an informal discussion about the role, please contact us on 030 0002 0002 . To apply, please submit your CV together with a covering letter outlining how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role to: enquiries@chap.org.uk . Alternatively, you can download an application form , complete it and email to enquiries@chap.org.uk . You can also download our recruitment privacy policy . Operations and Volunteering Lead Job Description Closing Date: Friday 25th September at 12 noon Interviews: Friday 9th October This post is subject to satisfactory references and PVG Scheme membership. CHAP is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
by John Edgar 10 September 2026
Do you want to make a real difference to people's lives? Information & Advice Officer Salary: £25,000 per annum Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week Location: Based in Ardrossan (with travel required across Ayrshire) Contract: Fixed term (12 months) Closing Date: Friday 25 th September at 12 noon Interviews: Friday 2 nd October CHAP is looking for an Information & Advice Officer to join our growing team and help support people facing some of life's most difficult challenges. Every day, we work alongside individuals and families experiencing housing difficulties, financial hardship, debt problems and welfare rights issues. We provide free, independent advice, advocacy and representation, helping people understand their rights, access support and overcome barriers. In 2025 alone, CHAP secured over £4.2 million in financial gains for people across Ayrshire. We are proud of the difference we make, but we know there is more to do. Demand for our services continues to grow, with increasing numbers of people seeking support with housing, debt and welfare rights issues. These new posts will help us reach more people, earlier, and provide the support they need before problems reach crisis point. About CHAP CHAP is an independent charity providing specialist housing, welfare rights and debt advice throughout Ayrshire. As the only organisation in Ayrshire accredited to deliver Scottish National Standards Type III advice across all three areas, we provide practical support to people facing a wide range of challenges. We help people understand their options, navigate complex systems and access the support they need. We exist to provide hope and to stand alongside our clients as they deal with some of life's most difficult circumstances. What you'll be doing This role involves working directly with individuals and families experiencing a range of housing, welfare rights, and financial issues. You will: Provide information, advice and advocacy to clients. Support people to understand their rights, options and available support. Work with clients to identify solutions and achieve positive outcomes. Represent and negotiate on behalf of clients where appropriate. Manage a varied caseload and maintain accurate case records. Work closely with partner organisations to ensure clients receive the support they need. Contribute to the delivery of a high-quality advice and advocacy service. This is a rewarding and varied role where no two days are the same. Whether helping someone avoid homelessness, maximise their income, challenge a decision or overcome debt problems, your work will make a genuine difference. Could this be you? We are looking for people who share our commitment to helping others and who believe everyone deserves access to high-quality advice and support. You may already have experience in advice work, advocacy, housing, welfare rights, debt advice, employability, social work, community development, support work or similar fields. Most importantly, you will be someone who: Has experience supporting people facing difficult circumstances. Can build positive relationships and communicate effectively with a wide range of people. Is organised, reliable and able to manage a varied workload. Has a genuine desire to help others. Is willing to learn and develop new skills. Can work independently and as part of a supportive team. Experience of welfare rights, debt advice, housing advice or advocacy work would be advantageous. However, we are committed to supporting the successful candidates through training, supervision and professional development. In Return We Offer The opportunity to make a genuine difference in people's lives A supportive and experienced team environment Ongoing training, supervision and professional development. The opportunity to develop specialist knowledge and skills within an accredited advice service. A full driving licence and access to your own vehicle is essential as travel throughout Ayrshire will be required. How to apply For an informal discussion about the role, please contact us on 030 0002 0002 . To apply, please submit your CV together with a covering letter outlining how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role to: enquiries@chap.org.uk . Alternatively, you can download an application form , complete it and email to enquiries@chap.org.uk . You can also download our recruitment privacy policy . Information and Advice Officer Job Description Closing Date: Friday 25th September at 12 noon Interviews: Friday 2nd October This post is subject to satisfactory references and PVG Scheme membership. CHAP is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.