We’re delighted to announce that CHAP’s Killie 2 Coast fundraising walk is returning on Friday 22nd May 2026 - and we’d love you to be part of it. Following the incredible success of our inaugural event in 2025, this year’s walk promises to be even bigger and better. With support from our partners at KA Leisure, we're aiming to build on the fantastic community spirit and energy of the participants that made last year so memorable. A Look Back at 2025 One of the highlights of 2025 was our first ever Killie 2 Coast walk, which brought together staff, trustees and supporters for an inspiring 18-mile journey from Kilmarnock to Ardrossan. Taking place during one of the warmest days of the month, participants set off from our outreach hub at CentreStage and made their way to the coast, raising over £2,500 for CHAP’s frontline advice services. More than just a fundraiser, the event created a real sense of togetherness as walkers shared conversations, laughter and encouragement along the way. It also became clear that many found the day to not only be a great physical challenge, but also a fantastic boost for mental wellbeing. To everyone who took part, donated or supported the event last year - thank you. You made it something truly special! What to Expect in 2026 This year, we’ll once again be taking on the 18-mile walk , starting from CentreStage in Kilmarnock at 9am , and making our way through Dreghorn, Irvine, Kilwinning and Stevenston before finishing along the coast from Saltcoats to Ardrossan. The full route takes approximately 6.5 hours , but you don’t need to complete the entire distance to get involved. Walk Your Way Whether you’re looking for a challenge or simply want to be part of the day, Killie 2 Coast is designed to be inclusive and flexible: Take on the full 18-mile route if you’re up for the challenge Or join us at one of the towns along the way and walk a section that suits you We’ll be following the main transport routes through key locations including Dreghorn, Irvine, Kilwinning and Stevenston, making it easy for local people to join in and be part of the journey. Why We Walk Every step taken helps raise vital funds for CHAP’s services, supporting people across Ayrshire who are facing housing issues, debt and financial hardship. By taking part, you’ll be helping us continue to provide free, independent, and confidential advice to those who need it most. 

People across Scotland who receive certain Social Security Scotland payments will see their payments increase from April 2026 as part of the Scottish Government’s annual up-rating process. The new rates reflect inflation and are intended to help people keep up with rising living costs. The key message for anyone already receiving these payments is simple: you do not need to do anything. If you already get an eligible payment, the increase should be applied automatically. For many households, any increase will be welcome. But with the cost of essentials still placing pressure on budgets, it is more important than ever that people know what support is available and make sure they are receiving everything they are entitled to. Which payments are increasing? Below is a summary of some of the key updated payment rates from April 2026. Adult Disability Payment Adult Disability Payment helps with the extra costs of living with a disability or long-term health condition for people of working age in Scotland. It includes a daily living component and a mobility component. New Adult Disability Payment rates for 2026/27: Daily Living Component - Enhanced Rate: £114.60 per week Daily Living Component - Standard Rate: £76.70 per week Mobility Component - Enhanced Rate: £80.00 per week Mobility Component - Standard Rate: £30.30 per week Transitional Rate - £30.30 per week Carer Support Carer Support is available for people who provide regular and substantial care to someone receiving a qualifying disability benefit. In Scotland, this support is replacing Carer’s Allowance and includes different components depending on individual circumstances. New Carer Support rates for 2026/27: Carer Support Payment component: £86.45 per week Carer Additional Person Payment component: £10.40 per week Scottish Carer Supplement component: £11.70 per week The earnings limit for Carer Support will also increase to £204 per week. This is especially important for unpaid carers who are trying to balance caring responsibilities with part-time work or other commitments. Child Disability Payment Child Disability Payment helps with the extra costs of caring for a disabled child or young person in Scotland. It can include both a care component and a mobility component, depending on the child’s needs. New Child Disability Payment rates for 2026/27: Care Component - Highest Rate: £114.60 per week Care Component - Middle Rate: £76.70 per week Care Component - Lowest Rate: £30.30 per week Mobility Component - Higher Rate: £80.00 per week Mobility Component -Lower Rate: £30.30 per week The related Child Winter Heating Payment will also increase to £265.50. Pension Age Disability Payment Pension Age Disability Payment is for older people in Scotland who have a disability or long-term health condition and need help with personal care or supervision to stay safe. It has replaced Attendance Allowance in Scotland. New Pension Age Disability Payment rates for 2026/27: Higher Rate: £114.60 per week Lower Rate: £76.70 per week For people who are being transferred from Attendance Allowance, Social Security Scotland has also made clear that this process is automatic, with no need to reapply. These increases should be made automatically from April 2026 for all eligible existing claimants. Reminder: existing claimants do not need to contact Social Security Scotland or make a new application as the new rates will be applied automatically. For full details of the updated rates and wider financial support available, please visit the Scottish Government website . Rising support matters - but many households are still under pressure While any increase in support is important, we know that many households are still facing serious financial pressure. Across Scotland and the wider UK, too many people are already trying to manage on budgets that have been stretched beyond what feels sustainable. Partly due to world events, we're all experiencing rising costs for essentials such as energy, rent, fuel, food and household bills. This accumulation of financial pressures can leave many people in a very difficult position. We agree with the wider message being shared by many advice organisations across the country: more support is still needed for households at crisis point. In particular, there is a strong case for: better targeted help for people struggling most with energy bills more action to address rising rent and housing costs faster support for people trapped in debt or financial hardship These are not just policy issues - they affect real people, real families and real communities every day. CHAP is here to help At CHAP, we know that even when support is available, it's not always easy to know what you might be entitled to, how to apply, or what to do when money is tight. If you're struggling financially, our fully accredited team of advisers may be able to help. We can: carry out benefit eligibility checks help make sure you are claiming everything you are entitled to provide support with money worries, debt, housing issues and wider financial pressures If you are worried about your finances, you don't have to deal with it alone. Reach out to us on Freephone 030 0002 0002 to arrange an appointment.