About Chap...

CHAP is an Ayrshire charity which helps people from all walks of life with a range of housing, welfare and debt issues. It also provides education and early intervention services.

We provide free, confidential support on housing, debt, and benefit issues.

We don’t judge people. Instead we help them find a way out of their problems. With our support and guidance, we offer our clients straightforward, practical advice to make their lives better.

The charity has three departments:

CHAP Housing provides help and advice to homeowners and tenants experiencing issues, including those facing homelessness. 

CHAP Welfare helps guide people to available support channels and works with them through the process.

CHAP Money helps people resolve financial challenges and reduce the stress and additional challenges these can bring.

CHAP brings a wealth of benefits to individuals and the local community through its work; keeping people in homes and accessing welfare support for those who need it most as well as educating young people how to avoid related problems. 

In a nutshell, the charity delivers a better standard of living for its clients, which in turn raises the quality of life for the entire community.

CHAP is an accredited provider in terms of the Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers - this is at type 111 level (the highest level) and across all three disciplines (housing, welfare rights and debt).

CHAP is an approved money advisor in terms of the Scottish Government Homeowner’s Support Fund which allows owner occupiers to be assisted through the application process when they are linked in with the AHAP Project.

CHAP is approved by the AIB (Accountant in Bankruptcy) as a DAS approved organisation meaning that service users can be assisted to apply for a DAS (Debt Arrangement Scheme) where this is a suitable option for them. 

CHAP is approved by the AIB to use the BASYS (Bankruptcy Administration System) for the purpose of assisting clients to apply for bankruptcy 

CHAP is an accredited ‘Living Wage’ Employer, which formally recognises and celebrates our commitment to ensure all our employees are earning at least the real living wage, more than the minimum wage rate that is set. This ensures our team feel valued and supported whilst providing such an important service.

Building on our Living Wage accreditation, we are also an accredited Living Hours Employer. This provides assurance to staff that their contract reflects the hours they regularly work and they are guaranteed a minimum of 16 hours of work per week if they wish. We are committed to ensuring our team have stability through predictable working patterns and income to better plan their lives. CHAP is one of the first employers to implement this new standard and become an accredited Living Hours employer.