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North Ayrshire Council is calling on residents to share their views on vital budget plans for the upcoming financial year. With a funding gap of approximately £16 million projected for 2025/26, its apparent that tough decisions will need to be made. Over the past eight years, the Council has had to remove £84 million from its budget, and each year the challenge grows. To ensure that YOUR voice is heard, the Council has created an accessible way for North Ayrshire residents to provide feedback on the services that matter most to you and your local community. This can be done by taking an online survey here: https://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/Budget2025 Paper copies are also available in libraries and leisure facilities across North Ayrshire. Why Public Feedback is Essential Every decision made in the budgeting process impacts local services - from housing and welfare to education and community support. By contributing your opinions, you play a part in shaping how resources are allocated and ensuring the services you value receive the attention they deserve. At CHAP, we understand the ripple effects of budget cuts on individuals and families. Reduced funding can strain vital services, increasing the challenges faced by those already struggling with housing issues, debt, and welfare concerns. That’s why we’re encouraging everyone in North Ayrshire to take part in this consultation. Your input can help highlight the areas where support is needed most, ensuring decisions reflect the priorities of the people who rely on these services. How CHAP Can Help  If you or someone you know is affected by housing, welfare, or financial difficulties, CHAP is here to offer free, independent, and confidential advice. Call us on Freephone 030 0002 0002 or use the LiveChat feature on our website. While the Council works to navigate these financial challenges, we remain committed to supporting individuals and families in our community.

Why CHAP Supports the Real Living Wage and Real Living Hours. This week (4-10 Nov) marks Living Wage Week in the UK, a nationwide celebration of the real Living Wage and Living Hours movement.

We’re excited to announce the launch of the first-ever Advice Saves campaign being run by AdviceUK - a network we’re proud to be a member of. This campaign runs from Monday 21st - Friday 25th October and aims to highlight the real difference that free, independent advice services make in people's lives, and how timely advice can save individuals and families not only their money or their home but also their mental wellbeing. What is the Advice Saves Campaign? AdviceUK has launched Advice Saves to raise awareness about the vital role that accessible advice services like ours play in helping people navigate difficult financial situations. The campaign aims to show how access to expert advice at the right time can prevent problems from spiralling, whether that’s avoiding homelessness, managing debt, or ensuring families receive the benefits they’re entitled to. We’re committed to this campaign because we see the impact that professional advice can have every day. Our advisers at CHAP work with clients who are struggling with debt, housing issues, and welfare rights, offering free, confidential, and independent advice to improve lives across North Ayrshire. Why Does Advice Matter? In times of crisis, timely advice can stop problems from escalating. For example, receiving the right guidance on benefits can ensure families don’t miss out on financial support they’re entitled to, which can make the difference between paying the rent or falling into arrears. Similarly, for people at risk of losing their homes, expert advice can help find solutions that prevent homelessness and keep families together. But it’s not just about money. Advice and support can reduce the stress and anxiety that often comes with financial uncertainty, helping people regain control and build their resilience for the future. However, the findings of research by AdviceUK reveals that independent advice services across the UK are at breaking point – with a staggering 90% of advice centre staff report an increase in demand over the last year; yet more than half (55%) report they are not confident they can meet demand. Liz Bayram, CEO of AdviceUK said: “Our survey results reveal a sector under immense pressure – we have overstretched, dedicated staff working tirelessly to offer a lifeline to people in crisis, but a lack of sustainable funding means they are at a breaking point. “Our Advice Saves campaign aims to shine a spotlight on the life-saving work independent advice organisations do across the country and call for long-term funding and resource solutions to ensure that they can continue to support those most in need in our society.” “A robust and secure funding model is essential to ensure these vital services can continue to support vulnerable people across the UK. Through the Advice Saves campaign we urge policymakers and funders to recognise the long-term nature of these issues and invest in the future of advice services so they can keep their doors open to those who need them most.” What Can You Do? Spread the word about our services. If you, or someone you know, needs help with debt, housing, or welfare rights, CHAP is here for you. The Advice Saves campaign serves as a reminder that reaching out early for support can save time, money, and stress down the line. As members of AdviceUK, we are committed to making sure everyone in our community has access to the support they need - without judgment, and without stigma. You could help by using your own social media channels to spread the word about the #AdviceSaves campaign and by liking and sharing our messages throughout the week. Our Facebook, Twitter/X and Instagram links can be found at the bottom of the page. To find out more about the campaign please visit the Advice UK website where you can also download some template social media assets. Please visit: www.adviceuk.org.uk Contact Us Call our Freephone number on 030 0002 0002 or use the LiveChat feature on our website. Please get in touch today and remember - Advice Saves!

VACANCY: Education Officer BACKGROUND CHAP is an Ayrshire based charity, offering advice and support with debt, welfare rights, and housing. We are committed to early intervention and prevention, and as such, have developed a comprehensive education programme which we are currently expanding. JOB SPEC As an Education Officer, you will be responsible for delivering engaging and interactive workshops on homelessness prevention and financial education within schools, colleges, and various community groups. These sessions are tailored to meet the diverse needs of young people from various educational and socio-economic backgrounds, ensuring that the content is both accessible and impactful. You will work closely with the Senior Education Officer to continuously enhance the quality of these workshops, using student feedback and your own insights to adapt and refine the materials and approach. In addition to workshop delivery, you will play a key role in developing educational materials such as lesson plans, handouts, and multimedia content. This involves keeping resources up to date, ensuring alignment with organisational standards, and staying attuned to innovative teaching practices. You will also support the broader development of educational programmes, assisting in designing new initiatives and contributing to the evaluation of their effectiveness through reports and administrative tasks. Your input will help shape the future direction of these essential educational efforts. PERSON SPEC Essential Criteria: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written IT proficiency, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook Strong organisational skills and attention to detail Ability to present information in an engaging manner to diverse audiences Strong analytical skills Ability to work effectively both independently and with a team environment Valid driving licence and access to your own vehicle Desirable Criteria: Experience of working with at-risk individuals, particularly those at risk of homelessness Strong understanding of homelessness prevention and financial education Experience in creating and developing educational materials Understanding of different learning styles and educational needs Ability to adapt educational content as appropriate Personal Attributes Motivated, enthusiastic, and passionate about education and social issues Empathetic, patient, and able to engage with young people from all backgrounds Creative and innovative, with a problem-solving mindset If you think you have the enthusiasm, skills and experience required and would like to join this successful team, please telephone 030 0002 0002 to find out more or send your CV with a cover letter explaining why you think you are suitable for this position 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 . This post is subject to appropriate references and a PVG scheme record disclosure. Closing date for applications is noon on Friday 8th November, with interviews taking place on Tuesday 19th November 2024 in Ardrossan. CHAP is an equal opportunities employer.

Today marks the start of Challenge Poverty Week 2024! Launched by the Poverty Alliance in 2013, this is a week where we stand with organisations across Scotland to shine a spotlight on poverty and the solutions needed to tackle it. At CHAP, we’re committed to supporting our community by working tirelessly to ensure that everyone can access the help they need to improve their standard of living. Challenge Poverty Week is a crucial opportunity for us to come together and speak out against the injustice of poverty. Poverty is not inevitable; with the right support, information, and collective action, we can make a meaningful difference. This week is about raising our voices to say that we all deserve to live a life of dignity, opportunity, and security. One of the most important ways we help our community is by ensuring that everyone is getting the income they are entitled to. From assisting with benefit applications to providing guidance on managing finances and debt, CHAP’s welfare rights and money advice services are here to help people maximise their income and make sense of what can be a complex benefits system. We know that many people are struggling right now, whether it’s due to the rising cost of living, insecure work, or other challenges. That’s why our team is dedicated to helping individuals and families ensure they are claiming every benefit available to them, as well as providing the tools and advice to build better financial resilience. It’s about more than money though - it’s about providing a positive pathway to a stable, more secure future. Throughout this Challenge Poverty Week, we’ll be sharing stories and updates on our social media channels to highlight how our free services, alongside our community partners, are making a difference. From supporting parents and young people to offering practical advice and workshops, our work is driven by the belief that poverty can be solved with the right commitment and support. Together, let’s challenge poverty and work towards a fairer society for all. If you need help with benefits, housing, or managing your money, please get in touch with our team - we’re here for you. Call us on Freephone 030 0002 0002 or use the LiveChat feature here on our website. To find our more about Challenge Poverty Week, please visit: Challenge Poverty Week - The Poverty Alliance To follow us on social media, please click on any of the links shown at the bottom of the page.

As we finalise the latest update for our Board Report, we would like to share some key achievements from the past year. These results are a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team and will be of particular interest to our stakeholders. Financial Gains: Over the past 12 months, CHAP achieved financial gains of £3,065,435 for our clients - an impressive 17% increase from the previous year. This significant accomplishment highlights the effectiveness of our services and the ongoing commitment of our staff. Client Satisfaction: We are proud to report a 98% client satisfaction rate . Following client feedback, we introduced ‘excellent’ as a rating option, and since its introduction, 85% of clients in August 2024 rated our service as ‘excellent.’ This underscores the consistent quality of the support we provide. Positive Client Outcomes: Our services have made a meaningful impact on the lives of our clients - with 75% of clients reporting reduced stress levels over the last year. I ncreased Referrals: The organisation received 2,422 referrals over the past year, marking a 37% increase from the previous 12 months. This reflects both the growing demand for our services and our continued relevance in addressing key issues faced by individuals in the community. Increased Website Engagement: Thanks to the efforts of our team, we have seen a marked increase in website traffic. In August 2024, our website recorded 1,300 visits , a substantial increase compared to 632 visits in August 2023. While the past year has presented challenges, it has also highlighted the resilience and dedication of our staff, who remain committed to delivering high-quality, impactful services. These results demonstrate the significant and positive difference our organisation continues to make in the lives of those we support. Thank you to our entire team, management and Board members for your continued hard work and commitment to excellence. These achievements would not have been possible without your dedication. If you, or anyone you know, is facing issues related to housing, benefits or debt, please call Freephone 030 0002 0002 or use the Live Chat feature on our website. All our services are FREE, confidential and impartial.

We are delighted to announce that CHAP has successfully secured 3 years of funding from the Robertson Trust. This incredible support will allow us to expand on our collaboration with North Ayrshire Council to deliver financial education workshops in secondary schools. This funding boost will enable us to develop additional training programmes and pilot new initiatives aimed at creating positive pathways for young people across North Ayrshire. With this funding, CHAP will: Expand our current involvement in mainstream education , providing more frequent and in-depth input to engage pupils and build on their skills over time. Increase active participation from students by offering regular exposure to important topics such as financial literacy. This approach will help ensure that learning is retained and effectively embedded, leading to sustained, long-term benefits. Extend our activities to younger pupils , allowing us to build a strong foundation and positively shape mindsets during key transitional moments in their lives. Work closely with schools to engage non-attenders , offering tailored interventions in alternative learning environments to address barriers and encourage re-engagement with education. This funding enables us to pilot a two-pronged approach to develop and grow our educational programmes, empowering young people with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the future. Thanks to the Robertson Trust, we look forward to making an even greater impact on young lives together.

Introduced on August 19th, Carer Support Payment is now available to residents in South, East, and North Ayrshire. Carer Support Payment (CSP) is a new benefit designed to provide financial support to carers across Scotland. If you're caring for someone with a long-term illness, disability, or mental health condition, this benefit could make a real difference in your life. What is Carer Support Payment? The Carer Support Payment is a new benefit replacing Carer’s Allowance and is administered by Social Security Scotland. It’s intended to recognise the vital role carers play in our communities and provide them with the financial support they need to allow them to focus more on their caregiving role. Note: If you’re already receiving Carer’s Allowance, you will be transitioned to the new Carer Support Payment automatically, so there’s no need to reapply. Who is Eligible to Apply? You may be eligible for the Carer Support Payment if you meet the following criteria: You care for someone for at least 35 hours a week: The care you provide must be substantial and regular, and it must be for someone receiving certain disability benefits, such as Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), or Attendance Allowance. You do not earn more than £151 a week: This is your take-home pay, after tax, National Insurance, and expenses. The income limit ensures that the benefit is targeted at those who most need financial support. You’re not in full-time education: If you’re in full-time education or receiving a student loan or grant, you won’t be eligible for CSP. However, you may be eligible if you study any course and spend less than 21 hours a week in class or doing coursework. You’re at least 16 years old: The benefit is only available to adult carers who meet the other eligibility criteria. How Much Will You Receive? If you qualify, you’ll receive £81.90 per week, or £327.60 every four weeks, for providing at least 35 hours of care to a family member, friend, or neighbour. How To Apply? Applications can be made online at: https://www.mygov.scot/carer-support-payment How CHAP Can Help At CHAP, we understand that navigating benefits and financial support can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help. Our advisers can assist you with the application process, provide advice on eligibility, and help ensure that you’re getting all the support you’re entitled to. If you’re a carer and would like more information or need help applying for the Carer Support Payment, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our services are free, confidential, and designed to make your life a little bit easier. Call 030 0002 0002 or use the Live Chat feature on our website.