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.

Following another successful year of providing an outreach service at the New Scots hub, CHAP is very pleased to announce that it has secured funding to run this project for another year. Working in partnership with North Ayrshire Council’s Community Learning and Development team, an adviser will attend the New Scots’ hub, located at Whitehirst Park Community Centre in Kilwinning, once a month to provide an outreach service. CHAP advisers will ensure New Scots families have access to free, independent information and advice relating to their rights when it comes to housing, benefits, and debt/money issues. The assistance provided by CHAP has been praised by North Ayrshire Council and welcomed by the whole group who continue to engage with the service and seek support with the issues they are facing. Helping families to settle into a new community, culture, and getting to understand the various systems and supports that are in place is very important. The ethos at CHAP is to ensure that no one is disadvantaged by a lack of knowledge or understanding relating to their rights - and this is particularly vital for any New Scots who reside in North Ayrshire. As always, if you or someone you know lives in North Ayrshire and requires assistance with benefits, housing, or debt, please get in touch. Call us on 030 0002 0002 , access our live chat or email adviceandinfo@chap.org.uk .

The Housing (Scotland) Bill proposes expanding the definition of domestic abuse and mandates social landlords to meet pre-action requirements prior to eviction proceedings. Housing Minister Paul McLennan has detailed the Scottish Government's initiatives to improve housing support for domestic abuse survivors. Before an evidence session with the Social Justice and Social Security Committee on June 27 th , 2024, Mr. McLennan provided further details to Committee Convener Collette Stevenson about the Bill's provisions related to domestic abuse. Key points include: Revising the definition of domestic abuse in homelessness legislation to encompass a broader range of abusive behaviors, ensuring comprehensive support for those at risk of homelessness. Imposing a new duty on social landlords to create and publish a domestic abuse policy that addresses gender-based violence, aligns with Equally Safe principles, and promotes equality and human rights. Establishing a statutory pre-action requirement for social landlords to thoroughly consider domestic abuse situations before initiating legal actions to reclaim properties. In summary: Scottish Housing Minister Paul McLennan has outlined the government's plans to enhance housing support for domestic abuse survivors through the Housing (Scotland) Bill. The bill includes expanding the definition of domestic abuse, requiring social landlords to develop policies on gender-based violence, and mandating pre-action requirements before eviction proceedings. These measures aim to ensure comprehensive support and consideration for those affected by domestic abuse. At CHAP, our advisors offer free, independent and confidential advice to people in North Ayrshire struggling with a range of housing issues or homelessness. If you need to speak to someone about a housing matter which is impacting your life, please call our office using freephone number: 030 0002 0002 or talk to an advisor using our live chat service available here on our website. We also provide free, confidential support on a range of debt and benefit issues. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, contact North Ayrshire Women’s Aid: 01294 602424 (Select option 2). Outwith office hours you can call the 24hr national helpline: 0800 027 1234 or v isit their website .