Care and support services

A wide range of wellbeing, emotional and practical support services are available to residents in North Ayrshire. Please see the A to Z list below for more information on the various organisations and services you can access.

In addition, the NHS Ayrshire & Arran app contains a wealth of information on a range of health conditions, mental and physical wellbeing advice and much more, including links to additional sources of support.

You can download the app via Google Play or the Apple Store.

Topics A-Z

Addiction

Information on accessing help and support around alcohol and/or other drug use and gambling can be found in the Addictions section of our website.

Bereavement

If you have been bereaved and wish to speak to a support organisation, visit the Bereavement Support section of the Scottish Government website for information on support services and self-help resources.

If you have lost a loved one to suicide, you can self-refer to the Suicide Bereavement Support Service for practical and emotional support.

Additionally, a number of local bereavement groups meet across North Ayrshire each week, including:

Healing Hearts

This peer group is open to all North Ayrshire residents and meets at:

Trindlemoss Day Opportunities, 46 Tarryholme Drive, Irvine – Thursdays from 4pm to 6pm
Kilwinning Library, St Winning’s Lane, Kilwinning – Fridays from 12.30pm to 2.30pm

No-one Dies Alone Ayrshire

This group is led by staff from No-one Dies Alone Ayrshire and meets weekly at:

TACT Office, 27 Vernon Street, Saltcoats - every second Thursday from 10.30am to 12.30pm

Cancer

If you have been affected by cancer, you can find out more about the information and support available on the Cancer Advice and Support section of our website.

Carers

Information on services and support for young and adult carers can be found on the Support for Carers section of our website.

Dementia

If you have been affected by dementia, you can find out more about the local and national support options available to you on the Help with Dementia section of our website.

Healthier Lifestyle

NHS Ayrshire and Arran actively promotes living healthier lifestyles, including support and information on nutrition, diet and weight management.

For information and advice on activities to improve your physical fitness, visit:

Mental Wellbeing

Many factors can contribute to a change in our mental wellbeing, and it’s important to know about the support and information that is available to you.

Mind and Be Active

Mind and Be Active is a physical activity programme run by KA Leisure that aims to help if you are experiencing a decline in your mental wellbeing.

North Ayrshire Wellbeing & Recovery College

North Ayrshire Wellbeing & Recovery College offers educational courses to support mental, physical and emotional wellbeing in shared learning environments in local communities across North Ayrshire.

Independent Advocacy Service

An independent advocacy service helps people speak up for what is important to them in all aspects of their life. If you think people are not listening to you, or that you are not involved in the decisions that affect you, visit our independent advocacy page to find out more.

Umbrella Project

The Umbrella Project is a free mental health resource based in Irvine, providing therapeutic activity-based support for adults.

Penumbra Peers 4 Hope

Peers 4 Hope is a peer support service that offers practical and emotional support for patients who are, or have been, known to statutory mental health services.

Penumbra Self-Harm Service

Penumbra's Self-Harm Support Service can offer practical and emotional support if you’re experiencing self-harm. It offers a safe, non-judgemental space where you can explore your self-harming behaviours and learn healthy coping strategies.

Mental Health Self-Help Guides

The NHS Inform website contains a series of mental health self-help guides that can support you to manage the symptoms of a range of mental health conditions.

Pain Management

The NHS Ayrshire & Arran Pain Management Service offers a range of different approaches with the aim of improving the lives of people with persistent pain.

Physical Disabilities and Sensory Impairment

If you are living with a physical disability or sensory impairment, you can read more about the support available to you on the Living with Physical Disability or Sensory Impairment section of our website.

Trauma Supports

A range of support services are available to individuals who have experienced trauma:

Break the Silence

Break the Silence provides support options for survivors of rape and childhood sexual abuse aged 13+.

Star Centre

The Star Centre offers support, helpful information and resources for male or female victims of sexual violence aged 13+.

Victim Support

Victim Support is an independent, charitable organisation providing free, confidential, practical and emotional support to people affected by crime.

North Ayrshire Women's Aid

North Ayrshire Women’s Aid provides emotional and practical support to women and children affected by domestic abuse.

Wellbeing Scotland

Wellbeing Scotland supports individuals who have been affected by childhood abuse. They offer free holistic services across Scotland to people who have been impacted by any form of abuse as a child. In-person support is available at their office in Glasgow, as well as online or by telephone.

Social Isolation

Community Led Action and Support Project (CLASP)

CLASP Digital provides opportunities for older people to learn basic digital skills to help them use the internet. This can take the form of group or one-to-one sessions.

Helping Older People Evolve (HOPE) Project

The HOPE Project aims to reduce isolation and loneliness with a range of services and activities for older people.

North Ayrshire Engagement Hubs

Social activities for older people are available in centres across North Ayrshire:

Vennel Gardens - Irvine
The David White Community Hub - Saltcoats
Montgomery Court - Kilbirnie
Cumbrae Gardens - Largs

North Ayrshire Libraries

North Ayrshire Libraries host a range of activities for all ages, and provide a safe, warm space for residents. To find out where your local library is located and the services that it provides, visit the Libraries page of the North Ayrshire Council website. You can also keep up to date with activities and groups on Facebook.

Harbour Arts Centre

The Harbour Arts Centre is the cultural hub for North Ayrshire. The centre offers a varied programme of theatre, comedy, music and visual arts, with a wide range of classes and workshops to suit all ages and abilities.

You can keep up to date with what’s on by following the HAC on Facebook.

North Ayrshire Virtual Community Centre

The North Ayrshire Virtual Community Centre Facebook page contains information on local activities, learning opportunities and support services.

North Ayrshire Youth Services

The North Ayrshire Youth Services Facebook page shares information about what is happening across North Ayrshire for young people.

Veterans

Veterans First Point offers support and advice on a wide range of issues to veterans across North Ayrshire.