Ayrshire Hospice

The Ayrshire Hospice provides care and services to help people with any life limiting illness.

Access to most hospice services is by referral from a GP or other healthcare professional. Following referral, the appropriate hospice team will arrange an assessment to identify the individual needs of each patient and/or their family and how they can best help them.

Hospice care is non-denominational and is provided free of charge. It is available to people over 16 years of age throughout Ayrshire and Arran with the exception of the family care service which can be accessed by individuals of all ages.

Ayrshire Hospice care for people with a life limiting illness and who require services in addition to generalist palliative care. Ayrshire Hospice also help to support families and carers.

Referrals are accepted for:

• Management of physical symptoms
• Management of emotional/spiritual distress
• Anticipatory care
• Assessment
• Psychological/counselling support
• Respite

There are three services that you can arrange to attend without a referral from a healthcare professional. They are the Family Care Service, Simply for You and Headwayr. Attendance at these services can be arranged by contacting the hospice on 01292 269200.

Castlepark Walking Group

Get that spring put back into your step! A new walking group has started up in Castlepark. They step out each Tuesday and Thursday around the local area. They meet at Castlepark Community Centre in Irvine at 6pm. They are happy to welcome walkers of all abilities.

So if you fancy an opportunity to get of of the house for a bit, keep fit and meet old and new friends why not go along?

Universal Credit Information Session

Universal Credit Full Service will be introduced in North Ayrshire from 22 November. This will represent a significant change for potentially thousands of residents in terms of how they apply for and maintain a claim to benefit.

The Welfare Reform Group in conjunction with DWP are organising a series of Universal Credit Full Service Awareness Raising sessions for staff working in North Ayrshire who come into contact and support residents who may be impacted by the roll out.

This session on Tuesday 26 September is open to anyone who works in Health and Social Care. The session will run from 1:15 till 4:30pm at Saltcoats Town Hall, Countless Street, Saltcoats, KA21 5HP.

Please click here to book your place.

It’s Okay Campaign

See Me’s ‘It’s okay’ campaign is reaching out to young people and those who care about them by making a bold statement that it’s okay to not feel okay.

Growing up can be stressful and there are lots of things that worry young people.

If you’re reading this as a young person we want adults to take your concerns seriously and not respond with words like:  ‘it’s all going to be okay’ or ‘it’s just a phase’. Because there are a lot of legitimate reasons why at this age you might not feel okay.

The campaign aims to help you understand your feelings better and give you the confidence and words to reach out to the right people for support and guidance if you are struggling.

And whatever is bothering you, it’s important to know that it’s okay not to be okay.

For more information click here.

‘Silver Sunday’ Celebration

Ardrossan Music Experience and NAHSCP invite you to attend Ardrossan Civic Centre on Sunday 1 October, 2pm–4pm to be entertained by the fabulous Merchant City Jazz Band. This event is part of a national celebration of older people. They look forward to welcoming staff, residents residing in care homes and their families, as well as individuals living in the community who want to get together and enjoy music, dancing and of course lots of tea and cakes!

For more information contact chantelle.allan@aapct.scot.nhs.uk or call 01294 317828.

This Weeks’ New Provider on Carena

A warm welcome to our newest provider who has added a profile of their services on Carena. Visit their profile to see what they offer and how they can help you.

478 Reiki – Based in Saltcoats, Norah is a qualified Reiki practitioner since 2008 and recognise the benefits of complementary therapies in promoting a sense of balance , well being and relaxation.

To publish your service, social or activity group or organisation on Carena, go to the Home Page, click on Register Provider and follow the Carena User Guide.

If you need any assistance please email us at info@carena.org.uk

Addiction Drop In Sessions

North Ayrshire Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service run addiction drop-in community sessions. This service is for individuals who may have a current drug or alcohol issue or for others who personally know someone (friend or family member) who they may have concerns about their drug or alcohol use and may benefit from an opportunity to discuss this with a NADARS staff member who has knowledge of local support options. There is no requirement to book an appointment.

Irvine – Bourtreehill Medical Practice every 2^nd Tuesday (5/9, 19/9, 3/10, 17/10, 31/10, 14/11, 28/11, 12/12) from 3-4:45pm.

Three Towns – Saltcoats Health Centre every 2^nd Tuesday (5/9, 19/9, 3/10, 17/10, 31/10, 14/11, 28/11, 12/12) from 2:45-4:45pm.

Garnock Valley – Dalry Health Centre every 2^nd Thursday (31/8, 14/9, 28/9, 12/10, 26/10, 9/11, 23/11, 7/12) from 2-4pm.

Garnock Valley – Kilbirnie Health Centre every 2^nd Thursday (31/8, 14/9, 28/9, 12/10, 26/10, 9/11, 23/11, 7/12) from 11-1pm.

North Coast – Brooksby Centre, Largs every 2^nd Tuesday (5/9, 19/9, 3/10, 17/10, 31/10, 14/11, 28/11, 12/12) from 1-3pm.

Islands – Brodick Health Centre, Arran every 2^nd Wednesday (13/9, 27/9, 11/10, 25/10, 8/11, 22/11, 6/12) from 11-1pm & Garrison House, Millport every 2^nd Wednesday (6/9, 20/9) from 11-1pm.

Could You Sew A Memory/Fiddle Mat?

Sally is looking for members for a new sewing group starting up at Castlepark Community Centre in Irvine. If you can sew or are wanting to learn the basics then this may be the group for you as they will have a specific task in mind.

This group will be sewing Alzheimers memory/fiddle mats for people with Dementia. Once completed they will be donated local Care Homes. This is a fantastic and worthwhile project so please help if you can.

If you or someone you know is interested please call Sally on 07795 247 707.