Education Service


Building financial confidence

in young people since 2005.



For more than twenty years, CHAP has equipped young people across North Ayrshire and beyond with practical financial, housing and independent living skills that support safer, more confident transitions into adult life.


Since 2005, CHAP's Education Service has helped secondary school pupils build the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to make informed decisions about money, housing and life beyond school.


Working with schools and local authority partners, our experienced Education Team delivers interactive workshops for pupils from S1 to S6, combining financial education, housing awareness and independent living skills in a way that is relevant, accessible and practical.


Our programme has been delivered across North Ayrshire since 2005 and continues to support all nine secondary schools through our Service Level Agreement with North Ayrshire Council.


Through additional partnerships and funding opportunities, we have also expanded delivery into secondary schools in East Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway.

What We Deliver


Our interactive workshops focus on the practical decisions young people are likely to face as they move towards adulthood, including:


  • Banking and managing money
  • Budgeting and household finances
  • Saving and future planning
  • Understanding credit scores and APR
  • Avoiding debt and financial difficulties
  • Pensions and long-term financial planning
  • Housing options and tenancy responsibilities
  • Homelessness awareness and prevention
  • Student accommodation and independent living
  • Student finance, SAAS and student loans


Sessions are tailored to the age, experience and needs of each group, ensuring that the information is relevant, engaging and accessible.

Preventing Youth Homelessness


A key element of our Education Service is raising awareness of homelessness and helping young people understand the realities behind the issue.


Our homelessness prevention workshops aim to:


  • Prevent youth homelessness
  • Raise awareness of the causes and impact of homelessness
  • Challenge stigma and misconceptions
  • Encourage informed decision-making before leaving home
  • Increase awareness of housing rights, responsibilities and support services


Through group discussion, activities and real-life examples, pupils explore how homelessness can arise, what support is available and why early advice can help prevent crisis.


Preparing Young People for Independence


Leaving school, moving into further or higher education, securing accommodation and managing personal finances are significant life transitions.


Our workshops help young people prepare for these changes by exploring:


  • The costs associated with independent living
  • Managing household bills and expenses
  • Accommodation options for students and young adults
  • Housing rights and responsibilities
  • Sources of financial support
  • Planning for future goals and aspirations


By building practical life skills early, we help pupils approach key transitions with greater confidence, awareness and readiness to seek support when needed.

Engaging and Accessible Learning


We believe young people learn best when they are actively involved in the learning process.


Our sessions incorporate:


  • Interactive activities
  • Group discussions
  • Games and quizzes
  • Short educational films
  • Practical budgeting exercises
  • Real-life scenarios and case studies


Our workshops can be adapted to meet the needs of different groups, including the use of visual resources and alternative learning approaches where appropriate.


Measuring Impact


Participant and school feedback is used to strengthen the programme, improve resources and keep sessions relevant to the needs of young people and teaching staff.


Evaluation forms and school feedback help us monitor the effectiveness of delivery, identify emerging learning needs and demonstrate the value of the service to schools, partners and funders.


Pupil Feedback:

"To stay with your parents as long as possible because there is so much to pay."

"I knew homelessness existed, but I didn't know how easy it could catch up on you."

"I learned about how to save money, learn how credit cards work, not paying when you need to can result in debt."

“To start planning for the future now to set you up for success later in life.”


In 2025, CHAP's Education Service reached 5,617 young people, including 1,144 pupils through PSE homelessness prevention sessions, 899 senior pupils through Advanced Finance workshops, 250 senior pupils through Advanced Housing workshops and 308 sixth-year pupils through Student Accommodation workshops.

Please take a look at our Annual Report for more details.



Teacher Comments:

"Great presenter and helped pupils understand that homelessness can affect anyone for a whole number of reasons."

"I knew homelessness existed, but I didn't know how easy it could catch up on you."

“Upbeat and detailed and relevant content for our senior pupils who are ready to deal with these types of issues. Thanks!”

“Another great session! Clear, concise and well delivered. The pupils engaged really well and enjoyed the scenario budgeting task.”


To discuss workshop delivery, partnership opportunities or support for your school, please contact CHAP's Education Team to explore how we can help young people build financial confidence, housing awareness and independent living skills.