Other Services...
Education
The education department within the organisation was formed in 2005. CHAP has been commissioned by North Ayrshire Council to deliver a programme of Homelessness Education lessons to pupils in all of the 9 secondary schools across North Ayrshire.
The aims of the lessons are to prevent youth homelessness, raise awareness of the reality of homelessness and to destigmatise the issue. It is intended the lessons will encourage young people to carefully consider their options before taking the decision to leave home and to enable them to identify who would be able to assist them with housing issues. The lessons are primarily delivered to all fourth year pupils within North Ayrshire. However, workshops style events can be delivered to senior pupils, one focused on student accommodation and the skills/knowledge that young people would require if living away from home and the other further explores the different tenancy options that are available to young people and the responsibilities of having a tenancy.
Outreach Services
We know that anything can happen to anyone, at any time.
To help tackle the cost of living, and the associated financial pressures, and the negative impact on people’s mental health and wellbeing, we have developed strong partnerships which have enabled us to establish outreach locations in various communities throughout Ayrshire.
Please note that we're unable to offer drop-in services; all appointments must be arranged in advance.
We're able to offer appointments with our advisers at the following outreach venues:
North Ayrshire
• Dalry Library, 14 The Cross, Dalry KA24 5AW
(Tuesdays only)
• Dreghorn Library, 21 Main Street, Dreghorn KA11 4AQ
(Mondays only)
• Fullarton Community Hub, 1 School Lane, Irvine KA12 8DF
(Wednesdays only)
• The George Steven Community Hub, Craigton Road, Kilbirnie KA25 6LJ
(Thursdays only)
• Cranberry Moss Community Centre, Cambusdoon Place, Kilwinning KA13 6SL
(Mondays only)
• CEIS, Stevenston Library, 1 Main Street, Stevenston KA20 3AB
(Wednesdays & Thursdays only)
East Ayrshire
• Yipworld, 39 Barrhill Road, Cumnock KA18 1PG
(3rd Wednesday of each month only)
• The Zone Initiative, 10 High Main Street, Dalmellington KA6 7QN
(1st Wednesday of each month only)
• CentreStage Neighbourhood, 15 Elmbank Drive, Kilmarnock KA1 3AE
(Tuesdays & Thursdays only)
• Commando Factory Gym, 14 Stoneygate Road, Newmilns KA16 9AL
(4th Wednesday of each month only)
• Stewarton Community Hub, 4 Rigg Street, Stewarton KA3 5LE
(2nd Wednesday of each month only)
South Ayrshire (Council Tax debt advice only)
• Ayr Housing Aid Centre, 7 York Street, Ayr KA8 8AN
(Wednesdays only - excluding the last week of the month)
Some of the services we provide:
Assistance with benefits - includes general income maximisation, assistance to apply for benefits, and request backdated payments of those benefits. We can also help by providing representation for you at appeals and tribunals.
Housing advice and appeals - includes general advice and housing options, advice on rent/mortgage arrears and assistance to prevent evictions.
Money and debt advice - negotiating repayment plans with creditors, including payday loan and doorstep lenders; advice on bankruptcy, general budgeting advice, and we are also accredited Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) advisors. We can help with council tax arrears and provide representation for you at court.
To book an appointment, call
030 0002 0002 or contact us via the webchat service.
Ayrshire Homelessness And Prevention (AHAP)
AHAP services are available free to individuals who own their home in Ayrshire. AHAP is a partnership between CHAP and Govan Law Centre and is fully funded by the Scottish Legal Aid Board.
Support is available for individuals who are experiencing financial difficulty and as a result, cannot maintain their mortgage payments. The money advice worker is able to provide mortgage advice and negotiate with lenders on the individual’s behalf.
The solicitor is able to carry out any legal work involved with defending a case but only where the continuous involvement of the individual is concerned.
Advice and Information is available on:
- Repossession
- Mortgage arrears
- Legal proceedings
- Other debt related issues
- Income maximisation
- Court proceedings and paperwork
Support is available to:
- Access legal representation
- Pursue government schemes
- Liaise with solicitors
- Deal with other creditors
- Carry out a benefit check
- Assist individuals to develop the necessary skills to enable them to manage their financial situation
