Housing, Policy and Strategy
Homelessness Strategy
Support Agencies
In South Ayrshire there are a number of specialist organisations, which provide
various types of support and advice to homeless people or people threatened with
homelessness.
Ayr Housing Aid Centre
Ayr Housing Aid Centre gives advice on housing rights. They can help appeal against
a homeless decision if you don’t agree with it and they feel you have reasonable
grounds. The give advice on rights in any area of housing from all sectors including
owner occupied accommodation.
The centre operates appointments from 9 a.m – 12.30 p.m Monday –Friday,and
can be contacted by telephone 9.am – 4.00pm Monday - Friday.
Ayr Housing Aid Centre
3A Holmston Road
Ayr
KA7 3BA
Tel: 01292 288 111
E-mail: ayr-hac@hotmail.com
The Housing Aid Centre runs an Outreach Service in Girvan & Maybole every fortnight
and Ayr North the last Tuesday of the month. Telephone the centre for an appointment
or more information
Ayrshire Council on Alcohol
Trained Counsellors work with people in confidence to assist them to improve the
quality of their life, they can also provide counselling / support for anyone who
is affected or concerned about someone else’s drinking.
Office Hours are:
Mon. – Thurs. 9am – 5pm,
Fri - 9am – 4pm.
Mon – Wed. 7pm –9pm.
Ayrshire Council on Alcohol
24 Fullarton St
Ayr
KA7 1EH Tel: 01292 281238
Barnardo’s South Ayrshire Families Service
Barnardos provide a variety of services to families in temporary accommodation.
They are aware of the many difficulties that have to be faced during the period
of a homelessness application and are happy to be of assistance where at all possible.
Opening hours are 9 a.m.– 4 p.m. Monday – Friday
Barnardo’s South Ayrshire Families Service
64 Viewfield Road
Ayr
KA8 8HH
Tel :- Tel :- 01292 610479
Email: ethel.riach@barnardos.org.uk
Mortgage to Rent Scheme
This scheme may be able to assist you if you are an owner-occupier facing repossession
or having difficulties paying your mortgage. Your local housing office of housing
advice can give you advice on this or you can contact:
Mortgage to Rent
Communities Scotland
Thistle House
91 Haymarket Terrace
EDINBURGH
EH12 5HE
Tel: 0131 479 5188
The Trading Standards Advice Centre
If you are having financial difficulties or are facing eviction due to rent arrears,
Trading Standards Advice Centre may be able to help.
The service is free, impartial, independent and confidential
Skilled advisors can provide debt counselling and advice on budgeting. They may
also be able to negotiate with the companies/ organisations you owe money such as
the council or catalogue companies, on your behalf to arrange more affordable repayment
arrangements.
They will also help you work out a budget and prioritise your debts. Appointments
are necessary, but can be carried out either in your own home or in the office.
To arrange an appointment contact
The Trading Standards Advice Centre
Trading Standards Office
5-7 River Street
AYR
Tel:
|
01292 616 060 |
|
Fax |
01292 616061 |
Email: cabac@south-ayrshire.gov.uk
website: www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards
Opening Hours :- Monday – Thursday 8.45 a.m.- 4.45 p.m, Friday
8.45 am- 4.00 p.m, Saturday 8.45am - 4.45pm (closed 1.00-2.00pm for lunch)
Throughcare Support Team
Throughcare help young people aged 16-21, but give priority to those leaving care
or who are homeless.
As well as giving advice, the team will also help you deal with agencies like The
Benefits Agency and the Housing Department.
The team will also help you find somewhere to live and once you have found somewhere,
it will support you so that you can live independently. Laundry & cooking facilities
are also available.
The centre is open 8.45 a.m.–4.45 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 8.45 a.m.–3.55
p.m. on Fridays.
Throughcare Support Team
1 Holmston Road
Ayr
KA7 3BA
Tel: 01292 612092
The START Project
The START project is primarily aimed at people aged 18-25 who are
homeless, although if you are younger or older they may still be able to help.
If you are homeless, in danger of sleeping rough or in danger of losing your accommodation,
skilled project workers can assist you to find private accommodation and help you
apply for council housing and housing association properties.
They can also give you advice on budgeting matters, help with household tasks &
coping on your own, if required :-
The START Project Freephone :- 0800 169 3985.
Top Floor
52/56 Newmarket Street
AYR
The S.T.E.P Project
The Skills Towards Employment Project is aimed at helping young people aged
16-21 in South Ayrshire experiencing difficulty in obtaining or sustaining
employment or training opportunities :-
S.T.E.P
South Ayrshire Council
McAdam House
34 Charlotte Street
AYR
KA7 1AE
Tel :- 01292 612301
SeAscape Rent Deposit Scheme
SeAscape offer a rent deposit guarantee for people who are over 18 years old,
homeless and living in South Ayrshire.
South Ayrshire Escape from Homelessness is a registered charity, started by members
of Christian churches and the Society of Friends.
The scheme means that, SeAscape don’t actually pay the landlord the deposit,
but will guarantee that the landlord will be paid back the full deposit amount should
anything go wrong.
You can be referred to SeAscape by the council’s homeless team or by other
agencies. Alternatively you can contact SeAscape directly for further information:-
SeAscape
13 Old Bridge Street
AYR
KA7 1QA
Tel :- 01292 285 424 (If no reply please leave a message)
The Housing Aid Centre also runs a Rural Outreach Service in Girvan
& Maybole on alternate Fridays in the month, telephone :-
The “Community Action Network” on 01465 714 060 for details of the Girvan
service
Social Work Services: Enquiry and Information Team
The enquiry and Information team is integrated within the Council’s Department
of Social Work, and as such is the initial point of contact for people seeking information
an and assistance from Social Work Services. The Enquiry and Information team can
also offer individuals a benefit check to ensure income is maximised.
Tel: 01292 268119
Turning Point Scotland
Community Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (Substance Misuse)
3 Killoch Place
AYR
KA7 2EA
Tel 01292 619940
Fax 01292 266345
Welfare Rights Service
The Welfare Rights Service can offer:
- Advice on complex benefit issues
- Representation at appeals or reviews
- Training on Social Security Benefits
- Campaigning to encourage benefits take-up
- Information and advocacy on a range of issues, including Employment Rights, Industrial
Injuries, Housing and Social Services
Contact with a Welfare Rights Officer can be made by contacting the Enquiry and
Information Team: Tel: 01292 268119
Women's Aid can give support and practical help to you if you are a woman
who is currently experiencing (or have previously experienced) physical or emotional
abuse from a male partner who you are or have been in a relationship with.
They offer counselling and advice on the law and domestic abuse. They also run a
safe refuge where women who are escaping violent partners can stay, if space
is available.
The centre is open 9 a.m. – 4.45 p.m. Monday – Thursday and
9 a.m.- 4.p.m. Friday
Women's Aid
14 Green Street
AYR
Tel: 01292 266 482