A NEW community hub has opened its doors in Ayr alongside the launch of Connect South Ayrshire.
The South Ayrshire health and social care partnership (HSCP) and Voluntary Action South Ayrshire (VASA) have created the joint approach to providing communities with easier access to information, advice and support.
Connect South Ayrshire is made up of three elements; a public website, free phoneline and will open a series of community hubs across the region.
The programme was officially launched with the first community hub opening on the Sandgate in Ayr town centre.
The accompanying website and phoneline were also launched on the same day. Connect will provide access to social opportunities along with advice and support on wellbeing.
“Connect South Ayrshire provides us with an opportunity to deliver integrated statutory, healthcare and voluntary services, with a clear focus on providing accessible information, advice and support across all our communities.”
The new Ayr hub will host a weekly programme of services working together onsite to provide integrated support in a range of ways.
As well as services from HSCP and VASA, the initial timetable includes organisations such as the Carers Gateway, Ayr Housing Aid Centre and Age Concern.
Marie Oliver, Voluntary Action South Ayrshire CEO, added: “We are excited to launch and build on this new ambitious initiative as we put prevention at the heart of what we do.
"We will welcome feedback to continually improve our services and to shape the direction of work to the needs of each individual community.
“We want to ensure that anyone living in South Ayrshire can receive the right support at the right time in the right place.”
Following the initial launch, work will continue to build the resources available through Connect South Ayrshire.
To access Connect South Ayrshire visit www.connectsouthayrshire.org, call 0800 432 0510 or drop in to the new Ayr hub at 53 Sandgate.
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