Services

FREE INDEPENDENT HOUSING INFORMATION, ADVICE AND ADVOCACY SERVICE 

Type III Accredited Housing Information, Advice & Advocacy Service 

Since 1986 we have been providing independent information, advice and advocacy across all housing topics including homelessness, public and private rent sectors, owner occupiers, housing related benefits, disrepair and Landlord/Tenant disputes and have been accredited since 2003.

Our Team share good practice and case examples and provide peer support for each other.  We provide internal and external training to organisations and within communities.  We liaise with relevant Council staff, partner agencies and tenants and keeps abreast of legislative changes which impact our Service Users.

We continue to be flexible in our approach to meet the needs of our service users and deliver outreaches at various locations including Care and Share at Riverside Church, Newton Primary & Lochside Foodbanks, Wallacetown HUB and other local organised community events and open days.

We strive to ensure our Service Users are claiming all benefits or discounts they are entitled to relieve poverty and increase incomes.  In addition to this we access external alternative funding streams and grants to prevent homelessness and reduce poverty and isolation wherever possible.

Through additional external funding the Centre’s Advice Team provide additional services – funded to 31.3.25

VASA Health and Empowerment Project

Reducing poverty and improving health through empowerment project funded through Voluntary Action South Ayrshire.

Type II Casework advice across all tenures.

I'M IN! TRIBUNAL REPRESENTATION

In collaboration with SeAscape, AHAC provide Advice, Advocacy & Tribunal Representation for East & South Ayrshire private rented tenants at risk of homelessness.

Click Here to View our 2023 Leaflet!

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PRISON HOUSING ADVICE SERVICE

The Prison Housing Advice Service covers both East and South Ayrshire areas and is fully supported by our existing Advice and Advocacy Service above.  It provides a comprehensive service for Service Users who were resident in East and South Ayrshire Council Areas prior to going into prison and those who wish to return. The service is provided in HMP Kilmarnock, Barlinnie and Greenock.

ENGAGEMENT SERVICES

This service promotes Ayr Housing Aid Centre and raises awareness of the work we do by attending events, linking in with community groups and actively engaging with South Ayrshire Council and various local services. We attend various events, link with community groups and actively engage with South Ayrshire Council and other local services. We have an active social media page and we always encourage the community to check for updates on community events we are attending and for general Centre updates.

TENURE SUSTAINMENT SERVICES

Our Sustainment Service achieved the highest grade (6) at our most recent inspection by the Care Inspectorate.
Key roles include:
Crisis Intervention to prevent homelessness due to rent arrears/ mortgage arrears
Social, Private rented and owner occupied sectors
Primarily aim to stabilise tenure and encourage structure, involvement and interaction
Income Maximisation, Benefits Check, Backdating, Liaison with Landlord/Lender, Setting up repayment agreements, Dealing with Fuel Debt and linking with other services (Money Advice/Welfare Rights/ Addiction Services)

Main source of referral is South Ayrshire Council
Once crisis averted referred to Quarriers or SeAscape for long-term support if required

HOUSING EDUCATION FOR YOUTHS (paused from 01.09.23)

HEY (Housing Education 4 Youths) Project

HEY provides appropriately structured information on housing and homelessness within Secondary Schools across South Ayrshire. We deliver the information across 2 lessons covering the costs involved in running a home; tenancy rights and responsibilities; reasons for homelessness; Cost of Living Crisis discussion, and challenging homeless stigma and misperceptions. From 2012 to 2020 we delivered HEY lessons to 6.450 pupils across all Secondary Schools in South Ayrshire. Lessons are designed to inform pupils on housing and homelessness at an appropriate level. Part of the development work includes feedback from pupils and teachers to improve future sessions. COSLA Bronze Award Winner 2015 for Strong and Sustainable Communities.