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 under the Scottish National Standards 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 Advice Outreaches at various locations including Care and Share at Riverside Church, Compass, Connect South Ayrshire Prestwick & Maybole and various Foodbanks and other local 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 AHAC’S Advice Team provide additional services (mainly within South Ayrshire)

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.

NATIONAL LOTTERY (currently funded to 30.9.26)

Providing a Holistic advice & support wrap around service to those in Rural South Ayrshire who are experiencing poverty, disadvantage and/or discrimination where they have been unable to access services due to their location or low income/poverty.

This new service provides increased visibility within rural communities to reach out to those currently underserved. We work with them to empower them to make positive decisions and choices to improve their housing, health and financial wellbeing creating longer term outcomes including encouraging them to be able to stand up for their housing and human rights, thus reducing social injustice and improving life chances.

ASK & ACT Pilot (EAST AYRSHIRE) (currently funded to 31.12.26)

Test and Learn Pilot Project in collaboration with SeAscape, East Ayrshire Council & NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Health Visitors within 2 EAC areas.

The project aims to:

Prevent homelessness and reduce reliance on temporary accommodation for families with children

Embed “Ask and Act” duties into Health Visiting practice within NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Early Years Children & Families Service

Enable early intervention and strengthen collaboration between health, housing and third-sector partners

Health Visitors will be trained to identify housing risks during routine visits (e.g. antenatal, postnatal, child health reviews) to ask appropriate questions and act through direct support or referral pathways, with a key focus on families during vulnerable periods such as postnatal care, domestic abuse, or financial hardship.

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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.

Where Intensive Housing Support is identified a support plan is created and they meet with their Housing Support Worker prior to liberation and arrangements are made for appointments to attend on release.

ENGAGEMENT SERVICES

AHAC promotes 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. 

SAC HOUSING SUPPORT AND SUSTAINMENT SERVICES  

From 1.4.26 AHAC provides South Ayrshire Housing Support and Sustainment Services for tenants and prospective tenants. These referrals can only be sent through from Housing and Housing Options Departments. 

Our Housing Support Services achieved the highest grades (6) at our most recent inspection by the Care Inspectorate.

Find care – Care Inspectorate

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.