Ayrshire Independent Living Network - AILN

09/11/2026

Did you know AILN's Dementia Befriending Ayrshire project is opening another Wellbeing cafe in South Ayrshire at the Riverside Church?

If you are interested in becoming either a cafe or 1-2-1 Befriending volunteer, please go along tomorrow to have a chat with Alexis who will be at the Connect South Ayrshire hub, 53 Sandgate, Ayr between 9:30-midday to find out more.

Alexis will be in the Connect South Ayrshire hub tomorrow 9:30 - 12
📍53 Sandgate Ayr
Pop along and find out more about our services or becoming a volunteer.
💙befriending
💙dementia wellbeing cafes (opening soon in the Riverside Church)
💙Post diagnostic support
Alexis can also help signpost you to our other Ayrshire Independent Living Network - AILN servives
💙 SDS
💙 Microenterprise - AILN
💙 AILN Recruitment

09/11/2026

Are you, or someone close to you, living with dementia or experiencing concerns about memory?

You don't have to navigate things alone.

Whether you have recently received a dementia diagnosis, are waiting for an assessment, or simply have questions or concerns, we're here to listen and offer support.

You are very welcome to have a friendly, confidential chat with Linda, a member of our team who has many years of experience supporting people living with dementia, their families and loved ones.
Sometimes, having someone to talk to, ask questions or explore what support might be available can make all the difference.

Please either come along to the dates below or contact Linda either via email - [email protected] or Tel- 07760186725 Dementia Befriending Ayrshire

Just been diagnosed with Dementia? Caring for someone living with Dementia?

Looking for advice, help with planning for the furure or just need someone to talk to...

Come and meet our Dementia Support Coordinator, Linda you can speak to her in confidence at our wellbeing cafes this week:

🩵 Tuesday 1.30-3.30 - Irvine, Castle Park Community Centre

🩵 Wednesday 1.00-3.00 - Largs, Douglas Street Bowling Club

🩵 Friday 1.00-3.00 - Saltcoats, Argyle Community Centre

Meeting Centres Scotland The Turnstyles CIC North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership Carers Gateway North Ayrshire

29/10/2026

📣 Kirsty is coming to Kilmarnock Jobcentre! 👋

Are you thinking about starting your own small business, or do you have a skill, talent or idea you'd love to turn into a microenterprise?

Kirsty from Ayrshire Independent Living Network (AILN) will be at Kilmarnock Jobcentre on Friday for a friendly drop-in session. Come along to find out more about our Microenterprise Service and how we can support you to take those first steps towards making your idea a reality.

Whether you're just starting to explore an idea or you're ready to take the next step, Kirsty will be happy to chat and answer your questions.

📅 Friday 30th October
⏰ 10am–1pm
📍 Kilmarnock Jobcentre
📌 17 Grange Street, Kilmarnock, KA1 2DF

Pop in, say hello and discover the support available to help you get started. We look forward to seeing you there!

22/10/2026

Please Welcome Donna McBride, our new Community Navigator!

Donna brings with her a wealth of experience and we are so excited to watch this role develop!

If you would like more information about the Community Navigator and how Donna could help you, please email [email protected] or call 01294 475695 to find out.

Donna will be out and about in East Ayrshire so please say hello!

15/10/2026

Kirsti from the Microenterprise - AILN is at the Connect Hub today in Maybole until 1pm. If you would like to find out more about the Micro enterprise project or any of the supports that AILN provides, pop along and have a chat. Maybole Medical Practice Maybole Community AssociationMaybole, South Ayrshire, ScotlandMaybole Over 50sMaybole Juniors F.C

15/10/2026

Emma is at Dunlop Village Hall today from 10-1pm for Ayrshire360 Communities event. Find out what's in your local area. Also speak to Emma about how AILN support people to stay independent in their homes and communities.

14/10/2026

What a great day in Largs with our Dementia Services team and their new volunteers and friends today!

Des, was delivering Dementia Awareness training at Largs Bowling Club on the corner of Brisbane Road and Douglas Street, the location of our newest Wellbeing Cafe which opens in a couple of weeks 🎉

Here's Alexis with all the details...

Dementia Befriending Ayrshire

13/10/2026

📢 Have your say on NHS Ayrshire & Arran services!

Have you been a patient of NHS Ayrshire & Arran in the last 12 months, or cared for someone who has used its services? NHS Ayrshire & Arran wants to hear from you!

🗣️ Join the Patient and Carer Meeting as part of the NHS Ayrshire & Arran Ministerial Annual Review 2026.

📅 Date: Monday 7 December 2026
📍 Venue: University Hospital Crosshouse
💻 Attend in person or remotely via Microsoft Teams

The meeting will be led by Alison Thewliss MSP, Minister for Community Care, and offers an opportunity to share your experiences directly with the Minister and NHS representatives.

You can talk about:
✅ What is working well in your care
✅ Challenges accessing or receiving services
✅ Communication and support from staff
✅ Ideas for improving patient experience
✅ Questions about how services are delivered

Your experiences, feedback and suggestions matter. Help shape conversations about the future of local health services! 💙

🔗 Find out more: https://www.nhsaaa.net/annualreview2026/

If you know of anyone who may be interested in taking part, please encourage them to register their interest by completing the online registration form by Monday 2 November 2026. Or they can contact me directly: maria.arshad@nhs.

Further information and the registration form can be found here:
Patient and Carer Meeting –

https://www.nhsaaa.net/annualreview2026/annualreview2026-patientgroup/

Please share this post with patients, carers and community networks who may wish to take part.

AyrshireAndArran

The Ministerial Annual Review is an opportunity to hear how we are performing, what we have achieved, and the challenges we are working to address.  It will be led by Alison Thewliss MSP, Minister for Community Care.