ASFaCT

Ardeer Stevenston Faith and Community Together (ASFaCT) is a grass roots, voluntary organisation based in the Ardeer community which aims to encourage and support children and families to take part in community life.

It provides opportunities to increase the confidence, independence and self-esteem of both children and their parents. Disadvantage can come in multiple forms - many of the families supported are experiencing financial difficulties and poverty including food and fuel poverty. Some of the families are dealing with difficulties such as health issues, social issues, learning difficulties, behavioural problems and poor family dynamics. Many of the children and families they support are also socially isolated and do not engage with other services or organisations. As a part of the service the group provides families with an opportunity to engage in a monthly social gathering. The aim of these events is for the families to participate in family friendly child centred activities. The project also provides a Pre 5 Play and Stay Group for children and their parents or carers twice a week.

During the summer Cash for Kids awarded a grant for £3140 to provide a range of activities and events for children and their families. This grant will was used to offer a range of activities from dance, music and drama lessons to eco-art classes. It also allowed the project to arrange days out once a week, which enabled the children and their families to visit a number of local attractions. ASFaCT, with the help of Cash for Kids, also provided the children with the opportunity to engage in a very special and magical Christmas celebration.

Carol Boyd, Project Development Worker, ASFaCT said: “We are delighted to have received these grants from West Sound Cash for Kids. It has allowed us to put together a family summer and Christmas programmes that provide activities and day outings for both children and the adults that care for them. The aim of the programme is to provide families with the chance to actively engage in meaningful memory building activities”.