It was an evening of celebration in Ayr North recently as people of all ages were recognised for their learning achievements.
At a ceremony arranged by South Ayrshire Council's Community Learning & Development team, young people, adults and community groups picked up a staggering number of awards, certificates and qualifications including - Youth Scotland HI 5 awards, Year of the Young people certificates, Saltire Awards, SCQF accredited qualifications and food hygiene certificates.
The efforts of a wide range of volunteers were also celebrated with the Lochside Community Centre being one of the main beneficiaries. Thanks to the help of unpaid workers, the café at the centre is now open every week and has become a popular meeting place for the local community.
There are now weekly health and wellbeing classes, youth and drama groups and lots of learning workshops in Ayr North to help people get into employment or just to learn something new.
Many of the awards and qualifications handed out on the evening would not have been possible without the help of partners. Ayrshire College, Scottish Rural College and Access to Aspire are just some of the partners who have worked with Council staff to make a difference.
Michaella Hall is one of the people to benefit from the groups run for young people, she said: "Being involved with the Lochside Drama Group has really increased my confidence. I have made new friends and I love performing in front of audiences. I have learned so much and I would like to pass on some of my skills to the younger members of the group.”
The Creative Corner group was set up to help people in Ayr North develop their creative talents. It has made a big difference to the lives' of Christine Brown, Elizabeth Morrison and Jean Robertson who said: “The Creative Corner group is a great place to meet new people, share ideas, work on different pieces of Art and to improve our health and wellbeing. Attending the group gives us a sense purpose and has helped us gain new skills."
Councillor William Grant, Children and Young People Portfolio Holder for the Council said: “This was such a worthwhile event and underlines that learning is for everyone and we should never be afraid to try something new.
“I was impressed with the breadth and depth of the courses and qualifications achieved and just how much the local community has benefited. There are a growing number of people getting involved and giving up their own time to help others and this is great to see. I wish all our learners the very best for the future.”
More information on the Council’s learning opportunities is available at www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/community-learning-development/