Discovery Award group is going from strength to strength

An activity group for people aged 50 and over has become so popular that a second one has been set up to meet demand.

The waiting list for theKilwinning Discovery Group, which started three years ago,became so busy that another one was establishedin 2025to allow more people to enjoy the programme.

TheDiscoveryAward is a fun and free personal challenge for people aged over 50 and is run by the Discovery Award Federation. It has four categories for its challenges: Service In the Community; Recreational Pursuit; Hobby or Interest and Journey of Discovery.

Anyone who is retired, feeling socially isolated or simply looking for a new personal challenge or a confidence boost is welcome and 13 regular members have joined the group.

They enjoy various activities, learning opportunities, volunteering and social events and the programme leads to – among other things - improved wellbeing and new friendships.

The programme is delivered through Discovery Award Scotland with support from North Ayrshire Council’s Community Development Workers and consists of three levels participants can work towards – bronze, silver and gold.

Kilwinning Discovery Group 2, which meets on a Wednesday, has seen:

• five participants graduating from bronze to silver

• ten taking on volunteering roles with local community groups, charities and food larders

• self-defence coaches visiting to teach basic skills and

• Council Trading Standards officers giving a talk on how to avoid scams.

In the original group, six members are working towards their gold award while seven are close to attaining silver. They meet on a Monday and have enjoyed:

• trips to places across Scotland including the Isle of Bute, Millport, Dumfries House and Callender house

• becoming more active in their community through volunteering

• fundraising together for trips and activities, meaning people can enjoy excursions they would never have experienced alone and

• hosting events including a Burns Supper and a festive wreath-making workshop.

Councillor Marie Burns, the Council’s Older People’s Champion, said: “Discovery Award groups are a great way for people in our communities to meet new people, learn new skills and get involved in volunteering.

“Participants are involved in planning and have their say on things like trips, activity weeks and how they can work towards thebronze, silver and gold awards.

“The fact that a second group had to be started in Kilwinning shows how popular they are.I would encourage anyone who is feeling lonely or isolated – or simply wants to learn new things and make new friends – to contact our Locality teams.”

Feedback from members of both groups, which meet in Kilwinning Library, has been positive.

Caroline McKinlay said: “The Discovery Award has allowed me to discover new interests, hobbies and hidden talents; discover new, interesting people developing into lasting friendships; discover new places on our day trips that I had never been to and I’ve discovered a sense of joy and achievement by pushing myself out of my comfort zone”.

Ross Happell commented: “The Discovery Award group has really filled a gap in our lives. Given a focus to get out more, walk more, move more and meet more people. I am really enjoying the personal folder – making me record and develop the activities I’minvolved in.”

Linda Wallace explained: “Discovery group is great because it gets you to look at activities, everyday onesand new experiences. Introduces you to new people and other agencies and gets you thinking about those around you and how to engage more. Trips are great because you go with people who you have just met and see their reactions and get their thoughts on them too.”

Donna Alcroft added: “I was looking for some new hobbies and interests since taking early retirement and going through major life changes. A friend recommended the Discovery Award which I had never heard of. I am proud to say I have been part of this group for a year now and it is the best club I have joined out of my many activities. The team have had some great days out while completing the challenges. The Discovery Award encourages you to keep active and do some voluntary work which is very fulfilling.”

To find out more about the Discovery Award, go to the web page here The Discovery Award: Welcome to the Discovery Award

To find out more about what activities and events are happening in your community, please email your Locality team on the email addresses below.

• Kilwinning and North Coast - kilwnclocality@north-ayrshire.gov.uk

• Three Towns - 3townslocality@north-ayrshire.gov.uk

• Garnock Valley - garnockvalleylocality@north-ayrshire.gov.uk

• Irvine:irvinelocailtyteam@northayrshire.gov.uk

• Arran – Go to the Arran CVS website at www.arrancvs.org.uk or email info@arrancvs.org.uk