This Challenging Poverty Week, it was our pleasure to welcome the First Minister, John Swinney, to meet some of our neighbours and participants who have experienced the collective impact of our work. With SIMD 2020 data revealing that 4% of Scotland's most deprived data-zones are in East Ayrshire, the scale of the challenge of poverty in our community is clear. With almost 1 in 4 of our own participants being from Scotland’s most deprived areas, us and our neighbours are proud to be recognised as key players in tackling many of the issues associated with poverty and social exclusion in East Ayrshire.

During his visit, he was able to hear from the Unlikely Lads, our Neighbours, NC College participants, and others that benefit from the likes of our Get Happy and Connect programmes.
 
By acting as a connector, anyone who enters CentreStage has almost instant access to mental health services, housing support, financial advice, employability skills, and most importantly, a safe space. Since being founded in 2006, with the support of The Hunter Foundation, The Scottish Government, and East Ayrshire Council, we've been testing and refining this wrap-around support model. In 2024, CentreStage is so much more than a place of joy and connection, we're a pathway to building healthier, safer lives for individuals and families.
 
By supporting or investing in Centrestage, you’re not only changing lives today, but you’re also helping to reduce the reliance on costly services tomorrow. Our inclusive approach offers vital support early on, empowering individuals to find their voice, gain confidence, and move forward in life independently.
 
Following our hosting of East Ayrshire Council’s Early Intervention conference earlier in the Autumn and our visit from the FM, we are grateful to be a part of this continued conversation. Vital support delivered in the context of joy and inclusion makes so much possible. Together at the CentreStage Village we will play a small, but important part in the journey ahead.