Fantastic Burns lunch at the Riverside Community Trust

And the fantastic event combined cultural heritage, with true community spirit as well as highlighting vital support services.

(Image: Charlie Gilmour) Hosted entirely by volunteers and reliant on generous donations, the Care & Share kitchen team consistently produces meals that bring comfort and joy to the community.

(Image: Charlie Gilmour) For the Burns lunch, almost 50 diners enjoyed hearty cock-a-leekie soup followed by the traditional haggis, neeps, and tatties.

(Image: Charlie Gilmour) The haggis was ceremonially piped in by Peter Bryson and enthusiastically addressed by Mervyn Stuart. Attendees left with ‘weel swall’d kytes’, a fitting tribute to Robert Burns’ legacy.

(Image: Riverside Community Trust) Care & Share is about more than just food. Since its founding in 2008, the initiative has grown into a vital resource for people in Ayr, particularly those affected by homelessness and substance misuse.

(Image: Charlie Gilmour) Originally launched as a partnership between Riverside Church and NHS Ayrshire and Arran, it has evolved over 15 years into a comprehensive programme offering sustenance, social connection, and access to critical services.

Now a cornerstone of South Ayrshire’s alcohol and drug strategy, Care & Share implements the Scottish Government’s recovery-oriented system of care (ROSC). Recognised with a COSLA Gold Award for its innovative approach, the programme continues to make a profound difference in the lives of many.

(Image: Charlie Gilmour) Every Wednesday afternoon, Care & Share welcomes attendees to Riverside Church for a hot meal, conversation, and the opportunity to connect with support services. Partners include the NHS South Ayrshire Treatment and Recovery Team (START), SeAscape Housing Support, Connect 4 Change, and the NHS Oral Health Team, among others.

(Image: Charlie Gilmour) The project’s impact is evident in the numbers. Since March 2024, around 2,000 meals have been served at the drop ins, and over 200 referrals have been made to partner services, ensuring attendees can access support for housing, health, and recovery without delay.

(Image: Charlie Gilmour) Care & Share thrives thanks to the dedication of 28 active volunteers, many of whom have been involved for over five years. Together, they contribute more than 40 hours each week to ensure the initiative runs smoothly.

“Our drop-ins simply couldn’t operate without such committed and enthusiastic people,” team member Lizzie said.

“The volunteers not only prepare meals but also create an environment where attendees feel welcomed and valued.”

(Image: Riverside Community Trust) Beyond its weekly drop-ins, Care & Share extends its impact through outreach efforts. In collaboration with partners like SeAscape and START, the programme provides packed lunches, first aid, Naloxone kits, and access to phones and the internet. Since March last year, over 400 contacts have been made through these initiatives.

(Image: Riverside Community Trust) Beyond its weekly drop-ins, Care & Share extends its impact through outreach efforts. In collaboration with partners like SeAscape and START, the programme provides packed lunches, first aid, Naloxone kits, and access to phones and the internet. Since March last year, over 400 contacts have been made through these initiatives.

RCT has also partnered with South Ayrshire Council to deploy two community navigators in the Wallacetown area. These navigators work closely with local agencies, including housing teams, schools, and emergency services, to connect residents with essential support.

Since April 2024 until today approximately 500 Wallacetown residents have received support accessing a variety services to help with health, education, cost of living and housing. 

Lizzie added: “Being able to work with partners who have different expertise means people can get help there and then without needing to arrange appointments. This model improves communication between agencies and leads to better outcomes.”

One participant at the Burns event said: “We think the services you all provide are amazing. I am a newcomer and was totally blown away by all the hard work you do.”

Care & Share hosts a weekly drop-in every Wednesday from 2-3.30pm at Riverside Church, 24 John Street, Ayr.

Additionally, a Breakfast Club runs on Tuesdays from 9.3-11am and a monthly Chinese feast is generously provided by Raymond and Sue Chan from Ocean View Chinese Takeaway in Ayr.

Bruce Bunten, Coordinator of Riverside Community Trust, said: “I’m sure if Burns was alive today he would be supporter of Care & Share. He was the champion of the vulnerable and disadvantaged

"His work is known for its sympathy and compassion and his poems often addressing the harsh realities of those who were less fortunate than others.”

To learn more or get involved, visit riversidecommunitytrust.org.uk or find Riverside Community Trust on Facebook.