What we do
This confidential and free service is open to all.
We are open on Thursdays from 2.00pm-3.30pm.
You can get advice and support on challenges you
might be facing, including:
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Social issues such as Attendance Allowance
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Financial issues such as debt and fuel poverty
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Mobility/transport issues
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Accessibility issues, Blue Badge
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We can also make referrals to specialist services if needed.
Please pop in and have a chat.
Simply Support at
The Hub
Events and activities at The Hub
We host talks on topics ranging from astrology to philosophy. Some of these are delivered in partnership with Opportunities in Retirement. If you have an idea for a talk, please contact us.
We offer The Hub as a meeting place for non-profit making clubs and groups on the island. If your group would like to use this space, please contact us.
At the Hub, we also support Cycling Without Age Scotland a non-profit global initiative where volunteers take older people and those with mobility difficulties out on ‘trishaw’ cycle rides.
Coming soon:
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We have been awarded a grant to buy laptops for the community by North Ayrshire Council. We will make these available for community learning purposes.
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We are in discussions with various support groups about organising drop-in sessions.
The Cumbrae Forum
Charity Shop
Our shop is a busy and fun place to be on the island. Come in and find a vintage treasure or bag a bargain.
We have pre-loved homeware, crockery, jewellery, one-off collectables, books, jigsaws, toys and much more.
If you have clean and useable donations, please bring them in.
Lunch Club
We run a Wednesday Lunch Club from September to June to give people on the island a regular forum to meet, have a chat and enjoy themselves. We subsidise the cost of the lunch club and we are delighted that The Newton Bar offers us the food at cost. Annual membership is £15 and you can find out how to join here.
We organise regular trips and outings. These are offered to members first and then to the rest of the island. We have been to Callendar, Cardwell bay, Culzean Castle and Dumfries House in the past, and we have plans for exciting trips in the future.
Our campaigns
Food bank
We work with Millport Support Group to fund regular food parcels for those who are registered on the island. This vital service has become even more needed in the cost of living crisis.
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If you’d like to register for the Food Bank please contact 073 0570 518.
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If you’d like to make a food donation please take non perishable items to the charity shop.
Plant to plate
Plant to Plate is a partnership with Cumbrae Primary School and Cumbrae Parish Church.
Volunteers work with children and their teacher once a week in term time to teach them how to grow their own food.
The polycrub and outdoor classroom allow them to work outside even when it’s raining and to experience every part of growing fruit and vegetables and keeping the garden tidy.
Pyjamas for Christmas
In 2022, in response to the cost of living crisis, we decided to give every island child a Christmas bag with pyjamas, socks, a book and chocolates. From nursery to playgroup to primary to secondary, we managed to find something that would suit our 75 youngsters. Secondary school pupils received a gift card. The response from families was wonderful.
Christmas vouchers
In 2022, we gave every member of The Cumbrae Forum a £20 Christmas voucher to spend on the island. This was to help people at a time when they had many calls on their finances, as well as to promote and support our island economy.
“It was such a lovely idea. It made the run up to Christmas feel really caring."
Cumbrae resident
"It was great, we had people coming in we wouldn’t normally see.”
Cumbrae Butcher
"I treated myself and went to the podiatrist"
Cumbrae resident
Supporting other campaigns
The Cumbrae Forum often offers support to other community activities on the island. Recent examples include:
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The annual crowning of the Cumbrae Queen. In May 2023, Allanah took on the role and was treated to a ride in an open top car and afternoon tea.
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Queen's Jubilee celebrations in June 2022.
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Working with Community Link Worker, Michelle Trainer, helping to offer support for Health, Housing, Benefits and so many more issues...
Find out what's happening on our calendar here.