MENTAL health and wellbeing projects across North Ayrshire are quids in after sharing in a £50,000 treasure chest for worthy projects.

About 250 members of the public packed into Ardrossan Civic Centre on Saturday, January 25 for the participatory budgeting event.

They heard dozens of groups and individuals make a pitch for funding of up to £1,250 and voted for projects they felt would make a difference to local people.

A total cash pot of £50,000 was available for great ideas to improve mental health and wellbeing across North Ayrshire.

At the Decision Day event, the bidders made some inspiring and emotional presentations before those attending voted on how the money should be distributed.

Refreshments and lunch was courtesy of the team from Café Solace.

The high number of applications for funding coupled with the turnout of local people at Ardrossan Civic Centre on Saturday shows how important mental health and wellbeing is to the local community

Iona Colvin, Director of North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership said: “We are delighted that so many people from all over North Ayrshire got involved in this Participatory Budgeting exercise.

“I’d like to thank the huge numbers of people who turned out to decide how money should be spent on projects which will improve mental health and wellbeing across the area.

“It shows that community spirit is well and truly alive in North Ayrshire.”