FOR the last 22 years, the hardworking team of The Ayrshire Community Trust, TACT, have been busy supporting groups and volunteers throughout North Ayrshire.

From their HQ in Saltcoats, TACT, formerly known as The Volunteer Centre, helps companies within the third sector as well as a wide range of community groups and of course, volunteers within the area.

They offer practical support and advice, from helping small groups write their constitutions to helping companies find volunteers to finding employment opportunities.

One group, run by John Edgar, is currently working on creating virtual reality for important landmarks in the area and they are currently working on a project for Kilwinning’s Abbey Tower.

John had previously worked with the Irvine community to create a short film of what life would be like in the trenches for an Irvine soldier in WWI.

TACT also runs Eglinton Community Garden within Eglinton Country Park where volunteers work every week with plans to grow even more fruit and veg at the garden.

Kaileigh Brown, Executive Director of TACT said: “We all work hard with people who are involved in some fantastic projects within the third sector.

“We have a great team who work with some amazing volunteers, people who are helping to make a difference in our community.

“Projects like the Eglinton Community Garden adds additional opportunities for voluntary groups including the Eglinton Growers, Breaking Ground, Enable and the Castle Developments.

“It provides all members of the community with learning opportunities related to gardening, growing food and cooking and provides the community and

volunteers with the opportunity to learn new skills, tools and coping mechanisms and promote positive changes in health, diet and lifestyle and fitness

Now, TACT has launched a new scheme to recognise the hard work and commitment of adult volunteers and Ann Wilson who has been with TACT since 2013 said: “We have two top awards for 200 hours and 200 hours with outstanding contribution and we hope to host an awards ceremony in the near future.”