Community sessions for towns in the Garnock Valley have given residents “a wee bit of therapy” as they help residents fight loneliness.

The ‘Our Community Space’ sessions began this summer as a means of bringing the community together, making support more easily accessible, and allowing people, especially those struggling with isolation, to socialise.

Sessions are held in Dalry on the second Thursday of the month, Kilbirnie on the third Thursday of the month, and Beith on the fourth Thursday of the month and all are between 1-4pm.

Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities and Islands, said: “The feedback from those attending Our Community Space sessions so far has been fantastic and really shows the positive impact of people supporting people in order to lessen the impact of social isolation and boost mental health and well-being in the Garnock Valley.

“As well as creating valuable connections between members of the community, our staff have also really benefitted from these sessions, as they have allowed them to identify where there may be gaps in provision and support in both individual and community support needs.”

Meetings are organised by the North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership (NAHSCP).

At the meetings, socialising isn’t all that’s on offer as guest speakers often visit to offer valuable information and free refreshments are also provided.

So far, representatives from the council’s Housing service, NAHSCP’s Money Matters team, and the Scottish Fire Service’s Home Safety team are just some of the guests who have visited the sessions.

Each session is a drop-in meaning booking is not required.