News In Brief - Monday 12 October 2026
Thank you for tuning in to another instalment of News in Brief, giving you news and events from across our services, happening over the next seven days. Have a great week everyone!
Wednesday 14 October: Free Healthy Hearts drop-in event
People in the Garnock Valley are being invited to a Healthy Hearts event on Wednesday 14 October from 10.30am to 6.30pm at Dalry Primary School. Visitors to this free, drop-in event can access cardiac screening and additional health checks where needed/requested. More information on the event can be found on the NAHSCP website.
Friday 16 October: Restart a Heart Day
North Ayrshire Council is raising awareness of the 117 wide network of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) across our six localities. This coincides with Restart a Heart Day 2026 – an annual initiative led by Resuscitation Council UK which aims to increase the number of people surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrests by helping more people learn CPR. Stay tuned to social media on Friday for further updates.
Voting for Participatory Budgeting continues
Coordinated by the Council’s Connected Communities team, we are delighted to announce that Participatory Budgeting voting opens today. Residents of North Ayrshire aged 8 and up are able to cast their votes now for the groups they think deserve a share of our total funding pot of £82,185 funding up for grabs, so don’t miss out on having your say. Vote now via the Shaping North Ayrshire website.
Staff guidance on Awaab's Law
New regulations are now in force which may affect staff visiting people in their own home. The Investigation and Commencement of Repair (Scotland) Regulations 2026 – known as Awaab’s Law – means social and private landlords in Scotland must investigate reports of damp or mould and start any necessary repairs within set timescales. It is important that all NAC staff understand what to do if they become aware of damp or mould in a Council tenancy. While still at the property with the tenant, the staff member should call the Call Centre on 01294 310000 and report the damp or mould. Please check out this useful guide.
Reminder of school meal entitlements
Currently, the Scottish Government’s universal free school meal provision covers all primary 1 to primary 5 pupils. Families receiving the Scottish Child Payment are also eligible for free school meals for children in primary 6 and primary 7. Read our school entitlements Latest News article to find out about eligibility for North Ayrshire pupils.
Sign up now for recruitment events
Recruitment managers are invited join a short two-part series of 'How to Recruit' sessions designed to support you at key stages of the recruitment process. These practical sessions - starting next Tuesday, 20 October - will guide you through the key stages of the recruitment process, share best practice tips and provide the opportunity to ask questions through the chat function. Find out how to book your spot.
LiveWell events this month
Read the LiveWell events update for your chance to book onto a series of sessions including soundbaths, arts, crafts, meditation and more.
World Menopause Day 2026
To mark World Menopause Day, People Services will be hosting a 'How To' Menopause Awareness Session on 21 October 2026. The session will explore what menopause is, common symptoms, supportive workplace conversations and the practical support available within North Ayrshire Council. Whether you are experiencing menopause yourself, managing someone who is, or would simply like to learn more, everyone is welcome to attend. For further information and support, employees can also access the Menopause and the Workplace HR guide.
Health and Social Care Chief Social Work Officer Report
The annual report from our Chief Social Work Officer has highlighted the vital work being undertaken by social work and social care teams across North Ayrshire, against a backdrop of increasing demand and growing complexity of need. The annual report shines a spotlight on the wide range of social work activity carried out during 2025-2026.
Challenge Poverty Week news
A successful staff event was held in Irvine’s Volunteer Rooms to raise awareness of the struggles many residents are facing when it comes to managing their energy bills. It was arranged as part of the Council’s Challenge Poverty Week activities, with the aim of highlighting that energy issues are more than people simply paying a bill. Read more in the Event on Energy news article.
Book now for line manager How To training
HR are pleased to offer their final round of ‘How To’ sessions for managers. Read the Latest News article to find out more about the Microsoft Teams training sessions including, menopause awareness, managing stress and mental health, practical tools and support available to managers, and guidance on the application of Special Leave.
Book tickets now for the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival
A range of exciting events at The Harbour Arts Centre in Irvine are now open for booking, although free, booking is required do don’t miss out. Find out everything you need to know in the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival news article.
Head on over to the Café on 4
Another week, another delicious menu from the Café on 4 – head on up to the 4th floor this week to enjoy the choice of breakfast, lunch and treat items.
That’s all for now. If you have news to share in News In Brief next week, share your story with us by midday on Friday by using the contact us button below. Have a great week everyone.
