News In Brief - Monday 29 June 2026
Thank you once again for tuning in to News in Brief with important updates and news highlights of all that is happening over the coming week.
This week is Cycle to Work Week
Could you ditch the car, even just for one day? To help you get involved this Cycle to Work Week, the Travel Smart Team are offering two great incentives:
- A free Active Travel Breakfast if you cycle into work, you can enjoy a free breakfast! This includes multi-mode journeys too like cycling to the train station, taking the train or cycling to Cunninghame House. To claim your breakfast, register via the Active Travel Breakfast Register.
- Then, book a slot to have your free Bike Health Check with Dr Bike this Wednesday 3 July – book your slot via the Dr Bike Register
If you unsure of the journey to Cunninghame House, why not request for a Personal Travel Plan?
Tuesday 30 June: Summer events begin
Stay tuned to the North Ayrshire Council Facebook page from the schools finishing on Tuesday this week as we’ll begin to share a host of exciting events happening at the HAC, Eglinton Country Park and across community venues for the Summer of Sport!
Wednesday 1 July: Green Car Scheme webinar
Are you thinking about buying a new car? Why not pop on to our Salary Sacrifice Green Car Scheme Webinar on Wednesday 1 July at 12.30pm. Hosted by NHS Fleet Solutions, the session will tell you more about the scheme and answer any questions you may have. Click here for the webinar joining link. For more information on the Car Scheme please see Connects and Green Car Scheme FAQs.
Friday 3 July: Duke of Edinburgh Reception
Colleagues from across our Community Learning and Development service, will be joined by Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awardees from North Ayrshire’s secondary schools at the annual Royal Reception at the Palace of Holyrood Gardens in Edinburgh on Friday. Stay tuned for the social media recap on North Ayrshire Youth Work to celebrate their achievements.
Saturday 4 July: Official opening of new North Ayrshire Open Art Exhibition
The Racquet Hall at Eglinton Park will debut this summer’s flagship art exhibition, opening its doors at 9.30am on Saturday. Get a sneak peek on social media on Friday this week and head along to this family and dog-friendly art exhibition where you can experience the incredible artistic talent we have in North Ayrshire and beyond!
Also on Saturday: Support with tackling invasive species
To help invasive species clearing efforts at Eglinton Country Park, North Ayrshire Ranger Service are enlisting volunteers for upcoming Himalayan Balsam clearing sessions on Saturday between 10am until 12pm and then an afternoon session between 1pm and 3pm – book now via the HAC website.
Mental health support in North Ayrshire
Did you know that in North Ayrshire, we have partnered with Shout – a free, text-based service that offers tailored mental health support to people of all ages across our six localities? To access the service, text SUPPORTNA to 85258 to be connected there and then.
The service can provide you with confidential support around:
- anxiety, stress, depression, panic attacks and sadness
- suicidal thoughts and self-harm
- loneliness and isolation
- bullying and abuse
Shout volunteers are on hand to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week when things get tough or you are feeling overwhelmed.
Head on over to the Café on 4
The café on fourth floor at Cunninghame House. View this week’s menu and specials on Latest News.
Sign up for summer employee perks
Planning a day out? Booking a holiday? Want to splurge on some summer essentials? Well, our Staff Benefits offer a host of perks and discounts with online retailers, supermarkets and travel providers so sign up now and don’t miss out!
Save the date! Financial advisor visit to Cunninghame House
Free RBS financial health checks are happening at Cunninghame House on Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 July. These are free and with a Senior Personal Banker. This isn’t about switching banks, it’s about empowering your finances. Find out how to book via the financial health checks news update.
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!
