News In Brief - Monday 7 September 2026
Thanks everyone for tuning in to another instalment of News in Brief with important updates and news highlights of all that is happening over the coming week.
This week is Adult Learners’ Week
Our Community Learning and Development team will be shining a spotlight over on the Virtual Community Centre Facebook page this week to highlight the vast array of adult learning opportunities across our localities. Every share and like is much appreciated, so please help to spread the word so we can support more adults across our six localities to #’SayYesToAdultLearning . Email Jen Law, Corporate Communications if you want your group or project to be included in the end-of-week news round-up.
Wednesday 9 September: Absence Management training
Line managers are invited to the 'How To' - Part 2 - Policies, Processes & Practical Steps Microsoft Teams session on Wednesday (11am until Noon). This session will focus on the Wellbeing at Work and Maximising Attendance policies, further info in the Absence Management Latest News article.
Thursday 10 September: Scottish Employability Day
North Ayrshire Council's employability and skills service helps residents to gain sustainable employment through person centred support. Keep a look out on the Working North Ayrshire FB page for updates on local employability initiatives as part of our highlights on the first ever Scottish Employability Day. For further information visit the Working North Ayrshire website.
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.
Suicide Prevention month
Building on the "What if asking about suicide could save a life?" campaign, we are raising awareness of suicide prevention throughout September. Please look out for the posts being shared from NAHSCP and give a like and share. If you’re worried that someone you know might be thinking about suicide, it’s important to know what to do. Starting a conversation about suicide could save a life. For more information on how best to provide support to someone, visit the NHS Inform website and also find advice for looking after your own mental wellbeing. HopeLine also offers support 24/7 – call 0300 102 2470 or text ‘HOPE’ to 88247 to seek support today.
Irvine Royal debut exhibition at the Harbour Arts Centre
Pupils from Irvine Royal Academy will be displaying works at the HAC between now and Saturday 24 October. Explore the talented pupils’ creations in the Studio Gallery, celebrating artistic expression in all its forms and highlighting the importance of creativity beyond the classroom. Further info and opening times on Facebook.
Young Scotland programme nominations are now open
Do you know a young person and colleague looking to build their confidence, communication skills and professional network? Well, applications are now open for the Young Scotland and Northern Ireland Programme, taking place in Ayr from 17 to 20 November 2026. The three-day residential programme brings together delegates from a wide range of sectors to develop skills through debate, discussion and public speaking. Find out everything you need to know in the Young Scotland news update.
200th Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) project launched
Auchenharvie and Greenwood Academy have become the latest schools to benefit from a DYW hands-on roofing learning project – one of 200 employability projects being co-developed in our secondary schools alongside industry partners. Read all about the latest DYW project launch here.
Interested in trying badminton and pickleball with LiveWell?
The LiveWell Team, in association with KA Leisure, provided a number of badminton and pickleball sessions for employees throughout 2026 which were well attended and popular. The sessions were mainly confined to the Kilwinning area - however the team are looking to expand to other North Ayrshire areas and therefore need your help in identifying which locations would be most popular. If you are interested in attending future sessions, please complete the LiveWell survey to indicate which area(s) would suit best.
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!
