Find out all about sustainable travel and transport options during Challenge Poverty Week
Posted on 29 Sep 2023
Anyone who wants to know more about sustainable travel such as walking, cycling, public transport opportunities and more is invited along to a special event being held in Irvine.
This is the eighth consecutive year the Council has supported this special week, and the Council’s team of experts at the Trinity Active Travel Hub, Bridgegate, are ready to give advice and guidance on a range of options.
North Ayrshire Council is currently backing a week-long drive which gets under way on Monday to shine a light on poverty and what we can do to help make life better for people who are in crisis.
Challenge Poverty Week (October 2 to 8), arranged by the Poverty Alliance charity, inspires communities every year to work together, support each other and find new ways to change attitudes.
On Thursday, October 5 – as part of Challenge Poverty Week’s focus on the theme of “transport” – you can head along to the Trinity from 11am to 3pm to:
- Get a free bike maintenance check form an experienced mechanic to ensure you are safe to saddle up and have your bicycle security marked, so it can be traced if stolen, as we head into winter.
- Speak to the team from Stagecoach – which is one of the largest bus operators in the UK – for help with travel planning and information on discounts that are available.
- Learn more about how old bikes will be serviced, made safe and get a new lease of life by being used by new owners through a recycling scheme that will be launched soon through the Council’s Employability team.
- Chat to the Council’s Customer Services team about the National Entitlement Card (NEC) and sign up on the day, either for yourself or a family member.
This free electronic smart card gives you access to Council services, concessionary travel including the Under-22 free bus travel scheme, discounts and special offers. It can also be used as proof of age. Under-16s must bring a parent/guardian along to complete paperwork and
- Meet the Home Energy Scotland experts and hop on their smoothie bike to see how the energy you create with pedal power can blend fruit and vegetables into a tasty drink.
Home Energy Scotland, funded by the Scottish Government and managed by the Energy Saving Trust, helps people keep their homes warm, cut energy bills and lower their carbon footprint.
The organisation works to tackle fuel poverty and the climate emergency by offering advice on grants and interest-free loans, installing renewable energy at homes and promoting greener travel options like electric vehicles and e-bikes.
The Trinity Active Travel Hub is inside the eye-catching building that used to be home to Trinity Church, and you can find it near the Bridgegate entrance to the Rivergate Shopping Centre. You won’t be able to miss it on Thursday as there will be gazebos and banners outside.
Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy, added: “This is shaping up to be a really valuable public event for Challenge Poverty Week and anyone with an interest in cycling, sustainable travel, the climate and the cost of living will be given a warm welcome when they arrive.”
If you need help with Cost-of-Living support please visit the Council’s dedicated webpage at https://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/cost-of-living/
There is also a handy Council information leaflet online here https://tinyurl.com/43bj33ec that gives information about clothing grants and free school meals, Council Tax reduction, the community larders and more.
Further information on the support and activities offered by the Trinity Active Travel Hub is available from: https://thetrinity.org.uk/