News In Brief - Monday 2 November 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!
This week is National Youth Work Week
We are proud to once again support National Youth Work Week. Stay tuned to North Ayrshire Youth Work on Facebook for impactful examples of how we are providing a platform to support young people to build resilience, strengthen connections and receive help before difficulties escalate. The theme this year is ‘Youth Work and Young People’s Mental Health’, therefore if you would like the work you are doing with young people to be included in the news coverage, please email jenniferlaw@north-ayrshire.gov.uk #YWW26 #YouthWorkChangesLives
Monday 2 November: SYP voting goes live
Scottish Youth Parliament voting goes live from today Monday 2 November until Monday 15 November. Young people aged between 12 to 25 can use their Young Scot Card 16-digit pin to cast their votes online now for the candidate they want to see represent their constituency. Meet the Cunninghame North candidates and Cunninghame South candidates on the North Ayrshire Youth Work newsfeed.
Wednesday 4 November: Full Council Meeting
The November Full Council meeting will get under way at 2pm on Wednesday. You can read the agenda for the meeting online and watch the live proceedings via the webcast.
Saturday 7 November: Boots and Blether Men’s Mental Health event
November is Men’s Mental Health Month and NAHSCP are co-hosting a ‘Boots and Blether’ with the Killie Community Team on Saturday 7 November, from 11am to 2pm at the Community Hub. Rugby Park, Kilmarnock. The event will create a relaxed and welcoming space for men to come together, get involved in a game of football (regardless of ability) and have open and informal conversations. Register your interest online. Find out more about mental health support in our Men’s Mental Health Month news article.
Sunday 8 November: Deadline for Participatory Budgeting voting!
There’s over £82k up for grabs for eligible community groups but residents only have until midnight this Sunday to cast their votes for who should be funded. Full details in the PB news update!
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.
November LiveWell sessions book now!
LiveWell are pleased to offer Council employees the opportunity to book a range of activities and courses during November. From badminton and pickleball to health checks, mindfulness, meditation and soundbath experiences, get the lowdown in the Latest News article and book now as only limited spaces available!
Important Kelio annual leave dates for the diary
Colleagues are asked to please read this important Kelio update on the deadlines for booking annual leave and carrying over annual leave to 2027.
Communities invited to nominate their community heroes
Our Community Learning and Development team are inviting nominations now for the annual CLD Awards (an event set to take place in March 2027). With six categories to choose from, the awards are all about shining a spotlight on selfless volunteers who are removing barriers, championing equalities and improving lives in their communities. Find out how to nominate in the CLD news update.
Save the date! Share and Repair event
In support of this year’s European Week for Waste Reduction a ‘Share and Repair’ event will be hosted at Irvine Sports Club on Monday 9 November (10am-12pm). Come along to chat with the Sustainability team to discover more about material sufficiency and sustainable energy solutions. Got small items you’ve been meaning to get repaired? Bring them along as Irvine Repair Café will be there to help! The Active Travel team will also have Dr Bike sessions and Equal with their reuse bike project. Come along to receive a free bike or donate an old bike you no longer use.
New childcare parents fund from The Lennox Partnership
The Lennox Partnership is working with local childcare providers to identify parents who may benefit from support with registered childcare costs. The criteria is earning less than £25,862 when paid the Real Living Wage and so as a Real Living Wage employer, some of our staff may be eligible to apply. Find out everything you need to know in the Latest News article.
Looking after your mental health and physical wellbeing
North Ayrshire Council is committed to ensuring staff feel valued, supported, and able to thrive in their roles, with both offering a wide range of wellbeing supports that we would encourage staff to make use of. To find out more about the mental health support available, check out the NAC LiveWell page and watch Mind’s 8 Healthy Tips for Relaxation video.
Only a few NASA events remain for 2026
North Ayrshire Staff Association have a few spaces left for their remaining NASA events including the Christmas Bash, don’t miss out! Book via the news article.
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!
