Delivering Change in Drongan

In Drongan, East Ayrshire, a community-led approach is making a meaningful difference to the lives of local families. Since January 2024, a new Family Hub initiative has been working to understand and respond to local needs. Through long-term investment in people and partnerships, the project has already led to a series of positive change.

Building the Foundations of Support

A CRT Family Support Worker role was created to respond directly to local need: attending local events, connecting with community groups, and identifying gaps in support. Listening to local people, the first project was the launch of a free Saturday breakfast club — a welcoming space where children and families can enjoy a hot meal, social interaction, and support. The club, delivered in partnership with The Zone and the Drongan Grassroots Community Group, now welcomes around 50 participants each week.

But this was just the beginning. As more families engaged, the need for a longer-term childcare solution became clear — particularly in the context of rising living costs and growing pressure on grandparents to provide childcare.

In response, CRT worked closely with the Drongan Primary School, local families families, and community partners to establish a new afterschool club. Funding from the National Lottery, East Ayrshire’s 9CCG, and the East Ayrshire Employability Fund helped bring the idea to life. After a successful summer pilot in 2024, the full club launched in August, operating five days a week for two hours each day. Since then, 63 families have registered, with an average of 22 children attending daily.

Kara’s Story

Beyond helping families stay economically active, the club is building confidence and resilience in children, offering structured activities that promote wellbeing, socials skills and inclusion for all.

For one family in particular, the club has opened up new possibilities that once felt out of reach.

Seven-year-old Kara lives with a severe dairy allergy, requiring her to carry three EpiPens, antihistamines, and inhalers at all times. Her parents were understandably anxious about her joining group activities where food and play items could risk exposure. Staff at the club had never supported a child with such significant needs before — but instead of excluding Kara, they adapted.

CRT’s Family Support Worker worked hand-in-hand with Kara’s parents and Drongan Primary School to review policies, develop an individual care plan, and deliver Anaphylaxis Awareness training to all staff and volunteers. This included how to recognise allergic reactions, prevent cross-contamination, and respond quickly in emergencies.

Snacks were adjusted in consultation with Kara’s parents, seating arrangements were adapted to ensure she could join her peers safely, and children were encouraged to wash hands before and after eating. These small changes made a big difference. Kara now attends the club three days a week — with plans to extend to five. Her parents feel reassured, the staff feel confident and most importantly, Kara feels included and safe.

Kara’s story highlights the difference inclusive, thoughtful provision can make.

Growing Local Confidence

The impact of this community-led approach is moving through Drongan. The same local partnerships that created the breakfast and afterschool clubs have since supported the development of the Kenneth Clark Memorial Community Garden — named after a much-loved figure who championed education and youth engagement in the village.

Drongan Primary School pupils helped plant fruit, vegetables, and herbs in the garden, which now doubles as a space for outdoor learning. The initiative received over £18,000 in funding from 9CCG, the school, and Ayrshire Climate Hub, supporting climate education and food sustainability in one shared green space.

CRT has also helped develop the Dinthepark Group, which now hosts an annual community fun day attended by over 1,500 people. Last year, the event secured £10,000 from 9CCG; this year, the group has already raised over £9,000, showcasing growing capacity and community confidence.

Meanwhile, CRT continues to deliver practical training to ensure local people are equipped to lead. Around 30 community members have completed courses including food hygiene, first aid, sports first aid, autism awareness, and anaphylaxis training — helping make local activities safer, more inclusive, and more sustainable.

What’s Next for Drongan

The story unfolding in Drongan is one of connection, care, and community-led change. It shows what’s possible when local people are empowered to lead — and when organisations like CRT work in partnership, not in isolation.

By identifying need, building trust, and supporting local delivery, the Family Hub approach in Drongan is creating more than just services — it’s stronger partnerships, better outcomes for families, and a growing sense of pride and purpose that’s being felt across the village.

You can find out more about our programmes here.