By Elina Kobzar

Copyright dailyrecord

The Patchwork Recovery Community in Kilmarnock is set to undergo vital accessibility improvements after being awarded a £13,100 grant from the Asda Foundation. Asda’s charity has distributed £165,495 to 10 community groups across Scotland through its Local Community Spaces fund. The grants form part of a transformative £1.25 million in funding which has been awarded to 79 community projects across the UK aimed at revitalising local spaces where people connect, access vital services and build stronger communities. Annie Brown, Manager at Patchwork Recovery Community, said: “Receiving this funding from the Asda Foundation is absolutely fantastic news for us and all the people we work with. “We’re going to focus on updating our carpets and improving the staircase, which until now hasn’t been accessible for everyone. “We see around 300 footfall every week, so to opening up the space with an improvement in the staircase will be a huge boost.” Patchwork Recovery Community is led by individuals in recovery from problematic substance use and mental health issues. The group creates a safe and supportive space in East Ayrshire and the surrounding areas where people are encouraged to make positive choices and relationships. Patchwork work alongside many partners to create opportunities for personal development, raising self-esteem and building confidence in a safe space. Teresa Bruce, Community Champion Asda Kilmarnock, delivered a cheque to Patchwork Recovery Community on behalf of Asda Foundation. Teresa said: “This is the biggest grant of the year. Asda Foundation knows that accessible community spaces can be a lifeline for local groups, and many of these spaces require funding to repair, renovate and develop them so that they can continue delivering vital activities and services. Groups can apply for grants between £10,000 – £20,000. “Patchwork Recovery Community is a vital group within the community helping people recovering from various addictions. “The applied for a grant to change internal stairs as a lot of users cannot use them, therefore are restricted in where they can go and do activities within the building as it is now. They have been awarded £13,100 to be enable to get this work done.” Teresa continued: “This is the first time since I took on the role as Community Champion that we in East Ayrshire have been successful with Community Spaces Fund. I am absolutely over the moon for them. We are excited for the group but also to let other groups know what grants are available to apply for in the future.” The initiative follows findings from Asda’s latest Community Insight Tracker, which revealed 42 per cent of community groups believe access to safe and inclusive spaces is one of the most important issues the Foundation should support. Mental health and crime prevention also ranked highly, according to data from Asda Community Insight Tracker Report Q2 2025, highlighting the need for welcoming places where communities can thrive. Karl Doyle, Asda Foundation Chair, said: “Community spaces that are safe and welcoming play a crucial role in bringing people together and supporting essential local services. “However, we understand that many groups are facing challenges in securing the funds needed to sustain and improve these spaces. “That’s why the Asda Foundation is proud to offer support through our Local Community Spaces fund, as well as our wider programmes. “Our goal is to help strengthen community connections and tackle loneliness by enhancing the places where people come together. Congratulations to the 79 successful groups who are receiving funding, we can’t wait to see the difference that they make.” Don’t miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter