MORE than £12,000 in funding was shared out to Troon groups after a successful event, held in the Walker Hall.

And it will help supply a whole host of facilities including a defibrillator for the Loans community.

Troon and Villages Decision Day took place on February 8.

The event was organised by Troon and Villages Locality Planning Partnership The funding criteria was aligned to Troon and Villages locality planning priorities: Supporting people living with long term health conditions, tackling social isolation and loneliness sand promoting good mental health and wellbeing Some 18 community groups bid for funding - with 15 fully funded and three unsuccessful. In all, 70 people came along to vote. Funding was provided by South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership and South Ayrshire Council.

Beneficiaries include Loans Community Council, who were given £1,000 to help purchase & install a defibrillator accessible to all people in Loans. The group will buy a secure cabinet for the defibrillator which will ensure it’s kept in the best possible condition. Irvine and Troon Cancer Care secured £1000 towards patient costs and volunteer drivers. The Good Companions have also landed £1000. This funding will help subsidise/increase activities and events.

The club provides friendship, fun and interaction for local senior citizens. Activities include theatre nights, outings, musical evenings and theme nights. A huge boost goes to the elderly in the community as Walker Avenue Sheltered Housing receive £1,000.

This will enhance their facilities by providing a DVD and lunch, general exercise group and nature trails. The Loans Social Hub receives £960 which will go towards a Photo Therapy Group for those affected by mental health and establish a Loans Past and Present History Group and produce a DVD and film.

This will purchase a projector, screen, sound bar and wall mount. Troon charity Give A Dog A Bone received £1,000 to help fund running/activities costs for their community space in Troon, which provides free activities for over 60s and free tea and chat service for anyone, to come and mix with our friendly team of Companionship Dogs.

The same sum went to BSL Ayrshire to provide bursaries for parents of deaf children and people who are themselves losing their hearing, to learn British Sign Language.

Dundonald Community Sports, Recreation & Heritage Association secured £1,000 and £680 went to conservation group Friends of Fullarton. Friends of Dundonald Castle and Beautiful Inside & Out each secured £1000 along with National Autistic Society Troon Group. St Meddans Sheltered Housing received £774.