The event ‘Transforming Lives - resilience & equity for all’ marked a significant milestone in CHAP’s long-standing commitment to providing free, independent support to individuals and families in need across North, East, and South Ayrshire.

Since 2000, CHAP has grown from a small volunteer-led housing advocacy service into a trusted, triple-accredited provider of housing, welfare rights, and debt advice. The charity’s Education Team also delivers homelessness awareness and financial education workshops to secondary school pupils in Ayrshire and, more recently, Dumfries & Galloway.

As part of its anniversary celebrations, CHAP was joined by partners, funders and MSPs at Holyrood on Thursday 27th November. The event was sponsored by Kenneth Gibson MSP and showcased the charity’s achievements, the breadth of its services, and its long-term impact on preventing homelessness, alleviating poverty, and tackling financial exclusion.

A highlight of the event was the attendance of Màiri McAllan MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Housing, who congratulated CHAP on 25 years of serving local communities and recognised the charity’s crucial role in delivering early intervention services to help people avoid reaching crisis point.

Debbie Alexander, CEO of CHAP, said: “Our recent 25th anniversary event at the Scottish Parliament was a tremendous success, and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us to mark such a special moment in CHAP’s journey. 

“My sincere thanks go to Kenneth Gibson MSP for sponsoring the event, to Màiri McAllan MSP for her thoughtful and encouraging remarks, and to all our partners, funders and supporters who took the time to come along. 

“Their presence and engagement meant a great deal to our team. As we look ahead, we know there will be many challenges, but we’re ready to meet them - and we’re excited about building new partnerships and exploring fresh opportunities for collaboration in the years to come.”

CHAP also extended its heartfelt appreciation to the companies that generously supported key elements of their anniversary event. The catering was sponsored by Tes-Amm (Europe) Ltd., the Branding Hub Ayr supplied all printed materials, and Stagecoach West Scotland kindly provided a coach and driver to transport staff and guests from Ardrossan to Edinburgh and back - ensuring everyone travelled in comfort and safety. Their combined contributions played a vital part in making the day such a success. 

Fraser Smith, commercial director for Stagecoach South Scotland, added: “We were delighted to play a small part in supporting CHAP’s 25th anniversary celebrations by providing transport for staff and guests to the Scottish Parliament.

“CHAP’s work makes a real and lasting difference to people across Ayrshire, and we’re proud to stand alongside an organisation so committed to strengthening its communities. It was a privilege to help them mark such an important milestone, and we wish the team every success for the years ahead.”