Airdrie Local Outcome Improvement Plan highlights 2024/25

Airdrie Action Partnership (AAP) is a network of third sector organisations and officers from North Lanarkshire Council, National Health Service Lanarkshire and Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire who provide a service in the Airdrie locality.   

The group meets regularly to network, look at opportunities for collaborative work.  AAP is the LOIP subgroup for Airdrie and progresses the actions and tasks outlined in the Local Outcome Improvement Plan. The need for the Xmas appeal to benefit local residents was identified by the AAP.

The partnership is supported by:

• Whinhall Action Group
• Whinhall Allotments
• Chapelhall Community Development Group
• XACT (Airdrie and Coatbridge 41 club)
• Bear Necessities
• Airdrie Community School Uniform Bank
• Airdrie Citizens Advice Bureau
• Airdrie Foodbank
• Routes to Work
• Cairnlea Church
• Airdrie Salvation Army
• Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire (VANL)
• NHS Lanarkshire (Health Improvement)
• North Lanarkshire Council
• Airdrieonians Football Club
• Airdrie Community Trust
• Albert Bartlett
• Holemasters Group
• Airdrie Allsorts
• Beechbank Toddlers and Muddyboots
• Latch on Lanarkshire
• Caledonia Academy and Martial Arts and Fitness.

This year’s campaign saw an overwhelming outpouring of support, enabling the partnership to make a big difference for vulnerable families across Airdrie and nearby villages facing financial challenges this winter.

Here’s what the Christmas Appeal achieved:

• 310 families supported in total.
• 692 children and teenagers received gifts and clothing.
• 139 individuals enjoyed a Christmas meal.
• 222 gift cards distributed to those in need.
• 57 referrals made to the council’s Tackling Poverty team for income maximisation.

Airdrie Action Partnership remains committed to supporting local families and driving forward efforts to tackle poverty in the community.

One grateful parent said: "I want to thank you all so, so much... I'm totally overwhelmed with all the gifts and vouchers for my children. They will be totally amazed, just like I am... I can't believe how kind you have been."

“The minute I’m back on my feet, I will gladly give back. This is just outstanding; I’m speechless. Thank you to each and every business and Airdrie Partnership for making Christmas great for my children."

Airdrie Action Partnership puts its success down to the collaborative efforts of local people, businesses, and others in the community and has thanked local businesses and individuals who supported their hugely successful 2024 Christmas appeal.

Iain Jamieson, Chairperson for the partnership, said: "This initiative demonstrates the power of partnership working to address critical issues like poverty. The commitment and generosity of everyone involved have been remarkable, and we look forward to presenting a full report at the next Airdrie Town Board meeting in March."

"Airdrie Action Partnership has shown the true spirit of community by coming together to support vulnerable families during one of the most challenging times of the year,” said Councillor Chris Costello, Convener of the Poverty and Wellbeing Committee. “Their dedication and hard work have made an incredible difference, ensuring that children and families facing hardship could experience the joy of Christmas.”