AN AYR charity has been shortlisted for two awards as it marks a major milestone in its vital work.

SeAscape has been helping to tackle homelessness in the region since 1999.

It started as a rent deposit scheme but now provides a number of services, helping over 1,000 households every year.

SeAscape has been shortlisted for two categories through the Ayrshire Chamber Business Awards.

Beverly Campbell, social enterprise and income development manager, explained how the charity has progressed over the past 25 years.

She said: “We provide a number of services and have a contract with South Ayrshire Council to provide housing and homelessness support to people over 36.

(Image: Newsquest)

“Alongside that we run a homelessness prevention project, as well as a befriending service and also help people furnish their homes when they secure tenancy.

“A lot of homelessness in the area is hidden, and is not just people living on the street but is also those in temporary accommodation.

“Demand is growing all the time and even people who are in work are struggling to make ends meet and declaring themselves homeless.”

Alongside its award nominations, the charity is also marking the one-year anniversary of its fund-raising shop in Ayr Central.

Beverly said: “We get a lot of donations and our shop helps the charity to be a bit more sustainable.

“We currently have 31 employees and around 14 volunteers, with a few of those giving their time in the shop.

“It’s all about local people helping local people, and also promoting the reuse of items where we can. We actually diverted 130 tonnes of waste from landfill last year.

“To be nominated for these awards is brilliant, and is a real testament to the work of our staff and volunteers.”

Anyone interested in volunteering with the charity or finding out more about its services can visit the SeAscape website or email enquiries@seascapeayr.co.uk.