Welcome to this week's Financial Inclusion Network news

The Financial Inclusion Network is an informal group of over 250 members taken from the Public and Third Sectors which covers all areas of South Lanarkshire.  This network is to share information from a wide range of themes. We hope to provide a new update each week that can be accessed by all members at any time to see what is going on in the area under the headings below. If you would like an item included within our weekly news, please complete our short online form here: https://forms.office.com/e/Ht5w7iAuFi.  For further information, please email communities@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 

Money is not the only problem – Employment

If you are looking for work, there are services within South Lanarkshire who can help you with this. They can provide training, support and advice for you. They can also help if you are in work but need to develop your skills to secure better paid jobs or need to know about your employment rights including how much the Living Wage is or what in work benefits you can claim.

https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/directory/182/money_is_not_the_only_problem/category/524

Scotwest Credit Union

Scotwest Choice - A member exclusive platform to access discounts, rewards and cash-back. With the increasing cost-of-living Scotwest Credit Union have been looking at how best they can support members to make their money go further. Scotwest Choice offers 1000's of discounts and cash-back offers across a wide range of retailers such as Asda, Tesco, Argos, Curry’s’ and much more. With Black Friday sales and Christmas fast approaching there are savings to be had and rewards to gain and we'll be showcasing some of those on our Scotwest Choice Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/scotwestchoice or https://www.scotwest.co.uk/scotwest-choice/

Tel: 0141 227 2390

Talk Money Week (3-7 November 2025)

‘Start the Conversation’

Talk Money Week is our yearly campaign encouraging people to have more open conversation about their finances – from pocket money to pensions – and to continue these conversations all year-round.  We invite organisations across the country, including employers, financial services and educators, to get involved with activities and events. It all helps people to feel more confident talking money – which is often the first step to a better financial future.  For more information on how ‘To Start the Conversation’ visit our website - https://maps.org.uk/en/our-work/talk-money-week#What-is-Talk-Money-Week-

The Wise Group – HEAT Programme

HEAT provides FULLY FUNDED 1-1 mentoring support and advocacy to households.  Our team of Energy Mentors provide a holistic, independent, tailored advice to households experiencing energy crises throughout South Lanarkshire.  We provide ongoing support throughout the process, helping customers understand their options and make informed decisions.  This includes: 

• Tackling energy emergencies 

• Managing fuel debt and related issues, 

• Advocate on your behalf. 

• Accessing energy grants and crisis funds 

• Optimising energy usage and efficiencies

In addition to our advice and advocacy service we have direct funding available to households facing significant hardship. This funding is limited and is subject to availability.  

https://portal.thewisegroup.co.uk/heat-referral/