Financial Inclusion Network
FIN News: 28 October 2026
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 – Online Access
Many everyday tasks now need the internet, including shopping, job applications and benefits. If you do not have a device, internet access or confidence using online services
local support may be available. Some venues offer free computer access, Wi‑Fi and basic digital help. Always contact the venue before you visit to check what is available.
https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/directory/182/money_is_not_the_only_problem/category/517
Voluntary Action South Lanarkshire (VASLan) – Vacancy
VASLan are currently looking for a new Chief Executive Officer. The closing date for applicants is Monday 9 November 2026. Follow the link for more information:-
https://vaslan.org.uk/vacancies/chief-executive-officer/
British Heart Foundation – Heart MOT Challenge
The Heart MOT Challenge is a 30-day challenge that helps you take simple steps towards looking after your heart, while raising money for British Heart Foundation. Designed with men aged 45+ in mind, but open to everyone, the challenge gives you a clear and achievable plan to follow from home. You'll complete your Heart MOT and then throughout November spend just 10 minutes a day completing guided activities focused on movement, strength and mobility, helping you build healthier habits that can last beyond the challenge. All backed by BHF expertise.
More information and to sign up –
Have Your Say on the Council Plan
Everyone in South Lanarkshire is being encouraged to have their say on the Council Plan, Connect. Consultation is now underway on the plan, which sets out the council’s vision, values and priorities for the future -
https://www.southlanarkshireview.scot/news/article/3004/Have_your_say_on_Council_Plan
Clydesdale Networking Meetings
Clydesdale Community Initiative (CCI) and Healthy Valleys working in partnership with Voluntary Action South Lanarkshire (VASLan) to bring Clydesdale's community groups and organisations together quarterly. These networking events provide a vital opportunity for support and partnership working, offering an opportunity for shared learning.
Please come and join us on Friday 4 December 9.45am-12noon at Blackwood Victoria Bowling Club, Kirkmuirhill ML11 9RS. Our previous event in October focused on Transport and it was evident that Energy, and in particular Fuel Poverty, is a major issue for rural Clydesdale and comes up time and time again, so we want to give Spotlight opportunities to organisations who are able to provide advice and/or solutions to the complex energy issues therefore our sessions will focus on how we can make things work in our own communities. If you are interested in taking part in this spotlight, please email Ruth from CCI directly ruth@cciweb.org.uk
As part of the event, we will be having a marketplace so if you would like to bring leaflets or information from your organisation along, you are welcome to.
To find our more or book your place please go to -https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2003660056165?aff=oddtdtcreator
The Wise Group
For help, support and advice on household fuel costs and efficiencies call the Home Energy Advice Team on 0800 092 9002.
There are still places available on our Relational Mentoring Programme please call us at 0141 303 3131(option8) or email -
relationalmentoringscotland@thewisegroup.co.uk
Visit our website to see the full range of services available - https://www.thewisegroup.co.uk/
The Conservation Volunteers in Scotland – Blantyre Future Forests in Communities
Join our free workshop learn and discuss how trees and woodlands can help protect and improve the places we live. Climate change and biodiversity loss is impacting our landscape, communities and wildlife. The online workshop is being held on Friday 13 November at 10.30am
