Financial Inclusion Network
FIN News: 14 January 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 – Food and Healthy Eating
A well balanced diet is important to provide all the energy you need to keep active throughout the day and nutrients you need for growth and repair, helping you stay strong, healthy and help to prevent diet-related illness. If you are worrying about food there are different organisations that are able to support you. Select this section for different options that are available.
https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/directory/182/money_is_not_the_only_problem/category/523
East Kilbride Credit Union
East Kilbride Credit Union is here to support local people with affordable, manageable borrowing, especially during the cost-of-living pressures. Our loans offer a fair alternative to credit cards, buy-now-pay-later, and payday lenders, with a focus on helping members stay in control of repayments. We welcome referrals and signposting from frontline services supporting individuals who need access to safe, affordable credit.
Contact Details:-
Phone:- 01355 224771
Email:- info@ekcreditunion.co.uk
Website:- www.ekcreditunion.co.uk
LEAP
New Dementia Music Group starting on Tuesday 3 February 2026 in Halfway Community Hub, the former Halfway Library. Are you or your loved one living with dementia? Do you love to sing and dance? Then our music groups are for you. An hour session comprising of chair exercises to music, a musical activity and a singalong. Carers are welcome to join in the fun or enjoy a cuppa in our chillout room.
Contact Details:-
Phone:- 0141 641 5169
Email:- dementia.services@leap-project.co.uk
Energy Saving Week 2026
Energy Saving Week is a joint campaign by Citizens Advice and Energy Savings Trust and runs from Monday 19 January to Sunday 25 January this year. The purpose of the campaign is to empower households with knowledge on energy efficiency, finding better deals, and accessing support like the Warm Home Discount. Energy Saving Week focusses on helping people reduce energy bills, tackle fuel poverty, and find financial support during the coldest time of the year. For more information visit the website:-
https://awareness-days.co.uk/awareness-day/big-energy-saving-week-2/2026-01-19/
Energy Action Scotland – Stay Warm Stay Well Training
There are still places available in the latest Energy Action Scotland free training course for Stay Warm Stay Well initiative. Visit the website for more information:-
https://eas.org.uk/training-events/stay-warm-stay-well-training/
Stigma Free Lanarkshire
The Stigma Free Lanarkshire Programme is starting 2026 with two exciting opportunities for anyone passionate about driving real change. Join a growing movement that's taking action to build a stigma free Lanarkshire where people with mental illness are empowered to define their own recovery and thrive without the barriers of stigma and discrimination.
Sign up for our free newsletter and find out about these opportunities and much more at sfl@lanarkshirelinks.org.uk
People’s Stigma Free Network - The next meeting is on Wednesday 21 January 2026.
Understanding Mental Health Stigma Workshops - The next workshop is online on Thursday 29 January 2026.
Former library to be transformed into community hub
A vibrant community hub is to be created in Halfway, Cambuslang, with help from Participatory Budgeting funding.
The LEAP Project have taken over the lease of the former Halfway Library and aim to provide a space for people to meet, interact and build relationships, fostering a sense of belonging and reducing social isolation.
