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 – Education

Limiting the Cost of the School Day is at the heart of every school. Schools are determined poverty will not become a barrier to success in school.

https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/directory/182/money_is_not_the_only_problem/category/520

Financial Inclusion Network Event – Tuesday 26 May 2026

We are hosting our annual FIN Networking event on Tuesday 26 May 2026 at Whitehill Neighbourhood Centre, 9 Hunter Road, Hamilton, ML3 0LH from 10.00-12.00 noon.

With the on-going cost of living crisis, it is as important as ever that Tackling Poverty and Inequality is at the heart of all FIN members and the work that we do.  We have four great speakers lined up for this event, to reflect the magnificent work that FIN members participate in on a continuous basis.  The event will also provide ample time for networking with colleagues, old and new.

If you are planning to attend this event, please complete the short on-line form using this link - https://bit.ly/FINEventMay26

Lanarkshire Climate Action Hub

Grants of up to £250 are now available to community groups and organisations across Lanarkshire to take part in Lanarkshire Climate Action Festival 2026.  The festival takes place from 7-20 September 2026.   Lanarkshire Climate Action Festival is the largest climate festival in Lanarkshire bringing communities together through positive climate action.  Last year’s festival boasted nearly100 engaging events organised by community groups, organisations, and businesses. The programme included everything from clothing mend and repair workshops and renewable energy learning visits to led bike rides and local litter picks. The festival is organised by Lanarkshire Climate Action Hub who offers funding to community groups and organisations to stage events during the festival fortnight. Events are organised under the themes of Circularity, Community Engagement, Energy, Food & Nature and Travel, but the Hub welcomes creative ideas for different types of events and activities.  All events must either aim to start local climate conversations and/or raise interest in climate action in the community.   The grant is now open for applications to constituted Lanarkshire-based community groups and organisations with a bank account and closes for applications on 31 May 2026.

https://lanarkshireclimateactionfestival.net/funding

grants@climateactionlanarkshire.net

Start Up Bootcamp coming to Hamilton

Are you thinking about starting a business, or have you recently launched and want to make sure you’re on the right track?    Business Gateway Lanarkshire is hosting a free Start-up Bootcamp – an interactive workshop that covers everything you need to know about starting a successful business.

Join Business Advisers, Meghan and Iona, for a hands on session packed with practical tools, useful resources and designed to give you the confidence to help you get started.  Plus, you’ll get access to ongoing, dedicated 1-to-1 support from a local Business Adviser.

This is an in-person workshop being held on Wednesday 27 May, 10am – 2:30pm, Hamilton Town House,102 Cadzow Street, Hamilton. ML3 6HH

Book your free place here: Start-up bootcamp | Business Gateway