Financial Inclusion Network
FIN News: 4 March 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 – Wellbeing
Taking care of yourself is very important. When you are under stress, it can be harder to do this. Within this section you will find information on places where you can get help to look after your mental and physical health as well as find social links and supports to help you stay comfortable, healthy and happy.
https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/directory/182/money_is_not_the_only_problem/category/522
Grants awarded to ‘Can Do’ communities
Community groups are to share £200,000 in grants that will support a wide range of services, including projects to help disabled children and deliver lifelong learning.
Police Scotland – front counter update
Police Scotland are making changes to their front counter services within Lanarkshire Police Stations which take effect from 1 April 2026.
Social Security Scotland
Sign up to our monthly newsletter for news, updates, events and consultations - https://www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/
The latest edition has news regarding improvements to carer benefits, disability benefits and celebrating five years of the Scottish Child Payment.
Improvement Service
Visit our webpage to find out what is happening with lots of news articles, case studies and a vast array research documents to tap into - https://www.improvementservice.org.uk/
Why don’t you sign up to receive our monthly newsletter. The February edition has articles about childcare in remote rural areas, climate news, increase in children learning to play musical instruments and so much more.
Big House Multibank looks like expanding into Glasgow
The Scottish arm of a UK-wide initiative to combat poverty by connecting families with surplus goods is examining the possibility of expanding into Glasgow City Region.
https://tfn.scot/news/big-house-multibank-looks-at-expanding-into-glasgow
For more information from a community organisation perspective contact Douglas Westwater on douglas@communityenterprise.co.uk or complete our survey at
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Multibank-Survey
Money Guiders Scotland
Money Guiders Scotland are delighted to invite you to a free, in person event in Glasgow on Wednesday 18 March from 9.30am to 2.00pm. This event provides an opportunity to lunch and learn with Ygam while going towards your Continuous Professional Development accreditation. This session is designed to help money guidance practitioners identify and support those at risk of, or experiencing, problem gambling, equipping you with practical skills you can apply in your day to day practice. This session will be of particular interest for social workers, family support teams, early help practitioners and similar professionals working with children, young people and families. Lunch will be provided, with dedicated time for networking so you can leave not only with new knowledge, but valuable new connections. We'd love for you to join us! Spaces are limited, books yours as soon as possible. Any enquiries about the event can be sent to Money Guiders Scotland via email: money.guiders.scotland@maps.org.uk
We’re Period Positive in our local libraries
To mark International Women’s Day, our libraries are showcasing new books on periods, menopause and women’s health – alongside free period products.
Drop in, have a browse, and remember:
period products are free in our libraries and available when you need them.
Hamilton Information Project for Youth (HIPY)
Hamilton Information Project for Youth are hosting their first International Women’s Day community celebration on Saturday 7 March at the Regent Centre, Hamilton, from 10am to 4pm.
The event will feature local women-led traders at Hamilton Market, live music, community information stalls, and free reusable period products available for anyone who needs them (while stocks last). Come along to support and celebrate women and community together.
In partnership with Hamilton, Our Town and South Lanarkshire Council
