Financial Inclusion Network
FIN News: 17 September 2025
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 – Housing
Do you have a housing enquiry and need advice regarding your current housing situation? Our HomeOptions toolkit can provide you with information about accessing or maintaining different types of accommodation. This includes renting a property from the council, a private residential tenancy, or owning your own home.
https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/directory/182/money_is_not_the_only_problem/category/521
Community Networking Event – Friday 10 October
Community Engagement Team Event Friday 10 October 2025, Council HQ, Almada Street, Hamilton, ML3 0AA from 12pm to 4pm.
Our Community Networking Event brings together local organisations, community groups, partners, and residents from across South Lanarkshire. It’s a friendly, open space to share updates, swap ideas, and discover opportunities to work together.
In addition to this there will be an element of workshops and learning opportunities which will be hosted throughout the afternoon. This is an event for the public so please feel free to promote it as widely as possible to groups, colleagues, family and friends.
For more information contact us at – communities@southlanarkshire.gov.uk
Challenge Poverty Week 2025 – Monday 6 October to Sunday 12 October
The aim of Challenge Poverty Week is to highlight the injustice of poverty and inequality by showing that collective action based on justice and compassion can create solutions. The week is an opportunity for you to raise your voice against poverty and unite with others in calling for a just and equal Scotland. Join hundreds of other organisations to do just that, including elected representative, charities, local authorities, faith groups, businesses, schools and colleges, trade unions, professional bodies and more.
We are creating a calendar of events for the week so, whatever you are doing (events, activities, messages, etc.) send in full details and we will collate the data for sharing with all partners, Send full details to communities@southlanarkshire.gov.uk
Rutherglen and Cambuslang Citizens Advice Bureaux
We are providing advice and assistance to client who have issues with their energy. Energy Best Deal (EBD) aims to help vulnerable clients and those in or at risk of fuel poverty to be able to afford their energy bills. This project does this by providing advice and support on a variety of energy related issues, as well as assisting clients to maximise their incomes and access other support that may be available to them. Advice includes relatively straightforward activities including the benefits of smart meters, applying for the Warm Home Discount, energy efficiency, how to read meters and/or bills, payment methods, Priority Services Registration, terms and conditions such as fixed term ‘deals and penalty charges if leaving a contract early. Our advisers also deal with more complex issues, and includes action on fuel debt, raising disputes with suppliers about back billing or other complex issues, taking forward a complaint about an energy supplier or distributor on a client’s behalf.
Tel: 0141 646 3191 or email: Bureau@rutherglencab.casonline.org.uk
Cambuslang Universal Connections
Join us for a local fun event to “Cycle a Mile for Climate Action” to promote the impact that cycling short distances can have to the local environment, air quality, health and wellbeing and links to community participation. We have 96 slots available for cyclists to join in on cycling a mile. We hope to cycle 96 miles, the equivalent of the West Highland Way. Find out more about local climate conversations and try ditching the car for journeys under one mile. You will not believe the impact of these small changes can have. Participants will receive a hot chocolate and a small goodie bag on completion of their mile comprising of • A poncho in a ball • Glow in the dark and reflective valve caps • Reflective stickers • Information on local cycling and walking groups and activities • Fun Fact sheet on climate action impacts of cycling short distances.
https://book.plinth.org.uk/e/q2z7X2vJJQh0o99LaNzh
Cambuslang Activity Group
The LEAP Project has recently launched a new activity group for people living with dementia and their carers at the Toll Pitch Community Hub, and we are currently looking for participants who could benefit from coming along.
The second and fourth Monday of every month, 1:00pm–2:30pm at Toll Pitch Community Hub, 21 Hamilton Road, Cambuslang, G72 7UP (free of charge). The group is designed specifically for people living with dementia who are able to take part in and enjoy group activities. Halfway through each session, carers and family members will have the opportunity to take a short break in a separate space while their loved ones continue engaging in the activities. If you know anyone who might enjoy and benefit from this group, we would love to hear from you. Participants would need to be able to make their own way to and from the group, either independently or with a family member or carer. If you’d like to find out more or chat about anything in more detail (including our other dementia-friendly groups available), feel free to call us at the office on 0141 641 5169 or email us at:- dementia.services@leap-project.co.uk
Inspiring Scotland
Inspiring Scotland, on behalf of the Scottish Government, is inviting applications for the Outdoor Community Play Main Grants Fund 2026–28. This fund supports registered Scottish Charities operating in SIMD one and two locations to deliver free, child-led outdoor play that improves children’s health and wellbeing.
We are looking for organisations experienced in delivering outdoor play opportunities, who want to help children and families connect with their local outdoor spaces through play, using the Play Ranger model.
Applications deadline: 12 noon, 10 October 2025
