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

Community Networking Event – Friday 10 October

Save the Date - Community Networking Event Friday 10 October 2025, Council HQ, Almada Street, Hamilton, ML3 0AA from 12pm to 4pm.

The event will take a familiar shape with FIN members hosting stalls/tables to promote their services to community groups and members of the public. 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.

Please use the following two links to register for a stand and provide ideas for any workshops:-

• What you want to learn - https://forms.office.com/e/MhRKrJ26Xp

For more information contact us at – communities@southlanarkshire.gov.uk

Energy Redress Fund

Charities and community energy groups across England, Scotland and Wales can now apply for a grant through one of six funding streams, with a total of £40 million available.  The scheme prioritises support for people in vulnerable situations struggling with their energy bills, the development of innovative energy-related products or services and projects that empower people to reduce their carbon emissions.  In addition, this funding round also encourages applications for projects targeting the Private Rented Sector (PRS) properties. 

The deadline for applications to this funding round is 5pm on 9 September 2025, via the link - https://energyredress.org.uk/

Social Security Scotland

Why not visit our website for all the latest news and sign up to our monthly newsletter.  The August edition includes articles regarding Adult Disability Payment, Scam Texts and much more - https://www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/

VASLan – Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund

The Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund is now open for applications.  Please use the link below for more information and how to apply.  This year all applications will be presented to the panel for consideration after the closing date of Monday 6 October 2025 - https://vaslan.org.uk/cmhwf/

Challenge Poverty Week 2025 – Monday 6 October to Sunday 12 October

Challenge Poverty Week (CPW) started in 2013.   The aim of CPW 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

Warm Home Discount Schemes

Please note that many utility companies have either started or about to start their Warm Home Discount Schemes for this year.  Please check with your own supplier for more details.