Welcome to this week's Financial Inclusion Network news

The Financial Inclusion Network is a free network of members from public and third sector organisations across South Lanarkshire. The network helps members share information, opportunities, events and updates on a range of topics that support individuals, families and communities.

A weekly update is circulated to keep members informed about local services, funding opportunities, training, events and other relevant news. Updates can be accessed at any time, making it easy to stay connected with what is happening across South Lanarkshire.If you would like to include an item in a future update, please complete our online form: https://forms.office.com/e/Ht5w7iAuFi

For more 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

Fruit and Veg Grants

Schools, registered charities and not-for-profit organisations supporting children and young people can apply for up to £1,500 through Tesco's Fruit & Veg Grants programme.

Funding can support projects that improve access to healthy food, including breakfast and holiday clubs, healthy snacks, cooking activities, gardening projects, food education, and sports clubs.

Successful projects are shortlisted for a customer vote in local Tesco stores, with grants of £500, £1,000 or £1,500 awarded based on the number of votes received.

For more information and to apply, visit the Tesco Fruit and Veg Grants webpage.

Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust Grants

The Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust provides grants of £500 to £5,000 to charities, community groups, social enterprises and other not-for-profit organisations. Since 2022, the Trust has supported projects that make a positive difference in communities, with Allied Vehicles Group contributing £20,000 each month to the fund.

Funding is available for a range of community initiatives, including health and wellbeing projects, education, sports, culture, community development and support for vulnerable people. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

More information can be found here: alliedvehiclesgroup.com/allied-vehicles-charitable-trust/ 

Community Benefits Hub

The new Community Benefits platform is now live and open to all groups. Once registered and approved, you can submit up to three requests for support, whether that’s something you’ve asked for before or a new idea.

When submitting a request, try to keep it realistic as most suppliers will support requests between £250 and £1,000. It also helps to clearly explain what your group does and what you’re looking for, so suppliers can better understand how they can support you. If you need any help, feel free to get in touch.

You can find out more and register at www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/CommunityWishList