Financial Inclusion Network
FIN News: 30 September 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 – Housing
If you are worried about your housing situation, this section can help you understand your options. You can get advice on:
- renting from us
- private renting
- owning your home
- staying in your current home
https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/directory/182/money_is_not_the_only_problem/category/521
Challenge Poverty Week – 5-11 October 2026
What’s happening during Challenge Poverty Week? There’s lots happening across South Lanarkshire during Challenge Poverty Week 2026.
Take a look at our calendar to find out what’s happening, get involved and help us raise awareness of poverty and the support available across our communities.
Find out more at the link:
www.southlanarkshirecommunityplanning.org/info/44/challenging_poverty/171/challenge_poverty_week_20
Financial Inclusion Network (FIN) – event Thursday 8 October in Carluke
The FIN event we are hosting during Challenge Poverty Week is being held on Thursday 8 October from 2pm to 4pm in South Lanarkshire Lifestyles Carluke, Carnwath Road, Carluke, ML8 4DF. This event has four great speakers lined up and will provide ample opportunities for networking with colleagues, old and new. If you have not yet done so there is still plenty of time to register for this event. It only takes a couple of minutes and can be done using this link -
If you have any questions regarding this please contact us at communities@southlanarkshire.gov.uk
Support extended for households in fuel hardship
Support for households struggling with the cost of heating oil and Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) has been extended into winter. The Scottish Emergency Heating Oil Scheme was introduced on 1 April to help low income households cover higher heating oil and LPG prices, driven by ongoing instability in the Middle East. For more information see the link - https://www.gov.scot/news/support-extended-for-households-in-fuel-hardship/
Period Positive – Hey Girls session
As part of Challenge Poverty Week we’re delighted to be hosting a hands on workshop with Hey Girls, the supplier of the period products we distribute across South Lanarkshire. Tuesday 6 October - 2.30pm - 3.30pm, East Kilbride Central Library
The workshop will include hands on period product testing and messy play, an exploration of Hey Girls resources such as lesson plans and educational materials, and an open group discussion on period problems, language, and period poverty. Together, we’ll learn about products, share resources, and talk openly about the challenges and experiences surrounding menstruation. The session is a great opportunity for locations that currently distribute period products, or staff involved in Period Positive, to learn more about the different products available, how they are used and the benefits of each. These hands on sessions are always very popular and, if there is enough interest, we may be able to offer a second session, on the same day.
Interested in taking part?
To sign up, or for more information, please email Period.Positive@southlanarkshire.gov.uk Places are limited, so please get in touch if you would like to attend.
Social Security Scotland
Sign up for our free monthly newsletter for news on benefits, events and consultations. The latest edition has articles on Challenge Poverty Week, support for young carers, winter heating help and much more - https://www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/
