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

Feel the Warmth CIC

Feel The Warmth CIC is a not for profit organisation set up to stop our elderly dying or suffering from hypothermia.  Having experienced an elderly relation almost die from it we developed a heat pad and kidney heat belt that can be run every day for a month for less than £1.00

Website:- https://ftwscotland.com/  or info@ftwscotland.com

Phone:- 07726971317

Social Security Scotland

Visit our website to see news, updates and events or sign up for our monthly newsletter.  The latest edition has news regarding the migration of the new Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance, stakeholder events on the Funeral Support Payment and dates for the payment of the Carer’s Allowance Supplementary payment:- https://www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/

Have your say on savings and your services

Everyone in South Lanarkshire has the chance to get involved as the council sets its budget for next year.  A public consultation has now opened as 17 savings options have been tabled to help bridge a £36 million gap over the next two years, with £14m needed in 2026-27 alone.

https://www.southlanarkshireview.scot/news/article/2770/Have_your_say_on_savings_and_your_services

South West Health Improvement Team – Bulletin

Please see the link to the current edition of the South West Health Improvement Team bulletin which covers the Cambuslang, Rutherglen, East Kilbride & Strathaven areas.

https://www.southlanarkshireview.scot/news/article/2770/Have_your_say_on_savings_and_your_services

Communities Can Do Grant Programme

We are pleased to confirm that applications for the Communities Can Do Grant Programme are now open. Constituted third sector organisations in South Lanarkshire can apply for medium-sized grants ranging from £1,000 to £20,000 to support projects delivered between 1 April 2026 and 31 March 2027.  A total grant budget of £200,000 is available. The number of grants awarded will depend on the value of the successful applications received.

Eligibility Requirements
Only constituted third sector groups are eligible to apply. Individuals cannot submit applications on behalf of an organisation. All applying organisations must have:

• Appropriate public liability and any other necessary insurance in place
• A bank account held in the legal name of the organisation (personal accounts cannot be used)

For applications exceeding £10,000, organisations must also provide:

• At least 12 months of audited or independently examined financial accounts
• A declaration of any conflicts of interest
• Confirmation that trustees or directors are not disqualified from holding office

Organisations that are not yet constituted are encouraged to seek support from recognised support bodies such as VASLan before submitting an application.

Application Window
Applications open 1 December 2025 and close at midnight on Sunday 4 January 2026.

Further information and the application guidance can be found at: www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/info/200168/getting_involved_in_your_community/2335/communities_can_do_fund

If you have any questions or require support with the application process, please get in touch with communities@southlanarkshire.gov.uk