Financial Inclusion Network
FIN News: 5 August 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 – 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
Volunteer group handed £500 to continue DIY services
A local group of volunteers have been given support from a local building firm to help them continue offering a vital service to those in need. The Larkhall and District Volunteer Group was given £500 after making a request to the Community Benefits Hub to help it continue its free Handyperson Service which recently faced a reduction in core funding to support one of our most valued services.
Thistle Credit Union
At Thistle Credit Union we understand that managing cashflow as a busy family brings its own set of challenges; a stress that is only magnified by the cost of back to school season. Our family loans are specifically designed to help take the stress out of family finances. Not to brag, but our family loans are a more affordable alternative to traditional loan companies. Borrow either £250, £500 or £750, repay straight from your child benefit payments, spread repayments over 26, 38 or 44 weeks and continue to save as you repay. Registered and regulated by the financial conduct authority. Free loan protection included.
Email:- staff@thistlecu.co.uk
Webpage:- https://thistlecu.co.uk/loans/family-loans/
South Lanarkshire Galas and Festivals Fund
We are pleased to let you know that the South Lanarkshire Galas and Festivals Fund is now open for applications. The fund supports free, inclusive community galas, festivals and events that celebrate the history, identity and traditions of our local communities.
Application deadline: Midnight on Friday 28 August
If your organisation is planning a community gala, festival or celebration, we encourage you to apply.
Full guidance, eligibility criteria and the online application form are available on the South Lanarkshire Council website:
If you have any questions about the fund or the application process, please don't hesitate to get in touch – communities@southlanarkshire.gov.uk
Stay Warm stay Well – Energy Action Scotland.
STAY WARM STAY WELL - Free Training For Front Line Staff
Fuel poverty is a major problem in Scotland. More than one in four people can’t afford to heat their homes to an adequate level. For those living in fuel poverty, the consequences are ill health, discomfort and debt. This often means choosing between heating and eating.
We provide free Stay Warm Stay Well training, to front line staff responsible for looking after the health, wellbeing, and social welfare of vulnerable people. This updated energy efficiency training will enable a range of organisations in Scotland, to provide appropriate and effective advice and information to clients, helping them to obtain all the help and support that’s available.
We are delivering this course online utilising Microsoft Teams. Places are available on a first come, first served basis. The course will cover:
Introduction to EAS and the Stay Warm Stay Well, Fuel poverty – causes and effects, Cold damp homes and health impacts, Condensation dampness, Energy efficiency, Heat loss in the home, Paying for fuel and fuel debt issues, Sourcing help and effective signposting and Tariffs and switching.
The course is delivered in two sessions. Each session consists of a PowerPoint delivery followed by a Question and Answer session. Participants must attend both sessions on the same day to be eligible to receive a certificate for Continued Personal Development (CPD).
Pre and Post evaluation forms will be issued to all those who attend. By completing these, you may be eligible for one of the sponsored Energy Awareness, City & Guilds (Level 3) spaces we have available.
Do you know someone who is cold at home or who struggles to afford their fuel bills? If so, this free training can help you to find solutions.
Please click on your preferred date on the list below which will take you to the appropriate booking page. Please note that each session is limited to 35 places so if your first choice is not available, please try another option. Available dates
For more information and available dates visit 0ur webpage - https://eas.org.uk/training-events/
The Wise Group - Jobs Fair
The Wise Group in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions are hosting a Jobs Fair on Wednesday 26 August 2026 from 10am to 1.30pm in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Killermont Street, Glasgow, G2 3NW. All are welcome - https://www.thewisegroup.co.uk/
