Financial Inclusion Network
FIN News: 21 October 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 – 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
Feel the Warmth
Heat The Person. Intrinsically safe heat pads can be used every day for a month for less than £1.00. For more information on these pads and other initiatives please contact us at 07726971317 or by Email - info@ftwscotland.com
Hamilton Health and Social Care Forum
Interested in health and social care in Hamilton, Blantyre, Larkhall or nearby areas? Join the Hamilton Health and Social Care Forum (HHSCF), who meet every six weeks where new members are always welcome to share their views and help shape local services. The aim of the HHSCF is to ensure patients, carers and local people are heard and can help encourage positive change in health and social care services.
Email - administrator@communitylinkssl.co.uk
Website - https://www.slhscp.org.uk/SLHSCForum and https://communitylinkssl.co.uk/positive-pathways
Move Forward Movement
Befriending service to support our residents and individuals dealing with isolation to improve their mental wellbeing. Our other services include confidence building and resilience.
Email - Enquiries@moveforwardmovement.org
Website - www.moveforwardmovement.org
Improvement Service
Measuring the Value of Welfare Rights Advice in Dundee... was it worth it? Tuesday 3 November 2pm to 3pm. How can councils demonstrate the wider value of welfare rights advice? Dundee City Council used a social return on investment approach to measure the impact of improving access to advice and provide evidence of the benefits generated. Earlier this year, the Improvement Service published two reports applying this approach. One examined the benefits of providing access to welfare rights and money advice in a secondary school, while the other focused on advice delivered through GP practices. Both reports identified the key stakeholders, explored how they benefited and calculated the social return on investment. This webinar will briefly review both of these analyses, which provide examples of community based advice provision. The context for this and how these reports have subsequently been used by the Council, will be outlined by Craig Mason, Senior Manager (Council Advice Services). Join the webinar to hear directly from Craig and the report authors and to put your questions to them about the approach, findings and practical lessons. To book a place:-
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2002077589966?aff=oddtdtcreator
Email - evaluation@improvmentservice.org.uk
The Manda Centre
We are hosting a Burns night Supper on Friday 22 January 2027 within the Auldhoose in Hamilton. We would be delighted if anyone wished to join us. Please call us for more information. Phone - 077577 407002
Managing a Community Facility
You are invited to a teams meeting on the topic of Managing A Community Facility. Andrew Aldous who is the facilities advisor for Community Ownership Scotland is going to deliver a presentation on the subject with an opportunity to ask questions afterwards. Andrew has been supporting groups throughout Scotland for the last few years and has a wealth of knowledge. The presentation will be online on Monday 2 November 2026, between 7pm and 8.15pm.
Please email to confirm your attendance:- communities@southlanarkshire.gov.uk
The Microsoft Teams link is: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/390732822521109?p=U2S7LbTkGZ3vOKSroL
Archaeology Group Can do More Digging Thanks to Funding
Clutha Archaeology has secured funding to promote and encourage interest in community-led history and heritage projects.
Voluntary Action South Lanarkshire (VASLan) – Vacancy
VASLan are currently looking for a new Chief Executive Officer. The closing date for applicants is Monday 9 November 2026. Follow the link for more information:-
https://vaslan.org.uk/vacancies/chief-executive-officer/
