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 – Online Access

There are many things which you may need to be able to access online, such as shopping, job applications and benefits help. If you need either equipment, skills or an internet connection to be able to do this, the following section lists places that may be able to help you.

Please check with the location before you go along – all of them are intending to provide free IT services but sometimes plans have to change. They will be able to tell you what they have available right now, and when.

https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/directory/182/money_is_not_the_only_problem/category/517

Stationery plea answered by Wish List

A Larkhall charity have had their appeal for stationery answered – thanks to the Community Wish List.

The Machan Trust needed the stationery for pupils who attend their daily after school study group at Larkhall Academy, and to provide primary school children with back-to-school packs.
www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/view/news/article/2159/Wish_List_helps_charity_continue_work_with_young_people

Social Security Scotland – Carer Support Payment

Carer Support Payment, the Scottish replacement for Carer’s Allowance will be getting rolled out in Lanarkshire from 24 June 2024.

Social Security Scotland will be hosting a series of events to make sure you and the people you support have all the relevant information about Carer Support Payment before it opens for new applications.  This will include how it will be different from Carer’s Allowance and how the service will be delivered by Social Security Scotland.

Please note that these events are for stakeholders supporting clients in these areas only and national organisations.

The events are taking place on 1, 9 and 14 May 2024. 

To secure a place, please visit the website and click the appropriate link from this page -  Social Security Scotland - Events  This will direct you to book for free via Eventbrite.

Fernhill Gala Day to Return

An annual gala day is to return with help from a local community fund.

Participatory budgeting (PB) is a way for local communities to become involved in deciding how to spend public money.
www.southlanarkshireview.scot/news/article/2161/Fernhill_Gala_Day_to_return

Lunch Club to Strengthen Links Between Scotland and Africa

A new cooker is to help a group further strengthen community cohesion between Scotland and Africa.
www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/view/news/article/2162/Lunch_club_to_strengthen_links_between_Scotland_and_Africa

Community Wish List helps bring life to school grounds

The seeds of knowledge are being planted at a Hamilton primary school with the help of the council’s Community Wish List.

Neilsland Primary School’s grounds are extensive and offer potential to enhance the pupils’ learning, but need improvements to allow that to happen.
www.southlanarkshireview.scot/news/article/2165/Wish_List_helps_bring_life_to_school_grounds