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 – Money

Having enough money to get by can be a big issue for people. This section looks at how you may be able to get more money in, either through benefits or fair work, and how you might be able to cut your bills in some ways.

https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/directory/182/money_is_not_the_only_problem/category/519

Move Forward Movement – Community Engagement Event

Community Activation and Social Inclusion Engagement Event

We want to hear your views on how we can connect and integrate our community and to discuss concerns and suggestions for community improvement.

Everyone is welcome to join us – free refreshments and entertainment.

East Kilbride Bowling Club, John Wright Sports Centre, Calderwood, East Kilbride, G74 3EU

Sunday 16 February 2025 1pm to 4pm

For more information:- 07918754541 or https://www.moveforwardmovement.org

Cash for Kids – Holiday Hunger Grants

Charities, schools, community groups, and organisations that support children affected by poverty can apply for grants of up to £3,000 to provide support for children and young people up to 18 years old who face food insecurity and lack access to activities during school holidays.

Cash for Kids, a grant-giving charity supporting disadvantaged children, is offering the Holiday Hunger Grant Fund to help address child poverty through funding nutritious meals, activities, staffing costs, and equipment.

Organisations interested in applying should do so here - https://cashforkids.org.uk/grants

The Wise Group – HEAT Programme

The Wise group run the Home Energy Advice Relational Mentoring Service (HEAT) which provides 1-1 mentoring support and advocacy to vulnerable households in Scotland.  Our team of Energy Mentors provide a holistic, independent, tailored advice to fuel-poor households experiencing energy crises.  

 We provide ongoing support throughout the process, helping customers understand their options and make informed decisions. This includes tackling energy emergencies, managing fuel debt and related issues, optimising energy usage and efficiencies and accessing energy grants and crisis funds.

For more information contact – 0800 092 9002 or use the link to refer - https://www.thewisegroup.co.uk/

Joseph Rowntree Foundation – Poverty Report

Please see the link to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation Poverty Report - UK Poverty 2025: The essential guide to understanding poverty in the UK. 

https://www.jrf.org.uk/uk-poverty-2025-the-essential-guide-to-understanding-poverty-in-the-uk

Nourish Scotland – Vacancy

Nourish Scotland is hiring.  We are looking for a Project Officer to support work on agriculture and aquatic foods, you can find more details at the link below.- The deadline is 16 February 2025 and we would encourage you to apply if you are interested or have expertise in this area - https://www.nourishscotland.org/about/vacancies/