Our Community Networking Event brings together local organisations, community groups, partners, and residents from across South Lanarkshire. It’s a friendly, open space to share updates, swap ideas, and discover opportunities to work together.

Previous events have showcased the fantastic work happening locally – from tackling poverty and boosting wellbeing to supporting volunteering and inclusive services. They’ve helped people learn from one another, build partnerships, and highlight the support available to individuals, families, and communities.

Whether you’re looking for advice on money matters, local services, or employability – or just want to find out what’s happening in your area – come along. Drop-in workshops will run throughout the day, giving you the chance to explore local projects and see how you can get involved in shaping community life.

This years event will take place at South Lanarkshire Council Headquarters, Almada Street, Hamilton, ML3 0AA, drop in from 12pm to 4pm on Friday 10 October 2025. 

What's on at the networking event

Committee Room 1

12.00pm - 4.00pm
Explore a variety of information stalls and stands, where our partners will be promoting their work, sharing information, and networking with attendees.

Committee Room 2

12.00pm - 12.30pm - (Community Asset Transfer)
Community Asset Transfer gives local groups the opportunity to take on ownership or management of land and buildings to benefit their community.

12.30pm - 1.00pm - (WHEB Credit Union)
‘What is a Credit Union?’ – A look at the financial services, support and advice that we provide for local residents.

1.00pm - 2.00pm - (Period Positive with Hey Girls)
The workshop will include hands-on period product testing and messy play, an exploration of Hey Girls resources such as lesson plans and educational materials, and an open group discussion on period problems, language, and period poverty. Together, we’ll learn about products, share resources, and talk openly about the challenges and experiences surrounding menstruation.

2.00pm - 2.30pm - (Home Energy Scotland)
How to help you make your home warmer, reduce your energy bills and contribute to a greener future.

2.30pm - 3.00pm - (Community Wish List)
The Community Wish List in South Lanarkshire connects local groups with businesses and individuals who can offer support, resources, or donations to help bring community projects to life.

3.00pm -4.00pm - (Period Positive with Hey Girls)
The workshop will include hands-on period product testing and messy play, an exploration of Hey Girls resources such as lesson plans and educational materials, and an open group discussion on period problems, language, and period poverty. Together, we’ll learn about products, share resources, and talk openly about the challenges and experiences surrounding menstruation.

Committee Room 3

12.00pm - 4.00pm
South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture Library Service will be showcasing their podcasting work, highlighting how stories and local voices are shared with the community.

Committee Room 5

12.00pm - 12.30pm - (Buisness Gateway)
The local team is here to help those looking to start a business or become self-employed.  For those already trading, Business Gateway can customise an action plan of support where its needed most!  Find out more about the free support available and meet Business Advisers Iona and Kurt.

12.30pm - 1.00pm - (Nourish Scotland)
An overview of campaigns, projects and resources available.

1.30pm - 2.00pm - (East Kilbride Citizens Advice)
A look at the fascinating range of support and advice available from the CAB focussing on Fuel Cost advice

• Understanding bills and tariffs
• Comparisons and switching
• Options for dealing with energy debt
• Ways to reduce costs and what support is available, including crisis support

1.30pm - 2.00pm - (Scotwest Credit Union)
A chat about how the credit union can help employers and communities build financial resilience and wellbeing.

2.00pm - 2.30pm - (The Wise Group)
An overview of services that we provide including Employability, Energy Advice and Advocacy, Skills and Training and Relational Mentoring

2.30pm - 3.00pm - (Change Works)
By providing free energy saving tips on how to make your home energy efficient we can deliver high impact solutions to make low-carbon life a positive reality for everyone. 

3.00pm - 4.00pm - (VASLan)
VASLan is the third sector interface for South Lanarkshire and can offer your organisation support on governance, charity law compliance, volunteering, volunteer management, networking and funding support.

Council Chamber

1.00pm - 2.00pm - (Our Place, A Safe Place, Community Safety Launch)
Launch of the Neighbourhood Planning Community Safety Card. Inputs by the police and charities will focus on the importance of public reporting and public reassurance and local people will highlight examples of positive actions taken to promote community safety.  
Participants get the opportunity to sign a pledge, lending their support for this initiative and agreeing to help distribute the card across South Lanarkshire communities.

2.00pm - 2.30pm - (Community Partnerships)
In South Lanarkshire, community partnerships bring together local people, groups, and services like NHS Lanarkshire, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue, voluntary groups, and community organisations. By working together, we can tackle inequalities and make sure local voices are heard in the decisions that matter.

For more information pleae contact

Community Engagement Team
communities@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 
0303 123 1017