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 

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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.

Online Downloads - South Lanarkshire Council

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Police Scotland’s Use of Enhanced CCTV Technology – Public Consultation

Please see the link to Police Scotland’s Use of Enhanced CCTV Technology Public Consultation which closes on Thursday 2 May 2024.

https://consult.scotland.police.uk/strategy-insight-and-innovation/briefcam-public-consultation/

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Health and Wellbeing Workshops

The Clydesdale and Hamilton Health Improvement Team are running the first of eight online health and wellbeing workshop sessions on Tuesday the 23 April, 10am-11am.  This upcoming workshop topic is alcohol awareness, lasting 45-60 minutes and aimed to help increase knowledge on alcohol and will cover the following learning objectives:

• Describe the Social Determinants of Health in relation to alcohol
• Outline the prevalence of alcohol use in Scotland

• Describe the health impact of alcohol use
• Low risk amount of alcohol consumption
• Understand units of alcohol
• And lastly know where to get information, support and further training

There is still time to sign up via the link below. These sessions are aimed at those working or volunteering in Lanarkshire:

MS Forms Sign up link

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Group is bowled over by wish List cash boost

A local group has been bowled over by the results of their application to the council’s Community Wish List (CWL).

For, Fernhill Bowlers has benefitted from a donation of £250 towards the cost of transport to take members on trips, days out, or to a special event. 
www.southlanarkshireview.scot/news/article/2173/Group_is_bowled_over_by_wish_list_cash_boost

Prepare a new Local Place Plan for your area

A Local Development Plan (LDP) is being prepared by the council that will be shaped by the views and aspirations of communities.

Community groups across the area now have the chance to prepare their own Local Place Plan (LPP) which will give communities the opportunity to set out their ideas for the development and use of land in their local area.
www.southlanarkshireview.scot/news/article/2167/Prepare_a_new_Local_Place_Plan_for_your_area

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Young footballers get their wish for a new kit

Footballers from an East Kilbride high school are ready for action after a donation through the council’s Community Wish List.

An after-school club is run to provide an opportunity to play football free of charge to young p.eople who might find difficulty in joining clubs that charge a fee.

www.southlanarkshireview.scot/news/article/2172/Young_footballers_get_their_wish_for_new_kit

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Climate Engagement Fund

Launch of the latest round of the Climate Engagement Fund (CEF) with £250K in funding available for the next year, from the Scottish Government to trusted messengers. Trusted messengers are split into three different types of organisations; place based messengers (can include community groups/ third sector, community trusts, local government/CPP’s), sectoral or institutional messengers (educational institutions, cultural facilities, environmental NGO’s) and equalities based messengers (groups representing those with disabilities, ethnic minorities, faith groups, age, sex, gender advocacy etc). The closing date for applications is 7 May 2024

Climate Engagement Fund reopens - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Overview - Climate Engagement Fund - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

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Discretionary Housing Payments

More than £90 million will be allocated to local authorities in 2024/25 to support eligible households at risk of hardship through the Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) scheme. The funding enables local authorities to mitigate the impact of UK Government policies such as the ‘bedroom tax’ and the ‘benefit cap’ which can reduce how much universal credit or housing benefit someone receives.

Payments can also be made where Local Housing Allowance doesn’t meet someone’s rent, or if a household is in hardship and struggling to meet their housing costs

Increased budget for housing costs support - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

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