Financial Inclusion Network
FIN News: 1 October 2025

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
Community Networking Event
Friday 10 October 2025 (12noon- 4pm) Council HQ, Almada Street, Hamilton, ML3 0AA
We are delighted to invite you to this year’s Community Networking Event, a chance for local groups, organisations, and individuals to come together, connect, and share ideas.
The event will also be a welcoming space where you can:
- Share experiences, ideas, and opportunities
- Learn more about what is happening across South Lanarkshire
- Explore how we can support each other to make a difference in our communities
Alongside plenty of opportunities to meet others and build connections, the day will also feature a range of workshops on important community topics, including:
- Credit unions and local financial support
- Free period products and tackling period poverty
- Home energy advice and support
- Community safety initiatives
- Health inequalities
…and many more, please check the link below for full list of workshops.
Everyone with an interest is welcome – whether you’re part of a group, a volunteer, or simply want to find out more about what is happening locally.
For more details and to keep up to date with the programme, please visit: www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/cp/cne2025
AbilityNet – Digital Training
AbilityNet can offers free training on the following topics:-
- Staying Safer Online and spotting scams
- Getting to Know Smart Phone or Tablet. – Including adapting device to suit accessibility needs.
- Accessing online GP Services and NHS Apps.
- Shopping Online (Including Safety)
- Online Banking (Including Safety)
- Using social media – Facebook and WhatsApp.
We can work with most community groups that are either over 65 or have a disability including mental health groups. Our website will give you an idea of the training on offer:
https://abilitynet.org.uk/free-tech-support-and-info/digital-skills-training-people-over-65
South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture Libraries
Join us for the fifth BygoneCon - South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture Libraries' Heritage and Local History Convention - taking place on Saturday 11 October at East Kilbride Central Library. BygoneCon brings together local and family history groups, archives, researchers, and community projects to celebrate our shared heritage, showcase their work, and connect with visitors. Explore fascinating stalls, displays and presentations - and get expert advice on exploring your own history. Drop-in any time between 10am and 4pm for this free event.
BygoneCon@library.s-lanark.org.uk
https://www.slleisureandculture.co.uk/news/article/4880/bygonecon_returns_this_october