Engage Newsletters
Keep up to date with Engage Renfrewshire
Engage Update - 07 July
Annual Royal Garden Party 1 July 2025
We’re thrilled to share that Amy and Rachel from Engage Renfrewshire’s Finance Team had the privilege of attending the Royal Garden Party last week.
Hosted by His Majesty the King and members of the Royal Family, the event celebrates individuals and organisations making exceptional contributions to their communities.
Bus 340 Update
A new, free transport link between the Vale of Leven Hospital and Royal Alexandra Hospital has been expanded in response to feedback from the public.
The link, which replaces the underused service provided by a bus operator, will now be available to staff, patients and visitors.
It will be more frequent than the previous service, and will be significantly more cost-effective for NHSGGC.
While the bus runs directly between the two hospitals, if a patient requires transport from another location, such as Helensburgh, the Board’s transport policy can provide financial support, if appropriate, to help them attend an appointment.
We would like to thank all those who have engaged with us about the launch of this new service.
For more information, go to: VoLH to RAH shuttle bus service - FAQ - NHSGGC
Health, Social Care and Sport Committee - pre-budget scrutiny 2026-27
The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee is seeking views as part of its pre-budget scrutiny 2026-27. Its scrutiny this year is focused on the mental health budget.
The Committee would like to explore current levels of spending on mental health services and how this is allocated across different interventions. The Committee would also like to explore how decisions on spending allocations are made. Your responses to the following questions will help in informing the Committee’s scrutiny and your input is much appreciated.
Who we would like to hear from
We welcome responses from a wide range of individuals and organisations, including:
- Members of the public
- Advocacy groups
- Professional bodies
- Industry experts
- Academic institutions
- Government agencies
- Any other stakeholders with an interest in mental health policy and funding
https://yourviews.parliament.scot/health/pre-budget-scrutiny-2026-27/
Brick Lane and Ability Academy are looking for participants to join us on a project for this years Mental Health Arts Festival. The project will begin in August 2025 and include songwriting, music rehearsals and film making with a screening and performance in October 2025.
If you would like to get involved or know anyone who may benefit from participating then please get in touch here:
info@bricklanemusicacademy.co.uk
0141 328 6983
Make a real difference in Renfrewshire!
Join Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland's Advice Line Volunteer team, and you can support people across Scotland living with chest, heart, stroke and Long Covid conditions.
Here are some of the reasons their volunteers signed up:
✅ Share experience
✅ Make a meaningful difference
✅ Build and use valuable skills
Volunteering with CHSS’s Advice Line would suit someone with helpline or call centre experience, or someone studying towards a career in healthcare. CHSS provide all the training and support you need.
For more information you can contact the CHSS Advice Line team directly:
adviceline@chss.org.uk
0808 801 0899
We deliver virtual cooking demos to the wider community, and for those with dementia, their families and carers.
These sessions have been well received by Dunbar Dementia Carers, Care 4 Carers and Glasgow Disability Alliance. We also deliver in person workshops and demos in the Glasgow and surrounding areas.
If you would be interested in a cooking demo for your groups, or would like more info, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Claire Bannerman
VfL Roving Chef
claire@vegetarianforlife.uk