Engage Update - 08 December

It’s important to reward your volunteers all year round and not just at Christmas time, but if your volunteers celebrate Christmas, then it would be nice to say “thank you”.

Remember, your gratitude doesn’t need to be expensive or elaborate—it just needs to be heartfelt. Personalised thank you cards or certificates is an affordable and effective way to acknowledge that their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed.

Making time to say a sincere “thank you” will leave your volunteers feeling valued and ready to continue their volunteering journey with you in the year ahead. 

                                                                   They’ve made a difference. They’ve dedicated their own time. They are awesome!

Newsletters

Trading Standards Scotland - 04 December

Renfrewshire Carers Newsletter

The Promise Scotland National Newsletter Nov 25

Cyberbyte December 2025

This summer, the Council asked local people for their views on Renfrewshire as a place to live, what the Council is doing well, where improvements can be made and what they believe should be prioritised moving forward. 
 
Over 2,000 people took part in this research exercise, whether they were chosen at random to take part in a survey interview or chose to give their views online or in our libraries.  
 
Respondents spoke about:

• pride in local neighbourhoods
• satisfaction with schools, parks, and libraries
• support for prioritising older and vulnerable residents and essential services

 The findings from this research are now available on the council’s website: https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/consultations/resident-research. You can also read a paper copy in any Renfrewshire library. 

This programme has been put together by RAMH and the Renfrewshire Wellbeing Network to help people stay connected and supported over the festive season.

We know that winter can be a tough time for some, especially around Christmas and New Year. While some people take a break from services, others might feel more isolated or need a bit of extra support. That’s why we’ve gathered a range of activities from different groups across Renfrewshire all in one place.

Whether you’re looking for something social, relaxing, or just a reason to get out and about, we hope this programme helps you stay connected and feel a little more supported this season.

See the programme here

If you would like more information on RAMH email enquiries@ramh.org or for the Renfrewshire Wellbeing Network email info@engagerenfrewshire.com

Renfrewshire CYP Cross-sector Forum Meeting

17 December 2025 at 10am 

This meeting is open to all third sector groups working with families and children in Renfrewshire. As this network has not met for some time, and conscious of new groups as well as staff and role changes etc, we ask that all attendees sign up via Eventbrite so we can update records. Please feel free to pass this email to the most appropriate member of staff in your organisation.

The main discussion point for the meeting will be a presentation from Annie Torrance, Senior Policy Officer (People) at Renfrewshire Council's Chief Executive Service who is conducting Renfrewshire's Children Services Partnership's Joint Strategic Needs Assessment. Annie would like to hear from as many third sector service providers as possible to understand current need and levels of service across the area. 

Register for your place here 

Renfrewshire Council Climate Adaptation - Request for Feedback 

As part of Renfrewshire’s Plan for Net Zero, Renfrewshire Council are developing a Climate Adaptation Plan to address local climate vulnerabilities and identify the mitigation measures and solutions required. To ensure the plan reflects the needs and priorities of our communities, we are keen to engage a broad range of stakeholders and gather your feedback.

Further information and how to give feedback 

Renfrewshire HSCP Chief Officer's Weekly Vlog

I’m pleased to share my latest Vlog with you below.
 
In this week’s Vlog, I talk about:

•  NHSGGC’s system reset.
• Strategic discussions with our Extended Senior Management team.
• My regular thanks to staff for their great work. This week I mention some positive feedback relating to the RES service.  

 
If you have any feedback on this video or ideas for future topics, I’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch or email: HSCPcommunications@renfrewshire.gov.uk
 
I hope you enjoy this week’s update…



Billy McClean
Chief Officer, Renfrewshire Health & Social Care Partnership

Firework Control Zones - Community Applications

The application process is now open, to allow Renfrewshire communities to request that we consider designating areas as Fireworks Control Zones, under new powers.
 
Firework Control Zones are defined geographical areas, where the majority of residents wish to have the use of private, domestic fireworks controlled, and where there is evidence to suggest that a Zone may solve a nuisance, or problem.
 
Firework Control Zones cannot ban fireworks completely – they are only intended to stop personal use in a person’s own property.  Full information on Firework Control Zones, including how to apply can be found at:  https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/community-and-neighbourhood-issues/community-safety/firework-control-zones-renfrewshire

It’s that time of year again! We’re delighted to invite you to our annual Winter Social at Sculpture House.

Date: Wednesday 17th December
Time: 5–7pm
Location: Sculpture House, 6 Blackstoun Road, Paisley PA3 1NB

Come along for festive snacks and a mini showcase of work by our community of artists. This is a great chance to see what we’ve been creating over the past year and hear about our exciting plans for 2026.

Everyone is welcome – we’d love to celebrate the season with you!

NHS 24 public health campaign - winter 2025/26

NHS 24's winter phase of our public health campaign 'Powered by People' is now live. Highlighting the convenience and benefits of using digital services which are delivered by experts, the campaign promotes theses services as a great first port of call if people are unwell and are not sure where to get help.

Read more and download campaign

Scottish Recovery Network 

Creating Hope with Peer Support, a national project led by Scottish Recovery Network, has published its first 3-year impact report, showcasing how peer support is a vital and life-changing element of suicide prevention in communities across Scotland.
 
A core component of the Scottish Government and COSLA’s Creating Hope Together Suicide Prevention Strategy, the project works alongside people, organisations, and communities to embed peer support as an essential, accessible, and sustainable part of Scotland’s suicide prevention approach.
 
The new report was launched at a national event in Stirling by Tom Arthur, Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing and Councillor Paul Kelly, COSLA Spokesperson for Health and Social Care. The publication brings together reflections, insights and real-life stories from participants, peer workers and partners involved in the project since its inception.
 
The national event also premiered a new film, produced with Suicide Prevention Scotland, The Hive Kirkcaldy, LATNEM and Men United, showing the powerful role of peer support in communities facing higher suicide risk.

• Read the report https://bit.ly/CHPSPeerPower
• Watch the film https://youtu.be/q0cTS5E9r98?si=DMTcN2Z7DolQusXT

Love Christmas? So do scammers. Find out how to protect yourself against fraud and other online harms over the festive season  www.getsafeonline.org/christmaschecklist