Engage Update - 27 October

Scotland's FAST Campaign



Each year, more than 10,000 people in Scotland experience a stroke. The FAST campaign from Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland is raising awareness to help everyone

recognise the signs and take immediate action. When it comes to stroke, every second counts.

What is FAST?
F is for Face– Is their face drooping to one side?
A is for Arm– Can they lift their arm
S is for Speech - Is it slurred?
T is for Time - Time is critical in a stroke emergency.

If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait. Act Fast. Call 999

Help spread the word—knowing FAST could make all the difference.

Learn more: chss.org.uk/fast

Newsletters

Trading Standards Scotland - 23 October
 

SIS at 25: launching our Impact Report 2024-2025

DigiRen is delighted to announce that the DigiKnowVember 2025 programme is now live! 
 
Throughout November, over 150 events will take place across Renfrewshire and beyond – from digital skills drop-ins and employability sessions to AI panels, online safety workshops, and wellbeing showcases.
 
There’s something for everyone, and it’s all about helping people build confidence, skills, and connections in our digital world.
 
Explore the Programme
View Online Calendar of Events
View Offline (Printable) Programme
Visit the DigiKnowVember Webpage

Help Us Spread the Word
We need your help to make DigiKnowVember another incredible success. Please:

Share the programme with your friends, family, colleagues, and communities.
Promote it across your networks and social media using the hashtag #DigiKnowVember2025
Tag Engage Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire Council in your posts
Encourage everyone to take part – whether it’s attending an event, learning something new, or helping someone else get online.

 
There’s still time to register your event
Register your activity here: https://forms.office.com/e/5gJZyP8BQw

Please note: If you a running more than one activity / sessions during the month, please complete one form for each activity.
 
Every conversation, every share, and every event helps us move closer to a digitally confident and inclusive Renfrewshire.

IN-Ren Micro Grants

Through the Integration Network Renfrewshire (IN-Ren), Engage Renfrewshire is offering grants of up to £500 to support local, intercultural, and anti-racism activities that build understanding, celebrate diversity, and strengthen community connections across Renfrewshire.

You can apply if your group:

• Works in or for communities in Renfrewshire
• Represents or engages with ethnically diverse communities
• Wants to build new intercultural partnerships- we encourage collaborative activities and events that strengthen partnerships between IN-Ren members and other community organisations.

What you can do:

Host cultural exchanges, creative arts events, or dialogue sessions
Run workshops or talks on inclusion, equity, or human rights
Celebrate events like Human Rights Month, International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination or any other relevant day or festivity for your communities. 
Connect generations and cultures through shared stories, food, or traditions

Funding available:
Up to £500 per project (max £1,000 per group)
Activities must be completed by 31 March 2026
Deadline for applications: 16 November 2025 (for activities between January and March 2026). 

Guidance
Application Form 

If you’d like to discuss your idea before applying, our team is happy to help!
info@engagerenfrewshire.com

Self Confidence and Guidance Workshops

Ferguslie Learning Centre offers an introduction to learning and life in a safe, supportive and friendly environment.
 
Are you feeling lost or unsure about your next steps?
These fun, motivational workshops will help you identify your skills and qualities and find the kinds of learning or jobs to suit you.
Get inspired to take positive steps towards your future!
 
Who is it for?
The workshops are ideal if you’re thinking about returning to learning or work after a break, or if you have few formal qualifications.
 
When does it start; what does it cost?
They run for one morning a week over five weeks and are FREE.  Sessions: Thursday 9:30am to 12:00 noon.

• Start: Thurs 6^th November 2025
• Finish: Thurs 4^th December 2025

 
Where will it run?
Ferguslie Learning Centre
Falcon Crescent, Paisley PA3 1NS
 
To find out more or book a place please contact:
Kathleen Brown, Centre Administrator
Tel. 0141 842 1015

Email: kathleen.brown@wcs.ac.uk

See Me Scotland - Anti Stigma Sessions

What are the Anti-Stigma Session?
If you haven't heard, every month we will showcase research, learning and lived experience across a range of topics connected to mental health stigma and discrimination.

It is our chance to profile leaders in the anti-stigma space, share innovation and critical thinking, and encourage people to take action against stigma while also featuring lived experience throughout.

If you’re hosting an event or session that’s connected to anti-stigma work that you’d like to advertise on this page, send the details to info@seemescotland.org.

Follow our Events page by clicking button below to keep up to date with events taking place across Scotland!

Upcoming Events

Carers UK are conducting a research survey of organisations about Supporting carers at work: A focus on health and wellbeing. 
 
In this survey, we will cover: 

• Awareness of carers (and health and wellbeing impacts of caring) in your workplace 

• Types of support available for carer health and wellbeing in your workplace 

• The role of managers in supporting carer health and wellbeing 

• Monitoring and measuring the impact of carer health and wellbeing 

• Wider support for you as an employer. 

 
This survey should be completed by HR professionals/senior managers on behalf of their organisation and will take approximately 10-15 minutes. Please only provide ONE response per organisation. 
  
All the information provided will be treated as confidential and findings will be anonymised and non-attributable. 
 
Please access the survey here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/carers-rights-day-information-session-tickets-1827644938209 
 
The survey will close on Wednesday 12 November at 5pm.