Engage Update - 28 April

Curious about Artificial Intelligence but not sure where to start?

Join our 2-hour, beginner-friendly session designed just for the third sector.

Learn the basics – What is AI really? And how can it help your cause?
Discover real-world uses – From chatbots to fundraising, translation to time-saving tools.
Try it out live – Get hands-on with AI tools like ChatGPT and AI art generators.
Explore the big questions – Ethics, risks, and what it means for your community work.
Discuss what matters – Bring your hopes, fears, and ideas.

Whether you're tech-shy or AI-curious, come along and explore how this powerful technology could make a difference in your organisation.

No jargon. No pressure. Just possibilities.
10am-12pm at Engage Renfrewshire on Wednesday 7th May

Please note - only one person per organisation can attend. Limited availability. 

Book here

Newsletters

Trading Standards Scotland Bulletin - 24 April

Social Security Scotland - Stakeholder Newsletter - April 2025

Circular Communities Scotland E-News April 2025

 
The next Renfrewshire Volunteer Fair is coming up, and we want YOU to be part of it!

This is an opportunity to showcase your organisation to local members of the community, share the volunteering opportunities you have available, and highlight the many benefits of getting involved in volunteering. If you’re struggling with volunteer recruitment, this is the perfect chance to connect with potential volunteers who are eager to make a difference.

Don't miss out—get in touch today to reserve your FREE stall and be part of this amazing community event!

When: 02 June 2025

Where: The Tannahill Centre, 76 Blackstoun Road, Paisley PA3 1NT

Time: 12-2pm

Get in touch with Louise, our Volunteer Development Officer to reserve your space - lwalker@engagerenfrewshire.com

Restoring Renfrewshire's Rivers

What the Restoring Renfrewshire's Rivers project is

We've received £350,000 from the Scottish Government's Nature Restoration Fund to stop invasive non-native plant species from damaging Renfrewshire's riverbanks.

Invasive non-native species take over habitats from native plants. They can destroy riverbanks and built structures, including buildings. Some of them are harmful to humans and animals.

Find out more about invasive non-native species (NatureScot website).

Restoring our rivers will ensure Renfrewshire has well-connected, nature-rich habitats for native plants, wildlife, and pollinating insects. It also supports the council's plans for net zero by helping to reduce carbon emissions, reduce soil erosion, and make our riverbanks stronger against flooding.

Renfrewshire Council is not responsible for invasive non-native species on private land. In these cases, it's up to the landowners to manage the spread of these plants.
 

Who can get involved

The council's biodiversity team is leading the project. We're looking for volunteers from the community to help with:

identifying where the 5 target invasive non-native plant species are on our riverbanks
surveying, recording, and mapping the presence and spread of the species within buffer zones of the project sites
implementing control methods, such as herbicide or physically removing plants
monitoring the project waterways to help stop the invasive plants from returning.

You do not need any previous experience in this field to be a volunteer.

It will be up to you how much time you'd like to commit to the project.

All volunteers will receive free training on species identification and tool use before getting involved.

How to get involved

Email us at restoringrenfrewshiresrivers@renfrewshire.gov.uk if you're interested in volunteering for this project.

Tell us your name and how you'd like us to contact you, and then we'll get back in touch with more information.

Most volunteering opportunities in 2025 will run until October. Opportunities will still continue after October, but there will be fewer sessions over the winter.

The project will be ongoing to ensure progress downstream and to prevent the 5 target plant species from recolonising the area.

BT Digital Voice

BT will be hosting a series of drop-in events throughout May and June across Scotland to explain what Digital Voice is, why the change is necessary and what it means for customers.



The full list of events and dates across the UK can also be accessed at www.bt.com/broadband/digital-voice/events

Scottish Recovery Network

May Newsletter

Peer Connects to launch during Mental Health Awareness Week!
Scottish Recovery Network’s popular Peer Connects free events programme is back! Featuring an inspiring range of ways to connect, learn and share ideas, you’re invited to be part of nurturing and growing Scotland’s peer support community. Booking for events will open in a special edition newsletter on 14 May. Sign up to the newsletter via this link https://bit.ly/ScotRecoveryNews

Transforming mental health support in Angus
Commissioned by Angus Health and Social Care Partnership, Penumbra’s South Angus Peer Support Service runs from five local GP surgeries. They also offer peer support for young people aged 11–15 in South Angus secondary schools
 
In this short film Jim McEvoy, Peer Support Mental Health and Wellbeing Worker, and Steve Hardie, Assistant Service Manager, share how this early intervention service is transforming local mental health while easing pressure on the NHS https://youtu.be/JKP0gV2SAAo?si=35CPbn363jwrf39g