Engage Update - 29 September

Don't forget!

Applications for both the Multi-year and Single-year funding close at 5pm on Wednesday 01 October 2025.

Multi-year funding is only available if you have already had an approved Note of Interest.

Single-year funding guidance and application can be found here

Newsletters

Trading Standards Scotland - 25 September

Social Security Scotland - Stakeholder Newsletter - September 2025

Help create a fairer Renfrewshire for everyone

Renfrewshire Council are updating their equality outcomes – the actions they take to tackle discrimination, promote good relations, and make Renfrewshire a more equal place to live, work and study.
 
They want everyone who lives, works or studies in Renfrewshire to help identify what actions would make the biggest difference in tackling inequality.
 
You can take part until 11:59pm on Friday 31 October 2025 in a way that suits you:

• Fill out our online survey
• Join one of our in-person sessions in Johnstone, Paisley or Renfrew
• Take part in our online face-to-face session
• Pick up a paper survey from OneRen Libraries

 
Visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/consultations/equality-outcomes to complete the survey and sign up for a session.
 

Befriending Week 2025

1 - 7 November

Befriending Week is the annual campaign to raise awareness about befriending and highlight the power of social connection in reducing loneliness and social isolation. It’s a chance for communities to raise awareness about befriending, celebrate the contributions of befriending volunteers and the staff who support them, and advocate for befriending to local and national decision-makers.

Get involved at befriending.co.uk/bw

Art Wise ️

Free art sessions for parents and children aged 4-11

Discover relaxing art and crafting activities, bond with your child and understand their needs, find community, and access local support and resources. Art Wise is a parent and child therapeutic art programme supporting families to thrive and stay connected.

Starting on October 29th

Sign up today!

Anti-Racism Observatory for Scotland

Scotland is taking a vital step in tackling systemic racism with the establishment of the Anti-Racism Observatory for Scotland (AROS).
The work to establish AROS is being taken forward by the University of Strathclyde, in partnership with the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights (CRER). More information about AROS is available on the temporary website set up while AROS gets established, which you can view here.
 
We're reaching out today to as many community organisations and activists as we possibly can to let you know about opportunities to get involved at all levels, from helping to govern AROS to applying for a job or simply joining its mailing list. Please share widely with colleagues, members and anyone else within your networks who you think may be interested.
 
Strategic Advisory Board
 
AROS requires a strong, transparent body to support and guide the initial two years of its work from autumn 2025 to December 2027. A Strategic Advisory Board (SAB) is being formed to undertake this vital task.
 
We are now looking to recruit a Chair and up to 12 additional Members of the SAB.
 
Members of the Strategic Advisory Board will have knowledge, skills and experience in anti-racism in the Scottish context, as well as other qualities required to steer, provide oversight and govern the work of the Observatory. Full details of the role are available in the candidate pack, available here.
 
To find out more about the role and remit of the Strategic Advisory Board, you can sign up to one of the webinars that will be running on 1st and 2nd October 2025.
 

• Wednesday 1st October 2025 (7.00pm – 8.00pm) please register here
• Thursday 2nd October 2025 (12.00 noon – 1.00pm) please register here

Mobile Vaccination Service

The Scottish Ambulance Mobile Vaccination vehicle is a drop in service.  This means that there may be busy times, and patients may have to wait.  The mobile clinic can only accommodate 4 vaccinators and a limited supply of vaccine.  
 
Patients may wish to book an appointment at one of our Vaccination Centres instead.  
 
This can be done by going to the online booking portal or calling the National Contact Centre on 0800 030 8013. The mobile vaccination service will offer Flu vaccinations in October on:

• Wednesday 15th October – 10:00am – 16:00pm – Erskine Sports Centre, Kilpatrick Drive, Erskine, PA8 7AF
• Monday 20th October – 10:00am – 16:00pm – Asda Linwood, Phoenix Retail Park, PA1 2AB
• Wednesday 22nd October – 10:00am – 16:00pm – Craigend Resource Centre, McLeod Street, Greenock, PA15 2HD
• Thursday 23rd October – 10:00am – 16:00pm – The Foundry, Main Street, Barrhead, G78 1SW.