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Renfrewshire Wellbeing Network - April Newsletter
Dear Renfrewshire Wellbeing Network,
I hope you are all well!
I apologise in advance for mentioning the weather, but hasn't it been nice with a bit of sun this past week? I have really been enjoying the cherry blossoms out here in Ferguslie - I hope you've had some good spring flower encounters too!
April is a good month to start getting outside and enjoying all the mental health benefits of nature. Going for a stroll or roll, or just opening the windows to get some fresh air can really make a big difference in our everyday lives.
If you want some ideas for nature activities that could be good for your mental health check out Mind's suggestions here, or join the network's Walk and Talk in June- find more details below.
As always, the newsletter is brimming with news, and funding and training opportunities that you have shared with us from across Renfrewshire.
Enjoy!
Network Events
Renfrewshire Wellbeing Network - May Meeting
Join us for the next Renfrewshire Wellbeing Network meeting.
This time we’re meeting at the McMaster Centre in Renfrew and as well as hearing about activity happening in the area, there will be opportunities to share updates and connect with other network members.
If you are a local group, based in Renfrew, and you would like to present at the meeting, please get in touch!
Renfrewshire Wellbeing Network: Walk and Talk
Tuesday 9 June, 10am -12pm
McMaster Centre, Donaldson Drive, Renfrew, PA4 8LX
Wheelchair access
Join this special network meeting for a walk and talk around Robertson Park in Renfrew. As well as connecting with others, we’ll be looking at how photography and sketching can be used to support our wellbeing.
The walk will be led by a walk leader and is suitable for Renfrewshire Wellbeing Network staff and workers.
For more information or to book a place, contact james.mcguire@renfrewshire.gov.uk
Wellbeing Hub at St Vincent’s Hospice
Thursday 21st May 10.30am-12.30pm
The hub St Vincent’s Hospice Midton Road, Howwood PA9 1AF
Wheelchair access / Disabled parking
Come and switch off with an amazing Sound Bath experience, at the Hub. Immersive yourself in deep relaxation allowing the sounds to calm the nervous system and reduce stress.
This is a Free event and all Welcome- for more information email: day.services@svh.co.uk
Street Soccer Scotland
Tuesday 12–1.30pm (launching 5th May 2026)
Powerleague, Paisley
Street Soccer Scotland are launching free, weekly football drop-in sessions in Paisley. Open to anyone aged 16+, all fitness and ability levels welcome. Street Soccer is more than just a game — they can also help with personal support and opportunities for training and education. Sessions delivered in partnership with Powerleague.
Contact details: Brendan – 07484 974338
RenCAN- Land & Wildlife Workshop
Wednesday 29th April, 11am - 1pm
Paisley Central Library
Are you concerned about the protection of ancient woodland and other habitats? Do you know land that is derelict and could use some care?
Join Renfrewshire Climate Action Hub and Starling Learning and find out about how to identify local wildlife and take part in citizen science to help your cause.
Free event. Tea, coffee and snacks provided.
Please remember to cancel your space if you can no longer attend: svenja@myleapproject.org
Abbeycare Buddies – Recovery & Wellbeing Hub
Wednesday Evenings, 6pm-9pm
The SMiSA Stadium, St Mirren Park, Greenhill Road, Paisley, Renfrewshire, PA3 1RU
Wheelchair access / Lift / Disabled parking
A free community hub supporting people on their journey to recovery from addiction. Activities include weekly peer recovery support, holistic therapies, yoga, mindfulness, creative workshops, and a photography course. Delivered in partnership with Abbeycare Scotland, The Recovery Collective, Yoga Connect, and Open Aye, with facilities and food provided by St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation.
Creative Renfrewshire
Friday 19th June, 10am - 4pm
The Wynd Centre, 6 School Wynd, Paisley, PA1 2DB
Wheelchair access / Accessible Toilets / BSL / Subtitled available on request
Creative Renfrewshire hosts a one-day CPD event bringing together artists, health, social-care, and community professionals to explore how creative practice enhances mental health and wellbeing
Featuring keynote provocations, workshops, networking, sharing practical models and lived experience
The event demonstrates arts’ role in reducing isolation, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and working creatively to support healthier communities.
Part of Healing Arts Scotland Festival. Contact: info@creativerenfrewshire.com
Lochwinnoch Community Larder - LEAP
Wednesday 22nd - 12pm Wednesday 29th April
The Larder Beast Games is a fun, inclusive community event bringing people together through light-hearted challenges and activities. We’re asking for your support to help raise vital funds for the Community Larder, tackling food insecurity and reducing waste. Donations made through The Big Give will be doubled, helping us maximise our impact for local individuals and families.
The Larder team will be doing a sponsored 24 hour “live-in” in their small office in Lochwinnoch as part of the fundraiser.
More information and register your idea here
Wellbeing News
Nehemiah
Mondays, 10.30-12.30pm
New Hall, Renfrew North Church, 14 Renfield Street, Renfrew, PA4 8RG
Some new and exciting news! Nehemiah has re-launched their Recovery Café FORC for individuals facing drug and alcohol issues. FORC is now running in a larger hall at Renfrew North Church. This means that additional activities such as pool and table tennis can be facilitated alongside crafts, mini Recovery groups and snacks. Please spread the word!
Mobile: 0774 860 5854
Email: hope@nehemiah.org.uk
Click here for more information
Free Fanzone Tickets - Renfrewshire Council
10 accessible tickets available (5 spaces + 5 companion) in total
Free tickets are available for Renfrewshire community groups to watch Scotland at the World Cup on the big screen! Braehead Arena is hosting Fanzone events for Scotland v Morocco (Fri 19 Jun) and Scotland v Brazil (Wed 24 Jun). Apply by Thu 21 May- tickets are limited and allocated first come, first served.
Contact: Suzi.maciver@renfrewshire.gov.uk
Register here for free tickets and more information
Paisley West & Central community council
Thursday 7th May 10.30 am -12pm
The Wynd Centre 8 School Wynd Paisley PA1 2DB
Wheelchair access. Local parking
Launch of Paisley West & Central’s Local Place plan. An opportunity to influence the priorities and next steps in its implementation
Light Lunch provided
Training and Funding
Caremark's Community Care Fund is offering three grants of £3,000 for UK projects that benefit local people.
Eligible applicants include charities, community groups, schools, and similar organisations. Funded projects could cover sports equipment, community gardens, food banks, and early years resources. Twelve shortlisted entries will go to a public vote, with the top three receiving funding.
The deadline to apply is 31 May 2026.
Network Member Showcase
Next Chapter Scotland
Next Chapter Scotland is a Scottish charity supporting people with criminal convictions or under investigation for a crime and their families. Offering non-judgmental information, advice, and practical support, they help people navigate stigma, disclosure, employment, and exclusion. Their team draws on lived experience to put people first, with a vision that no one's future should be defined by their past. They are actively seeking partnership organisations in Renfrewshire, could that be you? Get in touch at support@nextchapterscotland.org.uk.
Renfrewshire Community Transport
Renfrewshire Community Transport (RCT) is a local charity providing safe, affordable minibus hire for community groups and not-for-profit organisations across Renfrewshire. They believe transport shouldn't be a barrier to connection, and support people of all ages and abilities to access services, social activities, and events. With plans to grow into volunteer car transport and beyond, RCT are looking to connect with partner organisations in Renfrewshire. Contact them at renfrewshirect@outlook.com
Find out more