Engage Newsletters
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Renfrewshire Wellbeing Network - May Newsletter
Dear Renfrewshire Wellbeing Network,
I hope you are all well!
May is always a meaningful month for our network, and this year is no different. Mental Health Awareness Week took place 11th–17th May, and this year's theme was 'Action' - a theme that resonates deeply with the work happening across Renfrewshire every day.
In that spirit, we're sharing an opportunity from researcher Hazel Marzetti, who presented at one of our network meetings a few years ago. The Rain Within the Rainbow study at the University of Edinburgh is researching LGBTQ+ suicide and suicide prevention, and they're looking for participants. Please share with participants and group members.
Are you an LGBTQ+ person, living in the UK, aged 13+, with personal experience of suicidal thoughts, feelings or a suicide attempt?
The team want to hear from people across the full diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. There are three ways to get involved:
- One-to-one conversation with the researcher - register your interest here
- Share your story in writing using their Story Book
- Anonymous online survey - complete it here
Email RainWithinTheRainbow@ed.ac.uk or visit the project website to find out more.
Remember, if anything here brings up difficult feelings, support is available
Samaritans: 116 123, RAMH:0800 221 8929, or text SHOUT to 85258
Network Events
Renfrewshire Wellbeing Network: Walk and Talk
Tuesday 9 June, 10am -12pm
McMaster Centre, Donaldson Drive, Renfrew, PA4 8LX
Accessible Bathrooms ; Ramp for Wheel Chairs ; Accessible Parking
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.
Click below for more information and to register for the walk
St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation - Abbeycare Buddies
Wednesday Evenings, 6pm-9pm
SMiSA Stadium, St Mirren Park, Greenhill Road, Paisley, PA3 1RU
A free community hub supporting people on their journey to recovery from addiction. Activities include weekly peer recovery support, holistic therapies, yoga, mindfulness, and creative workshops. Delivered in partnership with Abbeycare Scotland, The Recovery Collective, and Yoga Connect, with facilities and food provided by St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation.
GetActive Coaching - Dance for Wellbeing
Wednesdays from 17th June, 5-6 pm
82 Causeyside St., Paisley PA1 1YP
Public Transport Access ; Quiet/low-stimulation room available
This is a beginner friendly dance class that is suitable for adults ( 16+) of all levels, abilities and needs. You will be guided every step of the way and will feel taller, calmer and connected to your body and other people after each class!!
Renfrewshire Ladies Social Group - Coffee Catch-up
Wednesday 24th June, 6.30 - 8.30pm
Skirlies Cafe, 4 Broomlands Street, Paisley
Ground Floor Access / Step free ; Wide Doorways ; Accessible Bathrooms ; Public Transport Access ; Service animals welcome
Although the Renfrewshire Ladies Social Group is a Facebook group, we meet face to face regularly for fun events and activities across Renfrewshire. We’re open to women of all ages and backgrounds, helping women overcome loneliness and social isolation by creating a warm, supportive community where real friendships can grow.
Come along for coffee, tea, cake, chat with like-minded women.
All to pay for own food and drink.
Join the Club's Facebook group
RenCAN Small Grants Network Gathering
Tuesday 2nd June, 09.30am - 12pm
The Wynd Centre, Paisley, PA1 2DB
Accessible Parking ; Public Transport Access
Join us as we share the incredible impact of the Small Grants Fund. Several 2025–26 recipients will share short presentations about the projects delivered through their funding. It’s a valuable opportunity to connect, learn from others, and celebrate activity across Renfrewshire. We’ll also be launching our next round of funding.
RenCAN - Climate Hub Drop-in
Wednesdays, 11am - 1pm
Ferguslie Library, Paisley Library & Johnstone Library
Public Transport Access ; Accessible Parking
Find out more about making a difference and connecting with local people and projects.
1st Wednesday of the month - Ferguslie Library
2nd Wednesday - Paisley Central Library
3rd Wednesday - Johnstone Library
Please check dates on our website in advance.
The Hub St Vincents Hospice - Pauline Vallance Harp music
Monday 8th June 1-3pm
The Hub St Vincents Hospice , Midton Road Howwood, PA9 1AF
Accessible Parking ; Ground Floor Access / Step free ; Wide Doorways ; Ramp - Wheel Chairs ; Accessible Bathrooms ; Baby Changing facility ;Gender-neutral toilets ;Service animals welcome ; Fidget tools / sensory aids provided
All welcome to come and enjoy the fabulous Harp Music and get a free cuppa.
This is a fabulous free event where you can come along and enjoy Pauline Vallance playing her Harp.
More details contact day.services@svh.co.uk
Wellbeing News
We are now open for submissions for the next Renfrewshire Third Sector Wellbeing Directory.
Any third sector group that runs wellbeing-oriented activities in Renfrewshire is welcome to submit their details to be included in the Wellbeing Directory.
The Directory will be printed in booklet form, using an accessible font and design and will be distributed to third sector groups and public sector parties across Renfrewshire. It's a great opportunity to share what your group does in your own words and to reach new audiences, partners, and referrers across Renfrewshire.
To be included in the Wellbeing Directory, go to this link or follow the QR code below - it only takes a few minutes.
The form will be open until July 1st.
Pease share this widely with networks and any third sector groups who might want to be included.
Friends of Barshaw Park - Celebrating 40 years of Barshaw Park Peace Garden
In 1986, the walled garden in Barshaw Park, Paisley, was designated a Peace Garden.
24th of April, our first event to celebrate this 40th anniversary was: “Peace Garden Poems” an outdoor workshop. Participants were inspired by the garden to write their own beautifully individual poems.
If your group can work with us to create other events, please get in touch: Barshaw.friends@gmail.com
Brick Lane Music Academy - Programme
Activities at 7-9 Weir St, Paisley
Monday
11am Musical Tots (funded/£48 monthly)
7:30pm Community Samba Band (£10/week)
Tuesday
11am Friendship Cafe (older adults) (£6/week)
1pm Community Choir (£6/week)
7:30pm Sacred Sounds (£10/week)
Wednesday
1pm Songwriting and Performance (free)
7pm Chords and Coffee
Saturday
ASN Music Sessions (free)
Sunday
11am Youth Music Clubs (£10/week)
Contact info@bricklanemusicacademy.co.uk for more information or click below
Training and Funding
RenCAN - Climate Action Grants
Opens 2nd June, 12pm. On-going until funds are allocated
To help community groups in Renfrewshire to deliver action for climate and nature in their local area. To apply you’ll need to be a RenCAN member. Grants will be up to a maximum of £1000 per organisation. Applications can be made to one of the three strands: Open Fund - £9,000, Circular Renfrewshire - £3,000, Creativity and Climate - £3,000.
OneRen - Health Walk Leader
Tuesday 23rd June, 9.30am - 3pm
Lagoon Leisure Centre, 11 Christie Street Paisley PA1 1NB
The course is designed to give volunteers and staff the skills and confidence to lead safe, welcoming and enjoyable Health Walks in a community setting.
The interactive course will be a combination of indoor and outdoor learning.
contact senga.mcleod@renfrewshire.gov.uk to book a place
West College Scotland (Ferguslie Learning Centre) - New Adult Learning Programme FLC - Aug 26
Ferguslie Learning Centre has a new programme for Aug 2026 which is now available in the link below
Asks & Offers
Thrive and Belong CIC
I'm looking to renew my First Aid training which expires this year. There is only me in my organisation, so it would be great to be able to join in with any First Aid training courses that network members have arranged. I would be happy to pay for my place.
Please contact lynsey@thriveandbelong.com if you're able to help
DigiRen - DigiKnowVEmber 2026
2nd - 30th November
Across Renfrewshire
Renfrewshire’s digital inclusion festival DigiKnowVember is back for 2026.
Ready to get involved?
Email digital-inclusion@renfrewshire.gov.uk with a simple ‘yes – count me in’ in the subject heading.
At this moment we’re just looking to gauge initial interest for early planning purposes, there is no need to supply details of any events at this stage.
Network Member Showcase
Sporting Memories
Sporting Memories Renfrewshire connects isolated older people through sport, using reminiscence, inclusive games and gentle physical activity to reduce loneliness and improve wellbeing. Their volunteer-led weekly club at Renfrew Leisure Centre supports 20+ members aged 50+ living with dementia, depression and long-term conditions. Participants are at the heart of everything - members, carers and volunteers shape, design and deliver their own club together. Find out more
Ralston Seniors Club
Ralston Seniors Club brings together around 30 older residents, with an average age in their 80s, to combat isolation and improve wellbeing. All members participate in social and recreational activities, with plans to expand entertainment and introduce year-round light exercise classes led by qualified instructors. Meeting in an accessible, affordable space, the club builds vital social connections while supporting the mental health, healthy living and quality of life of its members.
Find out more