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Renfrewshire Wellbeing Network - October Newsletter
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The guys from the Houston and Killelan Kirk Men's Shed, posing in front of their workshop on a sunny day. |
Welcome
Dear Renfrewshire Wellbeing Network,
I hope you are all well!
It feels like the leaves decided to change colour from one day to the next, and Samhain is just around the corner - so it's time to get your jumpers out from the back of the wardrobe, if you haven't already (apparently some people never put them away!).
For some, this colder and darker season is the best time of year, with cosy blankets and autumn crafting, while for others, it's important to stay on top of healthy strategies to keep active and well. If you or someone you know might be struggling at this time, you can check out RAMH's October/November to find local activities to support your mental health.
A reminder, too, that the 6th year of the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund is currently open for applications and closes on 30th October. Scroll down to the funding section for more information on how to apply.
Network Events
Renfrewshire Council
Paisley Hallowe'en Festival
Friday 23rd October 4-9pm, Saturday 24th 2-9pm
Paisley Town centre
Accessible Parking ;Changing Places facility;Accessible Bathrooms;Public Transport Access;Gender-neutral toilets;Quiet/low-stimulation room available;
Paisley Halloween Festival is one of Scotland’s best-known Halloween celebrations. Inspired by the 2026 theme Haunted House, the town centre comes alive with street theatre, illuminated installations, live performances and Scotland’s largest Halloween parade.
Website for full details
St Vincent's Hospice
Coffee Morning
Tuesday 27th October 10.30am-12pm
The Hub, St Vincent's 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;
The Hub at St Vincent's Hospice are hosting a Coffee Morning for people who care for a friend, family member or work within an organisation caring for people with a life limiting condition. Come along and connect with others and see what the Hub has to offer.
Dates-n-Mates
Dates-n-Mates Halloween Party
Tuesday 27th October, 7-10pm
Gabriels, 33 Gauze St, Paisley PA1 1EX
Ground Floor Access / Step free;Wide Doorways;Ramp - Wheel Chairs ;Ramp- Compatible For Mobility Scooters;Accessible Bathrooms;Changing Places facility;Baby Changing facility;Public Transport Access;Service animals welcome;
Dates-n-Mates is Scotland’s national dating and friendship charity run by and for adults with a learning disability. Our Halloween Party welcomes our members and non-members for a night of spooky celebrations! This is the perfect opportunity to come along to an event and see what dates-n-mates is about.
Call 0141 427 2957 to reserve a space
Renfrewshire Ladies Social Group
Monthly Coffee Catch up
Wednesday 21st October from 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Skirlies Cafe, 4 Broomlands Street, Paisley
Due to limited space in the cafe please sign up on the Renfrewshire Ladies Social Group on Facebook
Ground Floor Access / Step free;Accessible Parking ;Wide Doorways;Accessible Bathrooms;Baby Changing facility;Service animals welcome;
Come along for a relaxed evening of chat with other women from the Renfrewshire area.
Enjoy a cuppa and/or some hot food or some delicious home baked cakes (at own cost)
Cheese Tasting Session
Tuesday 27th October from 6.45pm to 8.45pm
Harvies Bar, 86 Glasgow Road, Paisley
Renfrewshire Ladies Social Group on Facebook
Accessible Parking ;Public Transport Access;Service animals welcome;
Bring yourself and some cheese and accompaniments along to our fun cheese tasting session
It does get very messy when we all go up and fill our plates up with whatever we've all brought along but it's all good fun! Cutlery and crockery provided but please bring along any cheeseboards you may have.
Monthly Coffee Catch-up
Tuesday 10th November from 7pm to 9pm
Starbucks, Johnstone
Accessible Parking ;Ground Floor Access / Step free;Wide Doorways;Automated Doors;Accessible Bathrooms;Baby Changing facility;Public Transport Access;
Join other women from across Renfrewshire for a relaxed cuppa and chat (coffee/tea etc at own cost)
Contact Rachael to join the Facebook group
St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation
Abbeycare Buddies
Wednesday Evenings from 6pm until 9pm
Marbill Coaches Stadium, St Mirren Park, Greenhill Road, Paisley, Renfrewshire, PA3 1RU
Accessible Parking ; Lift access; Public Transport Access
A free community hub supporting people on their journey to recovery from addiction. Drop In Sessions no sign up needed.
Abbeycare Buddies Family Support
Wednesday Afternoons from 12noon until 2pm
Marbill Coaches Stadium, St Mirren Park, Greenhill Road, Paisley, Renfrewshire, PA3 1RU
Accessible Parking ; Lift access; Public Transport Access
When someone is experiencing dependency, those closest to them can be affected too. Our free and confidential Family Support group gives families and loved ones a safe place to connect, share experiences, find support and focus on their own wellbeing.
Find out more
Scottish Recovery Network
What Helps Peer Support Thrive? Key Enablers and Barriers
Thursday 05 November 2026, 10-11am
We support the ALLIANCE More than Words #CommunicationForAll campaign. If you have any accessibility or communication needs that would help you take part, please let us know. To book BSL Interpreters or Electronic Notetakers, we need two weeks’ notice. If you have any further questions, contact 0300 323 9956 or info@scottishrecovery.net British Sign Language (BSL) users can contact us directly by using Contact Scotland BSL;
Peer support can be transformative in mental health services, but only when the right conditions are in place. This webinar will explore the key enablers and barriers shaping peer support today.
This is a chance to build a shared understanding across roles and sectors, and to consider how we can better align around the conditions needed for peer support to thrive.
The Mirin Christmas Fete
Saturday 14 November 2026 12noon to 3pm
Lagoon Leisure Centre, 11 Christie Street, Paisley, PA1 1NB
Accessible Parking ;Ground Floor Access / Step free;Wide Doorways;Automated Doors;Ramp - Wheel Chairs ;Ramp- Compatible For Mobility Scooters;Accessible Bathrooms;Changing Places facility;Public Transport Access;
Day Opportunities The Mirin is a day service for adults with learning disabilities. We support adults to be independent, healthy, part of their community and have choice and control of their lives. Monies raised from the fete contribute to special equipment or events.
Just turn up on the day!
Christmas Light Switch on Dates!
Paisley Christmas Light Switch-on
Saturday 14th November, 1-6pm
Paisley town centre
Accessible Parking ;Accessible Bathrooms;Changing Places facility;Public Transport Access;Gender-neutral toilets;Quiet/low-stimulation room available;
Christmas starts in Paisley! Join us on Saturday 14 November for a free day of festive entertainment, live music and family fun in the town centre. Enjoy main stage performances, magical street theatre, festive food and Christmas activities for all ages. The celebrations finish at 6pm with the Christmas Lights Switch-On and a headline performance from Skipinnish.
Linwood Christmas Light Switch-on
Thursday, 19th November 2026, 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Tweedie Hall, 17 Bridge Street, Linwood, PA3 3DB
Accessible Parking ;Ground Floor Access / Step free;Wide Doorways;Automated Doors;Lift access;Accessible Bathrooms;Baby Changing facility;Public Transport Access;Hearing Loop / induction loop;Quiet/low-stimulation room available;
Join us for a festive evening of family entertainment and Christmas fun at Tweedie Hall a. Enjoy performances by local school pupils, an interactive panto, crafts, games, walkabout entertainment and seasonal activities before the Christmas tree and town centre lights are switched on at 8.15pm. Most activities are free.
Renfrew Christmas Light Switch-on
21 November 2026, 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Renfrew Town Centre, High Street, Renfrew, PA4 8QP
Accessible Parking ;Accessible Bathrooms;Changing Places facility;Public Transport Access;Gender-neutral toilets;Quiet/low-stimulation room available;
Kick off Christmas in Renfrew! Join us on Saturday 21 November for a festive afternoon of family entertainment and seasonal fun in Renfrew town centre. Meet Santa, enjoy live performances, capture a photo in the giant snow globe and take part in interactive Christmas activities throughout the town. Free to attend and perfect for all ages.
Erskine Christmas Light Switch-on
Friday 27 November 2026, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Kilpatrick Drive, Erskine, PA8 7AF
Accessible Parking ;Ground Floor Access / Step free;Wide Doorways;Automated Doors;Ramp - Wheel Chairs ;Ramp- Compatible For Mobility Scooters;Lift access;Accessible Bathrooms;Changing Places facility;Public Transport Access;
Join us on Friday 27 November 2026 as Erskine Civic Square comes alive with festive music, local performances and family entertainment. Enjoy live acts, family attractions, festive refreshments and a visit from Santa before gathering for the Christmas lights switch-on at 7.30pm. Organised with local partners, this free event celebrates the start of the festive season.
Johnstone Christmas Light Switch-on
Saturday 28th November, 1-5pm
Houstoun Square, Johnstone, PA5 8DT
Accessible Parking ;Accessible Bathrooms;Changing Places facility;Gender-neutral toilets;Quiet/low-stimulation room available;
Celebrate Christmas in Johnstone! Join us on Saturday 28 November 2026 for a festive afternoon of family entertainment and seasonal fun in the town centre. Enjoy Santa's Grotto, live performances, walkabout characters, family attractions, local traders and Christmas activities throughout the day, before Johnstone's Christmas Lights Switch-On at 5pm.
Full details of all the events
Scottish Recovery Network
Building Conditions for Change in Mental Health Services
Thursday 26 November 2026, 10 AM - 2:30 PM
thestudio..., 67 Hope Street, Glasgow, G2 6AE
We support the ALLIANCE More than Words #CommunicationForAll campaign. If you have any accessibility or communication needs that would help you take part, please let us know. To book BSL Interpreters or Electronic Notetakers, we need two weeks’ notice. If you have any further questions, contact 0300 323 9956 or info@scottishrecovery.net British Sign Language (BSL) users can contact us directly by using Contact Scotland BSL;
This session focuses on how to influence and navigate systems to create meaningful change.
With contributions from people working within mental health systems, we’ll look at how learning, relationships, and influence can be used to shift culture and move change forward in a more intentional way.
Wellbeing News
Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership
Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival 2026 in Renfrewshire
Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership supports and coordinates Renfrewshire’s contribution to the national Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF).
The 2026 theme is ‘Reflections’ marking two decades of SMHAF, with the Renfrewshire programme exploring identity and inclusion, open mic nights, reflective woodland walks and soundtrack journeys.
Renfrewshire Ladies Social Group
Scottish Parliament Honours Renfrewshire Ladies Social Group and Its Founder, Rachael Smith
The Renfrewshire Ladies Social Group has been recognised in the Scottish Parliament for its outstanding work bringing women together and tackling loneliness. Founded by Rachael Smith in 2022, the group has grown to almost 3,000 members, creating friendships, boosting confidence and strengthening community connections across Renfrewshire and beyond.
Funding
Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund
Applications are open for single-year funding from third sector groups in Renfrewshire. Groups supporting adults aged 16+ can apply for projects promoting good mental health, focusing on prevention, early intervention, loneliness, suicide prevention and tackling poverty.
Constituted groups can apply for up to £7000, and unconstituted up to £2000.
Apply by midnight on 30th October. Click below for the guidance and application form.
Click here to see the full guidance
Click here to access the application form
Renfrewshire Council
Renfrewshire Voices
The Renfrewshire Voices fund has launched. The fund supports organisations that are led by, represent, or work with equalities groups in Renfrewshire to run short-term projects that gather information, experiences and insight from equalities communities. Organisations can apply for up to £4,000 and should plan to spend the funding by June 2027. Closes 28 October 2026.
Training
Bipolar Unfiltered: Lunch & Learn
Multiple dates
These sessions are free, short online sessions for professionals and people who volunteer in communities who would like to better understand bipolar.
The sessions have been shaped by lived experience and explore bipolar beyond some of the common stereotypes, helping people build their understanding of the condition and how it can affect people’s lives.
You can find out more and book a free place by clicking below
RAMH
Scotland's Mental Health First Aid course
Monday 11th & Tuesday 12th January 2027 9.30am - 4.30pm both days
RAMH HQ, 41 Blackstoun Road, Paisley, PA3 1LU
Accessible Parking ;Ground Floor Access / Step free;Wide Doorways;Ramp - Wheel Chairs ;Accessible Bathrooms;Public Transport Access;Gender-neutral toilets;
Scotland's Mental Health First Aid (SMHFA) a nationally certificated 12-hour course delivered over two days. Suitable for everyone. Builds the knowledge and confidence to recognise mental health problems, respond to crises, provide initial support, & signpost people to appropriate help using practical, interactive learning. £150 per person.
Asks & Offers
The Buddy Beat
We are looking for new members
The Buddy Beat is a music group for adults with a mental health diagnosis. We mix drumming, percussion and song to promote wellbeing and build community. We meet Thursdays 10.00-12.00 in Johnstone High Parish Church Halls.
Contact us here to find out more
Network Member Showcase
Dementia Friendly Lochwinnoch
Dementia Friendly Lochwinnoch is a local community group supporting people living with dementia and their carers. Social activities include free tea dances, trips, film shows, reminiscence sessions and a singing group, which brings people together through music. The group also delivers dementia awareness training to schools, businesses and community organisations, helping make Lochwinnoch a place where people with dementia are understood, included, respected and supported.