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Renfrewshire Wellbeing Network - October Newsletter
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Network member St. Andrew's 'First Aid for Mental Health' kit, provided to those who have completed their one day Mental Health First Aid course. Spaces are still available for upcoming courses (for Third Sector groups based in Renfrewshire only): Register here |
Welcome
Dear Renfrewshire Wellbeing Network,
I hope you are all well!
Despite the stormy weather, I continue to be mesmerised by all the lovely autumn colours that surround us at the moment. Autumn is such an embodiment of transitional periods, reminding us that times of change hold both beauty and challenges.
October 18th was Menopause awareness day, highlighting a stage of life that, despite it's immense impact on a persons life, has only just recently started coming into the public eye. This period can be confusing and overwhelming, and if we don't have access to spaces for sharing our experiences, it can feel very lonely.
Click here to learn more about menopause and mental health, and ways you can take care of yourself during these changes. Paisley based network member St. Mirren Foundation run a menopause empowerment course twice a year. You can register your interest to join here: Menopause Goals.
As usual, members have sent in their upcoming activities, news and opportunities, and we're excited to share them all with you in this month's newsletter.
Enjoy!
This section of the newsletter will cover upcoming opportunities from around the network.
Milldale Day Opportunities & OneRen - Boccia League
10.30am-12.30pm Tuesday 11th November
On X Sports Centre, Linwood
Accessible for all with free parking
One Ren and Scottish Disability Sport and supporting Milldale in a Renfrewshire Boccia League. This will be the first of 3 events
Adults with a learning disability who may be keen to try this sport are welcome along with their support staff.
Email Laura.holms@renfrewshire.gov.uk to book your place or find out more.
Fibromyalgia action UK- Art as Therapy Open Session
Open Monthly Sessions:
27th October and 24th November 10am- 11am
Online via Zoom (camera optional).
Hosted by Claire (Office Manager) and Amanda (dedicated volunteer), this programme offers a relaxing space to enjoy art and mindfulness together.
Join Amanda for an hour of:
- Creative art activities
- Gentle mindfulness exercises
- Friendly conversation
- Sharing experiences
Email Claire at claire.edwardes-kennedy@fmauk.org with any questions
Climate Action Workshop
Thursday 6th November, 12pm - 1:30pm
Paisley Central Library
Join a friendly, hands-on RenCAN Learn workshop exploring simple, practical climate actions in Renfrewshire. Facilitated by community practitioner Scott Duncan, the session will discuss local challenges, highlight inspiring projects, and encourage collaboration. Open to everyone, it offers a relaxed space to share ideas, connect with others, and leave inspired to take small steps for change. Contact svenja@myleapproject.org
Fix & Mend Lochwinnoch (Monthly)
Wednesday 29th October & Wednesday 19th November, 6pm - 9pm
LEAP Workspace, 39 High Street, Lochwinnoch
Come and fix your broken items with a dedicated repairer on hand giving support and guidance.
Do you have any textiles in need of mending? Join our sewing corner, get peer advice and have a go at mending them.
Wellbeing News
Bipolar Scotland
Supported by the Self Management Fund, administered by The ALLIANCE on behalf of the Scottish Government. Momentum Works is a peer support project which aims to provide self-management support to people living with bipolar focused on the workplace. Equipping individuals with the knowledge, tools and confidence to tackle bipolar specific workplace challenges to minimise triggers leading to episodes of illness.
Mix of morning, afternoon and evening slots available. Ongoing support provided for 3 months or as one off appointments. Delivered remotely online by video call. For any questions, contact kimberleyl@bipolarscotland.org.uk
St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation
We’re delighted to unveil our new website:
www.smfcfoundation.co.uk
A fresh look that reflects who we are and showcases our impact.
Built around our key areas of impact: Community Connection, Health and Wellbeing, Education and Empowerment, Mental Fitness and Resilience, and Inspiring Our Youth.
People engage with the Foundation in many ways, so our new site makes it easier than ever to find what you’re looking for.
Travelling Gallery
Travelling Gallery, Scotland’s contemporary art gallery in a bus, will be visiting Renfrewshire.
Pop in and see our free exhibition where you will be greeted by our friendly team and discover something new.
Brick Lane Music Academy - Community Choir
Every Tuesday 1.30pm-3pm
Forrester House, 7-9 Weir St, Paisley
Accessible by wheelchair and accessible toilets
Free places on our Community Choir who meet every Tuesday. Come along and enjoy meeting other like minded people whilst learning songs together and working towards a performance.
Any questions contact 0141 328 6983 or info@bricklanemusicacademy.co.uk
Andy's Man Club- Johnstone
Mondays 7pm (except bank holidays)
Station Seven, 7 Quarry Street, Johnstone, PA5 8DY
Going through a storm or just been through one? Andy's Man Club offers free, confidential talking groups for men to support each other through life’s challenges.
Contact: info@andysmanclub.co.uk or visit www.andysmanclub.co.uk
RenCAN
The RenCAN Hub’s first anniversary celebration (3rd October) was a vibrant success, filled with interactive workshops, themed panels, creative activities, and networking. Highlights included sessions on repairing and remaking in Renfrewshire, digital climate training, and rewilding at Clyde Muirshiel. With great food, lively discussions, and hands-on learning, attendees left inspired and connected to take local climate action.
Click here to join the RenCAN Network
Creative Renfrewshire - Autumn Exhibition Programme
The Paisley Centre Unit 23, 23 High Street, Paisley
Fully accessible with entry from the high street
Creative Renfrewshire is delighted to announce our autumn programme of exhibitions in our dedicated exhibition space in the Paisley Centre
Exhibitions in Off The High street:
1. NeuroArt 25: Oct 20 - 24
2. Comfort & Disturb (Kairos Women+ x Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival): Nov 3 - 7
3. Gaza Remains the Story: Nov 10 – 23
Ideally located on the top floor of the Centre at unit 23, you can drop in on your travels. We are proud to celebrate the incredible creative talents we have in abundance right here in Renfrewshire
Training and Funding
West College Scotland Ferguslie Learning Centre- Confidence Building Workshops
Thursdays 6th November- 4th December (5 sessions) 9.30am to 12pm
Ferguslie Learning Centre, 10 Falcon Crescent, Paisley, PA3 1NS
Disabled Parking and Wheelchair access via Engage Renfrewshire
Self Confidence and Guidance workshops starting soon. Are you feeling lost or unsure about your next steps? These fun, motivational workshops will help you identify your skills and qualities and take positive steps towards your future!
Email Kathleen.brown@wcs.ac.uk to book a place
Engage Renfrewshire's October Funding Newsletter
Asks and Offers
RenCAN invites local groups to join free tree planting days with charity Eadha. All costs, lunch, transport, and PPE are covered, with support funding available. Groups up to 16 can enjoy tailored, accessible sessions that boost wellbeing and nature connection. Past participants loved it—join us to make a difference! Contact treeweegie@gmail.com for details.
Finding Your Feet have rooms available for rent: The building is home to 11 charities and their service users, as well as meeting rooms being used every day by businesses, the public sector, community groups, visitors and for conferences. We also have a large community garden behind the car park which offers the opportunity for outdoor meetings, events and more.
Room 1B: Space: 21 m²
Room 1C: Space: 42 m²
Room 2: Space: 82 m²
The building has wheel chair access, lift and disabled parking.
Contact hub@findingyourfeet.net
Click here to find services, groups and activities on ALISS
Network Member Showcase
St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation
St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation is the official charity of St Mirren Football Club, dedicated to creating positive change across Renfrewshire. Through programmes that promote health, wellbeing, education, and empowerment, it brings people of all ages together to connect, learn, and grow.
From initiatives like Abbeycare Buddies, FFIT, and Buddie Big Scran to youth projects such as Little & Mini Buddies and McDonald’s Free Fun Football, the Foundation helps individuals build confidence, resilience, and life skills.
St Andrew’s First Aid
St Andrew’s First Aid is Scotland’s leading first aid charity and training provider, dedicated to creating a nation of lifesavers. Through event cover, training courses, and community workshops, the charity promotes the importance of first aid skills so no one suffers due to a lack of help.
Each year, over 13,000 people benefit from its informal workshops, which teach how anyone can respond in an emergency. St Andrew’s First Aid is also expanding its work in Mental Health First Aid, partnering with local charities and third sector organisations to equip staff and volunteers with vital mental health support skills.
Find out more