Latest news with #WinterConnections
Daily Record
30-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Renfrewshire's Winter Connections praised for 'punching above weight' as thousands benefit
More than 2,500 people participated in the scheme which ran from approximately November until March. Renfrewshire's Winter Connections initiative has been praised for "punching above its weight" after thousands of residents benefitted from a third year of the programme. More than 2,500 people participated in the scheme – a network of sessions that allows people to enjoy the company of others in a welcoming environment – which ran from approximately November until March. Backed by £75,000 in council funding, it facilitates grants of up to £2,000 for groups and organisations so they can provide free inclusive activities which offer warm drinks and food in the colder months. An evaluation of the scheme for 2024/25 was completed and discussed by officers and elected members at the Fairer Renfrewshire sub-committee on Wednesday. Annabelle Walter, the council's connected communities manager, said: "As in previous years, the evaluation is quite moving at points in terms of the impact that it can have for individuals from what can be seen to be fairly simple and low-key activities. "I think we continue to see Winter Connections punching above its weight in terms of the impact for our local communities and I'm really pleased to see that." Some of the key findings included the social aspect of bringing people together managing to create a sense of belonging and supportive environment, which was particularly important for people who felt isolated. The activities provided opportunities to improve physical and mental health and wellbeing, learn new skills and boost confidence. The programme enabled organisations to engage with new people, raising awareness of their venues and services and signposting to other services across Renfrewshire. The provision of hot drinks in libraries encouraged visitors to stay longer and connect with others and library staff, while the offer of free food at venues meant the initiative could support families experiencing financial hardship. Ms Walter added: "We're really pleased that the evaluation highlights that at least 2,500 people benefitted from the programme, so it continues to have that wide reach. "In terms of the findings ... it's fairly similar to previous years in that both organisations and individuals continue to report the real benefit of opportunities for increased social connection over the winter period. "That's really the focus of the programme and the opportunities to get involved in positive activities, to try something new, to do something creative, to connect with others, based around an activity. "As would be expected for essentially part of our cost-of-living programme, I think there's a real recognition that the provision of hot drinks and food, delivered in a dignified and discreet way, is really beneficial." It was confirmed preparations are under way for a fourth year of Winter Connections in 2025/26, with £75,000 already having been set aside. SNP depute council leader Jacqueline Cameron, who is also chair of the sub-committee, said: "It's a brilliant report and, as I admitted at the pre-agenda, I had a wee tear in my eyes a few times, so it was very emotive and moving."
Daily Record
28-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Thousands of people benefit from third year of Winter Connections programme in Renfrewshire
The warm spaces initiative ran from roughly November until March. More than 2,500 people have benefitted from the third year of the Winter Connections programme in Renfrewshire, it has been estimated. The warm spaces initiative – a network of sessions that allows people to enjoy the company of others in a welcoming environment – ran from roughly November until March. Backed by £75,000 in council funding, it facilitates grants of up to £2,000 for groups and organisations so they can provide free activities which are inclusive and offer warm drinks and food in the colder months. An evaluation of the scheme for 2024/25 has been completed and will be considered by the Fairer Renfrewshire sub-committee at its meeting on Wednesday. It said: "The Winter Connections programme has been running during the winter months since November 2022. "The programme has been delivered in partnership with local organisations and aims to encourage people to connect and participate in activities in warm and welcoming spaces across communities in Renfrewshire. "Local community and voluntary organisations can apply for small grants of up to £2,000 to support with the additional costs of making venues, activities and sessions open as part of the programme. "Items eligible for funding include equipment, food, energy costs, and rent. The programme has been evaluated each year and has positively contributed to Renfrewshire Council's continued wider response to the cost-of-living crisis. "As a result, in June 2024, £75,000 of funding was allocated from the Fairer Renfrewshire programme to support the delivery of a third year of Winter Connections for 2024/25. "The programme continues to attract new organisations bidding for funding, with this year's programme being delivered by a mix of organisation that have received funding before and those new to Winter Connections." Some of the key findings included the social aspect of bringing people together managing to create a sense of belonging and supportive environment, which was particularly important for people who felt isolated. The activities provided opportunities to improve physical and mental health and wellbeing, learn new skills and boost confidence. The programme enables organisations to engage with new people, raising awareness of their venues and services and signposting to other services across Renfrewshire. The provision of hot drinks in libraries encouraged visitors to stay longer and connect with others and library staff, while the offer of free food at venues meant the initiative could support families experiencing financial hardship. It became apparent the scheme continues to act as an "important element" of the local authority's response to the cost-of-living crisis. A total of £75,000 in funding has already been set aside to support the delivery of a fourth year of Winter Connections.
