A brand-new programme of free fun activities and events returns with Renfrewshire’s praised Winter Connections.

Developed with local community groups and organisations, Renfrewshire Council, and OneRen libraries, the programme is open to everyone across the area to support people to come together, make friends, get a warm welcome and build community connection.

Activities are free and include movies, quizzes, arts and crafts, cooking, singing, bingo, games and gaming, and time to chat. There are also youth drop-ins and events for young people.

The programme is made possible thanks to community groups and organisations, including CREATE PAISLEY, Creation Corner, Dates n Mates, Erskine Arts, Friends of Howwood Park, Johnstone Castle Learning Centre, Paisley Methodist Church.

In total, 35 groups and organisations have been successful in receiving grant funding from the Winter Connections Fund that supports this programme. All events will be added to the Council’s website in due course.

Councillor Jacqueline Cameron, depute leader of Renfrewshire Council and chair of the Fairer Renfrewshire sub-committee, said: “Winter Connections brings together people through free and fun activities and events, helping to reduce isolation and build connection within communities.

“The programme continues to be positively received by everyone involved and I’m proud of what we have built here in Renfrewshire. It’s a testament to all the community groups, local organisations and partners supporting it.

“Together with the OneRen libraries programme, the community programme helps us to cover a wide area of Renfrewshire, supporting people to come together and connect during the winter months.

“The full programme includes a variety of fun and welcoming activities open to everyone and is available on the Council’s website. People can check out the events listed and bookmark it to come back to.”

Refreshments are available at events.

Find your nearest Winter Connections space by visiting this website: https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/community-and-neighbourhood-issues/community-and-living/winter-connections/find-your-nearest-winter-connections-space.


Photo: Houston residents attend film screening put on by Houston Community Council
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council

Headline photo: Erskine Arts staff and volunteers serving soup
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council

By Ricky Kelly

Main writer for Renfrewshire News

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