A £75,000 programme offering warm and welcoming spaces across Renfrewshire has been approved for a fifth year.
Renfrewshire Council’s Leadership Board approved the Winter Connections programme for 2026/27 on Wednesday 16th September 2026.
The programme was originally introduced in response to the cost-of-living crisis. It will be funded through the Fairer Renfrewshire budget.
Community groups can apply for grants of up to £2,000 to provide activities that are open, free and easy to access.
Activities must be inclusive, welcoming, respectful and safe. Groups should also provide warm drinks, snacks or food where possible.
They must be willing to connect people with other support and services.
Applications opened on Thursday 17th September. Awards will be made from mid-October until the available funding has been used.
Council papers cited national research by the Office for National Statistics covering 3rd to 28th June 2026.
It found that around one in three adults who pay energy bills, or 35%, found it very or somewhat difficult to afford them.
During the meeting, Cllr Jacqueline Cameron, who has been a major supporter of the programme in the past, welcomed its return.
Laura McIntyre said Advice Works, Citizens Advice Bureau and other organisations had provided outreach support at some Winter Connections events. She said this could be expanded further.
A more detailed report on energy advice will be presented to the next meeting of the Fairer Renfrewshire Sub-committee.
More information on Winter Connections:
Winter Connections is a network of local venues where people can meet others and take part in activities during the winter.
The programme aims to improve health and wellbeing, reduce isolation and connect people with advice and support.
Funding is open to voluntary and community organisations based in Renfrewshire that have a constitution and bank account. It cannot be awarded to individuals.
Grants can be used to create new projects or expand existing activities where people can come together. Examples include cooking projects, film clubs, lunch clubs, craft sessions, digital classes and physical activities.
Funding can help cover equipment, food, energy costs, venue hire, cleaning and additional staffing.
It cannot be used for one-off events, activities that charge people to take part, charity fundraisers, activities that have already happened or projects with no activities.
Groups planning several activities with other local organisations may be able to apply for a larger award.
Organisations are advised to apply as soon as possible because demand for the funding is expected to be high.
If you would like to apply for funding for your organisation, more information is available on the Renfrewshire Council website.