Positive impact of winter programme

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.

- JACK THOMSON, LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER

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 2024 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 a meeting of the Fairer Renfrewshire sub-committee.

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.