£75k will help provide vital winter programme

Preparations for a fourth year of Renfrewshire Council's Winter Connections have taken a major step forward after guidance for the upcoming programme was approved by elected members.

- JACK THOMSON, LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER

Arrangements for the initiative - a network of sessions that allow people to spend time with others in a welcoming environment - were rubber-stamped at a meeting of the leadership board.

Backed by £75,000, 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 as temperatures begin to drop.

It is intended that funding will go live for applications this month, with awards being made from next month.

A report to the board said: "Recognising the success of the Winter Connections programme since 2022/23, £75,000 of Fairer Renfrewshire funding was allocated as part of the council's budget to support the delivery of a Winter Connections programme for 2025/26.