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Thousands of people across Renfrewshire have benefitted from Winter Connections running for a third year.
More than 2,500 people took part in a wide range of fun, free activities put on by 42 community groups and local organisations and OneRen libraries between November last year and March 2025.
A recent evaluation report highlighted how the programme continues to reduce social isolation, improve mental and physical wellbeing, and create a sense of belonging within communities. People also learned new skills and gained confidence while taking part in activities.
Katy Wilson-Scott from Kairos Women+ said: “We were excited to welcome so many women+ through our doors over the cold winter months thanks to our transport access fund. Plus, our incredible volunteers served 475 bowls of homemade soup to women+ in Renfrewshire.”
Ian Andrew from Houston Community Council explained: “We have learned from the project that social isolation is an increasing issue in our community and one we have continued to address by funding events into the summer. With so many people commuting from Houston for work and entertainment those who are getting older and not so able to travel are finding they don’t know people in the local community and are becoming more isolated.”
Ali Whitty, managing director of Erskine Arts added: “We were delighted to be able to offer free, fresh and healthy soup every week which our participants looked forward to. Without the Winter Connections funding, we would not have been able to make this offer.”
Linda O’Malley, founder and director of Rays of Hope Cancer Support in Elderslie, said: “Winter connections has always been a very popular and positive addition to our community partnership. Members of the local community attending each week participated in our health and wellbeing activities, such as Pilates, Spanish class, Arts and Crafts and our Community Choir, and enjoyed soup, sandwiches, home baking and tea and coffee. This allowed members of the community to socialise and form new friendships within our warm, safe and welcoming environment. We look forward to providing this service once again next winter in our newly built extension, where we can provide a larger space to accommodate more people.”
The programme was funded by a £75,000 pot administered by Renfrewshire Council through the Fairer Renfrewshire programme. It’s part of a range of support the Council offers to support people with the higher and sustained cost-of-living crisis.
Councillor Jacqueline Cameron, chair of the Fairer Renfrewshire sub-committee, praised the programme’s impact. She said: “Winter Connections is vital to providing connection for our communities. With thousands taking part, it shows how much people value these kinds of free and local events and activities that are open to all.
“Our community groups and organisations are the backbone of the programme. I want to thank each and every one for creating safe, welcoming spaces where people can come together, build friendships and access the support where needed.”
Winter Connections will return for 2025–26. Grant applications for community groups and organisations are expected to re-open in September.
A list of free summer activities for families, children and young people is available on the Council’s website. More activities are being added to the current listings. People are encouraged to bookmark the page and come back regularly.
