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Hi everyone,

I hope you’re all keeping well. Please find below our April Engagement & Participation Network Update, including funding opportunities, upcoming events, participation activities and some exciting news about the new NLC Engagement Toolkit.

Network Updates

The Growth Pot Fund Cycle 5 – Opening Monday 13 April

We are excited that another cycle of Growth Pot Funding is available to support projects or activities that encourage local engagement and involvement, promote awareness of services and improve participation in community life. Charities, community groups, and associations based in North Lanarkshire can apply for grants of between £500 - £5000 between Monday the 13 April (9am) until Monday 4th May (5pm).

Eligibility:

·               Groups must have an annual income of less than £75,000, have a Governing Document and a bank account in the groups name.

·               Previous successful applicants from Rounds 1 and 2 are welcome to apply.

·               Groups funded in Rounds 3 and 4 are not eligible this round because a full 12 months must have passed from the date funding was granted before reapplying.

For more information on the grant, visit our website: Funding | North Lanarkshire Disability Forum or email us: engage@nldforum.org.uk

Engagement and Participation Network Showcase Events

We’re delighted to announce that that in Partnership with MacMillan (Improving the Cancer Journey) we have the funds to support two Engagement and Participation Network Activity Showcase Events this year.

This responds directly to Network Members’ feedback about wanting more opportunities to meet in ways that showcase activities, share learning and build stronger peer connections.

We anticipate these events will be in late July and late October.

We have funding that will be directed to grassroots organisations to support:

·               venue costs

·               transport

·               food

·               activity materials

If your organisation has a venue and would like to host one of these events, please get in touch.

Upcoming Events

Voice of Experience – Spring Fling Event

📅 Wednesday 29 April

⏰ 10am–2pm

📍 St Bride’s Hall, Motherwell, ML1 1PP

For adults 50+. Includes a free light lunch, disco, opportunities to chat with NHS teams, and space to share what matters to you in your community.

Booking required:

Frances – 07812 485135

Marc – 07973 785190

Piloxing at Bannan Fitness

A fun mix of Pilates, boxing and dance, designed to be accessible for all levels.

📅 Starts Saturday 11 April, weekly

⏰ 11am–12pm

💷 £3 per session, grip socks £2

📍 Old Monklands Library, Cuparhead Avenue, Coatbridge, ML5 5LT

North Fest Indoor Stalls Event

Over 25 stalls with crafts, gifts, food and more.

📅 Saturday 11 April

⏰ 11am–2pm

📍 Pat Cullinan Centre, Logan’s Road, North Motherwell

External Funding Opportunities

Tesco Stronger Starts – Blue Token Voting

Applications are open until end of April for grants of up to £1,500 for community initiatives and schools supporting children and young people.

They are especially short of applications in Coatbridge and Airdrie, so groups in these areas are strongly encouraged to apply.

Support and applications:

🔗 http://bit.ly/TescograntScot

More info:

🔗 https://www.greenspacescotland.org.uk/grant-funding

📧 tamara.hedderwick@greenspacescotland.org.uk

Participation Opportunities

BBC “Something Special” – Children’s Participation

BBC Kids & Family are looking to connect with groups or schools supporting children aged 5–7 who may enjoy taking part in filming for the new series of Something Special with Mr Tumble.

Filming takes place in Glasgow and Fife in June, with informal “song + sign” sessions happening week beginning 27 April.

Contact:

📞 Alice Newall – 07503 210299

Free French Film Screenings – Institut Français

Cumbernauld Community Cinema have highlighted an opportunity for groups to screen French‑language films for free over the coming months.

If your group is interested contact David by email:

📧 cumbernauldcommunitycinema22@gmail.com

Training Opportunities

Members of this Network may be interested in the following free training sessions:

VANL Training: Successful Funding Applications

Tue 21 Apr, 09:30

Dalziel Building (Craig Suite)

Free

VANL Training: Good Governance in the Voluntary Sector

Tue 28 Apr, 18:00

Newmains Community & Conference Centre, Cafe and Library

Free

You can book onto these sessions and view all of VANL training and events opportunities by visiting their Eventbrite page here Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire Events - 15 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite

NLC Engagement Toolkit – Now Live

We’re pleased to share the new North Lanarkshire Council Engagement Toolkit, which many of you helped shape through your input and lived experience.

Explore the toolkit here:

🔗 https://view.genially.com/698b4c7ff21593f7e17f40e6

Thank you to everyone who contributed. The toolkit will be used in the upcoming consultation for the new Community Priorities which will shape the Local Outcome Improvement Plans (LOIPs).

We’ll will have session on Community Priorities at our next in‑person Engagement and Participation Network Event which will be:

📅 Wednesday 10 June

📍 Bellshill Cultural Centre

⏰ 9:30am–12:30pm

A formal invite will follow but please mark it in your diaries.

Thanks

Thanks again for everything you contribute across the Network and North Lanarkshire, if you have anything you’d like circulated in the May update — events, opportunities, consultations, or updates — please feel free to send it to me and I’ll share it on your behalf. For events with short notice the best place to share is on our Facebook group here.

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NL Local Outcome Improvement Plans - Have Your Say!

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NL Local Outcome Improvement Plans - Have Your Say!

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The E+P Network are supporting North Lanarkshire Council to reach under represented communities by encouraging people to complete their Community Priorities Questionnaire which will go on the shape the Local Outcome Improvement Plans (LOIP)

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Email: Engage@nldforum.org.uk

Call: 01698 275710

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Angela from CABIA describes what they did with the Growth Pot Fund grant and the impact being part of the network has had on their organisation

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Hello everyone,

Hope you're all well, second week of March already!

Here’s your latest round‑up of opportunities, updates and activities from across our Networks. As always, thank you for everything you do to strengthen participation, connection and community across North Lanarkshire.

🌱 A Huge Thank You – Growth Pot Round 2

A heartfelt thank you to every group who submitted their Growth Pot Round 2 reports. We’re working our way through them and it is genuinely joyous to read about the creativity, care and community impact that has grown from this funding.

Your stories, images and reflections are powerful — and we’re hoping to bring them together into a shared report that will shine a light on your work across the wider network and beyond.

What’s next?

Growth Pot Round 3 (6‑month projects) – we’ll soon be in touch to begin gathering your reports.

Growth Pot Round 5 – Our applications for the next round of funding opens 13 April 2026.

Thank you again for everything you’re doing. The ripple effect of this work is extraordinary.

📌 Introducing… Our New E+P Network Padlet

We’re excited to share our brand‑new Engagement & Participation Network Padlet — a one‑stop shop for everything related to this project.

🔗 Explore it here: https://padlet.com/EandPNetwork/north-lanarkshire-engagement-and-participation-network-z0h099bbrjlxem8v

It’s still a work in progress, and we’d love your feedback — what you like, what you’d add, and anything that would make it even more useful for you and your groups.

Local Wellbeing & Support Sessions Delivered by our Grantees!

Little Blue Suicide Prevention Lanarkshire – Open Drop‑In

A new open drop‑in session is being held following community requests.

📅 Monday 16 March
🕒 11:30am–1:30pm
📍 Burnhead Parish Church – Extension Building

ADHD Network

Drop In Relaxed Support Groups

Monday 23rd March, 1pm – Coatbridge Riverbank Community Hub

Wednesday 25th March, 1pm – Orbiston Community Hub

Bannan Fitness

Piloxing – Free Taster Session

🗓 Saturday 28th March
⏰ 11:00am
📍 Old Monkland Library

🏆 BBC Radio Scotland – Make a Difference Awards 2026

Nominations are now open for this year’s Make a Difference Awards, celebrating the incredible people, groups and even animals who go the extra mile in their communities.

Categories include: Active, Animal, Community Group, Environmental, Fundraiser, Great Neighbour, Volunteer and Young Hero.

If you know someone who deserves recognition, please consider nominating them and share the opportunity with your networks.

Nominate here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/makeadifference
Deadline: Tuesday 31 March 2026, 5pm

📝 National SDS Research – Staff Survey

Self Directed Support Scotland is gathering national evidence on frontline and Independent Support Organisation experiences of Direct Payment (Option 1) changes.

This is a rare chance for staff voices to shape national discussions ahead of the Scottish elections and contribute to the SDS National Voice Conference 2026.

Ways to take part:

Complete the 10‑minute anonymous survey: https://forms.office.com/e/WNnKs546qa

Optional 3‑minute follow‑up form: https://forms.office.com/e/GwMWn6cD7C

Please share widely with colleagues and partners.

Deadline: Sunday 15 March 2026

💸 Funding Opportunities

Corra Foundation – The Boost Fund

Grants available for small, community‑led organisations supporting people affected by poverty or disadvantage.

£500–£3,000 for constituted groups (income under £50,000)

£250–£1,500 for unconstituted groups

£750,000 available until March 2026

Community Solutions – Locality Activity Fund (LAF)

Small grants (up to £3,000) for CVS organisations delivering local health and wellbeing activities, including prevention, early intervention and recovery.

Please share with groups who may benefit.

💚

🎓 Lanarkshire Carers – Training Programme (April–June 2026)

The new programme of free training for carers is now open for booking, offering a wide range of courses designed to support people in their caring role.

Carers can also contact Lanarkshire Carers directly to discuss training needs or ideas.

Full programme available online.

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Hello everyone,

Happy Friday, I hope you’re all keeping well. I’m getting in touch with a few updates, opportunities and requests that may be useful for you and your networks.

✏️Engagement Toolkit – Request for Input

We’re currently working with North Lanarkshire Council to develop an Engagement Toolkit which will support the Local Outcome Improvement Plan review. To make sure the toolkit reflects the best methods and approaches, it would be hugely appreciated if you could take a few minutes to complete this short form before the end of the month. Your insight will help plan meaningful, accessible engagement throughout the consultation.

💸Funding Updates

VANL has shared their latest funding newsletter, which is full of useful opportunities for community groups and organisations. This month they are highlighting funds open with Community Solutions, The National Lottery, Scottish Power, B&Q, Bank of Scotland Foundation and more. It’s well worth signing up if you haven’t already (press subscribe at the top left when you click on the link).

📆Dates for the Diary

Lanarkshire Links Members Meeting –  Wednesday 11th March, 10am -12:30 (followed by lunch) Alona Hotel Strathclyde Country Park ML1 3RT (to register email admin@lanarkshirelinks.org.uk or call the office on 01698 265232).

Friends 4 U Group – Friday 27th March, 1pm-2pm, Andrew Hamilton Centre ML1 4DR, hosting their first Growth Pot Funded event hosting the local nursery with their regular group. R.S.V.P. To Christine Rowatt 07470518710

Lanarkshire Deaf Hub Accessibility Training - Thursday 19 February 2026, 9am-1pm, 105 Roman Road Motherwell ML1 1EA,  book your space at wellbeing@lanarkshiredeaf.org

🎦Cumbernauld Community Cinema – Outreach Opportunity

Cumbernauld Community Cinema is exploring outreach work and is keen to connect with groups who may benefit from film‑based activities or partnership ideas. David is keen to know if any Growth Pot funded projects or Network Members are interested in trying to set up an Action! Film Club organized through Take One Action. He has also shared an opportunity to be involved in hosting a local premiere showing of Molly Vs THE MACHINES on 1st March where licence costs and equipment will be provided if the host group can provide venue. If this is something your organisation would be interested in please contact David on cumbernauldcommunitycinema22@gmail.com

💻Digital Accessibility Win

We have recently been able to add free accessibility "Plugins" to our website and wanted to share as it may help others. One Tap Accessibility and GTranslate can be downloaded as Plugins on WordPress Websites and will offer accessibility and translation Widgets to your website, free of charge. I'm not an expert in this but happy to help anyone in the Network where I can if you'd like more information or practical help.

📄Round 2 Final Reporting

A reminder that the deadline for Growth Pot Round 2 Final Reporting is Friday 27th of February. If you need any support with this, please just reach out and I’ll be happy to help.

💙Thanks

Thanks again for everything you contribute across the area, if you have anything you’d like circulated to the Network — events, opportunities, consultations, or updates — please feel free to send it to me and I’ll share it on your behalf.

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Engagement and Participation Network Sign Up Form

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The Partnership administer a Growth Pot Fund, where organisations and grass roots community groups can apply for funding to increase their engagement and participation, as a result of their application they will be invited to the E&P Network.

Who can apply?

This fund is open to

· Charities, community groups and associations based in North Lanarkshire

· Organisations with an annual income under £75,000

· Groups that hold a bank account in the name of the organisation

· Groups that have a governing document (i.e. a Constitution or Terms of Reference)

We especially encourage applications from under-represented communities, including ethnic minorities, New Scots, and LGBTQ+ groups.

How much can you apply for?

Funding of £500 – £5,000 is available to support local initiatives and activities that enhance community engagement and participation.

What can be funded?

You can apply for projects or activities that:

· Encourage local engagement and involvement

· Promote awareness of services

· Improve participation in community life

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Please note the Application Form will open from the 13th of April to the 4th of May 2026. Until them the link will show an Error. Please read the 2 guidance documents below before applying.

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Try refreshing the page. If the problem persists, please check our status page at status.formassembly.com or email us at support@formassembly.com

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Growth Pot Fund Application Guidance (1)

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Growth Pot Fund Application Guidance (1)

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In this guidance document we detail who can apply to the fund and what the fund can be used on

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Growth Pot Fund Application Guidance (2)

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Growth Pot Fund Application Guidance (2)

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In this guidance document we detail all of the questions asked in the Growth Pot Form Application

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Growth Pot Fund Application Guidance (2)

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Next E+P Network Meetings:

Hybrid 7pm 9th June 2026, NLDF Office / Zoom

In Person 10am 10th June 2026, Bellshill Cultural Centre

Next round of Growth Pot Funding: 13th April - 4th May 2026

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The Engagement and Participation Network

A key element to this partnership is creating a network of grass roots organisations who engage with supported people, and those under-represented to share their knowledge and experiences of statutory services.

The Engagement and Participation Network will offer collaborative opportunities, experiences and input from the Network members. Through this Network, we will work to highlight gaps in representation allowing us to tailor our communications and approaches to meet the needs of the under-represented groups.

As the Engagement and Participation (E&P) Network is set up as part of the University Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire Engagement and Participation (UH&SC NL E&P) Strategy. The E&P Network has been established to support and compliment a strategic North Lanarkshire wide approach to involvement, engagement, and participation of all.

Vision: The E&P Network aims to ensure that local people with support needs, feel heard, engaged, and involved in the development of health and social care services in North Lanarkshire.

Remit of Group: The E&P Network will ensure that, the network partners work towards promoting best practice, delivering E&P activities, and recording such work and the outcomes across health and social care in North Lanarkshire.

Membership: The E&P Network will include and engage with statutory, community, and voluntary sector colleagues to achieve its aims.

From the Supported People’s Partnership and through the E&P Network we intend to use the ‘Growth Pot Fund’ to help widen participation through the provision of financial support to groups.

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Click on this link to find out more about our E+P network members and the 41 fantastic projects supported by the Growth Pot so far

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Our Network was approached by North Lanarkshire Council to consider what the best methods for engagement were when carrying out the upcoming LOIP (Local Outcome Improvement Plan) Consultations taking place across North Lanarkshire. In Partnership we created a Microsoft Form and shared across the partnership with the targetted approach of seeking lived experience of supported people living with disabilities and/or neurodiverse.

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Blue background white text. ADHD Network Logo. University Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire Logo. Text is a the following quote "she arranged for another parent to join us and we have a big problem on our hands working our what to cut as every one of their contributions was so powerful and well articulated. Although we said thanks at the time, I'll get back to her to reiterate that in an email. What a positive force! We both said at the time we left richer, better educated and more connected" 

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Recently our Network were asked to be involved in a podcast about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) being recorded by University Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire (UHSCNL).  We were asked to nominate someone from our Network who could give the experience of Parents with children with ASN. The ADHD Network was identified as an organisation in our Network who could provide lived experience and available to participate. This what the recorder had to say "she arranged for another parent to join us and we have a big problem on our hands working our what to cut as every one of their contributions was so powerful and well articulated. Although we said thanks at the time, I'll get back to her to reiterate that in an email. What a positive force! We both said at the time we left richer, better educated and more connected" We can't wait to hear the podcast and will post it on our Padlet once we get access!

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The E+P Network was asked if there were any members with lived experience who would like to be involved in the Dementia specific CARE- PAC project. What is CARE-PAC? CARE-PAC (Care for Advanced, Responsive, Early intervention for Patients And Carers) is a digital system already co-designed with people near the end of life, their carers, and healthcare professionals. It involves daily check-ins, smart alerts, personalised support,

and a shared clinical view – professionals can view combined patient and carer information to help plan timely support. This project will adapt CARE-PAC specifically for people living with dementia and their carers. From the network, 3 carers with lived experience have volunteered to take part in the project. We sincerely thank them for giving their lived experience voluntary to support the development of a system that will help many in the future.

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About Us: The Partnership And Our Mission

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About Us: The Partnership And Our Mission

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North Lanarkshire Disability Forum (NLDF), Lanarkshire Links and Voice of Experience Forum (VOEF) are working together for better Health and Social Care for Supported People in North Lanarkshire.

NLDF, Lanarkshire Links, and the VOEF have officially formed a strategic partnership. This collaboration is a direct response to North Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care’s Engagement and Participation Strategy.

Our Mission

Our mission is simple: to ensure that the people who use health and social care services in North Lanarkshire are the ones helping to shape them.

By combining our expertise and resources, we can provide a robust structure for representation, ensuring that your lived experiences reach the people making the big decisions.

As each of our organisations specialise in reaching those often considered under-represented, we have combined together our skills, knowledge, and resources, so that we can achieve more effective outcomes for our community than we ever could alone.

We believe that to truly enhance the lives of those living and working in North Lanarkshire, your voice must not only be heard but it must be valued.