Article Source: Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 21 February 2024 12:51
The monthly event brings together around 50 people from the local area and is organised by Howwood Parish Church and Friends of Howwood Park. It is part of the Renfrewshire Winter Connections programme—funded through the £85,000 Winter Connections Grant Fund—and is one of four activities in the local area on the programme.
Gillian Whyte, who helps to organise the event, said it gives people a chance to get together and connect with one another in a warm and welcoming space with hot drinks and home baking. She said: “The coffee mornings in the village are well attended, and people really enjoy them. Having somewhere local to meet up with other people during the winter months is great for the villagers, especially those who live alone.
“The funding from Winter Connections has made the coffee mornings—and all the other events we have organised—possible, and we are very grateful to Renfrewshire Council for giving it to us.”
At the coffee morning, Councillor Cameron had the chance to talk to everyone and find out the things that were important to them. She said: “It was lovely to see first-hand how local groups are using the funding to bring people together and help them connect during the winter months when people are usually less able to be active due to the weather.
“Having a space like this to meet and talk over tea, coffee and home baking helps to reduce isolation and supports people to make friends and keep up connections.”
The Winter Connections programme is in its second year and was set up to help support people during the cost-of-living crisis. The activities and events in the programme are run by local groups and organisations.
Feedback from the first programme said it had improved social connection and reduced isolation. It also supported new people to come along to local activities and had created a sense of belonging in the local community.
Councillor Cameron added: “Community groups and organisations are such an important part of the community and the work they are doing here through the Winter Connections programme is giving people a chance to talk about any issues they are facing in a safe, supportive and non-judgmental environment.”
People can visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/winter-connections to see what events are taking place in their local area.
Anyone looking for help and support can visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/cost-of-living, make an appointment with the council’s Advice Works team by emailing adviceworks@renfrewshire.gov.uk or calling 0300 300 1238, or make an appointment with Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau by visiting www.renfrewshirecab.org.uk or calling 0141 889 2121.
Award winning authors, a former SAS soldier, along with HR leaders from Scotland’s top employers are among the speakers for the CIPD Scotland Annual Conference, 2025.
READ MOREBraehead Shopping Centre has announced a year of exceptional success reflected in its 2024 performance – showing significant YoY growth in footfall.
READ MOREThis March, Dobbies Garden Centres is offering a new hands-on Mother's Day experience, combining a luxury Afternoon Tea with a seasonal planting workshop.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is offering great value entertainment for families this February half term.
READ MOREThe 2025 Paisley 10k and Fun Run will see thousands taking to the streets when the event returns to the town on Sunday 17th August.
READ MOREitison Us have thousands of free respite experiences available for small Scottish charities.
READ MOREPavilion Festival has today announced the huge lineup for its third year on Ayr Beach with James, Annie Mac, Happy Mondays, Ewan McVicar, Ben Hemsley and more playing live!
READ MOREThe National Trust for Scotland has launched an appeal to support emergency work needed to deal with the devastating destruction caused by Storm Éowyn.
READ MOREScotland’s favourite out-of-this-world event, Galactic Carnival, is preparing to launch in Glasgow this spring, promising an intergalactic adventure packed with thrills!
READ MORENew artificial sports pitches will be built in Renfrewshire as part of further £800,000 investment by Renfrewshire Council in outdoor sports facilities.
READ MOREThe biggest show of its kind in Scotland has partnered with Andy The Highlander to create an Enchanted Map of Scotland's most enchanted locations.
READ MOREScottish hospitality group, Signature, has launched an innovative new digital loyalty scheme to help cost-conscious customers save money dining out.
READ MORERenfrewshire’s annual memorial event for those who have lost their lives to suicide was held last week.
READ MORETop amateurs and handicap golfers can now sign up for one or more of Scottish Golf's 33 championships in a packed 2025 schedule.
READ MORELive Music Now Scotland is delighted to announce a funding award of £150,000 from Elizabeth Lornie's Charitable Trust.
READ MOREPavilion Festival Presents: Ewan McVicar B2B Ben Hemsley, special guest Annie Mac, along with DJ Seinfeld, Sally C, Robert Hood (Floorplan) and more on Saturday 3rd May!
READ MOREBBC Scotland's topical TV programme Debate Night returns this month and they are searching for people to be part of the big studio audience.
READ MORESpearheaded by independent Glasgow-based design studio, Graven, the renovation will see a complete transformation and expansion of one of Scotland’s most established heritage hotels.
READ MOREVue venues across Scotland will be showcasing a mixture of the latest big screen blockbusters from China as well as an anniversary screening of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres’ popular Little Seedlings Club and Grow How workshops return for February, inviting gardeners and families to get hands-on at these free sessions.
READ MOREDog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution have boosted the ranks of the “PAWS ON PLASTIC’ charity to 27,000.
READ MOREIRN-BRU and YO! are reimagining Burns Suppers, teaming up to fuse sushi with haggis to help Glaswegians celebrate Scotland's National Day with a 2025 twist.
READ MOREWorks are set to get underway to create a new activity and community space within Ferguslie Park.
READ MOREThe Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show is delighted to announce Border Caravans as the new headline sponsor for this year's event.
READ MOREKibble Adoption, the newly launched service from the children's care charity, is inviting people to join them for an event that highlights the benefits of adoption for both parents and children.
READ MORESeachdain na Gàidhlig has unveiled details of its most diverse, ambitious and largest programme to date, bringing together speakers, learners and enthusiasts from across Scotland and beyond.
READ MOREDon’t let the shorter days and chilly weather get you down this January, stay active and experience boundless fun at Gravity Active!
READ MOREDobbies is encouraging paw-rents across the UK to show their pooches some love this Valentine's Day at its brand-new dog event that will raise money for national dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust.
READ MOREScotland’s First Minister John Swinney launches the Doddie Aid 2025 campaign at Murrayfield stadium.
READ MOREToday, Friday 20 December, the IRN-BRU Carnival officially opens to the public, bringing all the fun of the fair to Glasgow's SEC for the 105th year!
READ MORE