A series of FREE events have been scheduled across North Lanarkshire. Check out what's on near you.
Challenge Poverty Week runs from Monday 6th to Sunday 12th October.
Throughout the week, we will share information and advice about the support available to help families struggling with income or money worries.
A series of FREE events have been scheduled across North Lanarkshire - which will be hosted by the council, its partners and voluntary organisations.
Challenge Poverty Week 2025 - local events
Monday 6 October
Wishaw
Houldsworth Centre, Kenilworth Avenue, ML2 7LP
Session: Benefits advice
9.30am to 12.30pm: Are you worried about welfare benefits or need help challenging a recent decision? We will be on hand to offer:
- Advice for kinship carers and care-experienced young people
- Expert advice on maximising your income and navigating the benefits system
- One-to-one support available for support with challenging benefit decisions you are unhappy with
Let’s make sure you're getting the support you’re entitled to!
Bellshill
Salvation Army Café, Gladstone Street, Bellshill, ML4 1AT
Session: Health and wellbeing advice
10am to 2pm: Drop in to find out more about the range of local services and activities available to support your health and wellbeing. Information will be available on local activities in your area that promote physical and mental health such as exercise classes and support groups. We can also signpost you for help with health issues and the Citizens Advice Bureau will be on hand for general advice too.
Tuesday 7 October
Wishaw
Craigneuk Family Learning Centre, 641 Glasgow Road, ML2 7SR
Session: Adult literacy/ numeracy group
12pm to 2pm: Join us to find out more about how to improve your literacy skills to help you apply for jobs and become more confident on-line.
Airdrie
The Hive, One Wellwynd, 35 Wellwynd, Airdrie, ML6 0BN
Session: An introduction to starting your own business
10am to 11.30am: Looking to boost your household income? Join us for a mini “Ideas to Income” workshop designed for women who are unemployed, working part-time, or even in full-time roles but ready to try something new! On maternity leave? This session is perfect for you too.
Workshop will focus on starting a side hustle or part-time business that fits around your life - whether that’s evenings, weekends, or on your own terms.
- Connect with other women and share ideas
- Learn how to turn your idea into income with free 1:1 support from Business Gateway Lanarkshire
- Tour The Hive - a low-cost workspace created for women business owners
And yes, the tea/coffee is on us!
Wednesday 8 October
Coatbridge
Coatbridge Community Centre, 9 Old Monkland Road, ML5 5EA
Session: Managing money
10am to 12pm: Join us and learn more about reducing costs, budgeting, money saving tips and lots more.
Session: Numeracy skills
1pm to 3pm: Do you want to feel more confident with numbers? We can help you develop numeracy skills that are useful for life and supporting families.
Asda, Main Street, ML5 3BU
Session: Drop in to see us
11.30am to 1.30pm: The Citizens Advice Bureau will be on hand to give general advice.
Thursday 9 October
Airdrie
Chapelside Community Centre, Waddell Street, ML6 6JU
Session: Employability Group
9.30am to 11.30am : Find out how to write your CV, apply for jobs and develop basic employability skills. We can also help you gain a qualification.
Session: Meeting space for men to chat, recharge, reflect through learning.
9.30am to 11.30am: Come along to “Men’s Space” and improve your general wellbeing through taking part in a new activity or learning a new skill.
Friday 10 October
Airdrie
Chapelside Community Centre, Waddell Street, ML6 6JU
Session: chat about our changing climate, community and why it matters!
11am to 2pm: Join us for an engaging and informative eco-themed event! Learn how to reduce your carbon footprint and cut down on energy bills. You’ll also get the change to have a go at some eco-craft activities such as climate art or creative writing.
Online Events
Poverty Alliance Breakfast Briefing series is a perfect way to kick off each day of Challenge Poverty Week, each day we align them with our themes for the week.
Click the links below for more information - and to sign up to as many Breakfast Briefings as you like.
Monday 7 Oct: Social Security, 9am to 9.45am
Tuesday 8 Oct: Jobs, 9.30am to 10.15am
Wednesday 9 Oct: Life's essentials, 9.30am to 10.15am
Thursday 10 Oct: Communities & Volunteers, 9.30am to 10.15am
Friday 11 Oct: Climate, 9.30 to 10.15am