Our Lives Newsletters

Conference Report – Our Lives Progress Update Event

A key highlight is the Our Lives Progress Update Event (November 2025), which brought together over 80 residents and partner organisations to review progress in areas such as employment, language support, digital inclusion and community wellbeing.

While positive progress has been made—particularly in partnership working, interpreting services and ESOL provision—communities highlighted ongoing challenges:

• Unequal access to services due to language, cost, culture and awareness
• Lack of representation within services, impacting trust
• Communication gaps and limited promotion of support
• Ongoing barriers linked to childcare and transport
• Additional challenges faced by women, including safety and access to opportunities

Overall, feedback shows that change is happening, but more pace and consistency are needed.

Service Spotlight – Incomes to Maximise Outcomes

This section focuses on a practical, high-impact financial support service aimed at reducing poverty. 

It explains the wide range of support available, from benefit checks and application help to debt advice and advocacy. This is particularly important for individuals who may struggle to navigate complex systems.

The article also demonstrates tangible impact, highlighting that the service has generated over £130 million in additional income. Beyond finances, the emotional impact is clear, with service users reporting reduced stress and improved wellbeing.

Service Spotlight – Supported Enterprise Team (No Limits)

This article showcases a specialist employability programme supporting young people with additional support needs. 

It explains how the programme combines:

• Training
• Work placements
• Personalised coaching
• Confidence-building activities

A detailed case study brings the programme to life, illustrating how sustained support helped a young person move from school into employment and independence.

Digital Skills and IT Support

This section highlights the growing importance of digital inclusion.

It describes community-based training programmes that help people:

• Use email and online tools
• Stay safe online
• Access services
• Build confidence with technology

The introduction of Digital Zones in libraries is particularly significant, offering free access to equipment, assistive technology, and staff support.

Employment Skills and Training

This section brings together a wide range of pathways into employment. 

It highlights:

• Accessible local education through New College Lanarkshire
• Blended ESOL/employability programmes that combine learning with real work experience
• A new volunteering app making it easier to access opportunities
• The Summer Placement Programme, with increasing diversity among applicants

The key message is that employability support is becoming more inclusive and flexible, helping people move towards sustainable employment.

Language Support and Skills

Language support is a critical foundation for integration and opportunity. 

This section of the newsletter outlines a wide network of ESOL provision, including:

• Community classes
• Online learning
• Informal conversation spaces (Chat Cafés)

It also highlights targeted initiatives, such as women-only groups, which address cultural and confidence barriers.

The ESOL Forum is particularly important, ensuring that learners themselves influence service design.

Overall, the focus is on building confidence, connection, and independence through language.

Cultural Awareness and Celebration

This section emphasises the role of culture in building understanding and belonging. 

It includes a wide variety of initiatives:

• Refugee Week events bringing communities together
• Museum projects exploring colonial history and representation
• Community celebrations such as Eid
• Creative initiatives like film screenings and exhibitions

The Summerlee redevelopment project stands out for its ambition to place community stories at the centre of local heritage.

Overall, this section highlights how cultural activity can:

• Promote inclusion
• Challenge narratives
• Strengthen community cohesion

Culturally Competent and Sensitive Services

This extensive and details sections focusing on how services are delivered, not just what they provide. 

It explains that traditional “one‑size‑fits‑all” approaches often fail to meet the needs of diverse communities. Instead, services must:

• Be culturally aware
• Build trust
• Create safe spaces

Examples include:

• Mental health programmes tailored to BAME communities
• Support groups for mothers and daughters
• Community-led initiatives that reflect lived experiences

The articles demonstrate that culturally competent services lead to:

• Greater engagement
• Reduced stigma (especially around mental health)
• Stronger relationships and outcomes

This section also showcases practical, local initiatives that improve everyday life. 

Examples include:

• Health outreach services (e.g. Waverley Care)
• Community engagement events (e.g. mosque partnerships)
• Free period product initiatives improving dignity and access
• Inclusive infrastructure like communication boards in play areas

These examples show how small, targeted actions can make a meaningful difference, particularly when designed with communities.

Safety and Security

This article highlights the role of the Community Safety Hub in protecting residents. 

It demonstrates the scale of activity, including:

• Monitoring CCTV
• Supporting police investigations
• Assisting vulnerable individuals
• Responding to homelessness enquiries

Directory of Services

New for this issue, this final section provides a comprehensive resource of contacts and organisations. 

It covers:

• Council services
• Health and support organisations
• Community and voluntary groups