An event will be held in Bothwell next week offering family fun and advice on the rising cost of living.
The event, organised by local churches Bothwell Parish Church and St Bride’s RC Church, and MSP Stephanie Callaghan, will be held on Monday, August 8.
The increase in the cost of living is impacting many families, and Reverend Iain Majcher from Bothwell Parish Church and Father Colin Hughes from St Bride’s RC Church approached Ms Callaghan with an idea to mix advice and support with free family fun.
The three have worked together with support from local organisation Bothwell Futures, to create a community event that will provide families with direct access to experts who can help with advice on matters such as energy, finance, social security and mental health.
Locals can receive advice from organisations such as Home Energy Scotland, Citizens Advice Scotland, Social Security Scotland and Health Improvement Scotland.
All the elected politicians for Bothwell will be in attendance, including Ms Callaghan, Angela Crawley MP and councillors Cal Dempsey, Maureen Devlin and Kenny McCreary.
Local businesses including the Co-Op, Equi’s, Lidl, M&S, Morrisons and Tesco are supporting the event with food and refreshments.
Ms Callaghan, the Uddingston and Bellshill MSP, said: “Our Family Fun and Cost of Living Event provides local people with immediate advice on managing their finances, and will link families up with practical support.
“There will be lots of professional support agencies on hand, and I’m delighted to join our local MP and all three local councillors.
“There are times when politicians come together for the greater good, and this is one of them. While we know this event will not stem the tsunami of rising costs for families – and that further urgent government interventions are needed – our clear focus is to make help available to all who need it."
Rev Majcher of Bothwell Parish Church said: “I am proud that as a community we have been able to come together to provide a cost-of-living event. An event that crosses denominations and party lines and sees us working together for the whole village. This is certainly not the answer to all the problems everyone is facing today, but I for one hope and pray it is the first step for many to finding the support and help that they are looking for."
Father Hughes from St Bride’s added: “This significant coming together of so many agencies, as well as politicians from all the major parties is a clear demonstration of the enormity of the crisis. The community is stepping up to ensure nobody feels alone in this struggle, and help is available to those who need it.
“This event is a chance for families, friends and neighbours to come together, support each other – and have fun together.”
The event is at St Bride’s Church from 12pm-3pm.
There will be face painting, inflatables, candyfloss, food and refreshments for free throughout the day.
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