CEO Blog Behind the Statistics: The Reality of Poverty for Families in North Lanarkshire

As part of Challenge Poverty Week 2026, our CEO Ann-Marie McGonigal looks beyond the statistics to explore what poverty can mean for children, young people and families across North Lanarkshire.

From food insecurity and digital exclusion to transport costs, mental wellbeing and missing out on opportunities, Ann-Marie explores the everyday barriers families can face, the role community organisations can play, and why tackling poverty must be about creating opportunities, removing barriers and making sure everyone has the chance to participate.

Read the full blog here:

Challenge Poverty Blog.docx

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Save the Date: Festive Family Fun Day 2026

Christmas is coming to YMCA Bellshill & Mossend, and this year our Festive Family Fun Day is happening a little earlier!

Join us on Sunday 22nd November, from 11am to 2pm, as we kick off the festive season with a day for children, young people and families.

We’re busy planning what we hope will be our biggest Festive Family Fun Day yet, with plenty happening throughout the day and lots of festive fun for the whole family.

For now, save the date and keep an eye on our website and social media pages. We’ll be sharing full details of activities, stalls and everything else we have planned very soon.

📅 Sunday 22nd November 2026

🕚 11am–2pm

📍 YMCA Bellshill & Mossend, 294 Main Street, Bellshill, ML4 1AB

Christmas starts here! 🎄

Upcycling Workshop

YMCA Bellshill & Mossend’s Our Time Women’s Group is hosting a free Upcycling Workshop & Clothing Swap as part of the Lanarkshire Climate Action Festival.

Join us on Tuesday 15 September, from 10.30am to 1.30pm, for a relaxed and friendly session where you can meet others, learn some useful skills and give pre-loved clothes a new life.

There will be a range of activities to try, including a clothes swap, simple clothing repairs, our Dress for Success mannequin challenge, and the chance to make a sock monster using clean socks and fabric scraps. Tea and coffee will also be available.

Bring along any clothes you no longer need and see if you can find something new to you. You can also learn simple ways to repair and reuse clothing rather than throwing it away.

The event is completely free and everyone is welcome. There is no need to book, just come along on the day.

📅 Tuesday 15 September⏰ 10.30am – 1.30pm

📍 YMCA Bellshill & Mossend, 294 Main Street, Bellshill, ML4 1AB

💚 Free event

Swap • Repair • Reuse • Create

Come along for a cuppa, have a go at the activities and find out how small changes can help reduce waste in our community.