OPAL Borders aims to maintain and improve older people’s independence and encourage social connections by running regular group activity sessions in Eildon’s seven sheltered housing and extra care housing developments in Galashiels, Hawick, Kelso and Peebles. 

The sessions run every two weeks for people aged 60+, with members of the wider community encouraged to attend alongside Eildon residents.   

The project started in 2022 in partnership with Cyrenians as a way to get people back together after the pandemic.  It worked, and the groups have gone from strength to strength.   

The service is led by Julie Houghton, OPAL coordinator, supported by volunteers, and aims to offer something to everyone, with offshoots ‘Pie and a Brew’ groups for older men gaining in popularity, and a ‘Forget Me Not Café’ in Galashiels supporting those with dementia. This funding will allow Eildon to take the service forward, with an eye to expanding it into new communities and settings. 

Eildon’s chief executive, Nile Istephan, said: “We are hugely grateful to the National Lottery and its players for providing this funding and supporting our vision for OPAL Borders for the next three years. It’s great to see how popular the activity groups have become and to hear from participants about how much they enjoy coming together to exercise, quiz and also have a chat over a cup of tea. We know the really negative impact social isolation and loneliness can have on health and wellbeing and OPAL aims to change all that, one session at a time.” 

The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland chair, Kate Still, said: “Every day National Lottery funding is changing the lives of thousands of people in communities across Scotland. This project, delivered by Eildon Housing Association is a great example of community activity in action, showing just what can be achieved when people come together for a common cause or to help others. National Lottery players can be proud to know that the money they raise is helping to support this vital work which is making a real difference to so many.” 
 
Anyone interested in either taking part or helping out can contact enquiries@eildon.org.uk or call 03000 200 217.