Scottish Borders Disability Forum

Forum News
ARE YOU OLDER OR DISABLED

RED CROSS and BORDERS VOLUNTARY COMMUNITY CARE FORUM

NEIGHBOURHOOD LINKS PROJECT

The Neighbourhood Links Project is a pilot set up in the Scottish Borders and is the first of it’s kind. It is a partnership project between The British Red Cross and The Borders Voluntary Community Care Form and will have to a ‘link’ worker based in Berwickshire and Tweeddale.

Aim

The project is to promote and develop the capacity of voluntary and community organisations to provide additional, local, community support to those people who have lower levels of social need and promote social inclusion, health and well being within the Scottish Borders.

Why was the project set up?

The Borders has a higher than average proportion of older people and dependent people than in Scotland as a whole. Older people and those with disabilities require assistant to feel safe, remain independent, maintain a good quality of life and retain involvement in their own communities. They may not be dependent enough to need formal care but may still need some help to combat isolation and prevent the development of future health problems and more acute care needs.

How will the project benefit you?

· It will help you to access local social activities/groups you were not aware were available so that you can play an active part in your community and feel less isolated
· Better Health, Better Care to help you to remain independent at home – not sure what support is available then contact us
· If you know of any one who wishes to volunteer and share their valuable time/skills with us we will be happy to make them feel valued and part of the team

How to contact us?

· Please phone Hazel Smith on 07921941041 or email HSmith@redcross.org.uk