Borders Buddies: H and N Case study 

Borders Buddies supports people to return to doing things they enjoyed before but which, either due to the pandemic, ill health or other factors, they have stopped doing. It enables them to reconnect with other people in the community, reducing isolation and building individual and community resilience.

N had recently moved to a small village in the area and was unsure about the local area. He wanted someone to show him local walking routes. He thought this would motivate him to get out of the house, do something with his time and improve his physical wellbeing and general mood. He was also unsure about getting the bus by himself and said he would like some support with getting the bus to Edinburgh or Peebles.

H was substantially older than N but very able and active. He was a keen walker and knew the local area well. He volunteered to meet up with N on a regular basis and show him some walks. Over the months they met up almost every week and tried a walk or sometimes went further afield. For example, they travelled to the Coalmining Museum in Newtongrange which they both found fascinating. 

N gradually built up his knowledge of the local area thanks to H accompanying him on various walks. He also started getting the bus to attend various groups in other locations. Having come to a new place during Lockdown, N found it did take longer to feel at home, but thanks in part to the Buddy support he is now happy living there. He recognises people in the street to speak to. He is also confident now to undertake some of the local walks on his own, and does so regularly.  

N reported that walking got him out of the house, and gave him something to get out of bed for. As he does not work he often found he was staying inside and staying in bed during the day. He now felt things had improved for him, physically and mentally. He and his Buddy had agreed between them that they would now stop meeting up, but that they might still have the odd walk together. 

Finally, N is attending different groups now. He has also expressed an interest in volunteering and we have given him a few contacts for this. We caught up with him and a worker recently and were able to identify some further opportunities for him. 

We will follow up with him in a couple of months’ time to see how he is doing. He also knows he can come to us if he would like support with future volunteering options or putting together his CV, etc.