People are more likely to experience poor mental wellbeing as they get older, but older people are less likely to have access to information or community supports that can help them manage their mental wellbeing.

For the past year our Flourishing Borders project funded by the Scottish Government Self-Management Fund through the Long Term Conditions Alliance has been meeting people from all over Borders to encourage good mental health and wellbeing among older people.

In partnership with local groups we ran Happiness Habits cafes in lunch clubs, care homes, community centres, the local men’s shed and a local hotel where people found out about what helps people be well, and encouraged them to share what works for them.

From what people told us works for them when they are feeling down or are finding it harder to cope we have put together a Flourishing Borders Top Tips & Happiness Habits leaflet. Have a look, it has lots of great tips and quotes from the people we met in Borders!

Some of the cafes led to new activities being tried, from ukulele in Newcastleton, to new age curling in Netherurd, and next week we will be back at Whim Hall for a gentle movement class with the lovely Diane (watch out for the photos!)

Down in Burnfoot the people who came along to the 3 cafes we held there decided that they wanted to continue meeting regularly, which thanks to our local partners the Happy Café will meet on the last Thursday of every month starting on the 22nd June.

We would like to thank all the people who helped make Flourishing Borders happen, especially all the people who shared their tips on how to keep well. Please contact Christine Christine@otbds.org for more information or have a look on the website https://otbds.org/projects/flourishing-borders/