If you or an older person you know and love wants to get out the house and meet new people, there are some excellent resources in West Lothian and Edinburgh to help them.
There are half a million older people in the UK going without any social interaction for a week at a time (Research by Age UK, 2018). And in Scotland, an Age UK report in 2015 stated that two in five older people regard the television as their main form of company.
Cyrenians “Older People Active Lives” (OPAL) project exists specifically for older people in West Lothian and they offer a range of services. One of those services is running weekly social groups at various locations all over West Lothian for anyone in the community who is over the age of 60 and feels they want to get out. (see bottom of article for group details).
The groups are all-inclusive. Whether you are fit and able, visually-impaired, hearing-impaired, have limited mobility or are in early diagnosis of dementia, there is a group to suit you. From a cuppa and a blether to activities out and about, there is something for everyone.
You don’t need to be referred by anyone, you can simply turn up and be assured of a warm friendly welcome in a relaxed environment. The activity groups include music, trips, speaker-events, crafts, movie days, board games, new age curling, quizzes – and anything else that group members want to explore! Tea, coffee and good craic guaranteed.
Whilst the groups are facilitated and organised by OPAL, they are self-led in that the members themselves decide what they want to do. Groups last about two hours and cost £1 per session to help cover costs - you simply pay as you go.
If you would like to find out more, please call 01506 815 815, email opal@cyrenians.scot
Visit us at: www.cyrenians.scot/OPAL
Cyrenians is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC011052
19b South Bridge Street, Bathgate, West Lothian EH48 1TU
In Edinburgh, LOOPS (Local Opportunities for Older People) is a phoneline is a dedicated
information line for people 65+ looking for information on activities and services in the local area. Their team of friendly advisors can help you find something that is tailored to your needs, whether that is a lunch club, art group or exercise class.
The LOOPS phone line is 0131 603 8311 or email loops@volunteeredinburgh.org.uk
https://www.facebook.com/edinburghloops/
For more information please see https://loopsphoneline.org.uk/ or see their video below:
OPAL Groups in West Lothian
You are welcome to attend any of these groups in West Lothian. Some of the groups are in sheltered housing but are open to non-residents. “Activity Group” means that there is a range of activities which vary from week to week. All groups are £1 per week, pay as you go, except the singing group* which is £1.50 per week.
Blackburn:
Venue: Blackburn Partnership Centre, Ashgrove, Blackburn, EH54 7LL.
Activity Group weekly on Mondays 10am – 12pm
Craigshill:
Venue: Craigengar Park, Almond Rd, EH54 5NY.
Activity Group weekly on Mondays 1.30pm – 3.30pm
Bathgate:
Venue: Rosemount Gardens, Mid Street, EH48 1QW
Activity Group weekly on Tuesdays 2pm – 4pm
Venue: Royal Scot Court, 76 Academy Street, EH48 1QR.
Nibble n Natter group weekly on Wednesdays 1.30pm – 3.30pm
Mid Calder:
Venue: Cunnigar House, Avenue Park West, EH53 0AH
Activity Group weekly Tuesdays 2pm – 4pm
Uphall: Venue: St Andrew’s Court, 20 Hawthorn Place, EH52 5BX
Activity Group weekly on Wednesdays 10am – 12pm
Carmondean:
Venue: Ability Centre, EH54 8PT
Singing Group fortnightly on Wednesdays 2.30pm – 4pm *(Singing for Health in partnership with Ageing Well)
Fauldhouse:
Venue: Blackfaulds Court, EH47 9DR
Activity Group weekly Wednesdays 2pm – 4pm
Armadale:
Colinshiel Court, McNeil Crescent, EH48 2NB
Activity & Dominoes Group weekly Thursdays 2pm – 4pm
Linlithgow:
Venue: Longcroft Hall, Philip Avenue, Linlithgow, EH49 7BH
Nibble & Natter group weekly on Thursdays 2pm-4pm
Broxburn: NEW group starting 14th February 2019
Venue: Strathbrock Partnership Centre, 189A West Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 5LH
Activity group, weekly on Thursdays 10am-12pm.