Monday August 17th 2026
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Scottish Borders councillors will next week be recommended to rubber-stamp spending of more than £650k to tackle health inequalities, social exclusion and loneliness predominantly among the area’s ageing population.
The aim is to improve the overall well-being of locals and thereby reduce the burden on Health and Social Care services.
It is proposed that Scottish Borders Council and NHS Borders jointly commission Live Borders to provide a structured programme to help address these challenges and encourage people to live and sustain healthier lifestyles.
The Borders is facing a growing range of health and well-being challenges as a result of socio-economic factors and an ageing population.
The area has the fifth highest proportion of older adults in Scotland, many of whom are living with at least one long-term health condition.
This ‘Early Intervention & Prevention‘ proposal contributes positively to these health strategies and builds on the existing exercise referral programme delivered through Live Borders, broadening opportunities to incorporate cultural, creative, and social activities such as creative writing, arts, crafts, games, and physical activity programmes.
Subject to a matching agreement from NHS Borders, members of SBC are being asked to agree to fund 50 per cent of the total programme costs which for the council will equate to £650,617 for an initial period of three years from 2027/28, including a set-up phase of three months in 2026/27.
A report to full council states: “The expansion of the programme will have an impact on the older demographic, but also apply across age groups.
“The programme supports people with existing, or at risk of developing, long-term conditions to make meaningful changes to their lifestyle by delivering quality person-centred activities and the use of recognised behaviour change techniques.
“The programme will be implemented in a phased approach over three years and remains flexible to grow further and reflect the needs of the users.
“The scope of the programme includes supporting people living in our communities with long-term health conditions, with a focus on NHS patients on waiting lists for lower limb arthroplasty and for frailty patients.
“There is also a focus on inactive/sedentary people who are at risk of developing long term health conditions.
“Particular emphasis will be placed on promoting self referral and helping people understand the positive benefits that physical activity, cultural engagement and community participation can have on both physical and mental well-being.”
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