Plans have been confirmed for re-opening What Matters Hubs drop-in sessions on a phased basis over the next few months in line with government guidance
The sessions have been unavailable during the COVID-19 pandemic with advice on health and social care services being provided through multi-agency Community Assistance Hubs.
As restrictions ease, however, we've been working with key partners from the Health and Social Care and Community Planning partnerships to reopen them on a phased basis. The aim is to have weekly hubs available in Hawick, Galashiels, Duns, Kelso, Peebles and Eyemouth by the end of September 2021.
Hawick What Matters Hub open from 22 July
The first to open is Hawick with drop-in sessions and appointments now available every Thursday from 12noon-3pm within the Live Borders Heart of Hawick venue.
The following COVID-19 guidelines will be in place:
- anyone attending will be asked to wear a face mask, use the hand sanitiser provided, observe social distancing and provide contact details in line with Test and Protect requirements
- a one-way system will be in operation and people may be asked to sit in a waiting area until staff are available to see them
- people are asked not to attend if they, a family member or close contact has any COVID-19 symptoms or has recently tested positive for the virus
Councillor Tom Weatherston, Executive Member for Adult Wellbeing
“The Community Assistance Hubs continue to provide an absolutely vital service for people needing support and anyone looking for advice shouldn’t hesitate to get in touch to see what is available.
“There is no doubt, however, that some people miss being able to have a face to face conversation and it is very welcome news that we are going to be able to provide What Matters Hub drop-in sessions once again. They are an ideal way of talking to professionals in a relaxed, informal way and provide guidance on a range of issues and topics ranging from health and social care services to information about community activities and events that people may find of interest.
“The past year or so has impacted significantly on people’s health and wellbeing in previously unimagined ways and I would therefore encourage people to make full use of the Hawick sessions that are now available every Thursday.”
Lisa Denham, Connected and Creative Communities Manager at Live Borders
“We are delighted to welcome back the What Matters Hub to our relaxed and informal surroundings at Heart of Hawick. We understand and value the need for community led support, enabling people to become healthier, happier and stronger and find the services that they need locally. Health and well-being is a key driver across all our services and the return of the Hub at Heart of Hawick is a great step forward in our phased reopening.”
More information
For more information and to keep up to date with the latest regarding the phased opening, visit the What Matters Hubs pages of our website or phone 0300 100 1800 (option one).
In areas where the Hubs are not yet available, you can continue to access advice and support from Customer Advice and Support Services on 0300 100 1800 (option seven) or visit the Community Assistance Hub pages of our website. Adult carers can also contact the Borders Carers Centre on 01896 752431.
Information is also available in the COVID-19 pages of our website.