RESIDENTS in the Borders are being urged to lead healthy and active lives as part of a new campaign launched this week.

Organised by the Scottish Borders Health and Social Care Partnership, Scottish Borders Healthy Lives Week is encouraging everyone to keep themselves healthy and active whilst making the right choices to support and protect vital services in the future.

The week-long programme, which began on Monday, promotes services that are routinely available to communities including drop-in sessions offering advice on quitting smoking and eating well, exercise sessions, social groups and a writing for wellbeing club.

Organisers of the campaign say that they hope it will encourage people to look to community services for support in order to ease pressure on key health services.

Speaking at Monday's launch, Robert McCulloch-Graham, Chief Officer Health and Social Care Integration, explained: “The campaign we launched today will help promote the message that everyone has the opportunity to make the right choices in life, not only to live healthier, happier lives, but also to do whatever they can to help us reduce pressure on services which are becoming increasingly stretched.

“We are encouraging and supporting people to look after their health, access the right services at the right time and make the most of the wide range of services and support available in communities.

"Not only will this have positive benefits for people, it will also contribute to easing pressure on our range of important services such as our Emergency Department and Minor Injuries Units.

“If everyone plays their part in whatever way they can, it should have a positive impact on public service finances which means we can target the limited resources we have on those services that need it most and are most valued by our communities.

"It also means we are more likely to be able to maintain them in the longer term.”

Healthy Lives Week runs until October 7.

For the full programme of events visit: www.scotborders.gov.uk/integration