A SERIES of consultation sessions on day support for older people in the Teviot and Liddesdale community are being launched by the council following a Court of Session decision last year.

Last September, Lady Carmichael of the Court of Session ruled that Scottish Borders Council (SBC) had acted unlawfully by closing the Teviot Day Centre in Hawick and had failed to properly undertake an Equality Impact Assessment or properly consult those likely to be affected by the closure.

In response to the decision, the local authority is looking to reshape its day support provision for older people.

A total of five drop in sessions will be offered to give people the chance to share their feedback on what support is needed.

Councillor Tom Weatherston, executive member for social work and community enhancement, said: “As part of this consultation, we are particularly to hear the voices of people with lived experience and their carers to get their views of what they feel is needed and would be of most benefit to them and the wider Hawick community.

“I would therefore encourage anyone with an interest in support for older people in Teviot and Liddesdale to join one of these sessions.

"It is important that we get as much feedback as possible so we can make a well informed decision as to the next steps for this provision.”

The first session will be an open meeting on Monday, January 23, from 12-2pm at Hawick Town Hall, where a sandwich lunch will be provided.

The remaining drop-in sessions will be:

  • Wednesday 25 January, 11am-2pm, Heart Of Hawick Café/Bar
  • Thursday 26 January, 10am-12noon, Auld Cross Keys, Denholm
  • Tuesday 31 January, 11am-2pm, Buccleuch Centre, Newcastleton
  • Tuesday 7 February, 1.30-3-30pm, William Laidlaw Memorial Hall, Bonchester Bridge

The council is working with the National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi) – a social change organisation – and the NDTi will provide SBC with a report on the outcome of the consultations at the end of next month.

The NDTi's report will be used along with the Integrated Impact Assessment to shape the next steps for adult day services in the region.

There is no requirement to book a place for any of the drop-in sessions.

For more information about the services currently available for older people in Teviot and Liddesdale, regular drop in sessions and appointments are provided by the Hawick and Newcastleton What Matters Hubs.