“I don’t have many visitors; I can talk about anything and everything with my volunteer.
I look forward to his calls, we get on really well.”
…BHA BeFriendee
BeFriend
BeFriend is a service that provides supportive, reliable relationships through volunteer befrienders to people who would otherwise be socially isolated. Through food, art and ‘adventure’, we help bond and connect people who are 65 and over living in Berwickshire or Kelso. BHA BeFriend is co-funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, Scotland and BHA.
Find out more about BHA BeFriend here.
BeWell
BeWell is a specialised support service for BHA customers aged 16 years and above who have additional mental health and wellbeing support needs that impact on their ability to positively manage their tenancy. This includes early intervention to prevent tenancy breakdown.
This service is operated by Penumbra, a leading mental health charity which supports adults and young people around Scotland, including around the Borders. The project is funded by BHA, with additional funding from the Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA) Community Benefit Fund and the Lintel Trust.
Tenancy Sustainability Team
Our newly appointed Tenancy Sustainability Managers (TSMs) work closely with Neighbourhood Managers to support customers to sustain their tenancies. This includes, help with more complex welfare benefit claims, fuel and food security and working in partnership with others to provide specialist support on a variety of issues. Our BeWell mental health and wellbeing service and BeFriend project mentioned above, are examples of such support. Our TSMs will work to improve quality of life and ensure customers are supported and enabled to live well in their own homes, as long as possible.
Support with Fuel Costs
Borders Housing Network (BHN) consisting of Eildon, Berwickshire, Waverley, and Scottish Borders Housing Associations have pioneered a successful partnership approach to tackling fuel poverty across the Scottish Borders. We have secured Scottish Government funding to help tenants reduce fuel debt.
We can also work with you or refer you to independent sources of advice to help you reduce your energy use.
For more information give us a call on 0800 652 8104 or if you prefer you can send an email to info@berwickshirehousing.org.uk
Domestic Violence and Abuse
Domestic violence or abuse can happen to anyone. Find out how to recognise the signs and where to get help here.
Where to get help in the community?
BHA works with a range of community groups and services in Berwickshire to help provide support in our communities. Some of them are listed below.
Please get in touch with us for more information by calling 0800 652 8104 or email info@berwickshirehousing.org.uk
Berwickshire Association for Voluntary Service (Bavs) is an independent voluntary organisation that’s aims to support, inform and provide services to community and voluntary groups in the Berwickshire area.
Berwickshire Help
This website provides links to a wide range of organisations that, in these difficult times, can provide help with food, energy and clothing needs, and advice/support regarding money matters, health and other issues.
Free school meals and help with school wear
Scottish Borders Dementia Support
Dementia Advisor – Scottish Borders
Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline
Call the Dementia Helpline for free on 0800 888 6678 for support from dedicated dementia specialist Admiral Nurses.
The Helpline is open from 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 5pm on Saturday to Sunday.