Warm & Well in Winter Roadshow
Warm and Well roadshow brings vital winter support to Borders families
Around 150 Scottish Borders tenants and families received vital help to stay warm, manage household costs and improve their wellbeing this winter, thanks to a successful community roadshow organised by Scottish Borders Housing Association (SBHA).
The Warm and Well in Winter events were held at Burnfoot Early Years Centre in Hawick, Philiphaugh Early Years Centre in Selkirk, and Langlee Early Years Centre in Galashiels in January, with around 150 people attending across the three locations.
The initiative aimed to bring practical support directly into local communities at a time when many households face increased financial pressure. SBHA staff provided advice on managing rent, reducing energy bills, improving financial wellbeing, and staying safe and well at home.
Families were also able to access direct practical support, including supermarket and fuel vouchers, as well as energy-saving household items such as heated clothes airers, heated throws and draught excluders to help keep homes warm and reduce costs.
Each event offered a welcoming and relaxed environment, with free hot drinks, soup, filled rolls and child-friendly meals available. Attendees could also take home surplus food, donated clothing, school uniforms, and winter essentials including hats and gloves.
Alongside the support services, family-friendly activities including arts and crafts, games, competitions and prize draws helped create a positive and inclusive atmosphere for all ages.
The events brought together a wide range of partner organisations, including The Wise Group, Citizens Advice Bureau, Scottish Borders Council, NHS Borders, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Sustainable Borders and the Scottish Borders Tenants Organisation, ensuring tenants could access a variety of advice and support in one place.
You can view videos from the events below.
Catriona Stewart, Headteacher at Burnfoot Community School, welcomed the initiative. She said:
“We were delighted that SBHA provided this opportunity for our community to engage with a wide range of partner agencies offering genuine help and support. It was an extremely positive event, and we greatly valued the chance to further consult with community members.”
Susie Hodgins, Burnfoot Early Years Centre Manager, added:
“It was incredibly positive to see partner professionals come together for an event coordinated by SBHA, offering meaningful support and guidance to local families. The collaboration and commitment shown by everyone involved brought real value to our community and created an uplifting experience.”
SBHA says the success of the roadshow highlights the importance of providing accessible, community-based support, particularly during winter.
Susan McDonald, SBHA’s Director of Customer Services, said:
“These events are a really important way for us to connect with our tenants and provide practical help when it is most needed. We know winter can be a difficult time for many households, and it was encouraging to see so many people come along, access support, and spend time together. We would like to thank all of our partners and the schools for helping make the events such a success.”
SBHA plans to build on the success of the Warm and Well in Winter programme by continuing to deliver community events and support initiatives across the Scottish Borders.