Silver Sunday is an annual celebration held throughout the UK for older adults. It celebrates the value and knowledge older adults contribute to their local communities, as well as helping to address loneliness and isolation amongst the older population.
Older people and their families and carers in the Scottish Borders are invited to celebrate Silver Sunday at an event on Sunday 1st October in the Volunteer Hall in Duns, from 10.30am-4.40pm.
It will include a talk on Old Duns, a demonstration by Fit Borders, performances by the Duns Players and ukulele band the Jockuleles.
Visitors will also be able to get advice and information about the range of services and activities provided by Fit Borders, Diabetes Scotland, Berwickshire Association of Voluntary Services, Berwickshire Housing Association and more.
Silver Sunday is a free event with tea, coffee and cakes available throughout the day, kindly donated by Berwickshire Housing Association. There is no need to book, unless you want to enjoy the lunch available from 12.30pm – tickets are available from Nairn’s Paper Shop in Duns.
The day is being organised by Scottish Borders Council (SBC) Community Capacity Building Team and Duns Senior Citizens. For more information, phone 01835 825080 or contact the team online.
Councillor Elaine Thornton-Nicol, the SBC Older People’s Champion, said: “Silver Sunday is a wonderful way to acknowledge the significant contribution that older adults make to our local communities and I am delighted to see that Berwickshire is hosting this year’s event.
“Last year it was Hawick’s turn and they certainly put on an afternoon that was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who took part. This year’s programme is packed full of interesting, enjoyable and informative activities and with so much on offer, there is sure to be something for everyone.
“The event is open to people from across the Borders and I have no doubt that Berwickshire will extend a very warm welcome to everyone who attends, not only local residents but those who travel from further afield as well.
“I would encourage as many people as possible to come together for the day to try something new and have some fun. I am very much looking forward to attending myself and taking the opportunity to meet with people to explain more about my role as Older People’s Champion and the support I am able to provide.”
“Local businesses have been very supportive of the event with thanks going to JD Clark & Allan, the White Swan and Greenvale AP for their donations. Berwickshire Housing Association made a particularly generous contribution of £1,000, while sponsorship from the Council’s Quality of Life Fund will enable free transport to be provided for people needing help with a lift.”
Berwickshire Housing Association, Operations Director, Jean Gray added: “We are proud to support Silver Sunday. Older people are among the most vulnerable in our community and as the average age of the population increases this event is important to bring individuals, families and carers together to have fun. We are also looking forward to helping on the day with our Teapot on Tour initiative and being part of the whole event.”