Forward Mid

14/11/2025

Slightly late to the party but you can still register!

November 13th is World Kindness Day!

Reach out to GDA by phone 0141 556 7103 text 07958 299 496 or by email at wellbeing@gdaonline.co.uk if you would like to come along to our next wellbeing session.

If you would like more information about Kindness by Post, or would like to participate, you can register at https://www.kindnessbypost.org/

10/11/2025

Everyone's invited!

Wednesday the 19th is International Men's Day and, to celebrate, the doors are open:

From 12pm until 2 we're hosting our first Open Day. Everyone and anyone can stop on by at this free, drop-in event and see for themselves what Dalkeith Men's Shed is all about.

Light refreshments will be provided. We hope to see you there and if you're able to help us spread the word on your socials? It would be greatly appreciated.

Esk Valley Rotary Dalkeith library Jewson Dalkeith Dalkeith Petanque Club. Dalkeith Arts One Dalkeith Marjory Coop National Mining Museum Newtongrange Primary School Kirsty McNeill MP for Midlothian Midlothian Community Action Midlothian CAN VOCAL Midlothian

10/11/2025

The Midlothian Carer Community Fund is an initiative led by VOCAL and funded by Midlothian HSCP that distributes direct grants to community organisations to support unpaid carers.

By providing grants to local organisations, we aim to increase the capacity of local groups to support unpaid carers, and establish long-term support networks. We are pleased to announce that the following Midlothian organisations have been awarded funding:

- Dalkeith Arts – Art for Life group for carers at the Woodburn Community Hub
- Gorebridge Beacon – Carer Breather Café
- Loanhead Community Garden – Art and Nature Wellness Workshops
- Dalkeith Men's Shed – Group for Carers
- Glencorse Centre – Parent Carers Group (Parent Pause)
- The Cold Water Therapist - Cold water therapy sessions for carers

You can read more about the Carer Community Fund on the VOCAL website: https://ow.ly/J5s850Xp9Vg

25/10/2025

Fancy a spoooky day out? Penicuiks Pumpkin Patch is where its at!

14/10/2025

HCL, a great resource to help you travel and stay mobile.

HcLtransport offers door-to-door transport support for anyone who finds it difficult to travel independently, or who has mobility issues. This can be useful if you care for someone who:
- Is older
- Is disabled
- Has additional support needs
- Has a health issue which affects mobility
- Lives in a remote area

The Dial-a-Ride service can take you directly to your medical appointment, hairdressers, or to see a friend – wherever you need. This costs £7 for the first mile and then £1.10 per mile after that.

For the Dial-A-Bus service, you can use your concessionary bus pass. It can take you to shopping centres and supermarkets including:
- Cameron Toll
- Tesco, Eskbank
- Asda and Sainsbury’s, Straiton
- Tesco, Penicuik
- Morrison’s, Dalkeith
- And many more!

The driver will pick you up from home, and can support you to leave the house and onto the bus if you need a bit of extra help. They can help you put your coat on, lock your door and help carry your shopping onto the bus and back into your house.

All of the buses are fully accessible and can carry up to two wheelchair passengers. You can use the service on your own or bring a carer if you need to.

To find out more, visit the HcL website or contact edinburgh@handicabs.org.uk or 0131 447 9949 (Dial-A-Ride) or 0131 447 1718 (Dial-A-Bus).

07/10/2025

Get into the Halloween spirit with a drop in Pumpkin carving session at One Dalkeith.

https://www.facebook.com/share/17WymdwhrU/

Pumpkin Carving Drop In
1:30pm - 4pm
Friday 24th October
We are building a pumpkin patch and we need your help! Come and carve one of our pumpkins at our pumpkin carving cafe. There will be spooky treats and refreshments on sale at the Coorie Cafe.

07/10/2025

Please don't struggle alone. Get a free hot drink and soup at 4 libraries around Midlothian.

Join us at one of our Warm & Well-coming Hubs this autumn for a FREE Hot Drink and Soup.

Our Warm and Well-coming Hubs are open at our Libraries in:

💚Danderhall
💚Lasswade
💚Loanhead
💚Newbattle

If you would like a free hot soup and drink but would prefer not to ask, just say ‘What’s Today’s Special?’ to a member of staff who will be happy to help you.

🔗 Find more info about Cost of Living support in Midlothian here: www.midlothian.gov.uk/midlothiancares

03/10/2025

Pain Education for the Nation.
Do you suffer from pain?

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B5zRYr3ZE/

Do you experience persistent pain?

We are proud to be supporting 'Pain Education for the Nation', a free live session led by Flippin' Pain.

Join them on the 15th October, 5.30pm - 7.30pm to:
🧠 Explore what pain really is
🧠 Learn what can help pain
🧠 Hear real stories of recovery

🔗 To find out more and sign up, click the link: https://bit.ly/4nRcW9X

03/10/2025

Another LCiL essential zoom for you. Midlothian Peer Support Group focused on Self-Directed Support.

Join us online for our Midlothian Social Care (Self-Directed Support) Peer Support Group!

📅Date: Thursday 16th of October
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍Location: Online via Zoom

Learn more about your Self-directed Support options and connect with others through shared experiences.

You can now sign up for our peer support groups on Eventbrite! Scan the QR code or click the link below to sign up: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/online-midlothian-social-care-self-directed-supportpeer-support-group-tickets-1662554879399?aff=oddtdtcreator

If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact the Peer Support and Learning team at PSL@lothiancil.org.uk.

03/10/2025

Energy Awareness and Advice coming up with LCiL. See you there?

Join the Disability Advice & Information team for top tips on cutting energy costs in your home!

Free online practical workshop on Wednesday 15 October from 11am to 1pm.

More info: https://www.lothiancil.org.uk/events/energy-advice/

Email the DAIS team for more info / book your free place: DAIS@lothiancil.org.uk