Good Connections

09/10/2026

Tomorrow is World Mental Health Day.

Monday is West Lothian Mental Health Day, with a big event to mark it (see below).

But if you'd like some smaller-scale space to explore support for your mental health, you can self-refer for 1:1, local support from Good Connections here: https://www.westcalder.org/projects/good-connections or just send us a message.

💚 WEST LOTHIAN MENTAL HEALTH DAY 2026 💜

West Lothian Mental Health Day is about more than mental health services.

It’s about challenging stigma, breaking down barriers and creating connections. 💚

And we want to make something really clear:

You do NOT have to be struggling with your mental health or experiencing a mental health crisis to attend.

This is a FREE community event and EVERYONE is welcome.

Come along, have a wander, ask questions, start conversations and find out what support, opportunities and organisations are available across West Lothian.

For one day, we’re bringing 59 organisations together under one roof — a rare opportunity to meet services face-to-face, discover organisations you may never have heard of and learn what help is available before you or someone you care about ever needs it.

💚 59 organisations
🌿 8 holistic therapists offering FREE taster sessions
🎤 Special Guest Speaker Aidan Martin – Co-Founder of The Scheme – LIVE at 11am
🎟️ FREE raffle ticket for every member of the public attending

Mental health affects every one of us in some way. The more openly we talk, the more we understand. And the more connected our communities become, the easier it is for people to reach out when they need support.

Let’s challenge the stigma.
Let’s break down barriers.
Let’s start conversations.
Let’s form connections. 💜

📅 Monday 12 October 2026
⏰ 10am–3pm
📍 Strathbrock Partnership Centre, Broxburn

FREE EVENT • EVERYONE WELCOME

Come along..... even if it’s simply to see what’s happening. You never know what you might discover, who you might meet, or when the information you pick up could make a difference. 💚

08/10/2026

Are you 50+ and thinking about being more active? Try this quiz from Age UK to find an activity to suit your goals: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/get-involved/act-now/

For local support to explore this further and get going with a chosen activity, you can self-refer to Good Connections social prescribing service here: https://www.westcalder.org/projects/good-connections.

Age UK has brought the world of sport, exercise, wellbeing and movement together to encourage 50-65 year olds to move more and age better.

06/10/2026

Is there something you are looking for, but can't see, in the new Wellbeing Library at West Calder Community HUB?

You can request books or coverage of a particular topic by messaging us or popping a note into our comments box at the library.

Also let us know if you need books or other resources in a different format.

If you have any feedback, questions or suggestions for the Wellbeing Library, just let us know.

01/10/2026

Are you going through menopause?

October is World Menopause Month - a worldwide movement to raise awareness of menopause and have open and supportive discussions about experiences and the support options available.

Alongside medical advice and care from your GP, Good Connections can help you to explore other available information, advice, support and activities to support your wellbeing during perimenopause and menopause. To self refer, visit www.westcalder.org/projects/good-connections or message us on Facebook.

We also have the book Menopausing by Davina McCall available to borrow at our new Wellbeing Library in West Calder Hub.

01/10/2026

Looking for books to support your wellbeing, or guide you through an issue in your life?

Our new Wellbeing Library is now OPEN.

We have books on a wide range of topics, from mental health, parenting, and dementia, to pain, loss, neurodiversity, and managing on a low income.

It's free to use, no membership required, and borrowing is anonymous.

The Wellbeing Library is located in reception at West Calder Community HUB and available during their opening hours, which are generally M-F 9-2 and Saturday 9-1.

17/09/2026

Need somewhere safe to speak to family and friends, a helpline or service about domestic abuse?

Use this tool to find your nearest Safe Space in shops, pharmacies and banks near you: https://uksaysnomore.org/safespaces/

In West Calder, you can ask for a Safe Space (the pharmacy consulting room) in Lindsay & Gilmour on Main St.

To explore available support locally, confidentially and 1:1, you can self-refer to the free service Good Connections here: https://www.westcalder.org/projects/good-connections

What is it? Good Connections is a free, one-to-one social prescribing service. Whatever is affecting your wellbeing, we can help you find what you need to move forward. This may be information, advice, support, an activity, or something practical. Who is it for? Anyone over 16 who lives, works or vo...

15/09/2026

13/08/2026

What do you like or not like about living in West Calder or Harburn? What positive and negative changes have you noticed over the last 5 years?

If you haven't already done so, please take 5 minutes out of your day to complete the online survey, all responses are appreciated and really will help make things better.

https://link.edgepilot.com/x/v3GKgE8AHDI7kkAYWxTGHTk?u=https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WCH2026CAP

23/06/2026

Taking a walk with someone else – for just 12 minutes – significantly increases positive emotions, reduces stress, and can even improve memory and focus, according to Dr Rangan Chatterjee.

If you live in the West Calder area and would like to find out about walking groups or other social activities to increase your wellbeing, see https://www.westcalder.org/projects/good-connections.

What is it? Good Connections is a free, one-to-one social prescribing service. Whatever is affecting your wellbeing, we can help you find what you need to move forward. This may be information, advice, support, an activity, or something practical. Who is it for? Anyone over 16 who lives, works or vo...

18/06/2026

Social prescribing "seeks to connect people not simply to services or interventions, but to relationships, opportunities and communities where they can experience purpose, participation and connection".

Siân Brand, National Social Prescribing Network

If you live in the West Calder area and would like to find out how social prescribing could help you, see

What is it? Good Connections is a free, one-to-one social prescribing service. Whatever is affecting your wellbeing, we can help you find what you need to move forward. This may be information, advice, support, an activity, or something practical. Who is it for? Anyone over 16 who lives, works or vo...