Older People, Active Lives (OPAL) service celebrates contract renewal

We are delighted to announce that our OPAL (Older People, Active Lives) West Lothian service has been successful in its bid for a further four-year contract from West Lothian Council to deliver community services for older people – prevention and early intervention. 

OPAL delivers valuable services including social activity & learning groups, befriending, community support, events and digital skills. The service, first established in 2013, has more than 60 dedicated and trained volunteers who support the staff team on a day-to-day basis providing companionship and support to enable people age 60+ to engage in community activities. 
 
The service promotes independence and wellbeing in later life by providing opportunities for people to maintain or increase their social connections through the various elements of the service and where able to contribute themselves as volunteer, supporting their local community. 
 
Responding to the news that the service has been successful in securing funding for another four years, Sylvia Forshaw, Service Coordinator, said: 

“I am so thrilled to know that we can continue to build on the 10 years our service has been in place to enrich the lives of people aged 60+ in West Lothian for a further four years. We are proud to promote inclusive communities where our clients and volunteers are equipped to play an active role.” 

Pauline Moffat, Service Manager, added: 

“I am absolutely overjoyed to hear that OPAL has been awarded the contract to provide community services for a further four years. In the history of the service so far, our dedicated team of staff and volunteers has worked with more than 2000 people, delivering early intervention and prevention services. We are excited about the next chapter and look forward to connecting with our service users and volunteers during the coming months at our upcoming Tea in the Park in July and our Games event in September.” 

[Image credits: main image above shows OPAL/Xcite Games, Sept 2022; image below shows Winchburgh Companions group, April 2022.]