BHA

05/11/2025

The Scottish Borders Antisocial Behaviour Partnership has formally adopted our Antisocial Behaviour Strategy and policies and procedures, as part of a collective commitment to residents and communities across the Borders. Find out more: https://www.scotborders.gov.uk/news/article/4852/partnership-adopts-unified-approach-to-tackling-antisocial-behaviour

05/11/2025

🌟 It’s Befriending Week 2025! 🌟
This year’s theme, Collaboration and Partnerships, celebrates the power of working together to tackle loneliness and build stronger, more connected communities.

At BHA, we’re proud of our BHABeFriend service, which supports people aged 65+ across Berwickshire and Kelso to stay connected and engage with their communities.

A huge thank you to everyone who makes this possible, our dedicated volunteers, befriendees, partners and the The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland for their continued support.

Together, we’re building friendships, reducing isolation and strengthening our community. 💛

Find out more on how to volunteer for our BeFriend service here ⬇️
https://padlet.com/bhabefriend/volunteering-with-befriend-g0w9xyya97oh6wtf



📸 Befriendees helping out at a Berwickshire Swap Clothes Sorting session.

04/11/2025

🐶🐱 Tips to keep your furry friends safe this Bonfire Night! 🐾

Fireworks and bonfires can be fun for many but they can be really scary for pets, wildlife and farm animals. Loud bangs, bright flashes and strange smells can trigger fear, panic and even injury.

Here's some animal safety tips for the night💛

🏠 Early walkies & keep them indoors
Walk your dog earlier in the day and bring all pets (including outdoor animals) inside before fireworks start.

🔇 Muffle the noise & reduce the flash
Close windows, doors and cat-flaps. Draw curtains to block flashes. Turn on the TV or some background music to mask loud bangs.

🛏️ Create a cosy hideaway
Give your pet a quiet, comfy retreat where they feel secure whether it’s under furniture or in a quiet room. Train them to use it ahead of time so they feel secure.

🐇 Outdoor pets & wildlife
If you have rabbits, guinea pigs or other small animals outside, bring them in if possible. If not, ensure their enclosure is sheltered, facing away from fireworks with extra bedding for burrowing and good ventilation.

🚫 Avoid taking pets to public displays
Even well-trained animals may panic at the noise, crowds and flashing lights. Best they stay safe at home.

💬 Be considerate to animals and neighbours
If you’re setting off fireworks, give neighbours a heads-up so they can prepare their pets too. And if older neighbours or friends with pets live alone, it could be kind to check in with them.

❤️Share this post - Let’s make Bonfire Night safe and happy for everyone including our four-legged and feathered friends! 🐾🙂

🎵 Recommended calming background noise https://music.apple.com/gb/album/paws-play-relax/1437543108

Ref: RSPCA & Scottish SPCA – “How to Keep Your Pets Safe During Fireworks” & training advice.

04/11/2025

📌Food support in the Borders 📌

Here's a really useful link on where to get help with food in the Scottish Borders - the link includes locations of foodbanks, community larders and lunches.

https://tinyurl.com/accesstofoodsupportBorders

💙Share this post to spread the message and help someone who is in need of food support.

04/11/2025

📌 BHA Homes For Rent 📌

🏠 13 Glebe Park, Gordon, Berwickshire, TD3 6LP
📍 Semi Detached Bungalow
📍£88.87 per week

This one bedroom bungalow would be suitable for a couple or single person. Located in the quiet village of Gordon, the property benefits from an air-source heat pump system that provides heating and hot water. The bathroom has a bath only. Externally there is a communal green and a small grassed area to the rear of the bungalow.

Those who require ground floor accommodation will be considered first.

Gordon itself has a cafe/pub/restaurant only with no shops or other amenities. The closest health centre is located in Greenlaw, approximately 5 miles away. The closest supermarkets are located in Kelso or Galashiels, 15 and 12 miles away respectively.

https://www.berwickshirehousing.org.uk/home/13-glebe-park-gordon/

03/11/2025

📌 Important - Planned road closure📌

Planned road closure - A1107 Coldingham Road, Eyemouth

A section of road between Victoria Road and Acredale Industrial Estate, is scheduled to be closed from 09:00 on Monday 3 November to 17:00 on Friday 7 November.

This is to undertake essential tree works in the area to protect public safety. Diversions will be in place throughout, please allow extra time to travel through this area.

31/10/2025

🎃 Don’t forget the pumpkin rule tonight!🎃

Noise in the street at night and strangers, particularly wearing scary masks 👻 – ringing the doorbell can cause anxiety for vulnerable people.

So follow the pumpkin rule 🎃.
🏘️Houses with a lit pumpkin or decorations on their doorstep are happy to be visited, but having a pumpkin-free doorway 🚪 means your neighbour doesn’t want to be bothered.

🏚️Similarly, houses with lights off and curtains closed might feel the same. If someone doesn’t answer the door, don’t ring again 🚫🔔, but move on to another house with decorations.

📞 If you have older relatives or friends who live alone, it could be a nice idea to check in with them.

Happy Halloween! 🎃🙂

Ref: Marmalade Trust

30/10/2025

📌Important📌

A6105 CLOSED on Greenlaw Moor
Monday 3 November 2025 for 5 working days – between the hours of 9:00 and 17:00 each day
and Monday 10 November 2025 for 3 working days (same hours),
https://www.scotborders.gov.uk/roads-pavements/road-works-closures/2

29/10/2025

💜Staying Safe Online and on Social Media 💜
If you’re in an unsafe relationship, social media and technology can sometimes be used to monitor or control you. Here are steps you can take to protect yourself and your privacy online.

🔒Digital Safety Tips:
🔑Use strong passwords and change them if someone else has access to them.
🔑Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for your accounts.
🔑Use private/ incognito mode when searching for help.
🔑Turn off location sharing on your phone and apps.
🔑Check your device regularly for apps or setting you haven’t enabled.

🗨️Social Media Safety:
✅Review your privacy settings and limit who can see your posts.
✅Avoid posting your location in real time.
✅Consider blocking anyone who makes you feel unsafe.
✅If needed, set up a new email or social account for support and communication

🔐Remember
✔️Back up important files and documents (ID, bank info, messages) securely.
Use a USB or cloud storage that no one else can access.
✔️Avoid making sudden account changes that might raise suspicion.

You’re not alone. Help is available 24/7 across Scotland.
Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline
📞 0800 027 1234
💻 https://sdafmhy.org.uk
💬 Women’s Aid Live Chat (Scotland)
https://sdafmh-chat.devsoc.org/ #/

Taking small digital steps can make a big difference in keeping you safe online.

💜Share this post, it could help someone stay safe.

SBHA HomeChoice Eildon Housing Waverley Housing

28/10/2025

🔸Useful info🔸

💡 Struggling with bills?

Hope4U is offering support for families living in SP Energy Networks areas, including: food and fuel vouchers, benefit advice, debt support, and more.

Find out more:
https://www.hope4u.co.uk/services-4

28/10/2025

It seems ages since we had the last coffee morning. But it's this coming Friday the 31st, looking forward to it.
Hope to see you there and what a great cause.

24/10/2025

📌Important📌

Due to the prevailing weather conditions and wave heights coastal overtopping is expected in Berwick...