Services to Older People Award 2025

A Highland community organisation has been honoured with Age Scotland’s Services to Older People Award for the innovative and inclusive support it provides to older people in one of the country’s most rural areas. 

Boleskine Community Care, based on the south side of Loch Ness, plays a central role in improving health, wellbeing and social connection for older people across a wide geographical area. Through its community hub and outreach work, it delivers lifeline services that help older people stay connected, combat isolation and remain active and independent in later life. 

The charity provides a wide range of services including care at home, community transport such as a local taxi service for hospital appointments, and a variety of health and wellbeing support based at its hub. Older people in the area benefit from foot care, hairdressing, beautician and hearing aid services, as well as befriending, including specialist dementia support that also offers respite for carers. 

By working closely with local professionals, Boleskine Community Care fills essential gaps in local healthcare and enhances wellbeing for older people across the region. 

Boleskine Community Care also runs a vibrant programme of activities designed to tackle loneliness and encourage social connection. These include the popular Midweek Mingle, a monthly soup club, coffee mornings and a seated exercise class. The group has also fostered strong intergenerational links, with pupils from the local primary school joining in activities alongside older people. One member of the group said, “You feel as though you’re part of a family”. 

Jo Mitchell, Community Engagement Coordinator at Boleskine Community Care, said: 

“We are absolutely delighted and deeply honoured to receive this award from Age Scotland.  

As a small charity in a rural community, this recognition means so much to us and to the people we support. Everything we do is inspired by our members, and as we get to know them better, we’re always looking for new ways to grow our services and activities.  

This award is a wonderful encouragement, and we’re so grateful to Age Scotland for shining a light on our work.”