Small Changes, Big Difference - NHS Borders

18/02/2026

Stopping smoking is tough.
Often it can take a few attempts. Do you want to stop smoking for good but don’t know how? Get help with free support. You don’t have to do it alone.
🤝The free Quit Your Way Scotland advice and support service is here to help.

📱 QuitYourWay.scot | 0800 84 84 84

You can also get advice and support from our local NHS Borders Wellbeing Service.
nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/our-services/general-services/wellbeing-service/help-to-stop-smoking/ I 01896 824502

18/02/2026

Do you need help with your health and wellbeing to get into employment or training? Our NHS Borders Wellbeing Adviser for Employability will be at the next Borders Connect Fair, taking place between 11.00am and 1.00pm on Thursday 26th February at Langlee Community Centre in Galashiels. Come along for an informal chat – open to all, no need to book, just drop in.

17/02/2026

Still to get your Shingles vaccine - see information below on how to book

Shingles vaccination clinics are now underway in community locations across the Borders.

You’re eligible for a free shingles vaccine this winter if:

• You are 18+ with a severely weakened immune system
• You were 65 or 70 years old on 1 Sept 2025
• You were 66, 67, or 71–79 years old on 1 Sept 2025 and haven’t had the vaccine before (you're eligible until your 80th birthday)

If you’re eligible, you should have received a letter inviting you to book.

Haven’t had one yet? Call the NHS Borders Vaccination Hub on 01896 809250 to make an appointment.

Not sure if you qualify? Use the age eligibility checker at nhsinform.scot/shingles

Shingles can be very painful, but the getting vaccine helps reduce your risk or can make symptoms milder if you do get it.

👉 Find out more here: https://www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/latest-news/2026/february/17/shingles-vaccination-programme/

16/02/2026

Here's some information if you need help to stop smoking

It’s important to find a way to stop smoking that works for you.

🤝 You can get support to Quit Your Way at your local pharmacy, including free one-to-one support and stop-smoking medication over a 12-week period.

📱 QuitYourWay.scot | 0800 84 84 84

12/02/2026

Every conversation matters 💬, training available from Borders Care Voice on 24th February.

Every conversation matters 💬

Effective communication isn’t just about what we say — it’s about how we listen, respond, and connect with the people who rely on us every day. Our Effective Communication Skills course is designed for those working in health and social care, helping you build confidence, clarity, and compassion in even the most challenging conversations.

✨ Learn to communicate with clearly
✨ Strengthen trust and understanding
✨ Make every interaction count

👉 Book now and invest in the skills that truly make a difference.
Book by following the link - https://forms.office.com/e/WnjeqBq01f

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11/02/2026

Here's how to check if you are eligible for the shingles vaccine

The shingles vaccine is being offered to more people to help protect them at an earlier age.

NHS Scotland can’t do this all at once, so it needs to be rolled out over 10 years.

Check if you’re eligible for the shingles vaccine at nhsinform.scot/shingles

11/02/2026

For anyone still to have their Flu vaccine - it's not too late

If you have an underlying health condition, you’ve got a reason to get the flu vaccine.

It’s not too late to book your vaccine appointment, for more information visit nhsinform.scot/flu

11/02/2026

What is 'grey area drinking' - see information from Dry January

09/02/2026

Children's Mental Health Week - see information on Enabling Conversations

This week is Children's Mental Health Week.

Our Enabling Conversations toolkit is a guide created by and for young people to find help and support when experiencing painful feelings about su***de.

Find more at the link in the comments.

02/02/2026

Some information about the changes to the childhood vaccination schedule

01/02/2026

BREATHING SPACE DAY
Celebrated annually on 1st February, Breathing Space Day aims to remind everyone to make time for activities which improve mental wellbeing as well as promoting the service. Breathing Space is the NHS24 emotional support helpline that is available every evening and 24hrs at the weekend. This year's theme 'Open Air, Open Mind' encourages everyone to take a little time each day outdoors.