In late 2025, East Lothian Council invited the John Bellany Day Centre to take on a significant new role within the Musselburgh area. This included managing a local Day Centre, delivering an Outreach Service, and assuming responsibility for the Musselburgh Meeting Centre previously operated by DEFL. From this partnership, Musselburgh & Area Integrated Services was established — marking an important step forward in support for older people across our communities.

Building the Outreach Service

In January 2026, two staff members were appointed to launch and operate the new Outreach Service. Since then, the team has been working closely with older people across Musselburgh and its surrounding communities, providing personalised support to 19 individuals. This outreach work has become a vital lifeline for many, offering social contact, practical assistance, and meaningful engagement.

Day Centre Development

The original plan was to hopefully open a new Day Centre within Wallyford Community Church in April 2026, operating on two days per week alongside the Outreach Service. However, to fully meet the Care Inspectorate standards and ensure the highest quality of provision, the opening required to be rescheduled.

The Day Centre requirements are close to being met to receive our Registration to provide this community service, and it is our aim to open in September 2026, operating on Mondays and Tuesdays. Our Registration will allow us to offer places to 12 persons per day. To support this expanded service, an additional two members of staff will be recruited, strengthening the team and ensuring that the area is offered increased support to our older people.

Musselburgh Meeting Centre

As part of the new Integrated Service, management of the Musselburgh Meeting Centre transferred to the John Bellany Day Centre on 1 April 2026. The Meeting Centre continues to offer a welcoming, structured environment for people living with mild to moderate dementia, as well as supporting their families.

Current Meeting Centre groups operate as follows:

• Monday: 10:00 – 12:30, St Andrews Church
• Tuesday: 10:30 – 12:30, St Andrews Church
• Friday: 10:00 – 12:30, St Andrews Church
• Friendship Group (Thursday): 10:30 – 12:30, Musselburgh Old Course Clubhouse

These sessions provide social connection, cognitive stimulation, and emotional support — all delivered in a friendly, community-based setting.

Looking Ahead

The creation of Musselburgh & Area Integrated Services for Older People represents a major investment in the wellbeing of older people across the area. With Outreach already supporting individuals at home, the Meeting Centre thriving, and the new Day Centre preparing to open in September, we are entering an exciting period of growth.

Our commitment remains clear: to provide high-quality, compassionate, and community-focused support that helps older people stay connected, confident, and valued and ensure that families are also supported so that their loved ones can continue to reside in their communities.