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QMU's Osteoporosis Community Cafés expand across the Lothians and Fife

A popular support initiative helping people live well with osteoporosis is spreading beyond Queen Margaret University (QMU) and into local communities across the Lothians and Fife. This September, QMU's Lydia Osteoporosis Project will launch its first Community Cafés outside the University, taking its successful model of peer support, practical advice and expert discussion directly to people in Midlothian and Fife.

A popular support initiative helping people live well with osteoporosis is spreading beyond Queen Margaret University (QMU) and into local communities across the Lothians and Fife. This September, QMU's Lydia Osteoporosis Project will launch its first Community Cafés outside the University, taking its successful model of peer support, practical advice and expert discussion directly to people in Midlothian and Fife.

Since launching at QMU, the Lydia Osteoporosis Community Cafés have become a valued source of support for people affected by osteoporosis, offering opportunities to connect with others, access trusted information and discuss the realities of living with the condition. Over the last year, the cafés have attracted a growing number of attendees from Edinburgh, the Lothians and beyond, demonstrating a desire for community support and information.

In response to requests from people and partners in local communities, the Lydia team is taking the café experience directly into Midlothian and North Queensferry making it easier for even more people to benefit and highlighting.

The first local Community Cafés will take place at:

• ·       North Queensferry Community Centre, North Queensferry, on Wednesday 16 September, 2pm to 4pm
• ·       Midlothian Community Hospital, Dalkeith, on Thursday 17 September, 2pm to 4pm

Both events will offer a welcoming and informal environment where attendees can share experiences, learn from others and receive practical advice about managing their bone health.

Victoria Waqa, Nurse Lecturer for the Lydia Osteoporosis Project at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, said: "People in Midlothian and North Queensferry reached out to us because they recognised a need for osteoporosis support across their local areas. We are therefore excited to help bridge the gap and to take our Community Cafés beyond QMU and into local communities. We have seen first-hand how much these cafés have grown and how valued they have become by the people who attend and their families.

"People regularly tell us that the cafés provide something they struggle to find elsewhere: a supportive space where they can talk openly with others who understand what it's like to live with osteoporosis, ask questions, share experiences and learn from specialists.

By taking the cafés into communities such as North Queensferry and Midlothian, we hope to reach even more people who could benefit from support, specialist knowledge and connection, while helping to raise awareness of osteoporosis at a local level.

The Lydia Osteoporosis Project was established at QMU by a team of nurses and focuses on research, education and awareness raising around osteoporosis. The project aims to improve understanding of the condition and support people to live well following diagnosis.

Osteoporosis affects more than three million people across the UK, including around 250,000 in Scotland. Often referred to as a "silent" condition, it weakens bones over time and can remain undiagnosed until a fracture occurs. The condition can have a significant impact on an individual's health, confidence and independence, making access to information and support particularly important.

Liz, from Dalkeith, has benefitted from attending the QMU-based cafés. She welcomed the introduction of a local Midlothian event, explaining: “Osteoporosis is a lonely condition because it's an invisible illness. Often there's nothing obviously wrong with you, but you might be dealing with pain every day. At the café you meet people who genuinely understand what that's like."

“You learn from each other. People share what's worked for them, what hasn't and how they cope. There's also the opportunity to hear from health and wellbeing professionals such as physiotherapists, pharmacists and fitness experts."

Victoria added: "Everything we do at the Lydia Community Cafés is guided by the people who attend these events. They have helped shape the programme and encouraged us to think differently about how we can reach more people.

"This expansion is an exciting next step for the Lydia project and we look forward to seeing our Community Café network continue to grow."

Places at the events are free, but booking is essential. For more information, or to reserve a place, contact: E: lydiaosteoporosisproject@qmu.ac.uk or telephone/text: 07889 486439. Please note, these cafes are not drop-in sessions, they are structured events which run from 2pm-4pm.