West Lothian 50+ Network has launched its new Strategic Plan 2026-2029, setting out how the charity will strengthen its preventative role by helping more people aged 50+ stay connected, active and involved in their communities.
The launch comes at a time when the role of prevention is moving higher up the national agenda. The Scottish Government’s new Programme for Government commits to putting “prevention first”, highlighting demographic change, an ageing population and increasing pressure on public services as reasons for shifting greater focus towards early intervention and community-based approaches. It includes a new Prevention Unit and plans for a Scottish Prevention Investment Framework.
The issue is particularly significant in West Lothian. West Lothian Council forecasts that the number of people of pensionable age will grow by 44% over the next 25 years, the fastest growth of any local authority area in Scotland and almost twice the national average of 23%.
For West Lothian 50+ Network, prevention is already happening every day.
The member-led charity now has 808 members and 85 regular groups and activities, alongside trips, holidays, social events, volunteering opportunities and its Members’ Hub in Bathgate.
Through those opportunities, the Network helps people build friendships, stay physically and socially active, develop confidence, volunteer and remain part of community life. Its new strategy sets out how that work will develop over the next three years.
Jamie Seery, CEO of West Lothian 50+ Network, said:
“There is a lot of discussion nationally about prevention and moving support closer to communities. I think organisations like ours show what prevention can look like in practice.
“It isn’t always a formal service or intervention. Sometimes it is having somewhere to go every week, making new friends after retirement, staying active, volunteering your skills or simply knowing that you are part of a community.
“Those things can make a real difference to people’s wellbeing, confidence and sense of belonging.
“Our role is not to wait until somebody is isolated or struggling before connection becomes important. We want people to have opportunities to build those friendships, routines and support networks much earlier.”
The Scottish Government defines prevention as activity intended to stop problems from becoming established, escalating or recurring. Its new Programme for Government says demographic change and an ageing population risk increasing demand and costs unless there is a significant shift towards preventative approaches.
The West Lothian 50+ Network strategy identifies reducing isolation and improving wellbeing through connection, activities and support as central to the organisation’s purpose. It also highlights the role the Network can play in helping people remain confident, independent and involved in their communities.
The strategy has been shaped by the Network’s 2026 Members Survey, completed by 247 members, alongside discussions with trustees, staff, group leaders and volunteers.
Over the next three years, the Network will focus on strengthening the member experience, growing carefully and sustainably, reaching more communities across West Lothian, developing stronger partnerships, improving financial sustainability and strengthening volunteer leadership and governance.
A particular focus will be making the Network more accessible across West Lothian. By 2029, it aims to increase participation outside Bathgate and Livingston by at least 20%, while improving its visibility and reach in communities including Livingston, Armadale, Whitburn and West Calder.
The Network also intends to strengthen relationships with health, housing, social prescribing and community services, creating clearer routes for professionals and organisations to connect people aged 50+ with opportunities for friendship, activity and community participation.
Jamie added:
“West Lothian is changing, and with the older population expected to grow significantly, this work is going to become even more important.
“We should not underestimate the value of helping people stay connected in the first place. The friendships, activities and sense of purpose people build in their communities matter.
“Our strategy isn’t about growth at any cost. It is about strengthening what already works, improving where we need to, reaching more people across West Lothian and making sure the Network is strong enough to be here for the long term.
“If prevention is going to become a bigger part of how Scotland responds to an ageing population, then community organisations have an important part to play.”
The strategy also recognises the essential contribution of volunteers and group leaders. By 2029, the Network aims to increase active group leaders by at least 20%, encourage deputy leadership within groups and strengthen volunteer and trustee development and succession planning.
At the heart of the strategy is a simple vision:
“A West Lothian where everyone aged 50+ can connect, belong and thrive.”
Read the full West Lothian 50+ Network Strategic Plan 2026-2029
