Midlothian’s First Osteoporosis Café: 17 September

People living with osteoporosis, as well as their families and carers, can book a place at Midlothian’s first Lydia Osteoporosis Project Community Café on 17 September 2026. The event runs from 2pm to 4pm at Midlothian Community Hospital.

The café is organised by the Lydia Osteoporosis Project and is intended to offer a welcoming setting to meet others affected by the condition, share experiences and hear from health and wellbeing professionals. Advance booking is required. An entry price has not been specified.

When and where the café will be held

The gathering marks the first time the Community Café has been held in Midlothian. It is aimed both at people with osteoporosis and at those close to them who may want to better understand the day-to-day realities of the condition.

Peer support alongside professional information

Retired teacher Elizabeth Duke, who lives in Eskbank and has osteoporosis, is encouraging others affected by the condition to attend. She has found support, advice and a sense of community through the Lydia Osteoporosis Project Café.

“Osteoporosis is a lonely condition because it’s an invisible illness,” Elizabeth said. “Often there’s nothing obviously wrong with you, but you’re dealing with pain every day. At the café you meet people who genuinely understand what that’s like.”

Osteoporosis can make bones weak, brittle and porous. Elizabeth was diagnosed in 2019 after a serious spinal injury, when doctors later found that osteoporosis had caused multiple vertebrae in her spine to collapse. She said adjusting to the diagnosis was difficult after leading an active lifestyle, but that treatment, physiotherapy and pain relief when needed have helped her continue to be active.

Her experience explains the café’s dual purpose: it is a place for personal conversations with people facing similar changes to their health, while also providing access to professionals who can discuss relevant wellbeing issues.

Physiotherapists, pharmacists and fitness experts expected

According to Midlothian Council, attendees will be able to hear from and speak with health and wellbeing professionals including physiotherapists, pharmacists and fitness experts. The event also creates space for participants to compare their own experiences of symptoms, treatment and coping with changes to daily activity.

Elizabeth said those conversations can be different from brief everyday exchanges. “You learn from each other,” she said. “People share what’s worked for them, what hasn’t and how they cope.”

No transport, accessibility or venue-arrival details are listed in the source. To reserve a place, email [email protected] or call 07889486439.

Source: Midlothian Council