Free awareness initiative delivered by the Dementia Advisor. Raises awareness of dementia, reduces stigma and informs the public. Builds dementia-inclusive communities. Open to groups, public and private businesses and frontline services.
Penumbra Mental Health Western Isles
Covers all of the Western Isles. Ages 16+. Referrals: self-referral, family member, all health professionals. Support with mild to moderate mental health conditions — peer support and person-centred 1-2-1 support. Monthly Hope and Recovery group for those struggling with their mental health (Stornoway). Walking football (Stornoway). Walk & Talk delivered in partnership with Catch 23, all abilities (Stornoway).
Alzheimer Scotland — Monthly What’s On Guide & Newsletter
Monthly What’s On Guide and bi-annual newsletter. Email Westernisles@alzscot.org to join the mailing list.
Salvation Army Corps
Covers all of the Western Isles. All ages. Referrals: any individual or organisation. A warm space for all. Funeral services. Support to families going through bereavement. Part of the emergency response team. Emergency food parcels. Small community fund for emergencies (e.g. nappies, clothes). Christmas toy appeal.
Alzheimer Scotland – 24/7 Dementia Helpline
24-hour Freephone Dementia Helpline: information, signposting and emotional support.
Western Isles Rape Crisis Centre
Covers all of the Western Isles. Ages 13+, any gender. Referrals: any individual or organisation. Support for survivors of sexual violence and for family/friends. Specialist worker for childhood survivors of sexual violence. Advocacy support at every stage of the criminal justice system. Wellbeing groups — yoga, arts, safe space for women.
Alzheimer Scotland – National Dementia Advisory Service
Telephone Dementia Advisor service Mon-Fri 9-5.
Western Isles Women’s Aid
Covers all of the Western Isles. All ages, open to all women. Referrals: any individual or organisation. Young persons worker — 1-2-1 support from age 3, the parent does not have to be involved. Refuge worker — supports women who have suffered abuse, including mental and financial abuse. Support through the entire process of housing and attending appointments. Court support worker — 1-2-1 support for women going through the criminal justice system.
Counselling & Family Mediation Western Isles
Counselling for adults, couples and young people; family mediation focussed on children of separated/divorced parents.
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS)
Local and online peer support groups; one-to-one community rehabilitation support; self-management programmes; kindness calls; physical activity programmes; advice line; health information and patient/carer education. Over 16. Referrals via GP, NHS staff, community link workers, or self-referral via the CHSS Advice Line. Laura Campbell (Peer & Involvement Coordinator): laura.campbell@chss.org.uk / 07392 869 309. Aimee Castle (Community Support Services Coordinator): aimee.castle@chss.org.uk / 07584 594 503. Generic: peersupportteam@chss.org.uk