Covers all of the Western Isles. Ages 14+. Referrals: any individual or organisation. Supports anyone in emotional stress and distress. Bereavement support, pastoral care and counselling, bedside visitation, 24/7 on-call chaplain at Western Isles Hospital (Stornoway), counselling for families and relationship issues, and Support Around Death (SAD).
Continence Adviser Service (NHS Western Isles)
NHS Western Isles nurse-led Continence Adviser Service. Provides assessment, advice and support for people with bladder and/or bowel (continence) problems, including help with continence products, for patients and their carers. Part of NHS Western Isles Nurse-led Services.
VoiceAbility (Western Isles)
Independent advocacy for disabled people accessing Social Security Scotland benefits. Contact: Arlene Grassick.
Catch 23 Support Services (WIAMH)
Western Isles Association for Mental Health support service. Mon: Alcohol & Drug Recovery / drop-in; Tues: CPN drop-in, Walk & Talk; Wed: Art Group, drop-in; Thurs: Walk & Talk; Fri: Writers Group.
Island Befriending Project
Covers Lewis & Harris. Over 18s. Referrals: any individual or organisation. Various social events including supper clubs, ladies groups and minibus trips. Regular reminiscence sessions and kindness calls. Supports volunteers with mental health issues and breaks down barriers to volunteering.
Community Nursing Service (NHS Western Isles)
NHS Western Isles Community Nursing Service (district nursing). Provides nursing care and support to people in their own homes and community settings across the Western Isles — including wound care, management of long-term conditions, palliative and end-of-life care, and support following hospital discharge. Part of NHS Western Isles Nurse-led Services. (Local district/community nurse contact numbers by area are also listed in the area Services tabs.)
Faire – Community Careline Service
24-hour Careline operated by CnES; pendant alarm linked to Stornoway Control Centre. £6.50/month. Telecare sensors available via OT assessment.
Neuro Hebrides
Small charity supporting people with neurological conditions in the Outer Hebrides. Friendly, supportive community offering regular meetings and activities tailored for those living with neurological conditions. Runs programmes of massage therapy and counselling. Campaigns on behalf of members and works with NHS Primary Care, Health Improvement Scotland, Neurological Alliance of Scotland, The Alliance, Digital Citizen Panel, SCVO and Climate Hebrides. Over 18. Referrals: self, GP, AHP. Run by Charity Coordinator, trustees and volunteers.
Embark Project
Covers Lewis & Harris. Over 18s. Referrals: any individual or organisation. Supports people to access physical activity including health walks and wheelchair-friendly walks. Cycling activities: ladies cycling group and 1-1 cycling sessions. Provides e-bikes and e-tandems, including free bikes for children. Regular gardening groups. (See also individual Embark activities in the Activities tabs.)
Cost of Living & Keeping Safe Support (NHS Western Isles)
NHS Western Isles information hub on the financial and practical support available during difficult times, plus guidance on staying safe from fraud. Covers: the Useful Services Infosheet (local and national advice services); Western Isles Warm Hubs (welcoming warm spaces offering a hot drink and company); Cost of Living Support Scotland; MoneyHelper; StepChange Debt Charity Scotland; the Scottish Welfare Fund (Crisis Grants and Community Care Grants); cost of living payments; food banks; and Social Security Scotland benefits. Also gives advice on protecting yourself from doorstep, phone, online and postal scams, including scam GP/hospital calls — report scam calls to Police Scotland on 101, or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.