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
Long Term Conditions Hebrides (LTCH)
Grassroots organisation for people with any long term condition, families and carers. 5 free Zoom sessions/week (self-management, mindful movement, yoga). YouTube channel with mindfulness/relaxation.
Nutrition & Dietetics Department (NHS Western Isles)
NHS Western Isles Nutrition and Dietetics Department. Specialist nutritional advice, assessment and nutritional care in both hospital and community settings. Dietitians advise patients, staff, relatives and carers, and deliver/support nutrition training and education. Self-referral form available on the website, or contact the team directly.
Macmillan Benefits Adviser – Kay Mackinnon
Macmillan benefits advice service.
Autism Eilean Siar
Support group for parents of children, young people and adults with ASD. Meets every 2nd Friday of the month, Failte Centre, Bayhead, 10am-12pm.
Western Isles Community Care Forum SCIO (WICCF)
All ages. Referrals from Statutory and Voluntary Care Services or self-referral. Information sharing, advice, referrals and signposting to services. Training (First Aid, Moving & Handling). Respite grants and breaks. Social groups. HS Carers Card (discounts/benefits with local businesses). Online Personal Assistant Directory. Hardship Fund. Emotional support. Carers Trainers Project, Eolas, Time To Live grants, Fois self-catering breaks, Respitality. Staffing: Co-ordinator, 2 Support Workers, 1 Admin support. Funded by Western Isles IJB. Provides the Directory of Care Services (https://www.wiccf.co.uk).
Podiatry (NHS Western Isles)
NHS Western Isles Podiatry Service. A podiatrist diagnoses and treats disorders, diseases and deformities of the feet, helping people of the Western Isles achieve optimum mobility and independence of movement with minimum pain and disability. Clinics across the islands; self-referral form and ‘Looking after your feet’ guidance available on the website.
Crossroads Lewis
Supports unpaid carers on the Isle of Lewis with a regular weekly respite service tailored to individual carer circumstances. Also supports those living alone in exceptional circumstances – companionship, encouraging independence and reducing isolation. Palliative care needs (including overnight support). Short Breaks (funded by Shared Care Scotland). All ages; referrals via GP, other health/care professionals, family or self. Support Workers paid at National Living Wage. Independent registered charity governed by a board of members; inspected annually by the Care Inspectorate (www.careinspectorate.com).
Cothrom Ltd
Community-owned training and business/community development organisation. SQA accredited SVQs (childcare, hospitality, customer service, management, horticulture, business). Adult learning, Modern Apprenticeship, ESOL, Cothrom Òg childcare.
Department of Spiritual Care (NHS Western Isles)
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).