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.
Bus Bharraigh – Murdo MacNeil (Transport)
Garadh Bhagh a’ Tuath (SCIO)
All ages. Referrals: open referral, GP referral, Social Work referral. Community garden, café and community larder. Volunteering opportunities in the café, garden or community larder. Regular sessions include cuppa and natter (Tue afternoons), plant hospital with Helen (Wed 10-2), messy play (Thu, 0-5s), and on Fridays: health walk, strength and balance, gentle movement class. Singing group on break (returning after summer). Coming soon: buggy beat classes, falls prevention, mixed ability sports, walking football, Reiki for staff and volunteers. Cuppa and natter, health walk, gentle movement, singing group all free; messy play £1/child; café discounts for volunteers and session attendees. Transport help available on request. Team: Project Coordinator, Wellness Coordinator, 2 part-time gardeners, 40+ volunteers.
Tagsa Uibhist – Adult Support
1:1 companionship visits and social interaction (Uist Ceilidh Club, Gardening Club, Sensory Garden, Art workshops). Support Worker: Deborah.
Mens Club
Benbecula Church of Scotland Guild
Voluntary Action Barra & Vatersay
Covers Barra & Vatersay. Over 18s. Referrals: any individual or organisation. Support for people with addiction. Information sessions to schools on drugs & alcohol. Facilitates AA meetings (transport can be provided). Also provides community transport, support & advice for community groups, a community newspaper and community radio.
Cancer Care Forum
Caraidean Uibhist SCIO
Over 18. Referrals: GP, Social Work, third sector orgs, addiction nurses, CPNs, Police, self-referral. Befriending service: 1:1 companionship via volunteer befrienders, group activities, encourages community event attendance, off-island escort service for medical appointments (only org on island offering this). All volunteers, befrienders and board members PVG-checked. Recovery service: solution-focused, motivational support for people engaged in problematic substance use across Uist, in partnership with people with lived experience, statutory and third-sector services. CRAFT programme: supports family members affected by a relative’s addiction. First and only org in the Western Isles to hold the Volunteer Friendly Award; Befriending Network member. Provides respite for unpaid carers. Peer-to-peer WhatsApp signposting group for befrienders. Partnership working with Tagsa, Cothrom, WICCF, schools and Health & Social Care. Abides by Fair Work First.