SLCVO

Adult social care services in Highland are delivered through the Highland Health and Social Care Partnership (HHSCP), a long-standing partnership between NHS Highland and The Highland Council. Since 2012, Highland has operated a unique Lead Agency Model, under which responsibility for adult social care services has been delegated to NHS Highland, while children's services remain the responsibility of The Highland Council. 

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The partnership is responsible for planning, commissioning and delivering a wide range of adult health and social care services, including:

• Support for older adults who require care and support at home or in care home settings.

• Support for adults with learning disabilities to maximise independence and participation in community life.

• Support for adults with physical disabilities or long-term illness to remain living at home.

• Support for adults with mental health conditions, including recovery-focused services and community support.

• Support for adults living with long-term health conditions.

• Drug and Alcohol Recovery Services for adults requiring treatment and support.

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The Highland Adult Services Strategic Plan 2024-2027 sets out a vision of "working together to support our communities in Highland to live healthy lives and to achieve their potential and choice to live independently where possible."

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This vision aligns closely with the aims of the Skye and Lochalsh Health, Wellbeing, Welfare and Social Care (HWWS) Collaboration, which was established to strengthen the contribution of communities and the third sector within local health and social care systems.​

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SL&WR Third Sector Adult Social Care Priorities

Through extensive engagement with local communities, third sector organisations and the development of the Skye & Lochalsh Caring Communities Plan, the Skye, Lochalsh and Wester Ross Adult Health and Social Care Forum has identified six priority areas for adult social care that reflect both local needs and the strategic priorities of the Highland Health and Social Care Partnership.

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• Prevention and Early Intervention: People and communities are supported through early intervention, preventative approaches and community-based solutions that improve wellbeing and reduce the need for crisis support.

• Independent Living and Care Closer to Home: More people are able to live safely, independently and with choice in their own homes and communities for longer.

• Reducing Inequalities and Improving Access: Rural, vulnerable and underserved populations experience equitable access to high-quality health and social care support regardless of location or circumstance.

• Community-Led Design and Lived Experience: Health and social care services are co-designed with communities and shaped by lived experience, ensuring they reflect local needs and priorities.

• Supporting Carers, Communities and Social Connections: Unpaid carers, families and communities are valued, supported and connected through strong local networks that promote wellbeing and resilience

• Integrated Partnership Working and Sustainable Services: Public services, communities and the third sector work together through coordinated and sustainable partnerships that improve outcomes and make best use of resources.

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​​​SL&WR Collaborative Working

SLCVO host an Adult Health and Social Care Forum every quarter, both in-person and online. These sessions provide an opportunity to discuss current issues, share updates on local activity, and agree actions moving forward. The forum is open to community members, third sector staff and volunteers, public sector teams, and anyone with an interest in developing adult services in Skye, Lochalsh and Wester Ross.​

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Ideas and proposals emerging from the forum are referred to the Skye and Lochalsh HWWS Steering Group through the Caring Communities Delivery Programme. Where priorities are agreed, funding is sought for feasibility, planning, and business case development, with SLCVO helping to develop inclusive and sustainable partnership approaches.

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This approach has already led to the development of the Skye and Lochalsh Community Hubs, with funding secured for an initial two-year period. SLCVO is also progressing a Skye and Raasay Healthcare Volunteer Transport Scheme and supporting the Highland Community Health and Social Care Working Group, helping to develop collaborative solutions that address local health and wellbeing priorities.

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Update on Collaboration Activity 

To keep up to date with the actions of the Adult Health and Social Care Forum, associated HWWS collaboration projects, and third sector groups delivering services and strategic developments at both a Highland and national level, please visit our dedicated blog, which is updated every quarter following Forum meetings. Adult Services