Vision: A sustainable third sector health and social care system, where services are needs-led, prevention-focused, and supported by strong leadership, funding, and capacity-building.

 

The Skye & Lochalsh Caring Communities Plan 2025–2030 sets out a shared vision for transforming how we work together across the third sector, public sector, and our communities to address the growing challenges in health, wellbeing, welfare, and social care. Developed through extensive engagement, co-production, and learning from lived experience, this five-year plan outlines a strategic approach to building a sustainable, community-led third sector.

 

The plan focuses on three key priorities: empowering people and communities, strengthening the third sector, and fostering integrated partnerships. It serves as the primary framework for the Skye & Lochalsh Health, Wellbeing, Welfare, and Social Care (HWWS) Collaboration—established in response to calls from the third sector for a coordinated, strategic body to support high-quality, sustainable services.

 

With a clear delivery programme, governance structure, and success measures, the plan provides a practical roadmap for implementation and long-term impact, ensuring services are better connected, more resilient, and reflective of local needs.

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​Download a copy the plan here.

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Strategic Priorities

Priority 1: People and Communities

• Resilient Communities through Prevention and Innovation - Individuals, families, and communities experience improved resilience and wellbeing as a result of early intervention and investment in current good practice services and new initiatives.

• Holistic Health and Equity - Health, wellbeing, and social care - outcomes are improved by addressing the root causes of adversity and reducing inequalities through a joined-up, holistic approach.

• Empowered and Informed Communities - People have the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices and access the right support, thanks to clear, timely, and accessible information. Services are more visible, better signposted, and tailored to meet people where they are—helping them know where to go and what’s available

• Equitable Access for All Communities - Rural and underserved populations benefit from more locally accessible services that are responsive to their specific needs, reducing barriers and improving outcomes for priority and vulnerable groups.

• Community-Led Service Design - Services are more effective, trusted, and relevant because they are co-designed with communities, grounded in shared research, and shaped by lived experience and local voice.

 

Priority 2: A Stronger Third Sector

• A Skilled and Sustainable Workforce (paid staff and volunteers) - The third sector is supported by a confident, capable, and well-informed workforce, enabling the delivery of high-quality, sustainable services.

• Holistic Health and Equity - Stronger communication, signposting, and information-sharing practices lead to more effective collaboration and better outcomes for communities.

• A Culture of Shared Learning and Innovation - Enhanced collaboration networks foster a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and mutual support across the third, public and private sectors.

• Fair and Sustainable Funding Models - Long-term, equitable, and innovative funding arrangements replace short-term grants, enabling organisations to plan and deliver with confidence.

• Financially Resilient Organisations - Third sector organisations are better equipped to diversify income streams and build long-term financial sustainability.

 

Priority 3: Stronger Partnerships and Integration   

• Collaborative Service Design and Delivery - Services are co-designed and delivered through strong, effective partnerships between the third sector, local communities. NHS Highland, The Highland Council and Scottish government.

• Trusted Cross-Sector Relationships - Resilient and trusted relationships are established across sectors, enhancing collective capacity to respond to community needs.

• Recognition of Third Sector Value - The third sector’s vital contribution is consistently recognised, valued, and embedded within public sector planning and decision-making.

• Integrated Third Sector Solutions - Third sector, rights-based approaches are embedded in public sector planning—ensuring services are people-centred, community-led, and grounded in equity, inclusion, and human rights.

• Aligned Strategic Planning Across Sectors - Public and third sector partners work together on shared goals, aligning strategies and resources to maximize collective impact.

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