SLCVO Blog 12th December

As we wrap up for the year and prepare for the Christmas holidays, this will be our final blog before the SLCVO team takes a well-deserved break. We’ll be back on Monday, 5th January, ready to continue supporting our communities in Skye and Lochalsh.

The focus of this blog is helplines and support services available over the festive period. We know Christmas can be a challenging time for many, so we’ve pulled together key contacts for mental health, wellbeing, food support, and more.

For a comprehensive list of over 130 support services, check out the Skye and Lochalsh Wellbeing and Community Support Directory 2025–2027. This directory includes:

• Locally based charities and volunteer-led community groups

• National helplines and organisations offering outreach or remote assistance

• Contact details for Highland Council, NHS Highland, and emergency services

Skye and Lochalsh Wellbeing and Community Support Directory

Key Helplines

• Age Scotland Helpline: 0800 12 44 222 Advice and support for older people and their carers on a wide range of issues.

• Age UK Silver Line (telephone friendship): 0800 055 6112

• Alcoholics Anonymous: Phone: 0131 225 2727 (24 hrs) Offers peer support and recovery programs for people struggling with alcohol addiction.

• AMIS (helpline for male victims of domestic abuse): 03300 949 395

• Beat Eating Disorders (Scotland): 0808 801 0432 Support and guidance for people affected by eating disorders and their families.

• Breathing Space Scotland: 0800 83 85 87 Offers support for adults feeling low, anxious, or depressed (evenings and weekends).

• Combat Stress (veterans): 0800 1381 619, text 07537 173 683 Mental health support for veterans dealing with trauma, anxiety, and depression.

• Cruse Scotland (bereavement): 0808 802 6161 Specialist support for anyone coping with grief and loss.

• Domestic Abuse & Forced Marriage Helpline (24/7): 0800 027 1234 Confidential help for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or forced marriage.

• Men’s Advice Line Phone 0808 8010327 Monday–Friday 10am-5pm A confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse and those supporting them

• Mikeysline (text/whatsapp): 07786 207 755 / 01463 729 000 Local Highland service providing text and chat support for mental health struggles.

• NHS 24 Mental Health Hub (24/7): 111 Provides urgent mental health advice and support when your GP is closed.

• No Panic: 0844 967 48 48 (10am–10pm, 365 days a year) Provides support for anyone experiencing anxiety disorders, including panic attacks, phobias, and OCD.

• Ross-shire Womens Aid (Skye & Lochalsh) The Square, George Street, Dingwall, Ross-Shire IV5 9SA www.rosswa.co.uk Phone 01349 863 568 Email info@rosswa.co.uk

• Samaritans (24/7): 116 123 A free, confidential listening service for anyone in emotional distress or crisis.

• Scotland’s Domestic Abuse & Forced Marriage Helpline (24/7): 0800 027 1234, Text/WhatsApp 07401 288 595,

• Scottish Women’s Aid (office): 0131 226 6606 [womensaid.scot],

• With You Anywhere – Highland Hub: Phone: 0808 168 0860 Delivers confidential advice and treatment for drug and alcohol issues across Highland.

Food Banks/Food Shares and Community Fridges

• The Community Foodbank – Skye and Lochalsh Portree Parish Church Hall, Portree, Isle of Skye www.skyefoodbank.co.uk | facebook.com/SkyeFoodBankEmail: info@skyefoodbank.co.uk Access to services: Food can be accessed through the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), The Green, Portree and the CAB outreach service in Kyle.

• Dunvegan Community Fridge / Food Bank Dunvegan Christian Fellowship Community Café, Lochside, Dunvegan Isle of Skye IV55 8WBEmail: dunvegancommunitycafe@gmail.com | Phone: 07961 037534

• Lochalsh Reuse & Recycle Hub Community Fridge at Car Park, 4 Station Road, Kyle, IV40 8AE (next door to Kyle public toilets)facebook.com/RandRHub

• Minginish Blessings Box Run informally by members of the community in Portnalong and Carbost. Food and other items for anyone who needs it. Situated on the hill above Carbost heading towards Fernilea.

• Sleat Food Shed Ardvasar Hall, Sleatfacebook.com/p/Sleat-Food-Shed10006786247528

• Trotternish Kindness Container https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066570825417 | Email: staffinhelpers@gmail.com

From all of us at SLCVO, we wish you a safe and peaceful festive season. See you in 2026!