SLCVO Blog 21 August

This week’s blog looks at the Skye and Lochalsh Children and Young People's Services Forum held on the 19^th August and the work of the organisations attending.

The Skye and Lochalsh Children and Young People's Services Forum was held on Wednesday 19 August at UHI Broadford. The forum takes place every quarter and provides an opportunity for community members, third sector organisations and public sector teams to come together, share updates on their services, and explore opportunities for collaboration and joint working.

For more information about the Forum visit https://www.slcvo.org.uk/children-and-young-peoples-services

This month's Forum was attended by 12 representatives from both the third and public sectors, including several new participants. It was great to welcome new faces and hear about the wide range of support available for children, young people and families across Skye and Lochalsh.

Care and Learning Alliance (CALA)

We were delighted to welcome the area Family Practitioner from Care and Learning Alliance (CALA) to her first forum meeting. Supporting toddler groups across Wester Ross, Skye and Lochalsh she highlighted the excellent range of toddler groups already operating across Skye and Lochalsh and discussed plans to bring groups together to share ideas, access support and explore future training opportunities. If you run a toddler group, or are thinking about starting one, you can contact Jo-Anne Ford jo.ford@slcvo.org.uk and she will pass on your details.

The Care and Learning Alliance (CALA) supports children, families and communities across the Highlands and Moray through childcare, early learning and family support services. CALA works to ensure children have the best possible start in life, while supporting parents, carers and childcare professionals through a wide range of programmes and opportunities.

Find out more: https://careandlearningalliance.co.uk

Home-Start East Highland

The Senior Co-ordinator with Home-Start East Highland, joined the forum to talk about the support available for families in Lochalsh and South Skye.

Home-Start works with families who have children under five years old, providing practical and emotional support tailored to each family's needs. This may include help with routines, wellbeing support, parenting confidence, or simply having someone to talk to during challenging times.

Home-Start staff and volunteers work alongside families to help reduce stress, build resilience and create positive home environments where children can thrive.

She also shared information about a new partnership project involving Home-Start East Highland, CALA and Thriving Families. The Family Links programme is now being delivered through the Portree ASN Group. The programme helps parents and carers build confidence, strengthen family relationships and develop practical skills to support children and young people.

The programme offers guidance around communication, managing challenging behaviour and creating positive family environments. It also helps families connect with local support networks and services.

Find out more: https://home-starteasthighland.org.uk

Thriving Families

The area Family Support Worker with Thriving Families, joined the forum online, sharing how Thriving Families has been developing local connections through work with Skye Autism Support and other partners. Their work alongside CALA and Home-Start aims to create a strong local support network for families.

Thriving Families supports parents and carers of children and young people with Additional Support Needs (ASN). They provide information, advice and one-to-one support to help families understand their options, navigate challenges and access the support they need.

The organisation also offers group support, resources and learning opportunities, helping families feel more informed, connected and confident.

Find out more: https://thrivingfamilies.org.uk

Mikeysline

The Operations Manager for Mikeysline, joined the meeting online and provided an update on their services and community outreach work in Skye and Lochalsh.

Mikeysline continues to provide valuable mental health and emotional wellbeing support through its community outreach work and local hubs. Jo-Anne noted that information about Mikeysline is regularly shared through Portree High School's daily information board.

If your organisation would like Mikeysline to visit and speak about their services, please contact the Hive on the Road Team.

https://getinvolved.mikeysline.co.uk/hive-on-the-road/

Find out more: https://mikeysline.co.uk 

LGBT Youth Scotland

It was great to welcome the Youth and Community Development Officer from LGBT Youth Scotland to the forum and hear about the support available for LGBTQ+ young people across the Highlands and Islands. Sharing information about two online youth groups. OUTLanders supports LGBTQ+ young people aged 16-25, while the new Out of Town group is for young people aged 13-16.

OUTLanders  is a chance to make new friends with other young people who understand their experiences, have fun and learn new things. Young people who want to join just need to fill out this form or they can email infobox@lgbtyouth.org.uk with the following information: Full preferred name: Age: Area of Scotland they live in: Preferred contact details (email/phone):

Out of Town’. Is a  group for young LGBTQ+ people aged 13-16 living in the Highlands and Islands and will start on the 15^th September.

Both groups run on LGBT Youth Scotlands Discord server, Pride & Pixels, which is an invited and private space. Joining this space, young people can interact with other LGBTQ+ people from across Scotland, find out more about events and activities happening in their area and learn more about opportunities that they are offering.

LGBT Youth Scotland also provide one-to-one support, where young people can speak confidentially with a trained youth worker about issues such as identity, coming out, gender transition, mental wellbeing, and the impact of discrimination.

In addition, LGBT Youth Scotland provides a wide range of helpful online resources and information for young people, families, and professionals. Alan also shared details of the free OUT! Here Residential, taking place at Badaguish Outdoor Centre in October 2026, offering LGBTQ+ young people the chance to meet others, take part in activities, and build confidence.

Find out more: https://lgbtyouth.org.uk

Lochalsh Planet Youth Community Action Group

The Chair of the Lochalsh Planet Youth Community Action Group (CAG), updated the forum on the group's work and priorities.

Current priorities include:

Reducing the negative impacts of screen time and the online world.

Reducing alcohol and substance use through prevention and early intervention.

Promoting healthy relationships, reducing bullying and improving feelings of safety among young people.

Anyone interested in becoming involved is encouraged to contact Jo.ford@slcvo.org.uk who can connect you to the CAG

Next meeting: 2 September, 3.40pm to 5.00pm (Microsoft Teams)

Public Sector Updates

The forum was also attended by representatives from:

• Highland Council Community Children's Services

• Home to Highland Programme

• Bairns' Hoose Highland

• Whole Family Wellbeing Programme

• Skye and Lochalsh Respite Services

Home to Highland

The Home to Highland Programme aims to return care experienced children and young people to placements closer to home within the Highlands. Since launching in 2018, the programme has successfully supported the return of many young people, helping improve wellbeing, educational outcomes and family connections.

Bairns' Hoose Highland

The forum heard that Bairns' Hoose Highland has recently started operating in Skye. Bairns' Hoose provides a child-centred approach for children and young people who may need protection, care or recovery support. Services work together to ensure children receive support in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment. Anyone interested in learning more is invited to arrange a visit to the local venue. Please contact Jo-Anne and details can be forwarded. Jo.ford@slcvo.org.uk 

Whole Family Wellbeing Programme

The Whole Family Wellbeing Locality Co-ordinator, provided an update on current activity across Skye, Lochalsh and Wester Ross. He introduced the new FORT (Fast Online Referral Tracking) system, which will support referrals, record support provided and improve information sharing between services. The aim is to help organisations work together more effectively so families receive the right support at the right time.

He also discussed the Isle Cost Crisis Fund and ongoing work exploring how support can be targeted to families living on smaller islands.

To keep up to date with local activity and opportunities, visit the Whole Family Wellbeing bulletin board:

https://padlet.com/ianmackinnon2_9/whole-family-wellbeing-skye-lochalsh-and-wester-ross-bulleti-lyry44ccjki8aie8

Forum Discussions

The group spent time discussing how the forum can continue to grow and engage more organisations and community groups. Jo-Anne will take forward actions around inviting additional partners to future meetings.

It was also agreed that the forum should strengthen links with groups operating across Wester Ross, and discussions will take place in the new year about moving to a bi-monthly meeting schedule.

Another action from the meeting was to connect with the Whole Family Wellbeing Programme regarding local data that may help identify emerging needs and priorities for families.

Next Forum

Children and Young People Services Forum 1.30pm -2.45pm in person or online 18^th November Portree UHI

Register here: https://www.slcvo.org.uk/forum-registration