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SLCVO Weekly Round-Up 13th-17th October

  • joford4
  • Oct 17
  • 6 min read
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This week’s blog is packed with updates—from vital support for unpaid carers and addiction recovery services, to reflections from our AGM and exciting upcoming events. Whether you're looking to connect, collaborate, or simply stay informed, there's something here for everyone working to build stronger, more resilient communities.

 


With the start of the October school holidays, direct third sector support enquiries often slow down. Many volunteers and board members take a well-earned break—especially after a busy tourist season, where many have also played key roles in their communities.

 

That said, the work at SLCVO doesn’t pause. Our team continues to attend meetings, collaborate with public sector partners to bring forward new initiatives, and plan ahead for a Spring 2026 gathering of Skye and Raasay development trusts.

 

Strengthening Support for Unpaid Carers in Skye and Lochalsh

On Tuesday, Jo Ford attended the second NHS Highland Unpaid Carers Services meeting, a short-term working group focused on increasing awareness of unpaid carers, improving access to support services, and strengthening partnerships to deliver tailored care.

 

This work aligns closely with the Skye and Lochalsh Health, Wellbeing, Welfare and Social Care (HWWS) Collaboration, particularly our partnership with Connecting Carers to deliver a monthly community outreach hub. Connecting Carers will be a key delivery partner, attending the hubs and engaging directly with unpaid carers across the area to understand what support matters most to them.

 

In Highland, unpaid carers provide essential support—estimated to be worth £694.5 million annually (Carers Scotland, 2022). However, unpaid carers in Highland are under increasing pressure, juggling care responsibilities with their own lives amid challenges like an ageing population, limited service access, and emotional strain. Data shows 66% need respite, 49% seek advice, and 29% require emotional support—highlighting the urgent need for tailored, accessible solutions (NHS Highland Carers Strategy 2025–2028).

 

The NHS Highland Carers Strategy 2025–2028 sets out a clear plan to address the growing pressures faced by unpaid carers, and the local short-term working group reflects a strong commitment to partnership with third sector organisations. This collaborative approach shows NHS Highland’s willingness to embrace co-production, ensuring that local voices help shape future carer support across Skye and Lochalsh.

 

Supporting carers to maintain a life alongside their caring responsibilities is not only vital for their wellbeing—it’s a sustainable way to protect and strengthen our health and social care systems.

 

 

Skye and Lochalsh Community Wellbeing and Support Forum Focus

This week, SLCVO hosted the fourth meeting of the Skye and Lochalsh Community Wellbeing and Support Forum, bringing together 17 participants representing 12 organisations. Attendees included representatives from Police Scotland, The Highland Council (Care and Protection and Employability Services), Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association, Connecting Carers, Mikeysline, Highland BlindCraft, Crocus Highland, Highland Hospice, James Support Group, SLCVO, Change Mental Health Community Link Workers, and Kyleakin Connections.

 

As with previous forums, sharing information about local services was a key focus. We were pleased to welcome Judy Hill, Superintendent with Police Scotland and Chair of the Suicide Prevention Steering Group, and Patrick Mullery, CEO of the James Support Group, who joined us online to present the “After a Suicide” resources. These include films, leaflets, and other practical tools designed to support individuals, families, and communities affected by suicide.

 

Their presentation was a powerful reminder of the importance of compassionate, community-led responses to suicide and bereavement. The resources aim to support individuals, families, and communities affected by suicide, and to raise awareness of the wider work being done by the Suicide Prevention Steering Group across Highland.

 

The Suicide Prevention Steering Group is currently working on a short guidance pack to accompany films, making them easier to use in community settings and support groups.

 

 

 

Caring Communities Plan Reviewed at HWWS Forum

Forum participants had the opportunity to review the Skye & Lochalsh Caring Communities Plan 2025–2030, which had previously been circulated by email for comment.

 

This session gave attendees a final chance to reflect on the plan’s priorities and approach. No further input was raised, and the group welcomed the development of a strategic framework that will guide third sector health, wellbeing, welfare, and social care services across the region.

 

Forum members expressed support for the plan’s next steps, including its presentation to strategic planning bodies such as NHS Highland, The Highland Council, and the Skye, Lochalsh and Wester Ross Community Partnership. The plan will also inform future collaboration, funding bids, and service design across Skye and Lochalsh.

 

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the development of this plan through engagement, feedback, and shared learning. Together, we are shaping a more connected and resilient future for our communities.

 

 

Addiction & Recovery Support Services in Highland

During the Forum a participant asked for information about where individuals and families can access support for addiction, recovery, and related challenges. While some signposting was provided during the session—including references to the Skye & Lochalsh Wellbeing and Community Services Directory—we have drawn on insights from our ongoing work with the Skye and Lochalsh Drug and Alcohol Forum to compile a list of key services available across Highland and Skye and Lochalsh.

 

ACI Recovery Services

Support: Up to 24 free counselling sessions for individuals and families affected by drug, alcohol, or gambling addiction.

 

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

🌐 www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk ☎️ 0131 225 2727 (24/7 Helpline)

Support: Free peer-led support for individuals with alcohol addiction. Local Meetings: Broadford, Dunvegan, Portree, Kyle of Lochalsh

 

The Keys Project (with Xcel Church)

Support: Christian-adapted 12-step programme, one-to-one support, and community-based recovery.

 

Living Hope (Skye & Lochalsh)

Support: Help with alcohol/substance misuse, mental health, homelessness, and relationship breakdown. Includes drop-in café, recovery group, and worship gatherings.

 

Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership (HADP)

Resources: E-Learning Modules, Services for Young People, Services for Adults, Publications & Resources

 

Hope UK

Support: Education and prevention for young people around drug use.

 

Kooth (NHS Highland CAMHS)

Support: Anonymous online mental health support for children and young people.

 

Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs

Support: National charity supporting anyone affected by someone else’s substance use.

 

Alcohol Focus Scotland – Children Harmed by Alcohol Toolkit (C.H.A.T)

Support: Resources for professionals working with children affected by alcohol misuse.

 

Highland Substance Awareness Toolkit

Support: Information on substances including alcohol, tobacco, NPS, caffeine, and BBVs.

  

Reflecting on 2024-2025: Highlights from the SLCVO AGM 2025

On Wednesday 15th October 2025, members, trustees, and community representatives gathered at the Broadford UHI Campus—and online via Microsoft Teams—for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Skye and Lochalsh Council for Voluntary Organisations (SLCVO). The event was a celebration of community resilience, strategic progress, and the power of collaboration across Skye and Lochalsh.

 

The Chair’s report highlighted a year of meaningful achievements. SLCVO continued to lead on strategic initiatives such as the Skye and Raasay Future (SARF) Plan and the Empower Skye & Lochalsh Programme, amplifying the third sector’s voice in local planning. The Befrienders Service expanded its reach, and tailored support was provided to over 80 organisations. Forums and events brought people together to share, learn, and collaborate.

 

Staff transitions were also marked with gratitude and optimism. The organisation bid farewell to Sammy-Jo McArthur, a dedicated team member for nearly a decade, and welcomed Matthew Davis, who now leads the redesign of the Befrienders service. Michelle Seviour returned as Research & Engagement Officer, spearheading the Health, Wellbeing and Welfare Collaboration.

 

The AGM included the adoption of the annual accounts, which showed prudent financial management despite a decrease in income. SLCVO maintained designated funds to cover six months of operations, ensuring stability in uncertain times.


A Special Resolution Vote was held to modernise the organisation’s constitution. Key changes included:

  • Allowing membership applications to be approved via email.

  • Removing membership fees to improve accessibility.

  • Reducing the quorum for general meetings from 10 to 5.

  • Lowering the minimum number of directors from five to three.

These updates reflect the realities of rural community work and aim to make SLCVO more inclusive and agile.

 

This year saw the resignation of four trustees, including Clive Pearson, and the re-election of five board members: Jryna Batters, Julie Mace, Dr. Di Van Ruitenbeek, Siobhan Barker, and David O’Donnell. A new nomination was received from Susan McVicar, bringing valuable experience in education and youth work.

 

The AGM also featured updates on the Skye and Lochalsh Health, Wellbeing and Welfare Collaboration—a three-year programme to strengthen third sector services and community resilience. The launch of the printed  Skye and Lochalsh Wellbeing and Community Support Directory 2025-2027 and overview of the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Event ,Wed 29th October, 12-3pm Kyleakin Community Hall

 

SLCVO extends heartfelt thanks to all attendees, both in person and online, and to everyone who continues to support voluntary action across Skye and Lochalsh. Together, we are building stronger, more connected communities.

 

 

 

 

 
 
 

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