SLCVO Weekly Round-Up 15th -19th September
- joford4
- Sep 19
- 6 min read
Its been a a big week for community action in Skye & Lochalsh. New resources launched, local forums buzzing with ideas, and exciting plans underway to bring services closer to rural communities.
New Resources Launched!
Michelle Seviour our Third Sector Support Officer kicked off the week by launching two exciting tools:
The Skye and Lochalsh Wellbeing & Community Support Directory
The refreshed SLCVO Third Sector Newsletter
Developed over six months through the HWWS Collaboration, the directory brings together contact details for:
Local charities and volunteer groups
National helplines and outreach services
Key services from Highland Council, NHS Highland, and emergency services
It’s available to download from the new SLCVO Community Information Hub and printed copies will be distributed via GP surgeries, hospitals, libraries, housing associations, CAB offices, and Highland Council service points.
Supporting Lifelong Learning
Michelle spent Tuesday in the Portree office meeting with the Lifelong Learning Hub, which is working to formalise its structure and expand alternative learning opportunities across Skye and Lochalsh. Plans are already underway for a launch event at Skye Bridge Studios in early October. The team is excited to promote inclusive, community-led learning that reflects the diverse needs of local people.
Autism Support and Community Wellbeing Forum
Michelle’s Wednesday began in Broadford, meeting with the Skye Autism Support steering group. This peer-led initiative is working to fill a clear gap in local provision for autistic people and their families. The group is currently drafting a constitution and clarifying its aims. With a growing online presence and regular meetups, they’re committed to creating a safe, welcoming space for connection and support.
Skye and Lochalsh Community Wellbeing and Support Forum
On Wednesday afternoon, Jo Ford joined Michelle at the Skye and Lochalsh Community Wellbeing and Support Forum, where the focus was on services for children and young people.
The session was rich with insights, meaningful connections, and valuable contributions to Highland Wellbeing and Welfare Support (HWWS) projects. One practical suggestion came from the Public Health Practitioner for Skye, Lochalsh and Wester Ross: to add a QR code to our directory and promotional materials. It’s a simple but effective idea, and we’ll be implementing it next week—once we’ve figured out the best way to create and use QR codes!
The forum explored two key initiatives:
Distress Brief Intervention (DBI) for Young People
DBI is a national programme offering early, compassionate support to individuals aged 16+ experiencing emotional distress. It aims to reduce pressure on emergency services and improve mental health outcomes. In Inverness, Change Mental Health has successfully adapted DBI for secondary schools. Now, partners including SLCVO, NHS Highland CAMHS, Education, and Third Sector groups are exploring a school-based DBI model for Portree High School.
Learn more on the DBI website here
New Routes: Alternative Education Pathways
Led by The Highland Council’s Community Children’s Worker (Care and Protection), this project brings together Education, Social Work, SLCVO, third sector, and private organisations to explore inclusive, flexible learning options for young people facing barriers in mainstream education. By building on local assets and partnerships, the project aims to ensure all children in Skye and Lochalsh can access education that supports their rights, wellbeing, and future potential.
If you would like to know more about this contact Jo.ford@slcvo.org.uk
The forum also gave groups a chance to showcase their work and highlight how they support local communities and services.
Connecting with Columba 1400 – A Local Opportunity for Collaboration
We heard about the work of Columba 1400, a social enterprise and charity based in Staffin. Their Leadership Academies empower young people and key adults to lead lives of purpose, meaning, and contribution—especially those facing tough realities. They’re now looking to build stronger connections with local groups and organisations, and their beautiful premises in Staffin are open for events, meetings, and community activities.
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Crocus Highland – Supporting Bereaved Children and Young People
Crocus Highland is a specialist bereavement support service for children and young people living in the Highlands, offered as part of the wider work of Highland Hospice. The service provides free, compassionate support to young people experiencing grief—regardless of their location or the cause of bereavement. Through group sessions, education about the grieving process, and opportunities to connect with others, Crocus helps children and young people understand and express their feelings in a safe and supportive environment.
Thriving Families – Exploring New Family Hubs in Skye and Lochalsh
Thriving Families supports parent-carers of children with ASN across the Highlands through one-to-one support, online groups, volunteering, peer networks, and monthly info events. They’re now planning Family Hubs in Skye and Lochalsh, these will be welcoming drop-in spaces for connection, conversation, and light-touch access to support and resources. Shaped by local needs, these hubs aim to be relaxed, informal, and helpful, offering families a chance to connect with others who understand their journey.
Change Mental Health – Community Link Workers
Change Mental Health works across the Highlands to improve wellbeing through person-centred support. Their Community Link Worker programme, active in 62 GP practices including Skye and Lochalsh, offers confidential one-to-one support for adults facing stress, isolation, or social challenges. Using a social prescribing model, they connect people to local services—from walking groups and peer support to financial advice. Each person can access up to eight tailored sessions focused on their goals and interests..
Mikeysline – Hive on the Road Bringing Support to Skye and Lochalsh
Mikeysline is a Highland-based charity offering confidential support for people of all ages facing emotional distress, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts. Services include text, online, and face-to-face support, plus outreach in schools and communities. Their Hive on the Road van brings one-to-one support and resources to remote areas, raising awareness and encouraging conversations around mental health. Mikeysline can bring the Hive to Skye and Lochalsh, to work with with local groups to improve access to support.
Ross-shire Women’s Aid to the Forum – Supporting Children and Young People
We were pleased to welcome the new Children and Young People’s Worker from Ross-shire Women’s Aid, who joined us to introduce their role and start building connections across Skye and Lochalsh. This marks a key step in strengthening support for children and young people affected by domestic abuse. Ross-shire Women’s Aid offers confidential support, information, and temporary accommodation to women, children, and young people across Ross-shire, Skye, and Lochalsh.
Community Contacts – Helping People Navigate Self-Directed Support
Community Contacts, run by Carr Gomm, offers free, impartial advice on Self-Directed Support (SDS) across the Highlands. Funded by the Scottish Government’s SiRD initiative, the service helps people design and manage their own care with confidence. At the forum, the area support worker connected with local groups to share how the service supports Skye and Lochalsh. Working with social work, carers’ groups, and communities, Community Contacts promotes choice, control, and person-centred support throughout the SDS journey.
Highland community Planning Partnership
The Highland Community Planning Partnership (CPP) is a collaboration of public, third sector, and community organisations working to improve outcomes across the Highlands. Jamie Kellas, CPP Partnership Officer, joined the forum to introduce the Community Briefing—a regular update sharing news, funding, training, and advice. Originally launched during the pandemic, it’s now a key tool for keeping communities informed. Jamie encouraged groups to submit content via policy6@highland.gov.uk, helping strengthen links with Skye and Lochalsh.
You can view the latest Community Briefing here or sign up to receive future editions https://forms.office.com/e/rSS3hXbGTa
Skye and Lochalsh Community Outreach Hub
Much of Jo’s week was spent working with local groups and venues to identify costings for a funding application and expression of interest for the Skye and Lochalsh Community Outreach Hub. Led by the Skye & Lochalsh HWWS Collaboration, this new 24-month pilot (January 2026–December 2027) aims to bring essential services directly to rural communities. The project is designed to improve access to support by meeting people where they are—in familiar, local spaces. Key Features include:
Monthly rotating hubs in accessible community spaces
Drop-in and pre-booked support
Informal activities (refreshments, play sessions, peer support)
Co-production opportunities and stigma-free engagement
Once funding applications are submitted, we’ll publish details about the Skye and Lochalsh Community Outreach Hub on the SLCVO website, under the HWWS Collaboration section.
Other Work
Jo also dedicated time this week to SLCVO governance—finalising the 2024–25 annual accounts with the Board, reviewing the Memorandum and Articles, setting a date for the AGM, and starting discussions around trustee succession planning.
Governance might not be the most exciting part of running a community group, but it’s absolutely essential. Over the past 15 years, we’ve seen many groups struggle with legal responsibilities, board recruitment, and navigating AGMs.
Thanks to core funding from Highland TSI, SLCVO offers free governance support to groups across Skye and Lochalsh—helping build confidence and capacity in this vital area.
To find out how we can support your group, contact Michelle Seviour at michelle.seviour@slcvo.org.uk.
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