SLCVO Weekly Round-Up 22nd -26th September

Welcome to this week’s SLCVO blog, where we spotlight the vibrant work happening across Skye and Lochalsh’s third sector. From strategic partnerships and new community trusts to practical resources and funding guidance, this edition highlights how local organisations are driving positive change in our communities.

Staff Update: Supporting the Sector Across Skye and Lochalsh

This week, our team has been busy supporting local initiatives with flexibility and collaboration at the heart of our work.

• Michelle Seviour, our Third Sector Support Officer, had a split working week, with most meetings and events concentrated towards the end— This kind of flexibility is essential for support organisations like SLCVO, as many community groups operate with volunteers who juggle other commitments alongside their roles.

• Matt Davison, our Befrienders Lead, represented SLCVO at the Skye, Lochalsh and Wester Ross Community Partnership meeting due to scheduling clashes. Alongside this, Matt continued to lead our Befriending Service, engaging with volunteers and clients, and preparing for a stakeholder review in November.

• Jo Ford, our Chief Officer, worked from home this week, focusing on key priorities including an Expression of Interest for the Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, a proposal for the Whole Family Wellbeing Programme, and preparations for SLCVO’s AGM in October.

SLCVO Report Presented to SLWR Community Partnership

On 24 September 2025, Matt Davison presented SLCVO’s latest report to the Skye, Lochalsh & Wester Ross Community Partnership (SLWRCP)—a local collaboration under the Highland Community Planning Partnership (HCPP). The partnership brings together public, third sector, and community organisations to improve outcomes across Highland, guided by the Highland Outcome Improvement Plan (HOIP).

Key Highlights from the Report

People: Health & Wellbeing

• Caring Communities Plan – Strategic framework for community-led health and care.

• Outreach Hub Pilot – Monthly mobile support in rural areas.

• Wellbeing Directory – Online and printed resource hub for local services.

• Distress Brief Intervention – Feasibility for school-based mental health support.

Place: Local Resilience

• Transport Workshop – Tackling rural transport barriers in NW Skye.

• Community Housing Projects – Active across multiple local trusts.

• Skye & Raasay Future (SARF) – Area Place Plan guiding development.

Prosperity: Economic Opportunity

• Renewables Fund – Planning community-led management of energy benefits.

• Reuse & Recycling Workshop – Mapping circular economy efforts.

• New Routes – Exploring alternative education for young people.

• Read the full report: on SLCVO website – Sept 2025

• Learn more about SLWRCP: SLWRCP on Highland CPP

• Explore the HOIP: Highland Outcome Improvement Plan

Welcoming Breakish Community Trust – Skye’s Newest Development Trust

We’re excited to welcome Breakish Community Trust, the newest development trust in Skye, established in July 2025. The Trust aims to support community development through inclusive, locally-led initiatives, and is already engaging with residents to shape its future. Michelle has begun working with the group to explore legal structures and governance options as they take their first steps.

You can follow their journey and get involved via their Facebook group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/734131285810804

Exploring Community Transport Solutions for Skye and Lochalsh

With the upcoming Community Transport Workshop on 9th October, hosted by Dunvegan Community Trust  our Third Sector Support Officer Michelle has been exploring governance requirements for setting up community transport groups. To support local organisations considering starting a community transport service, we’ve identified some key resources:

• Skye, Lochalsh & South West Ross Transport & Access Plan (Dec 2020)

  A strategic document outlining transport challenges and opportunities in accessing health and social care across the region. It includes evidence-based recommendations and a draft action plan. Download from SLCVO website here

• Community Transport Association (CTA)

  Offers a comprehensive toolkit covering everything from forming a working group and choosing the right transport model, to governance, funding, and quality assurance. Download the Toolkit here

• Highland Council Community Transport Grants

  Provides funding to help local groups launch or expand transport services. More info here

• National Funders

  Organisations like the National Lottery Community Fund and Motability Foundation support transport initiatives that address isolation, disability, and rural disadvantage. Find a list of funders on the CTA Website here.

You can find a list of community transport providers in the area in the Skye and Lochalsh Wellbeing and Community Support Directory 2025-2027 available on SLCVO Website here

Expression of Interest: What It Is and Why It Matters

This week, Jo Ford has been working on completing an Expression of Interest (EOI) for Year 5 of the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund (CMHWF), on behalf of the Skye and Lochalsh HWWS Collaboration. An EOI is an early-stage application that allows you to outline your project idea, demonstrate how it aligns with the fund’s goals, and highlight its potential impact on your community. With limited word counts, it’s essential to make your pitch clear, concise, and compelling.

Tips for a Strong EOI

• Understand the Fund’s Purpose - Ensure your project aligns with the fund’s aims. Read the guidance carefully and consider creating a matrix to match your project outcomes with the fund’s priorities.

• Be Clear and Concise - Use plain language. Avoid jargon. Focus on what you’ll do, who it’s for, and why it matters.

• Show Community Impact - Explain how your project will benefit local people. Use direct evidence you’ve collected, and reference relevant reports or data from other groups and sectors.

• Collaborate Where Possible - If you’re working with partners, highlight how you’ll collaborate and what each organisation brings to the table.

• Meet the Deadline - Plan ahead and submit on time—late EOIs won’t be accepted.

• Ask for Help - Reach out to the SLCVO team for support. We’re happy to review your EOI and help you shape your idea to strengthen your application. Contact us on info@slcvo.org.uk

Join Us for SLCVO’s 2025 Annual General Meeting

We warmly invite all members of Skye & Lochalsh Council for Voluntary Organisations (SLCVO) to attend our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on:

• Wednesday 15th October 2025

• 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM

• Broadford UHI Campus, Pàirc nan Craobh, Broadford, Isle of Skye, IV49 9AP

• Attend in person or online

This is a great opportunity to hear updates from the Board, review our annual accounts, and vote on important changes to strengthen our governance. We’ll also be electing directors and sharing plans for the year ahead.

Register your attendance here: www.slcvo.org.uk/slcvo-agm or email Jo-Anne Ford at jo.ford@slcvo.org.uk with your preferred attendance method or to send apologies.

What’s on the Agenda?

• Annual Report presentation and Chair’s update

• Review of annual accounts

• Special resolution vote on updates to our Articles of Association

• Election/re-election of directors

• Any other competent business

Special Resolutions: Strengthening Our Governance

Members will be asked to vote on four proposed changes to our constitution, including:

1. Flexible Membership Approval – Allow directors to approve new members via email

2. No Membership Fees – Make membership free and introduce an annual review process

3. Reduced Quorum – Lower the minimum number of attendees for general meetings from 10 to 5

4. Smaller Board Option – Reduce the minimum number of directors from five to three

These changes aim to make SLCVO more inclusive, responsive, and sustainable—especially in a rural context.

Interested in Joining the SLCVO Board?

One of our current directors is stepping down, and we welcome nominations for new board members. If you or someone in your organisation is interested, please contact Jo-Anne Ford at jo.ford@slcvo.org.uk to find out more.

We look forward to seeing you at the AGM and continuing to build a strong, connected third sector across Skye and Lochalsh.